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

Attack Condor · Post by **Attack Condor** » Thu Oct 30, 2003 8:42 am

Might not be a bad idea once the bombardment starts, but give me an S-boat fully loaded that can attack repeatedly. If I had Argo, it may be a possibility, but even the newer boats with the erratic Mk14 torps have a better chance {IMHO) - and I sure as heck don't want surface craft in the way (my DMs litter the ocean floor anyway).

Too much leading with my chin, but that's war

. If Quark thought taking Cairns was tough, he hasn't seen anything yet.

The only thing that really frightens me is him launching more of those 300+ plane raids from his carriers. How in the heck do you beat that? (Other than the obivious sink the Shok and Zui at Coral Sea

)

Thanks for the post wobbly, I need all the moral support I can get. Any advice/experience about P-38s you care to share?

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Thu Oct 30, 2003 12:47 pm

I am very new to using the P-38s, i tried to organise which sqds got them by moving all the low experience sqds far enough away from Brisbane and Noumea, but in this their long legs actually worked against me. The group that changed are rubbish.
I used them in GG as you may have read, but they weren't much chop. I have taken another tack and rested them to get maximum morale and hope I get another to convert (actually using them wears out the planes

). I would imagine that altitude is their friend, although, as always this depends on what you are targeting.

Advice in regard to his 300 AC naval TF would have to be: choose when you use any of those CVs that may be released. Let him pound away at you for a bit - taking the AC losses to your flak, and hits to his morale. Then strike, it will hurt, but if you can nail those flat tops your level bombers will hammer his invasion attempt. Remember your two CV conflicts have been in nuetral territory - fight this one in your own backyard!

Attack Condor · Post by **Attack Condor** » Thu Oct 30, 2003 8:31 pm

Thanks for the info wobbly - fortunately I can't make another mistake using carriers in the upcoming battle since I won't have any :p (Beware the Chenango - oh evil IJN horde!!!) save the lone CVE. So as I see it, it'll be 6 IJN CVs and who knows how many CVLs vs. 1 USN CVE. uh-huh.

As far as the CVE, I've seen here where most load it up with fighters and use it as convoy escort. I'm thinking possibly using her as an ASW platform. We'll see, although I'll probably just stick her in the back pocket and out of the way until Quark finishes his attempt and possibly send her in to pick off a straggler, etc.

I'm as ready as I can be with level bombers. EPV has loaded up with about 50K of supplies as well, and my supply convoys will concentrate there for a couple of weeks. EPV will be where I base the 2E bombers. As a matter of fact, EPV is (IMHO) the SOPAC version of Charter Towers (except for that "it's in the middle of the ocean" thing) in Oz.

My primary defense will be the subs. North Carolina and Missouri with their TFs, along with a CA TF led by the venerable Louisville are available to oppose the invaders. Lots of naval aircraft and Army level bombers available. Supplies are plentiful, though that will change quickly once the shooting starts.

Attack Condor · Post by **Attack Condor** » Thu Oct 30, 2003 9:21 pm

1 Dec 1942: Two IJN recon units have landed; one at Kourouratopo and another at Koumac. The unit at Koumac has 80 men, and will presumably probe to find the 3 BF units there.

At Noumea, word of the incursion has made it back to headquarters and 6 C-47 transports begin loading the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion and flying them to Koumac, to expel the invaders.

The sub who delivered the invaders to Koumac is steaming away NNW, and Chenango heads due west, to give her aircraft a turn or two to try and attack the sub.

Kourouratopo will fall, and I wonder if Quark will think about basing planes there on a fresh new airfield...........

Perhaps...

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Fri Oct 31, 2003 2:20 am

I don't know how much time you have before he decides to invade - with scouting groups being dropped on bases it may not be long (I do in fact know, having the luxury of seeing both threads

