THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

[Rio Bravo]

[center]After Action Report

for January 4, 1944[/center]


Highlight for Today


1.) Admiral Dork forgot to move an Allied AKV Task Force with the Operation Hello El Lobo Fleet.

2.) The mistake was costly as El Lobo hammered the AKV Task Force; sinking three and heavily damaging a fourth AKV.

3.) The AKVs El Lobo hammered were carrying 50 Thunderbolts and 32 Spitfire VIIIs. I suspect all of those 82 aircraft are lost.

4.) Lastly, the Operation Hello El Lobo Fleet will have to remain positioned so that the remaining four AKVs can catch-up and join the Fleet. Accordingly, the Allies lose a full day moving toward Pescadores.


Synopsis of Combat Action for Today


1.) Allied Naval Bombardment at Pagan.

35 Japanese casualties.

4 hits (Airbase).
1 hit (Airbase Supply)
19 hits (Runway).
3 hits (Port).

No Allied losses.

2.) Allied Submarines Trash a Japanese SC and an xAK near Daito Shaito (hex 102,70).

SC CHa-63: 1 torpedo hit; heavy damage.
xAK Imizu Maru: 1 torpedo hit; on fire; heavy damage.

No Allied losses.

3.) Japanese Nells Attack Allied DDs near Guam (hex 101,85).

1 destroyed and 3 damaged (G3M3 Nell).

No Allied losses.

4.) Japanese Frances and Mavis Hammer Allied AKVs near Ulithi (hex 96,80).

4 damaged (P1Y1 Frances).
1 destroyed (H6K4 Mavis).

xAKV Engadine: 2 torpedo hits; sunk.
xAKV Clan Macdonald: 3 torpedo hits; sunk.
xAKV Malancha: 3 torpedo hits; sunk.
xAKV Hammondsport: 2 torpedo hits; on fire; heavy damage.

Note: CR shows only 18 Spitfire VIIIs lost. However, I think 50 Thunderbolts and 32 Spitfire VIIIs were lost.

5.) Allies Bomb Moulmein.

27 Japanese casualties.

1 destroyed (Ki-44-IIc Tojo).
2 destroyed (Ki-84a Frank).

1 destroyed and 12 damaged (B-25c Mitchell).
1 destroyed and 9 damaged (B-25D1 Mitchell).

6.) Japanese Bomb near Kunming (hex 71,48).

No Japanese losses.

19 Chinese casualties.

7.) Japanese Bomb near Chaochow (hex 82,60).

No Japanese losses.

127 U.S. Marine casualties.

8.) Japanese Bomb Chaochow.

No Japanese losses.

124 Chinese casualties.

9.) Allies Bomb Chaochow.

654 Japanese casualties.

4 damaged (B-24D1 Liberator).
1 destroyed and 6 damaged (B-24J Liberator).
1 destroyed and 2 damaged (PB4Y-1 Liberator).

10.) Allied Artillery Bombards near Takao (hex 85,66).

31 Japanese casualties.

No Allied losses.


Attached below as a link is the entire Combat Report for January 4, 1944.

Best Regards,

-Admiral Dork

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: zuluhour

28 hexes......

zuluhour-

Welcome to The War College!

I think that we might need lots of that popcorn as I suspect heavy fighting will occur.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: Commander Cody

Good luck!

There is a question on another AAR as to whether it is a good idea to mix CVEs and CVs in the same task force. People more knowledgeable than me are pontificating on the subject.

I know I cautioned you gents against such mixing prior to the Marianas operation, but I'll admit to less than omniscience regarding matters pertaining to this game's mechanics. Have you noticed any pros or cons in grouping CVEs and CVs (and CVLs, of course) together?

Cheers,
CC

Commander Cody-


From what I gather, mixing CVEs with CVs or CVLs slows down the Task Force as the CVEs move slower than do the CVs and CVLs.

Accordingly, some have indicated that mixing CVEs with CVs and CVLs makes all the carriers more vulnerable to Japanese Naval Attack as the Task Force's reduce speed also slows their ability to maneuver to avoid hits.

When the Allies invaded the Marianas Islands and Amoy, China, Pescadores, and Formosa, I did not care about the speed of the Carriers as I intended to keep all the Carriers right with the slow-moving Transport Task Forces to protect the Transport Task Forces. Furthermore, I had suspected that mixing CVEs with the CVs and CVLs would give the Japanese more targets to hit and that might help to save the CVs and CVLs from being the only targets. As it turned out, my assumption was correct as only two CVs were hit. The rest of the Carriers hit were CVEs and CVLs.

