Return to the Valley of the Sun: Condor (USN) vs. Quark (IJN)

[Attack Condor]

Today's combat report shows how much the IJN has strengthened his invading force at PM, and the first combat action for the Australian Beauforts

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/28/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
no losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 9


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Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 9


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Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
CA Tone

Allied Ships
SS S-47


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Air attack on 14th Aus Brigade, at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
G4M1 Betty x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 4 damaged

Attacking Level Bombers:
15 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet

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


Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 12
Wirraway x 13


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 14 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Yukaze
AP Batavia Maru
AP Myoko Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet

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


Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 3


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 1 destroyed
Beaufort x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Beaufort at 200 feet

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


Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 3
Wirraway x 17


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 2 destroyed
Beaufort x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x Beaufort at 200 feet

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Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 42074 troops, 493 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 26004 troops, 167 guns, 30 vehicles



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One torpedo hit, at least the IJN ASW has been whittled down a notch. Guess the bombers needed more practice. Any bets on whether Quark LRCAPs PM to prevent this again?

On the plus side, my carriers appear to have eluded their pursuers on their way home. Also, Portland has limped home after her encounter with the mines. SYS damage at 50.... at least she can carry a bag or two of mail back to Pearl.

So now what can I do? Destroyers are arriving almost daily at Noumea, and I feel okay about Luganville's chances to withstand an assault. I have cycled the two EAB units I had there out and they are now enjoying a bit of R&R in New Caledonia. The third RCT unit is slated for its turn in Luganville. It's a huge ballet, keeping troops fresh and supplies handy. So much so, that actual combat in this game is almost an afterthought.

Almost.

More to come........

[Philwd]

Well can't CAP everything. The transports were CAP'd and when they left so did the CAP. Also CAP'd GG as a new TF arrived. Its a dance with the CAP over PM. I haven't guessed right yet. Eventually I will.

Need 10k more troops for a 2:1.

S-47 is getting to be a real pain. She evaded 3 air attacks last turn and still got an attack off. That is one good boat driver:( .

Yamato is in the area now. All my fleet carriers released and most of the light ones. A hunting we will go a hunting we will go....

Condor isn't one to sit back. So what will he be up to while I'm at PM? Especially after the advice Wobbly got.

Too bad Portland made it back. Drove right over 2 subs. Worthless heaps of scrap.

Time to get back and plan a counter to whatever Condor is up to.

Quark

[Attack Condor]

The last day of June, and PM still in the Allied hands... but the grasp is tenuous, at best. Quark grabs Lea Lea with some troops, completely isolating the PM defenders. No matter, the defenders aren't going anywhere

S-39 makes its presence known, but misses the cruiser it targeted, then sweated an atack by two destryoers in return - thankfully both fired their d/c somewhere other than my sub.

The Beauforts are leaving, can't afford to keep level bombers at PM anyway - figured I'd try one attack with them, maybe get lucky. The Wirraways keep up the attacks on the invaders in the harbour, and scratch the paint of a cruiser, who was seen trailing smoke (SYS +10?).

Today's combat results:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/29/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 10,41

Japanese Ships
CA Ashigara
DD Hibiki
DD Akikaze

Allied Ships
SS S-39


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Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AV Kimikawa Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-47


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 18

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 5 destroyed
Wirraway x 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 1
DD Hibiki


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Ground combat at Lea Lea

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 753 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 10 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Lea Lea base !!!



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S-47 never got a chance to attack, she was forced down by an escort ship, but not fired upon. Another day lost.



More to come....

[Attack Condor]

originally posted by Quark
Condor isn't one to sit back. So what will he be up to while I'm at PM?