). However, I didn't realise how drastically short of flat-tops you'd got.
The only thing you can do then is populate the airfields around whatever target you think he is after with naval attack ACs (hopefully you manged to save some of the navy sqds, but failing that the marines). Level bombers will not stop his shipping or even hit anything until he is unloading at the invasion hex, even then they will target warships as a priority.
If you split your ACs out between multiple airfields he is going to find it very difficult to shut you down. Remember his surface units (BBs and such) are the only assets he has that can really close your airfields, he has a long supply train to reload these with the shells required. Once he takes one of your smaller bases, this supply train will get a whole lot shorter; make sure the likely bases are not too loaded in supplies. Also, I might recommend hammering the bases he does take with your heavy and medium bombers with an eye to destroying the supplies he would use.
As another pointer, always keep at least 2 surface combat TFs in Noumea. Then base most of your bomber units there. He will get frustrated with all the Heavy bombing from out of the place that he may try a surface combat attack into it. Having tried this in a game I played I can tell you, if you have a modicum of defence, it is suicide for the Japs. Any ships that aren't outright killed in the battle by him will be saved by you (sending them straight to Pearl) his will have to run the gauntlet of your air power all the way back to Lunga (meaning many won't make it).
So his next step is to kill your surface combat TFs with his invincible CVs - bollocks, CAP Noumea if you see this happening with as much as you can. Again take the hits form his naval bombers that get through, sending cripples magically to Pearl. You will inflict losses to the point he will really worry about covering his invasion.
Your CVE, I really don't recommend you use it for anti-sub work. If Quark is worth his salt, and he has pretty much shown he is, he will have his subs on offensive operations around the invasion sites. These sites will also be covered by his carriers - CVE meets 6 CV+ no need to run a book on those odds.
Isn't it better to start using the ship to ferry fighters and F/Bs across from Oz?

Attack Condor · Post by **Attack Condor** » Fri Oct 31, 2003 5:42 am

LV is populated with SBDs (Navy and Marine) a couple of TBFs and lots of fighters, to include the 72 P-38s. The 2E bombers as I mentioned earlier will be out of EPV, shuttling to/from Nuomea. I've repositioned the SC TFs SSW of LV and NNE of Noumea, giving me some flexibility as to covering either base.

I have no false hope of stopping his navy with 4E bombers, but I murdered his transports and destroyers with P-39s back at Cairns. Perhaps the FBs can have similar results here. I sure hope so.

Forward warning consists of two PBYs flying search from Wunpuko, with one P-39 squadron there to absorb any air attack and give the PBYs a chance to escape the next turn.

Also, every base in NC is level has a 9 airfield (IIRC) and supply is not a problem. I have TBFs and SBDs scattered throughout NC to protect there as well as fighters covering Noumea. I make sure each turn nothing is left at the docks in either LV or Noumea, as Quark has a nasty habit of blowing them out of the water with long range bomb runs at 200 ft.

As to ferrying, I'm not too sure I want to strip Oz bare - a majority of my fighter presence is in SOPAC, but he may just pop out of GG and try to end the game at TV rather than LV.

As to his subs, unless they've improved substantially, I don't consider them much of a threat at all. Nothing sails without escort.

Mine, I hope, can do as much damage as they did during the first invasion.

Unfortunately, Thursday night is my short night, as I get back from class at 11pm, then a Friday morning class at 8am, Friday afternoon at 1pm, and by the time I get home Friday night I'm pretty loopy (okay - loopier than usual :p ), but Quark will send a turn tonight, and I'll probably blow off sleep (like we all do here) and run it anyway.

More to come......

Attack Condor · Post by **Attack Condor** » Fri Oct 31, 2003 11:46 am

2 Dec 1942: 2 additional recon squads have landed at TV and RH in Oz. They’ll be evicted, but I’m only attacking with one battalion at each location. Maybe that will keep Quark in the dark a bit longer. We’ll see.

13 subs patrol around GG, each sitting quietly in their assigned sector. Meanwhile, IJN APDs at Irau have already detected and destroyed the mines laid by my S-boat. At least I know there are APDs at Irau…Question is are they delivering or picking up for a run on Wunpuko? Why were there no recon squads there? I’ve decided to send my CA TF near Wunpuko for a couple of nights to react against any FT raids…

Subs have been deployed to the Shortlands and that island in the middle between the Shortlands and GG (can’t ever remember that one). An S-boat makes its way into the Shortlands, hoping for a tanker……

Good news from PH…Maryland is en route. 18 days away. Still nothing about Enterprise.

I’ve tallied up my squadron air strength in SOPAC. At LV – 3 P-38, 3 Marine F4F-4, 2 Marine SBD, 3 Navy SBD, 1 Navy TBF. At EPV, 1 F5A, 2 Navy F4F-4, and 1 Navy TBF. Noumea has 4 P-39, 3 B-26, 4 B-17, and 1 Marine F4F-4. Koumac: 1 Navy F4F-4, 1 PBY, 2 B-24, and 5 B-17. Basse-Poya: 1 B-25, 1 B-17, 1 Navy SBD, 1 Navy TBF. Touho: 2 B-17, 1 Navy TBF. Tomo: 4 B-26. Goro: 6 C-47.

