So what is herbie up to???
His Carriers slowly move down the centre of the Coral Sea - they are moving at about 4 hexes a day which is incredibly slowly. I got a sighting of APs with the carriers this time so he may be invading somewhere from there. I am starting to lean towards using the naval bombers on the carriers from a land base if he does attack Australia - they can carve up the APs without the precious carriers getting in the action themselves.
Each night I am also getting reports of DDs and the like at Luganville. the number of troops there do not seem to be going up and the BBs north of Luganville never seem to come any closer. I think he may be sending in supplies or even removing the troops there with fast transport, either way I am going to try the PT boats on another hit and run raid. The two surface task forces are going to move into range of a night run to Luganville and see if we can't get only one of the surface forces North to react, that would then be two versus one and I might hand out a bit of pain - his carriers are too far away to add their weight to the encounter.
Can it Be? Herbie and Wobbly ride again?
RE: Hurry up and wait
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PT boats mauled
I lost 11 PT boats when both of his BB surface groups reacted to Luganville - there was one shining light at the end of the tunnel - a PT put a torp into the Kirishima's tough hide. It appeared to shrug it off without too many ill effects but it is something for the loss of the little craft.
This turn I am going to send the two surface attack fleets in. I need the BB force to strike first as he will likely savage my lighter fleet. however, even they may hit something if the enemy is damaged. To compliment this I have moved al teh marine wildcats and dauntlesses to Efate - there are 250 ACs there now so CAP and destruction of injured stragglers should be possible.
His Carriers ahve suddenly started towards Luganville - I still don't know what he is up to - very strange behaviour.
This turn I am going to send the two surface attack fleets in. I need the BB force to strike first as he will likely savage my lighter fleet. however, even they may hit something if the enemy is damaged. To compliment this I have moved al teh marine wildcats and dauntlesses to Efate - there are 250 ACs there now so CAP and destruction of injured stragglers should be possible.
His Carriers ahve suddenly started towards Luganville - I still don't know what he is up to - very strange behaviour.
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RE: PT boats mauled
Well Herbie has admitted thatoperation Octopie has concluded successfully. If I am to believe him to incompassed reinforcement of Lunga and Irau.
My surface fleets moving into Luganville hit paydirt finding 3 DDs on an Ft mission loaded with troops - they sink the lot along with the troops - numbering about 1500. Unfortunately one DD is hit by 4 enemy shells and they cause massive damage. Efate is close but at 94 sys damage and a size 25 fire not close enough - she is scuttled. She is only my fourth destroyer lost though so the little ships are doing well in this campaign.
This turn I set the heavies up to bombard luganville - both TFs are going. I had not resupplied Efate with fuel due to it being the target of herbies offensive (well I didn't know and I didn't want to gift him fuel) so now I have to load up some tankers and right that situation. The heavies can't operate without fuel.
my carriers continue to wallow down teh south of the map.
My surface fleets moving into Luganville hit paydirt finding 3 DDs on an Ft mission loaded with troops - they sink the lot along with the troops - numbering about 1500. Unfortunately one DD is hit by 4 enemy shells and they cause massive damage. Efate is close but at 94 sys damage and a size 25 fire not close enough - she is scuttled. She is only my fourth destroyer lost though so the little ships are doing well in this campaign.
This turn I set the heavies up to bombard luganville - both TFs are going. I had not resupplied Efate with fuel due to it being the target of herbies offensive (well I didn't know and I didn't want to gift him fuel) so now I have to load up some tankers and right that situation. The heavies can't operate without fuel.
my carriers continue to wallow down teh south of the map.
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bombardment of Luganville
Well the bombardment forces of Wilkinson and Ainsworth manage to find a lone APD in Luganville - sink it and then mozzy on out back to Efate, leaving it a smoking ruin.
The new day dawns with thunderstorms and two important pieces of information.
1. he has moved his carriers out of the Coral sea proper up to a hex between Luganville and Irau.
2. the transports he has located in the centre of the Coral Sea do still appear to be there - standing.
I am therefore going to move my Carriers back towards Australia and within one cruise movement of his transports (the other side away from his Carriers) and hope for better weather next turn.
i am still very aware that I don't want to meet his Carriers in full combat so I will try and use the dauntlesses at max range to hit his transports - this requires a turn of manouvering.
My surface units will not be going to Luganville this turn - they have used too much fuel and await replenishment from Noumea. Also his Carriers are now threatening so better to stay under the umbrella of my 100 F4f-4s at Efate - let him come through that and then through my AAA; I could do with culling his Carrier based naval bombers.
In Oz the surface force in Townsville picks up Kanga force and will rush in and out to Cooktown and hope to take the base off him. It is apparently uninhabited although the dot hex next to it still has defenders. Then the dakotas will have to work overtime to supply and bolster its defense.
The new day dawns with thunderstorms and two important pieces of information.
1. he has moved his carriers out of the Coral sea proper up to a hex between Luganville and Irau.
2. the transports he has located in the centre of the Coral Sea do still appear to be there - standing.
I am therefore going to move my Carriers back towards Australia and within one cruise movement of his transports (the other side away from his Carriers) and hope for better weather next turn.
i am still very aware that I don't want to meet his Carriers in full combat so I will try and use the dauntlesses at max range to hit his transports - this requires a turn of manouvering.
My surface units will not be going to Luganville this turn - they have used too much fuel and await replenishment from Noumea. Also his Carriers are now threatening so better to stay under the umbrella of my 100 F4f-4s at Efate - let him come through that and then through my AAA; I could do with culling his Carrier based naval bombers.
In Oz the surface force in Townsville picks up Kanga force and will rush in and out to Cooktown and hope to take the base off him. It is apparently uninhabited although the dot hex next to it still has defenders. Then the dakotas will have to work overtime to supply and bolster its defense.
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Bugger
Herbie and I had an email glitch - he sent me a turn but it didn't get to me. Had to email him to find out where it was.
He must have been miffed with waiting because, as you all probably know, he has unleashed the KB on Efate.
This time I had organised all the marine wldcats to be there to defend the fleet that I had specifically left in harms way. The thinking was the priceless pilots he would loose as they went after the fleet through the fighters and AAA.
Well was that unfounded or what! Despite 60 marine and 20 navy pilots rising in F4F-4s and F4F-3s I get spanked.
The Canbera, Juneau, and 2 DDs sink straight away and about 12 other assorted ships are mightily damaged.
I also loose 54 F4Fs (of both types) and that is to the Japs loss of 17 Kates, 17 zeros and 9 Vals. Not very pretty at all.
OK, to positives: He has attacked me in a location that I can disband the fleet of injured ships and they should not sink - alot are going back to the yards but no more should sink.
He has not managed to damage his intended targets: North Carolina and Washington are at 3 and 4 sys between them.
I now know for certain where his carriers are and can therefore rush up against the transport fleet he is now retiring - he cannot get back in time to save them. Personally I think they are a decoy but they were a decoy for a trap that required carriers to spring - the carriers are not available now.
I also take Cooktown back after my fast transport mission. The damage to Chicago suffered by a mine hit, while not great, means I have NO undamaged Cruisers in the battle area! About 4 are now ready to be returned from Pearl so hopefully they are kind to me.