I thought I was in trouble again, with the IJN anticipating a reaction on my part. I had hoped my token attacks at PM would be viewed as diversionary, and Quark would outthink himself and CAP something other than PM. He didn't, but luck intervened on the Allied behalf, as today's combat report shows:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/30/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 32

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 68

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 5 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 28 damaged

PO2 O.Morioka of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CA Ashigara, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Yubari, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


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Air attack on TF, near Buna at 12,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6
SBD Dauntless x 12

no losses

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

Japanese Ships
AP Akashisan Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage


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Air attack on TF at 18,44


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 11


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Heito Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Hino Maru #3, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 18
Guns lost 1


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


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 11


no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Katsuragisan Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


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The morning attacks on the cruisers at PM didn't start off well, as the lead elements of the SBDs didn't get many hits, but the more experienced pilots (veterans of Operation Rose) managed to inflict some damage before the attack was over.

The afternon attacks were split into three groups - 6 hits on a transport at Buna, 3 hits on a transport at GG, and a total of 3 more hits on two transports 120 miles south of GG. That caused my eyebrows to raise, as the air search reported only a DD at that location earlier. I had thought it may be one of the escorts for an IJN CV TF hanging around, but loaded transports were a surprise to find.

Was the IJN commander trying to head south to Australia???

Luck played a big part in the morning strike, as only 5 SBDs and 2 fighters didn't make it through the LRCAP at PM. The Yorktown was spotted right before the morning attack, but it was too late.

Everything worked out perfectly on this sortie... thunderstorms hid my approach, one partly cloudy day in which the attack was launched, and thunderstorms have moved back in to cover my carrier as she scoots away.

S-47 continues to dodge air attacks, but Greenling wasn't so lucky. Minor damage, she can remain in the area, but my subs have been going through a dry spell lately, a few torps into some IJN vital areas would be nice

Still, it feels like I'm chucking spitballs at the side of a barn. How bad can I actually be hurting the IJN?

And will it have an impact on holding PM?

Well, it can't hurt.

More to come.....

[Philwd]

Darn, Darn Darn( I would use stronger language but I'm not Australian ).

That caused my eyebrows to raise, as the air search reported only a DD at that location earlier. I had thought it may be one of the escorts for an IJN CV TF hanging around,

Yep that was them. I had raced them around south of NG for 3 turns in case you decided to show again. But after 5 turns of heavy CAP I had to withdraw to rest. I did have 2 other well rested, high exp Zero Squadrons defending PM but his SBDs fought through very well.

I had thought I was set up pretty good. Well good news is only one transport with troops was hit and only light losses. Guess it turns around now :rolleyes: .

2 ships had to be scuttled. And I lost both damaged Zeros too. Just pinpricks here and there and soon enough you bleed to death. Combat forces did their job and protected the transports. As I said only 1 ship carrying troops got hit in the entire reinforcement operation.

Good news is I now have enough troops for a 2:1 at PM. Let's see if I actually get those odds.

The CAP is now rested.

A hunting we will go a hunting we will go....

Quark

[Attack Condor]

The second battle begins today, with the IJN commander pinning his hopes on having a 2 - 1 ratio in ground forces. Today's result:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/02/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 53271 troops, 590 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 26016 troops, 167 guns, 30 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 5)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 4


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 483
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 175


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Whether I should have been trying to get the fort level up as close to 9 as possible will always be a question for discussion. I had my engineers try to improve the fort and port facilities. The fort level for defense, but without a good port, supplies take longer to unload. Oh well. That's what makes the game fun

It appears that the IJN has pulled out of PM, leaving the ground troops behind to decide the fate of the city. I'm also sure a carrier TF is skipping merrily around the ocean, singing the Japanese version of Quark's "hunting" jingle.

Time to refit the naval assets and get the bombers in position

More to come...

[Attack Condor]

Today's combat report:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/05/42

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Kaika Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-47

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 26
Guns lost 1


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Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42


Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 1
B-17E Fortress x 6


no losses

Japanese Ships
CL Yubari, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 7

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet

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Air attack on 7th Aus Brigade, at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
D3A Val x 64

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 8 damaged


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 83


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Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
B5N Kate x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 2 damaged


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 11

Attacking Level Bombers:
16 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet

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S-47 strikes, as the transport Kaika Maru is torpedoed and sunk in PM harbour.