However, this time, the Allies want a Carrier Battle with El Lobo. Accordingly, I have not mixed CVEs with the CVs and CVLs. This time, I want the CVs and CVLs to move fast to charge straight at the KB and engage them in battle.

Having said what I have said above, I am sure that there are many others in this forum that have a much better handle as to exactly why the prevailing view is to never mix CVEs with CVs and CVLs. I do not agree that CVEs should NEVEER be mixed with CVs and CVLs. I think that there may be occasions, depending on what the Allies are attempting to accomplish, that it may be prudent to mix CVEs with CVs and CVLs. Naturally, I could be wrong (sure would not be the first time).

Best Regards,

-Terry

[HansBolter]

Costly mistake.

Lost many of the reinforcing airframes and a good number of a very limited asset, the AKVs.

Learn the lesson of using the follow command.

For the move from the Mariana's to Formosa one TF should be leading with all others following.

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

Costly mistake.

Lost many of the reinforcing airframes and a good number of a very limited asset, the AKVs.

Learn the lesson of using the follow command.

For the move from the Mariana's to Formosa one TF should be leading with all others following.

Hans-


Yes, I mentioned it was a costly mistake.

Task Force 34 is leading the Operation Hello El Lobo Fleet to Pescadores and has since leaving the Marianas Islands.

I simply forgot to set the AKV Task Force to follow Task Force 34 as I had set all other Task Forces.

I was rushed for time, stoned, and goofed.

*laughing hard*

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]After Action Report

for January 5, 1944[/center]


Highlight for Today


1.) The Operation Hello El Lobo Fleet is 840 miles from Pescadores.

2.) No KB in sight.


Synopsis of Combat Action for Today


1.) Allied PFs sink a Japanese Submarine near Catanduanes (hex 93,81).

SS I-25: 41 hits; sunk.

No Allied losses.

2.) Japanese PB Hits Allied Mine at Hex 80,92).

PB Daiya Maru: 1 mine hit; heavy damage.

No Allied losses.

3.) Japanese Bettys Attack the Operation Hello El Lobo Fleet near Lagaspi (hex 93,82).

3 destroyed (G4M1 Betty).

No Allied losses.

4.) Japanese Bettys Attack Allied DDs near Daito Shoto (hex 94,75).

4 damaged (G4M1 Betty).

No Allied losses.

5.) Japanese Bomb near Kunming (hex 71,48).

No Japanese losses.

17 Chinese casualties

6.) Japanese Bomb near Chaochow.

No Japanese losses.

167 Chinese casualties.

7.) Japanese Bomb ChaoChow.

1 damaged (Ki-21-IIb Sally).

23 Chinese casualties.

8.) Allied Artillery Bombard near Takao (hex 85,66).

119 Japanese casualties.

No Allied losses.


Attached below as a link is the entire Combat Report for January 5, 1944.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]After Action Report

for January 6, 1944[/center]


Highlights for Today


1.) As the Operation Hello El Lobo Fleet gets closer to its destination (one hex west of Pescadores), the fighting intensifies.

2.) El Lobo came after the Hello El Lobo Fleet, but fortunately did little damage and lost 25 aircraft in the process to only 2 Allied Hellcats.

3.) The Operation Hello El Lobo Fleet is 840 miles Southeast of Pescadores.

4.) Tomorrow scares me as the Fleet will remain out of the LRCAP distance for Allied fighters on Formosa, yet vulnerable to Japanese aircraft within striking range. *laughing hard*


Synopsis of Combat Action for Today


1.) Japanese E Boat Hits Allied Submarine near Itabayat Islaned (hex 84,69).

No Japanese losses.

SS Grouper: 1 hit.

2.) Japanese E Boat Drills Allied ACM near Batan Island (hex 85,69).

No Japanese losses.

ACM YP-283: 4 hits; on fire.

3.) Allied Submarine Pierces Japanese xAK near Miyako-jima (92,66).

xAK Gyoko Maru: 1 torpedo hit; on fire.

No Allied losses.

4.) Allied DDs Wake-up Japanese Submarine near Saipan (hex 105,86).

SS I-39: 6 hits.

No Allied losses.

5.) Japanese Betties Pummel Crippled Allied ACM near Hengchun (hex 84,67).

No Japanese losses.

ACM YP-283: heavy fires; heavy damage.

6.) Allied Carrier Fighters Down Japanese Betties near Batan Island (hex 89,75).

11 destroyed (G4M1 Betty).

No Allied losses.

7.) Japanese Nells Attack Allied DDs near Ishigaki (hex 91,72).