One of the P-38s is at 99 morale, the others hover around 60.

As Quark said in his e-mail, “Things are starting to get interesting.” I have a feeling he’s right.

More to come…

Attack Condor · Post by **Attack Condor** » Sat Nov 01, 2003 8:06 pm

I'm starting to get second thoughts...The appearance of the recon troops in Oz was disquieting - although that was probably their intent. With all my preparations for defending LV, I can just imagine Quark appearing with his main transport TFs headed south from GG.......

I'm not sure what more I can do. Tons of mines sit in warehouses with no one to deliver them (although Argonaut is now at PH) since I put more faith in torpedoes as opposed to mines (you can't sweep a torpedo).

One thing I have noted about mines is that they act as recon units as well. I've seen the posts about this in the forum, about how the enemy can see exactly what kind of ship is sweeping (coastwatcher report, perhaps - as most mines are laid in shallow water hexes?) and if that isn't "gamey". Anyway, I digress..

The worst thing about waiting is the self doubt. Too many "what ifs" can drive one crazy (although in my case, it wouldn't be a long trip...)

Da** you Quark, attack already!

Attack Condor · Post by **Attack Condor** » Sun Nov 02, 2003 3:50 am

More suicide scouts land, this time at ground zero - LV itself. Even though I set only one unit to attack at both RH and TV, all units were displayed on the combat summary page

If that's the case, then everything I have at LV will squash the scouts, and the heck with it. So far, I have ejected scouts at Koumac, TV, and RH - nearly 100 men lost. I know Quark has a multitude at his command, but every bit helps. I lauged a bit when I saw the results of the combat, and my mind flashed back to the movie "Zulu" (IMHO - a classic

) where; after the first probe attack against the 100 or so defenders, a British soldier yells out, "60! we got at least 60!!", to which another replies, "That leaves only 3,940 to go."

Appropiate indeed.

The results:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/03/42

Weather: Clear

Air attack on Kourouratopo , at 52,48

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 32
P-38G Lightning x 21

no losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 7

Mistake...no need to send the fighters. I've reset all of them to Sweep as opposed to Escort.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Kourouratopo , at 52,48

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 10

no losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 4

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

Might as well get a last bit of practice in...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Koumac

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1085 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 18 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 27 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 17

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Rockhampton

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5478 troops, 74 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 34 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 140 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 32
Guns lost 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Townsville

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1904 troops, 8 guns, 56 vehicles

Defending force 32 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 56 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 30
Guns lost 2

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

More to come....

Attack Condor · Post by **Attack Condor** » Sun Nov 02, 2003 7:21 am

Dec 4, 1942

A sub attack today, but no joy when S-37 takes on an IJN APD. One salvo of torpedoes lost, and both sides continue on their way. S-37, having dispersed the capital shipping in the Shortlands, now settles into a familiar patch of deep water between the Shortlands and Lunga, a typical “half-way” point for ships headed between those two ports. Let’s see what stumbles past her way……

In a fundamental shift of strategy, the four-engine bombers have been ordered to undertake naval recon flights at 20,000 and attack targets of opportunity. All of the sudden, the increased air search presence reveals the IJN fleet in much more detail. As far as actually attacking shipping from 20,000 feet, I realize the chances of success have been reduced with the 2.3 patch, but desperate times etc……

Lo and behold, guess what happens on the very last attack of the afternoon, after four previous flights were unable to locate their targets?