Not a good turn at all, with no fighters left at Efate I think it is time to disband most fo teh fleet at Efate and ready what fighters I can for the next session. i will leave a token, heavily damaged ship in position so that he send most of his planes that are on naval strike agaisnt that ship. Hopefuly the ships in port can provide better AAA defenses!
He must have been miffed with waiting because, as you all probably know, he has unleashed the KB on Efate.
This time I had organised all the marine wldcats to be there to defend the fleet that I had specifically left in harms way. The thinking was the priceless pilots he would loose as they went after the fleet through the fighters and AAA.
Well was that unfounded or what! Despite 60 marine and 20 navy pilots rising in F4F-4s and F4F-3s I get spanked.
The Canbera, Juneau, and 2 DDs sink straight away and about 12 other assorted ships are mightily damaged.
I also loose 54 F4Fs (of both types) and that is to the Japs loss of 17 Kates, 17 zeros and 9 Vals. Not very pretty at all.
OK, to positives: He has attacked me in a location that I can disband the fleet of injured ships and they should not sink - alot are going back to the yards but no more should sink.
He has not managed to damage his intended targets: North Carolina and Washington are at 3 and 4 sys between them.
I now know for certain where his carriers are and can therefore rush up against the transport fleet he is now retiring - he cannot get back in time to save them. Personally I think they are a decoy but they were a decoy for a trap that required carriers to spring - the carriers are not available now.
I also take Cooktown back after my fast transport mission. The damage to Chicago suffered by a mine hit, while not great, means I have NO undamaged Cruisers in the battle area! About 4 are now ready to be returned from Pearl so hopefully they are kind to me.
Not a good turn at all, with no fighters left at Efate I think it is time to disband most fo teh fleet at Efate and ready what fighters I can for the next session. i will leave a token, heavily damaged ship in position so that he send most of his planes that are on naval strike agaisnt that ship. Hopefuly the ships in port can provide better AAA defenses!
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Shadow of the Condor
- Posts: 393
- Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2004 5:11 pm
- Location: Chicago
- Contact:
RE: Bugger
>ouch< The fighters took a beating there. Did he lose any of his aces? As you pointed out, your ships can be sent home easily enough. Also, since he has shot his bolt, good luck with a return punch!
"Shouldn't we be leading the shark back to shore, instead of him leading us out to sea?"
RE: Bugger
herb does some night attacking - that does damage the Ballard quite badly, but otherwise a quiet turn.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/30/42
Weather: Overcast
Air attack on Efate Port Vila , at 55,57
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 30
G4M1 Betty x 15
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged
Allied Ships
AV Ballard, Bomb hits 1
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 14
Port hits 3
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The Chicago is almost back to Noumea. She is heading to Pearl with her 21 sys dmage and will get some better AAA guns. I don't have any Cruisers in the battle area once she is gone.
However... The South Dakota just got released with 2 CAs two CLs and a swag of DDs.
The cripples from teh Efate attack are starting to get back to Noumea and from there on to Pearl.
P-38 reinforcements were released today -40 per month. The 67th sqd, which is the first to get them, is in pretty poor shape - avg experience of 59.
The Carriers make it back to Rockhampton tomorrow.
Oh, and I didn't write about my attempt to hit his APs - they were scouted by a dauntless but the weather stopped me flying. As soon as herb saw teh dauntless he knew the carriers were there and sent his own to track me down - run away!!
Condor, yes I have plans in motion to get Luganville back. I will probaly use the Americal division at Efate.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/30/42
Weather: Overcast
Air attack on Efate Port Vila , at 55,57
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 30
G4M1 Betty x 15
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged
Allied Ships
AV Ballard, Bomb hits 1
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 14
Port hits 3
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The Chicago is almost back to Noumea. She is heading to Pearl with her 21 sys dmage and will get some better AAA guns. I don't have any Cruisers in the battle area once she is gone.
However... The South Dakota just got released with 2 CAs two CLs and a swag of DDs.
The cripples from teh Efate attack are starting to get back to Noumea and from there on to Pearl.
P-38 reinforcements were released today -40 per month. The 67th sqd, which is the first to get them, is in pretty poor shape - avg experience of 59.
The Carriers make it back to Rockhampton tomorrow.
Oh, and I didn't write about my attempt to hit his APs - they were scouted by a dauntless but the weather stopped me flying. As soon as herb saw teh dauntless he knew the carriers were there and sent his own to track me down - run away!!
Condor, yes I have plans in motion to get Luganville back. I will probaly use the Americal division at Efate.
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Irau under the hammer
Well it appears herb has vacated most of his assets North.
I have taken cooktown back using the Kanga force adn then sent MSWs there to clear the mines that damaged Chicago. They have now cleared said minefield and limp home; there fuel tanks empty. Another Tf of supplies takes there place under the watchful gaze of a sqd of Warhawks and P-39s.
In the East I have deposited the marine raiders at the dot hex above Luganville - they attack this turn.
I make two new transport Tfs - one with 22K fule and the other with 30K suppleis and they are on their way to Efate.
The big news of the turn is a large Fortress with Hudson pathfinder attack on Irau. Herb is not ready for it and no zeros welcome my bombers.
they don't do much damage to the airfield but 9 nells and 3 betties along 10 or so zeros are destroyed. I wonder if he wants to leave tehm where they are?
I have taken cooktown back using the Kanga force adn then sent MSWs there to clear the mines that damaged Chicago. They have now cleared said minefield and limp home; there fuel tanks empty. Another Tf of supplies takes there place under the watchful gaze of a sqd of Warhawks and P-39s.
In the East I have deposited the marine raiders at the dot hex above Luganville - they attack this turn.
I make two new transport Tfs - one with 22K fule and the other with 30K suppleis and they are on their way to Efate.
The big news of the turn is a large Fortress with Hudson pathfinder attack on Irau. Herb is not ready for it and no zeros welcome my bombers.
they don't do much damage to the airfield but 9 nells and 3 betties along 10 or so zeros are destroyed. I wonder if he wants to leave tehm where they are?
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neuromancer
- Posts: 630
- Joined: Wed May 29, 2002 9:03 pm
- Location: Canada
RE: Irau under the hammer
Decoys. Let me tell you about decoys.
I used an attack on Port Moresby to lure away surface, air, and carrier assets from Luganville so I could take it back.
Of course I lost the USS Wasp, a CL, a CLAA, 8 DDs, a TK, an AO, 6 APs, 4 AKs, several C47s, and almost the entire 1st Marine Division in my 'diversion', but the attack on Luganville is going quite well.
Of course the 'intended' attack on Luganville is being performed with an ad hoc force of troops from three different divisions from five different bases, landed in several waves, including a surface group pressed into service as a FT group, and APs escorted by MSWs and SCs with no DDs at all.
In the words of General Montgomery, that was my plan all along.
Really, I mean that. Brilliant diversionary tactic.
[8|]
I used an attack on Port Moresby to lure away surface, air, and carrier assets from Luganville so I could take it back.