The ground attack, which had reduced the fortifications to 3, was (surprisingly) not continued today. IJN carrier aircraft pound the defenders, causing about 100 casualities. The carriers are south of PM... a debate as to whether or not to send my carriers after them caused uproarious laughter in the briefing room .

Lots of activity in Lunga, ships spotted going in and out of there - time to have a looksee for myself.

The B17 attack on GG yielded a surprise hit on a light cruiser docked... reports indicate the Yubari took susbtantial damage from a well-placed :rolleyes: 500 lb bomb. More like the bombadier closed his eyes and dropped the bombs. I will continue to bomb GG at my leisure, until it becomes untenable as a port for IJN shipping.

A B17 on ASW at Noumea spotted the IJN sub I-7 SW of Noumea. The plane attacked it but did not report a hit.

Luganville continues to improve its facilities, and the third Americal RCT unit has been rotated in. The dozer units are almost recuperated at Noumea, and time to decide on my next base construction project (Wunpuko, perhaps?)

More to come...

[Philwd]

IJN carrier aircraft pound the defenders, causing about 100 casualities. The carriers are south of PM... a debate as to whether or not to send my carriers after them caused uproarious laughter in the briefing room .

Glad to hear I'm entertaining HQ.

S-47 strikes, as the transport Kaika Maru is torpedoed and sunk in PM harbour.

I really really hate those subs. They dodged several more air attacks last turn. My subs try for DDs and have to duck real fast.

The ground attack, which had reduced the fortifications to 3, was (surprisingly) not continued today.

I decided to send in the last convoy of troops that had turned back from the USN carriers. Hopefully that will give me the 2:1.

The B17 attack on GG yielded a surprise hit on a light cruiser docked... reports indicate the Yubari took susbtantial damage from a well-placed 500 lb bomb. More like the bombadier closed his eyes and dropped the bombs. I will continue to bomb GG at my leisure, until it becomes untenable as a port for IJN shipping.

Boy I can imagine the rounds at the watering hole that night. One hit on a essentially dead in the water CL doesn't make the B-17 an uber anti-shipping weapon but I'll be watching those results .

The attack on PM should be wrapped up in a few days. Lunga has been reinforced and rotated fresh units in. Now it will take 1 div+ to take it from me.

Condor is being too quiet. Something is up.

Quark

[Attack Condor]

Today's combat report:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/06/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5


no losses

Port hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet

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Sub attack near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese Ships
AP Taiho Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Amagiri

Allied Ships
SS S-39


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Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 16

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 3
Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1


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Sub attack near Darubia at 18,41

Japanese Ships
AP Batavia Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Yukaze

Allied Ships
SS Greenling


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The B17s bombing GG are getting better, and the night raids aren't so bad on the fatigue

The submarine forces have also improved their performance - although it is a target rich environment out there. Only one IJN DD managed to launch depth charges, but they we're at the wrong depth and exploded harmlessly, causing no damage. Air search continues to be a nuisance, but it does tell me something worth protecting is out there - somewhere. The tankers at GG are tempting targets....

The IJN also bombarded PM. Guess the phantom air force there is cause for concern. The engineers have already beat their plowshares into swords, so if the attack at PM suceeds, Quark can clean up his own mess

Finally,

originally posted by Quark
Condor is being too quiet. Something is up.

Why should something be "up" when what's beneath you is working so well?

More to come.....

[Attack Condor]

A sub almost torpedos a cruiser with only two escorts...
A sub invades a protected area and the ASW forces almost get lucky...
An airstrike almost does significant damage to a monster...
A decoy force almost gets away scot-free...
Another airstrike has a lone transport in its sights and... almost

Almost.