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/04/42

Weather: Clear

Naval bombardment of Kourouratopo, at 52,48

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 5
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Louisville leads her cruisers and hits where she can, retiring back to LV.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 32,35

Japanese Ships
APD 2

Allied Ships
SS S-37

Four APDs participated in the search for the sub and then presumably continued on their way. Quark now knows the subs are back………
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Kourouratopo , at 52,48

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 37

no losses

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

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
B-24D Liberator x 7

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Sendai
CL Abukuma
CL Jintsu

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet
Yes, the chances are slim of hitting, but they’re zero if I don’t attack.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Abukuma

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

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

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Samidare

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

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

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

no losses

Japanese Ships
CL Kuma

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

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

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9
B-24D Liberator x 6

no losses

Japanese Ships
MSW W20
MSW W15

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Kourouratopo , at 52,48

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 37

no losses

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

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
B-24D Liberator x 3

no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Urakaze
CL Abukuma
DD Arashi

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet

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

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Hinko Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Tokyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 49
Guns lost 1

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

Jackpot! Or – the crews report “jackpot”. If the hits are real, Quark must consider this as a bad omen…his ships hit and men lost even before they leave the dock, and (on top of that) from 20,000 feet. Kudos to the 42nd and 431st Bomb Squadrons for their accuracy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Woodlark Island at 22,39

Allied Ships
SS Greenling

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

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7700 troops, 144 guns, 6 vehicles

Defending force 12 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 58 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 15

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

Thunderstorms forecast, but when the rain clears, the 4E bombers in Oz have a new mission as well

.

More to come…

Attack Condor · Post by **Attack Condor** » Sun Nov 02, 2003 8:04 pm

Dec 5, 1942

No combat of note today, save the probe by Quark’s suicide squads at EPV. I have sent the 135th RCT of the 25th ID to expel them.

Storms today grounded most aircraft, and more are predicted for tomorrow.

Quark admitted to me today that my level bomber attack on his ships at Lunga caused most of his transports to unload two days of troops and supplies and scatter. He also admits it’s probably realistic, but not what he ordered.

A bit more on the defense at LV – in addition to the troops defending the base, I have three CD units in place as well. I hope they cull the attackers a bit before they hit the shore. I mention this because in 10 days, the 31st CD Art Bn is due in, and I’m debating whether to send it to Koumac or not. Quark is probably drawing up some type of bombardment to try and chase my bombers out of there, especially in light of what happened to his transports at Lunga. I would. The prospect of sailing transports through 2 or 3 days of constant attacks from bombers he cant reach with his fighters may not appeal to him, irregardless of the odds of the planes actually hitting anything. If I don’t send it to Koumac, I’ll probably send it to EPV. Noumea already has 2 of their own, so it will most likely be useful elsewhere.

Another CVE, the Sangamon is due into theater in 5 days, with Suwannee and her escorts expected in 12 days. Enterprise still sits at dock in PH. Essex and Hornet are 45 days and 49 days from docking at PH, respectively.

Also, in two days, 48 Navy SBDs are due in at Noumea. I can sure use them.

More to come…

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 12:45 am

The allied reservesw floodgates are starting to open - hang in there kemo sabe!

Attack Condor · Post by **Attack Condor** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 3:12 am

Dec 6, 1942

The suicide squads at EPV have been expelled. A new scouting force lands at Wunpuko – and this one I dare not try to expel. I could send a few combat troops via C47 from Noumea, but prudence may dictate otherwise.

Partly cloudy weather forecast for tomorrow – the bombers in both theaters have their assigned search sectors and call signs for attack. Even a near miss on a transport may scatter it, and subs are closing in on Lunga from all sides, lining up to take their turn in the target rich harbor.

Incredibly, in all the planning, I forgot about old Greenling sitting at Woodlark. Embarrassed, I order her home to Brissy to refuel and reload (Quark actually asked about her in his email <sheesh!>).

Wobbly, you’re right about the floodgates opening. 3 more battleships are due in at PH within 16 days. The Colorado is due in 5 days, Indiana in 12, and Idaho in 16. I have plenty of escorts just sitting at PH, so some of them should make it to the A/O within a month. Of course, all I have to do is survive till then.

I’m a bit worried about a lack of ground forces. Not too many INF units left on the reinforcement list. The 25th ID and 3rd Marine Div (IIRC) are all that’s left for SOPAC, while SWPAC still has 3 or 4 divisions still available. I may have to rob Peter to pay Paul, as they say. Of course, I have this vision of Quark appearing as soon as I strip forces from Oz – but I may end up having to do just that. We’ll see.

12 P-38s in the pool, about half enough for a fourth P-38 squadron.

Quarks APs have re-assembled at Lunga, along with at least 4 battleships and who knows how many escorts.