Of course I lost the USS Wasp, a CL, a CLAA, 8 DDs, a TK, an AO, 6 APs, 4 AKs, several C47s, and almost the entire 1st Marine Division in my 'diversion', but the attack on Luganville is going quite well.
Of course the 'intended' attack on Luganville is being performed with an ad hoc force of troops from three different divisions from five different bases, landed in several waves, including a surface group pressed into service as a FT group, and APs escorted by MSWs and SCs with no DDs at all.
In the words of General Montgomery, that was my plan all along.
Really, I mean that. Brilliant diversionary tactic.
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RE: Irau under the hammer
lol
well at least the fighting forluganville is going good
kinda pricey diversion tho.........
well at least the fighting forluganville is going good
kinda pricey diversion tho.........
RE: Irau under the hammer
Very little happened this turn - my supply TF moved to Cairns to drop half of its load there. i have not seen any rsponse form Herb and the TF still has about 30 supplies per ship loaded but I am returning to Brisbane.
Thr invasion of Luganville has started. I load a TF with 3 regiments of the 1st marines, 1 seabee unit and 1 airbase unit. Once they are loaded and heading to Luganville I will escort them with the battleships and fly CPA over them with the restored marines. Another attack on the airfield at Irau will alos keep th Nells and Betties flying from further back.
Nah, guys he refuses to be called in Oz. I am runnign away anyway. I hope to land and take Luganville before he can blink. He has been very cagey with the troops he ahs landed - none of the big boys that I can see. Either way not enough to stop the 1st marines!!
Thr invasion of Luganville has started. I load a TF with 3 regiments of the 1st marines, 1 seabee unit and 1 airbase unit. Once they are loaded and heading to Luganville I will escort them with the battleships and fly CPA over them with the restored marines. Another attack on the airfield at Irau will alos keep th Nells and Betties flying from further back.
Nah, guys he refuses to be called in Oz. I am runnign away anyway. I hope to land and take Luganville before he can blink. He has been very cagey with the troops he ahs landed - none of the big boys that I can see. Either way not enough to stop the 1st marines!!
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Luganville invasion begins
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/10/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Air attack on Irau , at 42,43
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
A6M3 Zero x 6
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 36
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 5 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged
Ki-57-I Topsy x 2 destroyed
Ki-57-I Topsy x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 destroyed
B-17E Fortress x 17 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 77
Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 36
The fortresses again fly out to Irau and land bombs within the perimeter. He has either moved his 2 engined bombers out or I am just unfortuanate and miss the intended targets. I don't hink I have closed the airfield so that hasn't been effective, but if his long range bombers are further back I have probably prevented them from interfering with the invasion of Luganville which starts next turn - my ships are already there just haven't started the unloading. I loose 6 forts with the effort.
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Weather: Partly Cloudy
Air attack on Irau , at 42,43
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
A6M3 Zero x 6
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 36
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 5 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged
Ki-57-I Topsy x 2 destroyed
Ki-57-I Topsy x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 destroyed
B-17E Fortress x 17 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 77
Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 36
The fortresses again fly out to Irau and land bombs within the perimeter. He has either moved his 2 engined bombers out or I am just unfortuanate and miss the intended targets. I don't hink I have closed the airfield so that hasn't been effective, but if his long range bombers are further back I have probably prevented them from interfering with the invasion of Luganville which starts next turn - my ships are already there just haven't started the unloading. I loose 6 forts with the effort.
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Luganville taken at first try
THe first attack by the 1st marines is a complete success - Luganville is back on the side of the good guys. Herb had reteated to tell the truth though - any infantry units there were bitsa units and I only manage a haul of 2500 or so prisoners. I bought a 120 air support unit with me and htey are put to work straight away serviceing two marine fighter units that fly in from Efate.
I have two lardge transport groups on they way loaded with supplies and fuel.
Next is take back wunpuko and then I really want to put some hurt on Nevea and Irau - get the BBs and heavy bombers to make his life in the East difficult.
The longe range plan as such is starting to look like this: Attack and take Nevea - hit Irau and Lunga with the Heavies but my target is PM. I want it to very much look like I am after the Solomons but for now - long range plans start now to coordinate the liberation of PM and aim most of the obvious effort at the Solomons.
I will obviously need the CVs as PM is too far for even P-38 cover - with his CVs able to interdict me I have to get them defending the Solomons - then rush in and deposit the men and supplies. First step is build up cooktown as I will have to be able to suppress the infantry units he has kept in PM. I will also have to provide enough transport shipping to get a massive overkill in infantry units into PM very quickly - I am a few months away from having this sort of power.
I have two lardge transport groups on they way loaded with supplies and fuel.
Next is take back wunpuko and then I really want to put some hurt on Nevea and Irau - get the BBs and heavy bombers to make his life in the East difficult.
The longe range plan as such is starting to look like this: Attack and take Nevea - hit Irau and Lunga with the Heavies but my target is PM. I want it to very much look like I am after the Solomons but for now - long range plans start now to coordinate the liberation of PM and aim most of the obvious effort at the Solomons.
I will obviously need the CVs as PM is too far for even P-38 cover - with his CVs able to interdict me I have to get them defending the Solomons - then rush in and deposit the men and supplies. First step is build up cooktown as I will have to be able to suppress the infantry units he has kept in PM. I will also have to provide enough transport shipping to get a massive overkill in infantry units into PM very quickly - I am a few months away from having this sort of power.
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CMDRMCTOAST
- Posts: 673
- Joined: Sat May 03, 2003 6:34 am
- Location: Mount Vernon wa..
RE: Luganville taken at first try
Congrats on the retake and keep up the good work.......
The essence of military genius is to bring under
consideration all of the tendencies of the mind
and soul in combination towards the business of
war..... Karl von Clausewitz
consideration all of the tendencies of the mind
and soul in combination towards the business of
war..... Karl von Clausewitz
Onwards allied soldiers
Thanks Toast - Herbie is playing a far more conservative game than normal. It will need a bit of flair to undo his strategy. He hasn't covered some of the bases that can grow to size 4. These will be the locations I take in order to make it look like the Solomons campaign is the one to defend.
17th October 1942
Well my little foray up towards New Guinea with my Carriers has come to naught as they are scouted one hop too far away from any targets. With only 3 carriers - the Wasp counted as one- amongst my air combat TF, I don't have nearly enough power to duke it out with Herbie's CV forces.
A steady stream of transports moves between Noumea and Luganville. Already there is 35K supplies there. Another 45K and 42K fuel are onboard and on their way now. I have also dispatched 3 seabees units to utilise these supplies for base building.
The Marine raider unit that took the dot Hex North of Luganville has made it back to Luganville. they are knackered and will need a few days rest to recuperate from a 92 fatigue level. It shows the use of good troops though, only 2 support squads are disabled.
In Brisbane another large transport TF has loaded - mainly with supplies and air support engineers. They will start the first steps towards invasion Port Moresby - their cargo is bound for Cooktown.
17th October 1942
Well my little foray up towards New Guinea with my Carriers has come to naught as they are scouted one hop too far away from any targets. With only 3 carriers - the Wasp counted as one- amongst my air combat TF, I don't have nearly enough power to duke it out with Herbie's CV forces.