1 destroyed and 5 damaged (G3M3 Nell).
13 destroyed (N1K1-3 George).

DD Woodworth: 1 torpedo hit; on fire.

2 destroyed (F6F-3 Hellcat).

8.) Japanese Bomb near Kunming (hex 71,48).

1 damaged (Ki-49-IIb Helen).

13 Chinese casualties.

9.) Japanese Bomb Chaochow.

1 damaged (Ki-21-IIb Sally).

37 Chinese casualties.

10.) Allied Artillery Bombards near Takao (hex 85,66).

31 Japanese casualties.

7 Guns Lost: 2 guns destroyed and 5 guns disabled.


Attached below as a link is the entire Combat Report for January 6, 1944.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]After Action Report

for January 7, 1944[/center]


Highlights for Today


1.) The morning broke upon the Operation Hello El Lobo Fleet steaming across the Philippine Sea 560 miles southeast of Pescadores.

2.) As the Operation Hello El Lobo Fleet approached Itbayat Island, all hell broke loose.

3.) The whereabouts of the KB remains unknown.


Synopsis of Combat Action for Today


1.) The substantial amount of naval and air combat today presents a rather time consuming task to relay such combat activities by individual locations of battle. A task this scribe is far too lazy to tackle this morning. Accordingly, I will present the combined losses for today, under the following categories as follows:


Ground losses

2,693 Japanese casualties.
36 Allied casualties.

Aircraft losses

80 destroyed.
91 destroyed

12 damaged.
31 damaged.

Ship Losses

Japanese Ship Losses

CL Katori: 1 bomb hit.
DD Minegumo: 1 bomb hit; on fire.
DD Karii: 2 bomb hits; on fire; heavy damage.
SS I-15: 8 hits; heavy damage.
SS I-45: 10 hits; heavy damage.
PB Eifuku Maru: Sunk.
PB Kiso Maru: Sunk.
PB Nikkai Maru: Sunk.
PB Hakkaisan Maru: Sunk.
AK Yamasimo Maru: 2 torpedo hits; on fire; heavy damage.
xAK Hankow Maru: 1 bomb hit; heavy fires.
xAK Josho Maru: 3 bomb hits; heavy fires; heavy damage.
xAK Kokuryo Maru: 3 bomb hits; heavy fires; heavy damage.
xAK Hoeisan MAru: 2 bomb hits; heavy fires; heavy damage.
xAKL Kofuku Maru: 1 bomb hit; on fire.

Allied Ship Losses

DD Sigourney: 1 hit.
SS Hoe: 8 hits.


End Note


I suppose the Allies can't complain as they held their own, didn't have any damage to any aircraft carrier, and are one step closer to unloading reinforcements at Amoy, Pescadores, and Takao. However, watching 48 F6F-3 Hellcats (mostly those that were land-based at Pescadores) splash into the sea in flames was a bit tough on the nervous system.

Attached below is the entire Combat Report for January 7, 1944.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[HansBolter]

I hope you have your replenishment carriers operating in the intended capacity and along for the ride?

If so those 48 fighter losses would be made up on the spot.


I can't see making a deep penetration where airframe attrition would make my fleet vulnerable without having replenishment carriers included in the operation.

I recently started a thread on the proper use of these carriers and provided examples of just how well they kept my combat carrier flush with airframes through the start of my Mariana's operation.

Hope you caught that thread and the significance of using the replenishment carriers in their intended role.

[adarbrauner]

ORIGINAL: Rio Bravo

[center]After Action Report

for January 7, 1944[/center]


Highlights for Today


1.) The morning broke upon the Operation Hello El Lobo Fleet steaming across the Philippine Sea 560 miles southeast of Pescadores.

2.) As the Operation Hello El Lobo Fleet approached Itbayat Island, all hell broke loose.

3.) The whereabouts of the KB remains unknown.


Synopsis of Combat Action for Today


1.) The substantial amount of naval and air combat today presents a rather time consuming task to relay such combat activities by individual locations of battle. A task this scribe is far too lazy to tackle this morning. Accordingly, I will present the combined losses for today, under the following categories as follows:


Ground losses

2,693 Japanese casualties.
36 Allied casualties.

Aircraft losses

80 destroyed.
91 destroyed

12 damaged.
31 damaged.