Today's report:
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/07/42

Weather: Clear

Sub attack at 51,67

Japanese Ships
SS I-24

Allied Ships
SC 639, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


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Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 24

Port hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet

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Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko

Allied Ships
SS S-47


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Air attack on 7th Aus Brigade, at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
D3A Val x 73

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 13 damaged


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 71


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Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
A6M3 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 29
SBD Dauntless x 57
TBD Devastator x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 6 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 8 damaged
TBD Devastator x 9 destroyed
TBD Devastator x 13 damaged

WO K. Yoshimura of F2/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Bomb hits 10
BB Nagato, Bomb hits 4, on fire
DD Asashio, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Sendai
DD Satsuki, Bomb hits 1, on fire


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Air attack on TF at 36,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
A6M3 Zero x 13
D3A Val x 24
B5N Kate x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 13 destroyed
D3A Val x 17 damaged
B5N Kate x 9 destroyed
B5N Kate x 4 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Patterson
CL St. Louis
CA Pensacola, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CL Nashville
DD Henley
CA Quincy, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
DD Helm


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Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
A6M3 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25
SBD Dauntless x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 7 damaged

LTJG U.Kamisaka of F2/2nd Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
AP Hakonesan Maru


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Air attack on TF at 36,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
A6M3 Zero x 13
D3A Val x 3

no losses

Allied Ships
CA Pensacola, on fire, heavy damage


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Air attack on TF at 36,42

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Helm


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Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 64352 troops, 694 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 25355 troops, 162 guns, 30 vehicles

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0



LT J.Fujiwara of DI-1 Daitai is KILLED
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 151

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 541
Guns lost 1


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Things do not look good at PM.

Otherwise, a very busy day of combat. The B-17 nightly trip to GG is causing minor damage - for now. Only 4 or 5 planes are making the trip each night. The damage is gravy, my goal here is to get the EXP up for when the real bombing starts.

In PM harbor, s-47 fires off four torpedos at the IJN cruiser Myoko, but the result was four clean misses. After the pressure put on by the IJN ASW earlier in the week, dodging "only" two escorts seemed like a walk in the park for the captain.

The IJN submarine I-24 dispatches the subchaser SC639 when two of the eight torpedos fired at is blew the craft out of the water. The sub then neatly evaded the other 11 SCs as they frantically searched for the attacker. The ASW force has been reformed and 3 ASW DDs have been incorporated to beef up the force's chances of successful hunts.

And the big news of the day was SW of Lunga, as my CV TF launched airstrikes against the IJN base, hoping to find the APs used to ferry the troops to the base. What they found instead was the monster Yamato and the "smaller" battleship Nagato. Yamatoabsorbed 10 1000lb bomb hits, and was seen with only minor fires. None of the bomb hits penetrated the armor, but the pilots did report 3 secondary guns of the battleship were destroyed.

The day's second attack was carried out, and the SBDs decided they had enough of the battleships and went after the AP Hakonesan Maru - and had seven near misses.

I don't mind telling you the pucker factor went off the scale when the message "D3A Val sights 1 CV" was displayed. Then the realization that Quark land based his combat aircraft at Lunga (ala Operation Rose) became apparent when his CV TF launched the raid against PM.

Fortunately for the CV TF, my screening force was about 150 miles ahead of the carriers, and was detected as "1AP' by a Mavis. They took the brunt of the attack, and Pensacola was in fact sunk as a result.

The score to date has the IJN leading by a score of 6300+ to 3200+.

I have my carriers intact, but 48 ships have been sunk

This time, however, the IJN has lost their share as well.

As to the future, my hope is to continue to bleed the IJN while my surface forces can be assembled and invasion plans of my own begin to form.

Airpower needs to be assembled and positioned.

It's still early in the game, and if I don't panic, I should be able to cut into the score.

Now what in the world was Yamato doing that far south? Why put such a ship in harm's way? If I can defang that monster bit by bit, it will sure be a relief.

More (I'm sure) to come.....

[Philwd]

And the big news of the day was SW of Lunga, as my CV TF launched airstrikes against the IJN base, hoping to find the APs used to ferry the troops to the base. What they found instead was the monster Yamato and the "smaller" battleship Nagato. Yamatoabsorbed 10 1000lb bomb hits, and was seen with only minor fires. None of the bomb hits penetrated the armor, but the pilots did report 3 secondary guns of the battleship were destroyed.