A steady stream of transports moves between Noumea and Luganville. Already there is 35K supplies there. Another 45K and 42K fuel are onboard and on their way now. I have also dispatched 3 seabees units to utilise these supplies for base building.
The Marine raider unit that took the dot Hex North of Luganville has made it back to Luganville. they are knackered and will need a few days rest to recuperate from a 92 fatigue level. It shows the use of good troops though, only 2 support squads are disabled.
In Brisbane another large transport TF has loaded - mainly with supplies and air support engineers. They will start the first steps towards invasion Port Moresby - their cargo is bound for Cooktown.
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Massive surface attack at Luganville
Well you will by now know that herbie tried to get a few Long lance strikes against the BBs I have defeding Luganville. His ploy worked to the point that he got a long lance attack - unfortunately none of the torps launched hit (yeah I know - I'm crying as well).
They try again and again - until none are left. I loose the DD Gwin and teh Fletcher is in about the worst way it could possibly be while still being in the game: 99 sys 52 float. I am not going to scuttle her - she is at Luganville base size 3 (and climbing like a sky rocket with 4 seebee units there).
5 other DDs are moderately damaged - I have enough surface units in place at the moment to send these guys back to Pearl.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/20/42
Weather: Rain
Night Time Surface Combat, near Luganville at 53,53
Japanese Ships
CL Natori, Shell hits 8
CL Yura, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Onami, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hayanami, Shell hits 25, and is sunk
DD Kiyonami, Shell hits 1
DD Shiratsuyu, Shell hits 2
DD Samidare, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
BB North Carolina, Shell hits 4
BB Washington, Shell hits 2
CL Helena, Shell hits 4
DD Fletcher, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
DD Gwin, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Monssen, Shell hits 1
DD Aaron Ward, Shell hits 1
DD Duncan
DD Lansdowne
DD McCalla, Shell hits 3
DD Woodworth
DD Anderson
DD Russell
DD Henley
DD Lang, Shell hits 3
DD McCall, Shell hits 1
DD Maury
DD Tucker, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Porter
DD Selfridge
DD Balch
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Luganville at 53,53
Japanese Ships
CL Natori
CL Yura, on fire
DD Onami, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kiyonami
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Samidare, Shell hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
BB North Carolina, Shell hits 1
BB Washington
CL Helena
DD Fletcher, on fire, heavy damage
DD Gwin, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Monssen
DD Aaron Ward
DD Duncan
DD Lansdowne
DD McCalla
DD Woodworth
DD Anderson
DD Russell
DD Henley
DD Lang
DD McCall
DD Maury
DD Tucker, on fire
DD Porter
DD Selfridge
DD Balch
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Luganville at 53,53
Japanese Ships
CL Natori, Shell hits 12, on fire
CL Yura, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
DD Onami, Shell hits 21, and is sunk
DD Kiyonami, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Samidare, and is sunk
Allied Ships
BB North Carolina, Shell hits 4
BB Washington, Shell hits 1
CL Helena, Shell hits 3
DD Fletcher, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Gwin, and is sunk
DD Monssen, Shell hits 1
DD Aaron Ward
DD Duncan
DD Lansdowne
DD McCalla
DD Woodworth
DD Anderson, Shell hits 1
DD Russell
DD Henley
DD Lang, on fire
DD McCall
DD Maury
DD Tucker, on fire
DD Porter
DD Selfridge
DD Balch
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Luganville at 53,53
Japanese Ships
CL Natori, Shell hits 28, on fire, heavy damage
CL Yura, Shell hits 21, and is sunk
DD Kiyonami, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
DD Shiratsuyu, Shell hits 36, and is sunk
Allied Ships
BB North Carolina
BB Washington
CL Helena, Shell hits 6
DD Fletcher, on fire, heavy damage
DD Monssen
DD Aaron Ward
DD Duncan
DD Lansdowne
DD McCalla, on fire
DD Woodworth
DD Anderson
DD Russell
DD Henley
DD Lang, on fire
DD McCall
DD Maury
DD Tucker, on fire
DD Porter
DD Selfridge
DD Balch
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0
Japanese Ships
CL Natori, and is sunk
Allied Ships
PT 111
PT 112
PT 114
PT 115
PT 123
PT 124
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A fast transport mission is created at Nouemea - loaded with the 1st marine paratroopers and pointed at Wunpuko. I need to build this place up if I am to keep Herbie interest firmly in the East - fighters based here will cover some Bombardment missions I have planned for Irau.
They try again and again - until none are left. I loose the DD Gwin and teh Fletcher is in about the worst way it could possibly be while still being in the game: 99 sys 52 float. I am not going to scuttle her - she is at Luganville base size 3 (and climbing like a sky rocket with 4 seebee units there).
5 other DDs are moderately damaged - I have enough surface units in place at the moment to send these guys back to Pearl.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/20/42
Weather: Rain
Night Time Surface Combat, near Luganville at 53,53
Japanese Ships
CL Natori, Shell hits 8
CL Yura, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Onami, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hayanami, Shell hits 25, and is sunk
DD Kiyonami, Shell hits 1
DD Shiratsuyu, Shell hits 2
DD Samidare, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
BB North Carolina, Shell hits 4
BB Washington, Shell hits 2
CL Helena, Shell hits 4
DD Fletcher, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
DD Gwin, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Monssen, Shell hits 1
DD Aaron Ward, Shell hits 1
DD Duncan
DD Lansdowne
DD McCalla, Shell hits 3
DD Woodworth
DD Anderson
DD Russell
DD Henley
DD Lang, Shell hits 3
DD McCall, Shell hits 1
DD Maury
DD Tucker, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Porter
DD Selfridge
DD Balch
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Luganville at 53,53
Japanese Ships
CL Natori
CL Yura, on fire
DD Onami, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kiyonami
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Samidare, Shell hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
BB North Carolina, Shell hits 1
BB Washington
CL Helena
DD Fletcher, on fire, heavy damage
DD Gwin, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Monssen
DD Aaron Ward
DD Duncan
DD Lansdowne
DD McCalla
DD Woodworth
DD Anderson
DD Russell
DD Henley
DD Lang
DD McCall
DD Maury
DD Tucker, on fire
DD Porter
DD Selfridge
DD Balch
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Luganville at 53,53
Japanese Ships
CL Natori, Shell hits 12, on fire
CL Yura, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
DD Onami, Shell hits 21, and is sunk
DD Kiyonami, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Samidare, and is sunk
Allied Ships
BB North Carolina, Shell hits 4
BB Washington, Shell hits 1
CL Helena, Shell hits 3
DD Fletcher, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Gwin, and is sunk
DD Monssen, Shell hits 1
DD Aaron Ward
DD Duncan
DD Lansdowne
DD McCalla
DD Woodworth
DD Anderson, Shell hits 1
DD Russell
DD Henley
DD Lang, on fire
DD McCall
DD Maury
DD Tucker, on fire
DD Porter
DD Selfridge
DD Balch
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Luganville at 53,53
Japanese Ships
CL Natori, Shell hits 28, on fire, heavy damage
CL Yura, Shell hits 21, and is sunk
DD Kiyonami, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
DD Shiratsuyu, Shell hits 36, and is sunk
Allied Ships
BB North Carolina
BB Washington
CL Helena, Shell hits 6
DD Fletcher, on fire, heavy damage
DD Monssen
DD Aaron Ward
DD Duncan
DD Lansdowne
DD McCalla, on fire
DD Woodworth
DD Anderson
DD Russell
DD Henley
DD Lang, on fire
DD McCall
DD Maury
DD Tucker, on fire
DD Porter
DD Selfridge
DD Balch
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0
Japanese Ships
CL Natori, and is sunk
Allied Ships
PT 111
PT 112
PT 114
PT 115
PT 123
PT 124
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A fast transport mission is created at Nouemea - loaded with the 1st marine paratroopers and pointed at Wunpuko. I need to build this place up if I am to keep Herbie interest firmly in the East - fighters based here will cover some Bombardment missions I have planned for Irau.