Ship Losses

Japanese Ship Losses

CL Katori: 1 bomb hit.
DD Minegumo: 1 bomb hit; on fire.
DD Karii: 2 bomb hits; on fire; heavy damage.
SS I-15: 8 hits; heavy damage.
SS I-45: 10 hits; heavy damage.
PB Eifuku Maru: Sunk.
PB Kiso Maru: Sunk.
PB Nikkai Maru: Sunk.
PB Hakkaisan Maru: Sunk.
AK Yamasimo Maru: 2 torpedo hits; on fire; heavy damage.
xAK Hankow Maru: 1 bomb hit; heavy fires.
xAK Josho Maru: 3 bomb hits; heavy fires; heavy damage.
xAK Kokuryo Maru: 3 bomb hits; heavy fires; heavy damage.
xAK Hoeisan MAru: 2 bomb hits; heavy fires; heavy damage.
xAKL Kofuku Maru: 1 bomb hit; on fire.

Allied Ship Losses

DD Sigourney: 1 hit.
SS Hoe: 8 hits.


End Note


I suppose the Allies can't complain as they held their own, didn't have any damage to any aircraft carrier, and are one step closer to unloading reinforcements at Amoy, Pescadores, and Takao. However, watching 48 F6F-3 Hellcats (mostly those that were land-based at Pescadores) splash into the sea in flames was a bit tough on the nervous system.

Attached below is the entire Combat Report for January 7, 1944.

Best Regards,

-Terry

No no, lazy lazy. Cannot understand anything . More details waited for.

[BBfanboy]

adarbrauner - you can get the details in the combat report that shows as an attachment at the bottom of his post.

[adarbrauner]

HA!

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

I hope you have your replenishment carriers operating in the intended capacity and along for the ride?

If so those 48 fighter losses would be made up on the spot.


I can't see making a deep penetration where airframe attrition would make my fleet vulnerable without having replenishment carriers included in the operation.

I recently started a thread on the proper use of these carriers and provided examples of just how well they kept my combat carrier flush with airframes through the start of my Mariana's operation.

Hope you caught that thread and the significance of using the replenishment carriers in their intended role.

Hans-

As I mentioned, the vast majority of the 48 Hellcats lost were not carrier based Hellcats, but rather were Hellcats based at Pescadores.

I agree that it is a risky business to steam Allied Aircraft Carriers into El Lobo's backyard. Captain Haggard and I are well aware of the danger. However, the Allies have managed to establish a firm presence in central China, Pescadores, and on Formosa. As such, the Allies are poised to strike at the heart of Japan. Accordingly, I believe the risk is worth the benefit.

The Allies have 12 CVEs in two separate Air Combat Task Forces neither of which include CVs nor CVLs. If need be, the Allied CVs and CVLs can take replacements from the CVEs.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[CaptHaggard]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

adarbrauner - you can get the details in the combat report that shows as an attachment at the bottom of his post.

Why BB!

I didn't know you spoke adarbraunerese!

Your pal,

Hag

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: CaptHaggard

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

adarbrauner - you can get the details in the combat report that shows as an attachment at the bottom of his post.

Why BB!

I didn't know you spoke adarbraunerese!

Your pal,

Hag

I have many talents, most of which you would not be excited to hear about! [8D]

[Rio Bravo]

[center]When first the Evil Emperor El Lobo does deceive

Oh what a tangled and dangerous web he does weave.[/center]

[center]January 8, 1944[/center]



The Operation Hello El Lobo Fleet is 280 miles from its destination 40 miles due west of Pescadores.


Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]After Action Report

for January 8, 1944[/center]


Highlight for Today


1.) The KB has been sighted.

2.) Heavy naval and air combat continue within the vicinity of Formosa.


Synopsis of Combat Action for Today


1.) The substantial amount of naval and air combat today presents a rather time consuming task to relay such combat activities by individual locations of battle. A task this scribe is far too lazy to tackle this morning. Accordingly, I will present the combined losses for today, under the following categories as follows:


Casualties

1,163 Japanese Casualties.
159 Allied casualties.

Base Hits

7 hits (Airbase).
4 hits (Airbase Supply)
42 hits (Runway).
14 hits (Port).
5 hits (Port Supply).

No Allied bases were hit.