Yamato escaped with no additional SYS damage, 2 fires and a couple scratches. What was she doing so far south? Protecting against a SF surprise attack attack against my transports. I had 2 very experienced Zero squadrons flying CAP. Too bad this time I missed sighting his CVs. Although I feel sinking one and heavily damaging another CA is payback for what happened near GG a few turns ago. Neither BB has damage that would keep them out of a fight.

Note the losses my planes took in the attack on his CA force. Any newbies out there who still wonder how good USN flak is well take a close look. And that's without the AA upgrades. At least the US strike was somewhat shredded also.

Another airstrike has a lone transport in its sights and... almost

Wasn't alone just that's the only ship they found to attack.

A sub almost torpedos a cruiser with only two escorts...

Nope just 2 got off their behinds and attacked.

I don't mind telling you the pucker factor went off the scale when the message "D3A Val sights 1 CV" was displayed.

Condor you should read the thread on cringe factor .

Compared to our last game this one has taken a decidedly different turn. I haven't caught his CVs yet but look how close I've been. Last turn he sailed into range of a full air wing plus extra escorts and again my planes miss him. His luck can't hold forever. I now know he has split his CVs. Just a matter of tracking them down.

PM will fall next turn. Then the big question where to go next. I can't sit still. I have to keep up the pressure. My troop losses have been light.

And more will surely come.

Quark

[Attack Condor]

originally posted by Quark
And more will surely come.

Prophetic words by the IJN commander - although I'm not sure this particular type of "more" is what he had in mind:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/08/42

Weather: Clear

Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 6
B-17E Fortress x 5


no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x Hudson at 20000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Basilaki Island at 18,42


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3


no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Suzukaze

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet

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


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 51


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 3 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 11 damaged

Japanese Ships
AV Sanyo Maru
AV Sanuki Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA Maya
DD Ushio, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nagisan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Tarushima Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Amagiri, Bomb hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Basilaki Island at 18,42


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5


no losses

Japanese Ships
APD 34

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 11

no losses

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


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


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 28


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Abukuma, Bomb hits 3, on fire
DD Amagiri, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AV Sanyo Maru
AV Sanuki Maru, on fire
DD Inazuma, Bomb hits 1, on fire


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Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 64274 troops, 693 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 24961 troops, 161 guns, 30 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Port Moresby base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 189

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 15570
Guns lost 15
Vehicles lost 14


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I tried to time the attacks to happen on consecutive days, hoping Quark would expect a delay between them. While not devastating attacks by any stretch of the imagination, the harassment of the IJN surface forces continues. Frankly, I expected better results from the 51 SBDs in the morning strike, especailly against ships without CAP - but the AA gunners put up a good fight.

The B17s attacking shipping was a mistake, I left them on Naval Attack instead of resting them, but even that ended up showing an IJN APD not previously known to be there. That gets me to thinking.........

In the afternoon attacks, 11 SBDs went after the IJN BB TF that shelled PM, but they were jumped by IJN LRCAP and were lucky to get out of there with only one casuality.

The second part of the afternoon attack was another strike against the shipping at GG, and a light cruiser was struck 3 times.

In the aftermath, I would guess one DD will have to be scuttled by the IJN and possibly one CL. Other ships hit are assumed to have taken significant SYS damage as a result of the strike.

With the fall of PM (congrats Quark!) tactics will concentrate on harassment of supply lines and LBA strikes against facilities at PM, GG, and possible Buna.

And for those who haven't deduced how I've handled my carriers, I did indeed split them. Enterprise and Saratoga were operating in the Solomons, while Yorktown was operating by herself in the Coral Sea out of Townsville. I tried to keep the illusion that two carriers were operating in the Coral Sea going as long as possible by stripping the Yorktown of all but 6 fighters and maintaining 4 SBD squadrons on her alone while Lexington was sent back to Pearl for upgrading. Lexington btw, is now upgraded and on her way back, along with Wasp and Hornet. Within two weeks, I'll have my own 6 carriers operating in theater.