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All pretty quiet
THe lull between my updates mirrors the happenings of the battlefield. Two points of note since last I added comment:
A small surface action at Woodlark where I came off worse than Herbie. I lost all 4 DDs I asnet while damaging 3 of his and severely damaging a CL. I would think some of those damaged will sink. THe CL Hobart was the main Allied protagonist managing to put 6 inch shells into two CLs, mostly concentrating on one target.
The other was the folowing air raid on Irau:
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/01/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Air attack on Irau , at 42,43
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
A6M3 Zero x 17
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 14
Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 21
B-17E Fortress x 73
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 6 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 damaged
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 5 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 6 damaged
Ki-57-I Topsy x 3 destroyed
Ki-57-I Topsy x 1 damaged
H6K Mavis x 1 destroyed
H6K Mavis x 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 2 destroyed
B-17E Fortress x 14 damaged
CPT J. Sawyer of 67th FS is credited with kill number 2
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 116
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 17
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 25
As you can see this is the first ride of the P-38. The managed to get 4 kills while loosing 3 of their number. Unfortunately 6 Fortresses were also lost. The range from Luganville is still long enough to cause damaged ships to fall out of the sky.
Luganville has now become a major base size 6/6 with over 250 ACs. Wunpuko has been taken back by the marine Paras (killing baout 600 Jpas in the process) and is already a size one airfield. It should be size two in about 5 days and have a base force to look after it. From here I will base 100 fighters to LRCAP Bombardment TFs against Irau - see how long he stays there with that sort of attention??
A small surface action at Woodlark where I came off worse than Herbie. I lost all 4 DDs I asnet while damaging 3 of his and severely damaging a CL. I would think some of those damaged will sink. THe CL Hobart was the main Allied protagonist managing to put 6 inch shells into two CLs, mostly concentrating on one target.
The other was the folowing air raid on Irau:
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/01/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Air attack on Irau , at 42,43
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
A6M3 Zero x 17
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 14
Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 21
B-17E Fortress x 73
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 6 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 damaged
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 5 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 6 damaged
Ki-57-I Topsy x 3 destroyed
Ki-57-I Topsy x 1 damaged
H6K Mavis x 1 destroyed
H6K Mavis x 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 2 destroyed
B-17E Fortress x 14 damaged
CPT J. Sawyer of 67th FS is credited with kill number 2
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 116
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 17
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 25
As you can see this is the first ride of the P-38. The managed to get 4 kills while loosing 3 of their number. Unfortunately 6 Fortresses were also lost. The range from Luganville is still long enough to cause damaged ships to fall out of the sky.
Luganville has now become a major base size 6/6 with over 250 ACs. Wunpuko has been taken back by the marine Paras (killing baout 600 Jpas in the process) and is already a size one airfield. It should be size two in about 5 days and have a base force to look after it. From here I will base 100 fighters to LRCAP Bombardment TFs against Irau - see how long he stays there with that sort of attention??
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RE: Can it Be? Herbie and Wobbly ride again?
Greetings gentle readers.
It has been a very long time since I wrote in this column. Maybe you thought it was dead?
And fair enough really, I haven't added to it for months. It isn't dead though, only
sleeping until something a bit more interesting started to occur.
To return you to where we are, I am playing the Allies and Herb is the evil empire. This
is scenario 19. I think he has 140% commitment to my 100.
Initially my plan was run like hell from the deluge I was sure would come. I pulled
everything back to Noumea in the East and Townsville, Rockhampton and Brisbane in the
West. This all came off according to plan and I then hunkered down to fight on a better
playing field against the numerically and capability superior Jap.
Herb, though, was very tentative. He took PM, Cairns and Cooktown with minimal troops.
The same deal was done in the East with Luganville and Wunpuko being held lightly
although he did build up Nevea and Irau into strong bases.
In about August I had enough heavy and medium bombers to hit both Cairns in the East and
Luganville in the West. The name of the game was land based bombers. My Carriers had been
sent back to Pearl for upgrades.
herb got sick of the pounding from the air, he didn't really commit too many fighters to
Luganville or Cairns so the bombing was a milk run, experience was climbing. I noted that
the number of troops in both locations were going down.
The problem was the KB (as always). He was marching it around daring me to come out and
play. I took the bait, hoping the 6 carriers I had would be plenty to inflict some damage
on him. This occured right next to Efate - a major base for me.
Bad idea. He sunk the Enterprise and the Yorktown and damaged Hornet. I put a couple of
bombs into Kaga and Akagi, and another into Shoho, but all in all it was a Turkey shoot
of my planes. His vaunted airforces did take losses though and they would be sorely lost
in the coming months (well I hope so [:D] ).
With the carriers halved I pulled back to reorganise, Herb seemed to do the same when I
thought he would come on with all guns blazing. He did manage to hit Hornet in dock in
Noumea with night raids (twice) and this sent the bird farm back to Pearl. Now I was down
to Lex, Sara and Wasp.
Though I lacked carriers I wanted to start taking these weakly defended bases. I thought
it was probably a trap on herbs part - hit me when I invaded - but he didn't have enough
troops in the locations to warrant APs or AKs to take my troops. I could bring enough via
fast transport to take the place, then bring in base units and have air support. I tried
to time it so that his carriers were on the other side of the lake when I did each of the
invasions.
He caught me cold in Oz. I was landing in Cairns and in the small dot below it when the
carriers turned up trouncing an ASW unit I had off townsville. All the alarm bells were
ringing and I ran for the cover of townsville air, inside the barrier reef. Very
strangely he floated back out to sea. I didn't want to take the ships to Townsville to
unload as he would probably send in some heavies and all I had was a couple of CAs a CL
and half a dozen DDs to defend with. He seemed to change his mind and sent carriers back
in, they took a toll of the surface ships - leaving the transports - but my air cover got
amongst his attackers and no ships were lost (both CAs and 4 DDs needed to go to Pearl
though).
Slowly but surely I pushed him out of Oz and at last only Nevea in the western island
chain was still under his sway. Once Luganville was mine, the old trick of bombing the
crap out of his positions was the order of the day. As before he did not like watching
his men die somewhat unnecessarily. So when I took Gavigmana and the seabees managed to
build that up into a viable airstrip I think he decided to cut his losses. What I started
to notice was that Nevea seemed deserted.