Soon. He has to come at me soon……

Attack Condor · Post by **Attack Condor** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 12:27 pm

Dec. 7, 1942
Forecast: Thunderstorms

On the anniversary of the PH attack, the B-17s and B-24s take advantage of the good weather and damage more of Quark’s invasion force from high altitude – and identify the strength of Quark’s SC forces…which number at least seven battleships (although two of them, the Mutsu and Nagato were observed trailing smoke…) I wonder if Quark’s transport bug hit again as I damage his APs…

The bombers did take a beating, however as 15 were lost in one day (11 B-17s and 4 B-24s). Still, every hit while Quark is tied up at anchor is one less I have to get during an invasion.

6 subs close in on the force at Lunga – a little less than a third of my available boats. Will have to watch the timing so they don’t double park in the same 30 mile hex. S-37 waits patiently in Lunga harbor. Perhaps the storms will hide her from the prying eyes of the IJN aircraft.

The report:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/07/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 44

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 1 destroyed
B-24D Liberator x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Arizona Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 44

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
B-24D Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Kinugasa Maru
DD Samidare
AP Josho Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 10

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet

I hope these attacks from above are giving Quark fits. I’ll take the hits and damage I’m causing, though I’m also sure Quark wants his fleet out to sea ASAP.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 43

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Samidare
AP Kimishima Maru

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 43

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
B-24D Liberator x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 destroyed
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
BB Kongo
CL Kiso

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 43

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 43

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 43

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Kinu

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 43

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 43

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Florida Maru, Bomb hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
Internal explosions reported on board the transport. This one appeared to be empty.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 47

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12
B-24D Liberator x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Hirokawa Maru
AP Tatsuho Maru
AP Kano Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatsuharu

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 35

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet

Kano Maru smoking fiercely as the planes leave.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 47

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 destroyed
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Kinugasa Maru

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 47

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Reiyo Maru

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 47

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
PC Toshi Maru #3

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 47

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Tone

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 46

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato

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

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

Also, the barge AG114 was sunk by a B-17 who attacked the ship while on search patrol.

Fifteen planes is a lot for one day, though most were lost due to the AA from the cruisers and battleships (only 2 were lost to the CAP Quark assembled overhead).

More to come…

Attack Condor · Post by **Attack Condor** » Tue Nov 04, 2003 11:50 am

Dec 8, 1942
Weather: Partly Cloudy

Weather cleared, but the bombers are still recovering. I sent one squadron on a search only mission to give the impression I’m better off than I am.

Good news from Lunga – S-37 scores with two torpedoes into the IJN destroyer Kawakaze. She’s not sunk, but I’ll bet she ain’t feeling too good, either. I’d rather use the torpedoes on the transports, but all hits are welcome.

The report:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/08/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese Ships
DD Kawakaze, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-37

Welcome back, S-37!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wunpuko

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 39 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2600 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

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

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

Quark reports that his bug is acting up again, causing his fleet to scatter. Perhaps the transports have an inherent “retirement allowed” command to steer away from combat?

More to come…

Attack Condor · Post by **Attack Condor** » Thu Nov 06, 2003 3:12 pm

Dec 11, 1942
Wx: Thunderstorms (phooey!)

As the rains again settle in, some interesting developments to report. First, the IJN monster Yamato was spotted at Lunga. I don’t need her surprising me somewhere, and I’m glad I’ve spotted her, but I would be happier if I spotted her in Kiev

.

Also, I think Quark may be having second thoughts about Luganville. Lots of east – west traffic between Lunga and GG. Quark claims in the emails that the ships at GG are just executing supply runs, troop rotations, etc. The problem is that I’ve spotted more than one cruiser with lots of destroyer escorts. An awful lot of shipping for troop rotations. Then again, Quark may be trying to misdirect my attention, or even start shifting my troops around. I don’t know…

I now have a second CVE operating in theater. Sangamon is here, and I’ve decided to use her as a waypoint to transfer planes between SOPAC and SWPAC.

Just in case Quark decides to head for Oz again, that is.

I really don’t have much else to throw against him. SWPAC gets an artillery unit shortly, but that’s about it for a couple of weeks. C-47s stand ready to move reinforcements to either TV or RH from Brisbane if necessary, but that would leave Brissy dangerously undermanned.

Of course, at this point – does that matter?