I tried to make the invasion of PM as costly as possible. It did cost me troops and shipping, but hopefully I'll have more of each.

Time for refit and a breather, probably on both sides, although the IJN CVs remain a threat.

More to come...

[Philwd]

PM falls!!!

It cost the Allied >41000 troops to hold GG and PM in its rearguard action on PNG. I know the Allies get tons of everything but that's still lots of troops. I lost ~2000 total including shipping hits. A bigger problem has been the hits on my CA forces covering the transports. While the USN has also lost a few and a few damaged he also gets more.

I have tried to cover the invasion forces mostly with carriers. Usually until my fatigue gets >50 and is costing me planes then I withdraw and rest. Condor must read my mind as in every single instance he has picked the turn I had to rest to launch his own strikes. Having had 2 carriers hit and damaged hasn't helped and admittedly led to more conservative tactics with the 5 or 6 CVs I had on station.

Condor gets 6 CVs soon. Mine are all beat up with SYS damage from covering the invasion forces. Should be a fun next 45 days.

A thrust at Oz or Luganville seems out of the question until I can deal with his CVs. 11 on 6. Who's got odds on that one?

Time to rotate troops and come up with another whopper of a plan.

More still coming I'm sure...(cringe)

Quark

[Attack Condor]

Today's combat report:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/09/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 34,37

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato

Allied Ships
SS S-46


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Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 64148 troops, 692 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 10762 troops, 83 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 12 to 1 (fort level 0)


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 48

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 12161
Guns lost 85


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A sobering reality... 800+ points lost in this game just on ground force losses .

It is definitely a skill to try and interweave all aspects of this game and be a credible player. This game, I've managed to keep the carriers afloat and undamaged, but - IMHO - totally mismanaged my ground forces.

Now, I have one strategy left in the Coral Sea. Since the IJN has sent 60,000+ ground forces to PM, my goal should be to keep them there - or at least close off the sea routes his transportts might try to use to rotate them out of there. I can't stop overland movement, but Quark can't expect a free rein with his APs sailing back and forth. Building the base up and keeping that many ground forces in rice and bullets will require a lot of supplies. Some will, no doubt, bleed overland from Buna, but will it be enough to sustain the forces at PM?

The IJN ground forces are definitely to be reckoned with, but if I can keep them bottled up stage left, I may still be okay. IIRC, the IJN has no effective air transport capability.

As to today's combat, the submarine S-39 surfaced at Basilaki at the wrong time, and was hit by 2 airborne ASW units... and promptly sunk.

In the Slot, I guess correctly and had a shot at Yamato as she sailed north with a sub, but all four fish missed. Missing something that big had to take practice

The IJN CV TFs are worn down a bit with all of their operations. The troops are on PM. The radio intercepts over Radio AAR indicate the IJN is too disheveled to launch an attack at Oz or Luganville.

Which is what (I believe) exactly what they will do.

More to come.....

[Philwd]

My "escort" carriers are doing yeoman ASW service. Second sub they have sunk along with countless attacks.

Yes I do have a ton of troops in PM but I'll leave what is necessary and get the rest out. I don't think Condor can stop me. My goal of getting a 2:1 to avoid shock attacks worked very well. My losses were light and heaviest in my least experienced regiments so replacements won't hurt them much.

I had a taste of cringe factor when I saw Yamato sail into the periscope. Not sure how they missed but hey I'm not complaining.

Time to consolidate a little and handle some unfinished business.

Quark

[Attack Condor]

<sigh> Such was the jist of the conversation between the Officer of the Watch and the Commander of Yorktown

Unfinished buisness, indeed. The gory details:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/10/42

Weather: Clear

Air attack on TF at 28,58

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
D3A Val x 41

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 6 destroyed
D3A Val x 35 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 5 destroyed

PO2 K.Ikeda of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CL Honolulu, Bomb hits 3, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 28,58

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 13

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 3 damaged


Allied Ships
CV Yorktown, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 28,58

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
B5N Kate x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 28,58

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
B5N Kate x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
DD MacDonough
CL Phoenix, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Dale


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

In the immortal words of someone: "This don't look good, Tex"

Good job Quark.