So I pulled a fast one and used the 1st Marine Paras to see if I could take it without
confronting the minefields and such like that he undoubtedly had all around the atoll.
Time to fire up the dakotas.
Answer? Yep he'd gone and I got the place. But then I hadn't followed it up with a decent
number of real troops and Herb looked as if he was going to smash me out of the place.
But it never really happened and the Americal Division - I had hastily loaded onto
transports - snuck in one night between bombardment runs he was doing (covered by the
ever present KB). He had managed to get elements of a regiment up against the paras but
my dakotas were flying in extra troops and he didn't manage to dislodge me. The Americal
division unloaded and a few sorties from the heavies and mediums and his newly arrived
regiment went into the bag. I now held Nevea!
Since then I have tried a rash invasion of Rennel Island which I wrongly thought was a 0
(1) island base - nope it is 0,0. So the seabees were making progress but Herb would not
be swayed this time. He sent the Kitchen sink and captured the 1st marine raiders, a base
force, a CD unit and a seabee unit. He did pay rather heavily for this though suffering
torp hits to the Musashi, Yamato and a savage torp hiding to the Hiei. Other smaller
ships also suffered especially in a surface engagement against the Minneapolis and
Chicago (plus escorts) - they put up a hell of a fight.
That is the position we now find ourselves. He holds Irau and PM upwards and I hold
everything south.
I have started this AAR back up because this is a scenario 19 game and really, up until
now it has been about survival for the allies. Now I am ready to start ousting the Jap.
Here is "Operation Haystack".
First, and most importantly, to inform you: I have only the Wasp as a main CV. I sent
them all back to get AAA upgrades and my reinforcement levels instantly went to high. I
now have no less than 7 BBs - and that's after sending the Washington back! But now the
reinforcement level is low and Sara, Hornet, Essex and Lex are sitting in Pearl sunning
themselves.
I do have 5 CVEs however, and around these I base my hopes.
Knowing this I want to add this caveat: I am sick of waiting! Herb knows me well enough
and he knows I am impatient. In fact those of you that followed my WitP game against PzB
will know I couldn't help but fire back at his one way traffic by attacking Java, in the
end to my own demise. It is Feb 43 and I am taking the bull by its horns!
But I also know Herb knows me. I want to try and use this against him, here is Haystack:
The opening moves have started, a feint to Irau. Elements of a transport TF, MSWs and a
surface TF including CA Australia and Chicago move on Irau with a naval bombardment
including the North Carolina and Canberra.
As I said, this is a feint. Herb expects a feint, he has talked about covering PM! So I
have given him a feint. The transport fleet has nothing but supplies on it! (in fact this
is causing me all kinds of problems as I want him to see transports at Irau - they wont
stay there!!! They keep retreating despite having patrol orders.)
He has to be convinced this is a feint but not be twigged that I want him to know.
So part two of Haystack:
2 transport TFs, a MSW TF, a surface TF and a air combat TF (2 CVEs with 2 sqds each of
wilcats - about 70 fighters in total) from Townsville. One transport TF has the instant
load you get when you order troops to load onto transports. I then cancelled the load!
But the troops that instantly loaded are still on board. In total I have about 3000 men
but from 7 different units.
The other TF is empty.
Both TFs are greater than 10 ships so he wont know the real size if he scouts them.
OK, so this invasion goes to PM in about 3 days. I want him to think this is the real
deal. I want him to attack the invasion forces with ACs and meet wildcats over the TFs. I
want him to see troops landing and encounter them on the beach.
But this is also a feint.
The two transport TFs will start reloading troops as soon as I think he has bitten the
bait. They all retreat back to Oz.
Part 3 of Haystack, and the real invasion then starts, it is of Irau again!!
It is the 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions including all parts except the lost raider
battalion. I have 3 more CVEs INCLUDED IN the transport TF - they can do this. So they
wont get fighter penalties like an air combat TF. They host 2 24 plane F4F marine sqds
and one sqd of Corsairs (I have asked Herb about loading these guys on carriers - a bit
gamey... please forgive).
There is also a large supply TF, a TF of 1 base unit a CD unit and 3 seabees units.
I have all those BBs to use to bombard the place - and like Nevea he appears to have
removed any real defenders. I think he is hoping he can counter attack. If I take the
place two full marine Divisions will be very hard to dislodge. I also have 7 Dakota sqds
at Wunpuko if required.
There is all the power associated with 10 heavy bomber sqds at Luganville and 7 medium
bomber sqds at Nevea.
So there it is. I think he expects an invasion at PM but wont believe it without a patent
wobbly feint. The whole point of this bollocks is doubt in his mind. I want him to be
unsure what the hell I am up to. Most of all though I want his carriers looking to oppose
the landings at PM. Then they will be well out of position to stop the real invasion in
Irau. Even if he is half way when I invade Irau, I want him to still be unsure where to
go.
If this is the case, and I actually manage to take the place. I can't see him getting me
out again. Once I am in the solomons he is in real trouble. I have rested the 10 subs I
have on the east coast at Luganville for about 15 days now. There sys damage has all gone
down about 5 points. They will be abother gauntlet he has to pass.
My biggest worry is this goes in the face of the all important rule - KISS. Keep it
simple stupid. I may just be trying to be too clever!
Join me as we see how this goes!
It has been a very long time since I wrote in this column. Maybe you thought it was dead?
And fair enough really, I haven't added to it for months. It isn't dead though, only
sleeping until something a bit more interesting started to occur.
To return you to where we are, I am playing the Allies and Herb is the evil empire. This
is scenario 19. I think he has 140% commitment to my 100.
Initially my plan was run like hell from the deluge I was sure would come. I pulled
everything back to Noumea in the East and Townsville, Rockhampton and Brisbane in the
West. This all came off according to plan and I then hunkered down to fight on a better
playing field against the numerically and capability superior Jap.
Herb, though, was very tentative. He took PM, Cairns and Cooktown with minimal troops.
The same deal was done in the East with Luganville and Wunpuko being held lightly
although he did build up Nevea and Irau into strong bases.
In about August I had enough heavy and medium bombers to hit both Cairns in the East and
Luganville in the West. The name of the game was land based bombers. My Carriers had been
sent back to Pearl for upgrades.
herb got sick of the pounding from the air, he didn't really commit too many fighters to
Luganville or Cairns so the bombing was a milk run, experience was climbing. I noted that
the number of troops in both locations were going down.
The problem was the KB (as always). He was marching it around daring me to come out and
play. I took the bait, hoping the 6 carriers I had would be plenty to inflict some damage
on him. This occured right next to Efate - a major base for me.
Bad idea. He sunk the Enterprise and the Yorktown and damaged Hornet. I put a couple of
bombs into Kaga and Akagi, and another into Shoho, but all in all it was a Turkey shoot
of my planes. His vaunted airforces did take losses though and they would be sorely lost
in the coming months (well I hope so [:D] ).