Yesterday’s combat included a perfectly coordinated B-17 night attack on Irau’s airfield from EPV and Koumac. Also, I’ve backed off on the use of B-17s against shipping for now…too much attrition. I did set one squadron on attack and three of their planes went up against 63 Zeroes, damaging two of them before dropping their bombs on a school of fish:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/10/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Irau , at 42,43

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 16

no losses

Airbase hits 4
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
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 63

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Akatsuki

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

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

More to come…

Attack Condor · Post by **Attack Condor** » Thu Nov 06, 2003 11:15 pm

Dec 12, 1942
Wx: Overcast

With the rain gone, the bombers fly again. This time, it's a return to the night missions. Quark really can't do anything about them, and they do tend to frustrate him <g>. Targets include SWPAC B-17s and B-24s at 6000 ft vs. the infantry forces now gathered on Irau. I count 4 units and an engineer unit. They aren't there picking strawberries.

In SOPAC, they assemblage of shipping at GG has caught my attention enough that B-17s are going after GGs airfields, while the venerable Hudsons tackle the ports and any shipping that happens to be tied up at dock. Once again, night raids @ 6000 ft.

Yesterday, the submarine Sailfish dispatched a barge headed SE from Lunga en route to (presumably) Irau. I hope it was filled with either HQ or ENG troops. Quark now knows subs challenge all exits from Lunga. I have had a sub actually inside Lunga harbor for a couple of turns now, she just hasn't been able to try an attack yet.

btw, the destryoyer hit a few days ago, the Kawakaze, was confirmed as sunk.

Sangamon is en route to Brisbane. I have a FT run for her destroyers to accomplish, then she'll head back to the mid point between Noumea and Brisbane to be ready to shuttle aircraft either east or west.

P-38s really coming off the assembly line now. Up to 2 a day now. 21 planes ready, IIRC 28 neded to replace a P-39 squadron. B-17s are a completely different story. Some of my squadrons down to 4 and 5 planes.

My 2E bombers are relatively intact, being limited to ASW and Search duties.

Also, yesterday, the 2nd Raider Bn kicked the IJN off of Wunpuko. Next stop for the fire brigade is Kourouratopo.

Yesterday's results:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/11/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 40,40

Japanese Ships
AG 5071, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Sailfish

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wunpuko

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 490 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 39 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 11 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 46

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

More to come...

Attack Condor · Post by **Attack Condor** » Sat Nov 08, 2003 3:43 am

At work (somehow, my students always know when one of my carriers is hit by an air attack - I wonder why that is?), so no access to the CR, but here goes:

The turn started off great, with one mine at Irau scratching the paint of an IJN FT DD, then my night raids kicked in, destroying two Zeroes on the ground at GG. When the sun rose, however, Chenango had 14 Kates come calling. She weaved and twisted, but the last flight of four planes hit her with two torpedoes. What was even more frustrating was the fact I had 10 fighters on board, set at 50% CAP but none of them even showed up!

Even a few may have made the difference.

(I admit, I was trying to get fancy and sneak the little CVE up to GG to try and pick off a AP or two. Sounds a bit hollow after the ranting about the IJN method of recon by suicide - turns out that's exactly what Chenango ended up doing

I did find Quark's CVs - some of them anyway - way too far west for my liking. I think the Arizona Kid is eyeballing Oz.....)

Of course, I'll try and limp Chenango to port, but I'm under no illusions - Quark doesn't let things bleed long before putting them out of their misery.

I ought to send every carrier that shows up back to PH immediately

while I re-read the book, "Carrier tactics for Dummies"......

Unless I could trade a US CV for, say, 20 S-boats?

More to come...

Attack Condor · Post by **Attack Condor** » Sat Nov 08, 2003 11:50 am

Mines claim 5 hits today, 3 IJN and 2 USN ships. The IJN cruisers Mogami and Mikuma along with an IJN AP (Somethingkaze Maru...they all sound the same after a while...) strike mines NW of Lunga as they round the point on their way to Oz. (Quark admitted as much to me that the target is OZ - somewhere). Meanwhile, the South Dakota and Minneapolis hit mines at Irau during a bombardment run (guess who forgot to add a DMS with the BB TF?

) Minneapolis is hurt bad and will have to go back to PH ASAP.
The good news is the US SS Grampus was lying in wait among the mines as Quark's battleships and cruisers tangled with the mines. The bad news is she missed on 2 separate attacks on battleships

. As Herbieh would say... "poo!"

Comments follow the report........