Guess the trail of breadcrumbs I left pointing to Townsville didn't fool him

Only one thing left to do now.

More to come....

[Philwd]

Hey Condor I hope you like the new skylights I had installed in Yorktown. My construction crews will come back tomorrow and finish the job

I had seen his TF the turn before. I didn't know if he was setting up to return and hit the transports or running to Noumea. He definitely wasn't headed back to Townsville this time. I had 2 CV TF in the area and I set the biggest to chase and the smaller to guard south of GG(notice no uber IJN TF). And this time I had react on . Won't make that mistake twice. Turns out both TF reacted into range. Only bad part about the extended range is the Kates carried bombs.

Well just need to make sure Yorktown doesn't make port. Three good hits and one AA mount. Probably around 30-40 SYS right now so I'll catch her. My air losses were light. I wonder if the other USN carriers will come out and try to protect Yorktown. Gawd I hope so.

In other news Condor's subs have finally set up outside Truk.

Thanks for the kind words Condor. But it sure feels good to finally get those SBDs .

Quark

[Attack Condor]

Death of the Yorktown:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/11/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Allied Ships
SS S-47


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 28,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 54
D3A Val x 75
B5N Kate x 60

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hull


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 28,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
A6M3 Zero x 8
D3A Val x 14
B5N Kate x 33

no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 28,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
B5N Kate x 12

no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 28,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 64
D3A Val x 75
B5N Kate x 81

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Hull, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 28,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 8
D3A Val x 14
B5N Kate x 12

no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 28,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
B5N Kate x 10

no losses


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

I sent in two TFs of destroyers to try and distract the carriers in a vain hope to shake the stricken carrier free of her tormentors, but they were summarily ignored and the end came quicky.

The distractors have scattered, and the destroyer Hull limps away from the carnage - her own survival in doubt.

Getting too full of myself and my fancy dancing.

More to come....

[Philwd]

Yorktown settles to her Coral Sea grave taking a good part of Lex's air wing with her. I'm glad my airgroups didn't go after the decoys. Even though my losses were only 2 more planes I really need to preserve my airwings. As you look at the AAR Condor posted you will see my air groups went back to the Yorktowns spot at least 4 times without finding anything else to attack. Just adding to fatigue.

Starting troop rotations and base re-supply runs now that shipping is freed up from the PM invasion.

Giving my CVs some much needed rest.

Lots of air reinforcements coming now. Finally! Though filling them out has temporarily depleted my pilot pool. Last pilot was 32 exp. I think some of Luskan's strategy here to train them up.

At PM my ASW is still working well spotting S-47 before she could attack.

A new plan is coming together. More to follow.

Quark

[Attack Condor]

Today's report is a good one for the IJN, and I'll let Quark comment about. I'm sure his carriers got their "much needed rest".

So now I'm carrier-less in the theater, all I can do is build bases everywhere to try and catch up on points.

Good turn Quark

Today's report:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/17/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 14,42

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

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Noumea , at 52,67

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 124
A6M3 Zero x 39
D3A Val x 133
B5N Kate x 134

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 48

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 27 damaged
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 13 damaged

WO A.Kawasaki of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
CV Hornet, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Long Island, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CA Canberra, Bomb hits 1
DD Henley, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Indianapolis, Bomb hits 1
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 4, on fire
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 1
CL Leander, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CLAA Atlanta, Bomb hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 74

Port hits 29
Port fuel hits 3
Port supply hits 3

Attacking Level Bombers:
17 x B5N Kate at 10000 feet
16 x B5N Kate at 10000 feet
13 x B5N Kate at 10000 feet
10 x B5N Kate at 10000 feet
12 x B5N Kate at 10000 feet
18 x B5N Kate at 10000 feet
17 x B5N Kate at 10000 feet
14 x B5N Kate at 10000 feet
15 x B5N Kate at 10000 feet

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More to come...