With the carriers halved I pulled back to reorganise, Herb seemed to do the same when I
thought he would come on with all guns blazing. He did manage to hit Hornet in dock in
Noumea with night raids (twice) and this sent the bird farm back to Pearl. Now I was down
to Lex, Sara and Wasp.
Though I lacked carriers I wanted to start taking these weakly defended bases. I thought
it was probably a trap on herbs part - hit me when I invaded - but he didn't have enough
troops in the locations to warrant APs or AKs to take my troops. I could bring enough via
fast transport to take the place, then bring in base units and have air support. I tried
to time it so that his carriers were on the other side of the lake when I did each of the
invasions.
He caught me cold in Oz. I was landing in Cairns and in the small dot below it when the
carriers turned up trouncing an ASW unit I had off townsville. All the alarm bells were
ringing and I ran for the cover of townsville air, inside the barrier reef. Very
strangely he floated back out to sea. I didn't want to take the ships to Townsville to
unload as he would probably send in some heavies and all I had was a couple of CAs a CL
and half a dozen DDs to defend with. He seemed to change his mind and sent carriers back
in, they took a toll of the surface ships - leaving the transports - but my air cover got
amongst his attackers and no ships were lost (both CAs and 4 DDs needed to go to Pearl
though).
Slowly but surely I pushed him out of Oz and at last only Nevea in the western island
chain was still under his sway. Once Luganville was mine, the old trick of bombing the
crap out of his positions was the order of the day. As before he did not like watching
his men die somewhat unnecessarily. So when I took Gavigmana and the seabees managed to
build that up into a viable airstrip I think he decided to cut his losses. What I started
to notice was that Nevea seemed deserted.
So I pulled a fast one and used the 1st Marine Paras to see if I could take it without
confronting the minefields and such like that he undoubtedly had all around the atoll.
Time to fire up the dakotas.
Answer? Yep he'd gone and I got the place. But then I hadn't followed it up with a decent
number of real troops and Herb looked as if he was going to smash me out of the place.
But it never really happened and the Americal Division - I had hastily loaded onto
transports - snuck in one night between bombardment runs he was doing (covered by the
ever present KB). He had managed to get elements of a regiment up against the paras but
my dakotas were flying in extra troops and he didn't manage to dislodge me. The Americal
division unloaded and a few sorties from the heavies and mediums and his newly arrived
regiment went into the bag. I now held Nevea!
Since then I have tried a rash invasion of Rennel Island which I wrongly thought was a 0
(1) island base - nope it is 0,0. So the seabees were making progress but Herb would not
be swayed this time. He sent the Kitchen sink and captured the 1st marine raiders, a base
force, a CD unit and a seabee unit. He did pay rather heavily for this though suffering
torp hits to the Musashi, Yamato and a savage torp hiding to the Hiei. Other smaller
ships also suffered especially in a surface engagement against the Minneapolis and
Chicago (plus escorts) - they put up a hell of a fight.
That is the position we now find ourselves. He holds Irau and PM upwards and I hold
everything south.
I have started this AAR back up because this is a scenario 19 game and really, up until
now it has been about survival for the allies. Now I am ready to start ousting the Jap.
Here is "Operation Haystack".
First, and most importantly, to inform you: I have only the Wasp as a main CV. I sent
them all back to get AAA upgrades and my reinforcement levels instantly went to high. I
now have no less than 7 BBs - and that's after sending the Washington back! But now the
reinforcement level is low and Sara, Hornet, Essex and Lex are sitting in Pearl sunning
themselves.
I do have 5 CVEs however, and around these I base my hopes.
Knowing this I want to add this caveat: I am sick of waiting! Herb knows me well enough
and he knows I am impatient. In fact those of you that followed my WitP game against PzB
will know I couldn't help but fire back at his one way traffic by attacking Java, in the
end to my own demise. It is Feb 43 and I am taking the bull by its horns!
But I also know Herb knows me. I want to try and use this against him, here is Haystack:
The opening moves have started, a feint to Irau. Elements of a transport TF, MSWs and a
surface TF including CA Australia and Chicago move on Irau with a naval bombardment
including the North Carolina and Canberra.
As I said, this is a feint. Herb expects a feint, he has talked about covering PM! So I
have given him a feint. The transport fleet has nothing but supplies on it! (in fact this
is causing me all kinds of problems as I want him to see transports at Irau - they wont
stay there!!! They keep retreating despite having patrol orders.)
He has to be convinced this is a feint but not be twigged that I want him to know.
So part two of Haystack:
2 transport TFs, a MSW TF, a surface TF and a air combat TF (2 CVEs with 2 sqds each of
wilcats - about 70 fighters in total) from Townsville. One transport TF has the instant
load you get when you order troops to load onto transports. I then cancelled the load!
But the troops that instantly loaded are still on board. In total I have about 3000 men
but from 7 different units.
The other TF is empty.
Both TFs are greater than 10 ships so he wont know the real size if he scouts them.
OK, so this invasion goes to PM in about 3 days. I want him to think this is the real
deal. I want him to attack the invasion forces with ACs and meet wildcats over the TFs. I
want him to see troops landing and encounter them on the beach.
But this is also a feint.
The two transport TFs will start reloading troops as soon as I think he has bitten the
bait. They all retreat back to Oz.
Part 3 of Haystack, and the real invasion then starts, it is of Irau again!!
It is the 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions including all parts except the lost raider
battalion. I have 3 more CVEs INCLUDED IN the transport TF - they can do this. So they
wont get fighter penalties like an air combat TF. They host 2 24 plane F4F marine sqds
and one sqd of Corsairs (I have asked Herb about loading these guys on carriers - a bit
gamey... please forgive).
There is also a large supply TF, a TF of 1 base unit a CD unit and 3 seabees units.
I have all those BBs to use to bombard the place - and like Nevea he appears to have
removed any real defenders. I think he is hoping he can counter attack. If I take the
place two full marine Divisions will be very hard to dislodge. I also have 7 Dakota sqds
at Wunpuko if required.
There is all the power associated with 10 heavy bomber sqds at Luganville and 7 medium
bomber sqds at Nevea.
So there it is. I think he expects an invasion at PM but wont believe it without a patent
wobbly feint. The whole point of this bollocks is doubt in his mind. I want him to be
unsure what the hell I am up to. Most of all though I want his carriers looking to oppose
the landings at PM. Then they will be well out of position to stop the real invasion in
Irau. Even if he is half way when I invade Irau, I want him to still be unsure where to
go.
If this is the case, and I actually manage to take the place. I can't see him getting me
out again. Once I am in the solomons he is in real trouble. I have rested the 10 subs I
have on the east coast at Luganville for about 15 days now. There sys damage has all gone
down about 5 points. They will be abother gauntlet he has to pass.
My biggest worry is this goes in the face of the all important rule - KISS. Keep it
simple stupid. I may just be trying to be too clever!
Join me as we see how this goes!