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/13/42

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack at 36,39

Japanese Ships
DD Fumizuki

Allied Ships
SS Sturgeon

Strike one.....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 36,40

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu

Allied Ships
SS Grampus

Strike two.....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Irau , at 42,43

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
B-24D Liberator x 9

no losses

Port hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 36,40

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
DD Akitsuki

Allied Ships
SS Grampus

This torpedo would have hit, but a fan in the front row reached out and inteferred with it
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Basilaki Island at 18,42

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

no losses

Japanese Ships
CL Tama

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Irau, at 42,43

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 9
Port supply hits 1

I sure hope FOW is masking more damage than I see on the base...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quark's CVs are still headed on a beeline towards TV. I have 15 level bomber squadrons set on Naval Attack at TV alone. Also, if he gets in close, 3 SBD squadrons and one TBF squadron. I should get a P-38 upgrade within a day or so, and that should happen in Oz. They'll go to TV or RH.

Charter Towers has my reserves, 4 LBA and one FB squadron. RH is getting the two Liberator squadrons.

Chenango is apparently to be spared air attacks as Quark has an uncharacteristic moment of generousity. Of course, as they limp to TV, their attackers are right behind them, threatening to simply plow them into the waves (something like a wounded turtle trying to outrun an eighteen wheel truck).

Subs en route to SWPAC, and one each to Rossel and GG. I have a feeling Rossel is a fuel stop. Wish I had more mines, but I can't take the time to go get them.

More to come...

Attack Condor · Post by **Attack Condor** » Sun Nov 09, 2003 6:25 am

December 15th...
Thunderstorms

Bad weather, but that is of no consequence to my pilots now. They all fly.

He's heading almost dead south right into TV. At least 3 AP TFs, the usual assortment of BBs and his 3 CVs providing LRCAP. His Zeroes jumped me good last turn. I foolsishly left almost the entire LBA at 6000 ft. They flew out with no fighters. Most didn't come back

. All level bombers at 20000 now, still on attack missions. Let Quark's fighters tire themselves out chasing my bombers at altitude. Also, I've committed one of my P-38s back to SWPAC. They've landed at Brissy from LV (64 fatigue - ouch!) and can hopefully get a couple of turns in against Quark's fighters.

Quark admitted to me the mines he hit last turn were his own. Fine with me - I won't be upset if he runs into his own mines.

Chenango moves agonizingly slow to TV, with the invaders riding her tail, only 60 miles behind her. I don't care about the ship - but there's almost 40 aircraft I need from her decks. She's too badly damaged to launch them. I may have her turn right and try to get her to Cairns. It's abandonded, but all I want to do is beach the ship and unload the planes. These storms will surely increase the damage

4 DDs from Brissy are going to try and FT an ART unit into TV. A CD unit is en route from Noumea, but I won't be suprised if it's too late. Still, it's worth a shot. The APs are the old Oz ships Manuda, Mildura, Waganella, and Ormiston. They show they can make 15 knotts. Probably take 5 days or so, and Quark has probably moved the rest of his CVs into the lane between Noumea and Brisbane, but a 2nd CD at Noumea is just going to rot there. Quark isn't trying for Noumea.

Sangamon is en rooute back to the half way point between Noumea and Brisbane. Maybe I can fery an SBD squadron or two over as well.

I still have the feeling this is bait. He has too many troops to be carried on only 3 AP TFs. We're going to find out, however - and very soon.

The Raiders finsihed their sweep, kicking the last of Quark's recon squads out, this time re-taking Kourouratopo. A C47 squadron will ferry the rest of the Raiders there from Koumac. Additionally, 21000 tons of supplies will land there tomorrow. Two days later, the entire 41st Division, along with one BF and one SeaBee unit will land. Maybe they can get in and out unnoticed, although it will take a while to unload that much at a level 1 port.... Perhaps I can draw Quark's forces off a bit, or create doubt in his mind... along with the end of the year approaching (with his autovictory chances getting slimmer and slimmer) maybe he'll have to respond to me for a change.

I may lose - but I won't quit fighting. I am gambling on Quark's invasion crashing against the shoals in the Barrier Reef. I have a level 9 fortified base, continuous supply, air cover, and an assault strength of over 700 at TV. If I can bleed a few ships and lower his assault strength, I may even survive

Stay tuned, gentlemen - it's about to get very bloody, very quickly.

More to come....

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

Are we starting now?

A new plan for the bombers....

Day of the Mines

Here he comes...