Aircraft Losses

53 Japanese Aircraft destroyed.
6 Allied Aircraft destroyed.

26 Japanese Aircraft damaged.
16 Allied Aircraft damaged.

Ship Losses

31 Japanese Ships Sunk or Damaged:

CL Kuma: 2 shell hits.
CL Tama: 2 shell hits.
CL Kiso: 4 shell hits; on fire.
DD Inazuma: 1 shell hit.
DD Kawazaki: 1 shell hit.
DD Kosugiri: 2 shell hits; heavy fires.
E Kamo: 7 shell hits; heavy fires; heavy damage.
E Chidori: 8 shell hits, sunk.
E Manazuru: 7 shell hits; sunk.
E Scishu: 22 shell hits; sunk.
E W-14: 13 shell hits; sunk.
E W-27: 15 shell hits; sunk.
E W-29: 15 shell hits; sunk.
PB Nanpo Maru: 9 shell hits; heavy fires.
PB Taiko Maru: 7 shell hits; heavy fires; heavy damage.
PB Bunzan Maru: 7 shell hits; heavy fires; heavy damage.
PB Toyokuni Maru: 7 shell hits; heavy fires; heavy damage.
PB Rokko Maru #2: 7 shell hits; heavy fires; heavy damage.
PB Daibu Maru: 6 shell hits; heavy fires; heavy damage.
PB Shinkyo MAru: 33 shell hits; sunk.
SC CH 15: 9 shell hits; sunk.
SC CH 47: 9 shell hits; sunk.
SC CH 50: 21 shell hits; sunk.
SC CH 52: 2 shell hits; sunk.
SC CHa-1: 5 shell hits; sunk.
SC CHa-36: 1 shell hit; sunk.
SC CHa-44: 1 shell hit; sunk.
SC CHa-67: 2 shell hits; sunk.
SC CHa-70: 1 shell hit; sunk.
SC CHa-71: 4 shell hits; sunk.
xAP Huzi Maru: 1 torpedo hit; on fire; heavy damage.


20 Allied Ships Sunk or Damaged:

SS Tunny: 1 hit.
SS Skate: 3 hits.
SS Picuda: 3 hits.
SS Sealion: 8 hits.
DD Clark: 1 shell hit.
DD Harding: 1 shell hit.
DD Anderson: 1 shell hit.
DD Maury: 1 shell hit.
DD Sampson: 2 shell hits.
DD Monssen: 3 shell hits.
DD Satterlee: 1 shell hit; on fire.
DD Duncan: 2 shell hits; on fire.
DD Grayson: 7 shell hits; on fire.
DD Warrington: 1 bomb hit; on fire.DD Porter: 1 shell hit; 2 bomb hits; heavy fires; heavy damage.
DD Balch: 2 shell hits; 1 bomb hit; heavy fires; heavy damage.
DD Meredith: 4 shell hits; heavy fires; heavy damage.
DD Meade: 4 shell hits; heavy fires; heavy damage.
DD Conygham: 5 shell hits; heavy fires; heavy damage.
DD Porter: 1 shell hit; 2 bomb hits; heavy fires; heavy damage.
DD McCall: 1 bomb hit; 1 torpedo hit; heavy fires; sunk.

End Note

1.) The Operation Hello El Lobo Fleet should reach its destination tomorrow; 40 miles west of Pescadores.

2.) The Allies have won the footrace to reinforce Formosa with troops, aircraft, fuel, and supply.

3.) Short of a Japanese miracle, the Allies will hold Kagi and Takao on Formosa.


Attached below as a link is the entire Combat Report for January 8, 1944.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]KB Sighted at Amami Oshima

January 9, 1944[/center]

[BBfanboy]

The number of aircraft in those TFs belies the sighting of so many carriers. I am sure Japan does not have 14 CVs + all those CVLs and CVEs. You need to increase the D/L on the hex.

That last TF on the list looks like a Fast Transport TF. I think the CS ships can both operate float planes (for ASW and fighter cover) and carry some troops and supply.

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

The number of aircraft in those TFs belies the sighting of so many carriers. I am sure Japan does not have 14 CVs + all those CVLs and CVEs. You need to increase the D/L on the hex.

That last TF on the list looks like a Fast Transport TF. I think the CS ships can both operate float planes (for ASW and fighter cover) and carry some troops and supply.

BBfanboy-

I was hoping El Lobo did not have that many carriers.

At this time, with the fight being on and around Formosa, I do not want to divert any more Allied Search Aircraft to Amami Oshima.

At this time, I have pretty fair D/L 360 degrees around Formosa and do not want to disrupt that intelligence. Besides, whatever El Lobo's Carrier Force is, is what it is. *laughing*

Captain Haggard and I have dispersed approximately 60 destroyers to seek and destroy enemy ships in the area and to draw El Lobo's Naval Attack Bombers away from the Allied Carriers and transports.

Too many things one would like to do and always not enough assets to do everything.

Just prior to the Allies heading back to Guam, if his carriers are still spotted, I will increase the D/L wherever the enemy carriers are spotted.

Best Regards,

-Terry