- Attachments
-
- Irau.jpg (73.51 KiB) Viewed 635 times
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PM invasion sighted
Well preparation to attack PM goes ahead with a long range attack of Lae. Since this is all in the name of subterfuge it doesn't relaly matter, but Woodlark Gasmata and Buna are all loaded with ACs so I expect my little ruse to wear some pain.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/07/43
Weather: Rain
Air attack on Lae , at 9,33
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
A6M2 Zero x 28
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 29
B-17E Fortress x 17
B-24D Liberator x 20
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged
Ki-21 Sally x 4 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 8 damaged
G3M Nell x 2 destroyed
G3M Nell x 2 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 6 destroyed
Hudson x 2 damaged
LTJG B.Obayashi of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 11
Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 34
As of this turn the landings in Irau refuse to happen. I didn't know there was a 'feature' in this game that transport fleets loaded with only supplies will not go to an enemy base - it does make some sense - but I have sent supply only TFs before, only the went with troops in another TF. Maybe the game checks for this?
Either way, Herb will have seen many mine sweep missions as two of my MSWs took out alot of mines (no doubt lots remain) and one bombardment run by the North Carolina and friends. Irau will now quieten down although I am hitting Lunga again with the medium bombers - I don't want his plethora of scout planes located there able to fly.
He has now also scouted the PM invasion - 1 turn earlier than I wanted actually - I am at least two turns away from landing. The two CVEs turn their 4 wildcat squads up to 60% cap. He has scouted the CVEs but as CVs!!
Weather is thunderstorms - it would be great if this continues.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/07/43
Weather: Rain
Air attack on Lae , at 9,33
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
A6M2 Zero x 28
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 29
B-17E Fortress x 17
B-24D Liberator x 20
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged
Ki-21 Sally x 4 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 8 damaged
G3M Nell x 2 destroyed
G3M Nell x 2 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 6 destroyed
Hudson x 2 damaged
LTJG B.Obayashi of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 11
Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 34
As of this turn the landings in Irau refuse to happen. I didn't know there was a 'feature' in this game that transport fleets loaded with only supplies will not go to an enemy base - it does make some sense - but I have sent supply only TFs before, only the went with troops in another TF. Maybe the game checks for this?
Either way, Herb will have seen many mine sweep missions as two of my MSWs took out alot of mines (no doubt lots remain) and one bombardment run by the North Carolina and friends. Irau will now quieten down although I am hitting Lunga again with the medium bombers - I don't want his plethora of scout planes located there able to fly.
He has now also scouted the PM invasion - 1 turn earlier than I wanted actually - I am at least two turns away from landing. The two CVEs turn their 4 wildcat squads up to 60% cap. He has scouted the CVEs but as CVs!!
Weather is thunderstorms - it would be great if this continues.
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PM invasion unravelling
The invasion of PM has not gone without a few problems, however it appears I have missed the boat in a far more obvious way - my timing on the pick up of the troops has meant his first bombardment attack spots only a single RCT. It is therefore obvious that this is not the main attack.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/10/43
Weather: Clear
Sub attack at 19,42
Japanese Ships
AG 112, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
SS S-47
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Sub attack at 18,43
Japanese Ships
AG 118, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
SS S-37
Herb puts a couple of AGs in the straits off GG and my subs despatch them. This is either recon or a very hopeful attempt to hit my subs.
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Air attack on Irau , at 42,43
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 10
B-17E Fortress x 87
PB4Y Liberator x 12
B-24D Liberator x 16
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 destroyed
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 3 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 143
Guns lost 1
Port hits 5
Port supply hits 6
This kind of attack may twitch the fibres enough to point to the fact I am now on my way to Irau. The 1st and 2nd marines should land in the next turn. Any guns on the beach must be well and truly pulverised by now. With Lunga a total mess he should be able to spot to much flying out of there either - as yet the invasion has not been seen.
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Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 19
B5N Kate x 16
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 3 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Diomed, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Ormiston, Bomb hits 1
AP Orungal
AP Wanganella, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 25
Guns lost 1
Well I tried to cover all the forces I had, but with only 2 CVEs there are not enough Wildcats to go around. The first loads of troops have been picked up and are moving back to Townsville - the wildcats covered them. These guys were all alone without air support. These raiders are coming out of Finschafen.
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Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 16
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 21
no losses
Allied Ships
MSW Ipswich, Bomb hits 1, on fire
MSW Whyalla
The Ipswitch will likely sink - she is heading for Cairns.
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Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 14
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
AP Wanganella, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 22
Wanganella seccumbs to her wounds.
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Ground combat at Port Moresby
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 20313 troops, 259 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 914 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 50
So now he knows I only have 1 RCT there. He will destroy what I don't pick up this turn.
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Herb says he thinks my game plan is to taunt the KB into moving into the open. That is precisely what I don't want to happen. All this faffing about has been to try and get the KB in the wrong location from the real invasion.
I have obviously failed to pull his tail to this extent - but maybe he will not react to the main invasion properly wondering if yet again I have pulled a fast one. As I have written - I have no CVs (well I have only Wasp) to ofset his carrier air. I desperately need Irau to bring my LBA into play...
All will become plain in the next couple of turns - this has become more exciting though!!
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/10/43
Weather: Clear
Sub attack at 19,42
Japanese Ships
AG 112, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
SS S-47
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Sub attack at 18,43
Japanese Ships
AG 118, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
SS S-37
Herb puts a couple of AGs in the straits off GG and my subs despatch them. This is either recon or a very hopeful attempt to hit my subs.
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Air attack on Irau , at 42,43
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 10
B-17E Fortress x 87
PB4Y Liberator x 12
B-24D Liberator x 16
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 destroyed
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 3 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 143
Guns lost 1
Port hits 5
Port supply hits 6
This kind of attack may twitch the fibres enough to point to the fact I am now on my way to Irau. The 1st and 2nd marines should land in the next turn. Any guns on the beach must be well and truly pulverised by now. With Lunga a total mess he should be able to spot to much flying out of there either - as yet the invasion has not been seen.
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Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 19
B5N Kate x 16
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 3 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Diomed, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Ormiston, Bomb hits 1
AP Orungal
AP Wanganella, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 25
Guns lost 1
Well I tried to cover all the forces I had, but with only 2 CVEs there are not enough Wildcats to go around. The first loads of troops have been picked up and are moving back to Townsville - the wildcats covered them. These guys were all alone without air support. These raiders are coming out of Finschafen.
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Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 16
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 21
no losses
Allied Ships
MSW Ipswich, Bomb hits 1, on fire
MSW Whyalla
The Ipswitch will likely sink - she is heading for Cairns.
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Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 14
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
AP Wanganella, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 22
Wanganella seccumbs to her wounds.
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Ground combat at Port Moresby
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 20313 troops, 259 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 914 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 50
So now he knows I only have 1 RCT there. He will destroy what I don't pick up this turn.
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Herb says he thinks my game plan is to taunt the KB into moving into the open. That is precisely what I don't want to happen. All this faffing about has been to try and get the KB in the wrong location from the real invasion.
I have obviously failed to pull his tail to this extent - but maybe he will not react to the main invasion properly wondering if yet again I have pulled a fast one. As I have written - I have no CVs (well I have only Wasp) to ofset his carrier air. I desperately need Irau to bring my LBA into play...
All will become plain in the next couple of turns - this has become more exciting though!!
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