Toro Toro! Timtom's musings: scn.8, toraq VS timtom

[timtom]

After the scn.5 debacle, we've agreed to play scn.8, with me having a breather as the Allies. This is said to be a very well-balanced scenario, which hopefully will prove to be true.

I think perhaps there's a tilt towards the Allied side, who's a 100 VP ahead from the start. There's no glaring weaknesses in the Allied setup, and you've got a fair many units to push around. I could win simply by holding on to what I've got and expanding my key bases. Lunga is worth 210 VP, with the potential for another 480 VP, PM 285 + 120, GG 180 + 165. Toraq also got quite a few VP's to be netted through base expansion, most notably Wewak (330+360), plus a string of undeveloped island that could each net 150-odd VP if developed. All this is not at all obvious if you don't sit down and do the math, but obviously I'll have to operate on the assumption that Toraq has/will catch on.

If you don't know - and I didn't until just last night - the base VP formula is Base Modifier x ( (Airfield sizex2) + Port), the base modifier being the no. in the bracket next the current base VP. Fx, Russell Islands is undeveloped, has a max airfield and port size of 4, and a base modifier of 10 for both Allied and Japanese. So at max size the math is 10 x ( (4x2) + 4) = 120 VP.

I now know Toraq as a very resourceful player, aggressive, thorough, with a knack for doing the right think at the right time, and not at all afraid to think outside the box. As such, there isn't anywhere on the map I feel completely safe, to be honest. I wouldn't even put it past him raiding or invading Oz! I'm not sure what forces he's got available, from memory, the 2nd & 38th ID + 35th IMB, two or three CV's, a handful of BB's, 'couple of hundred Zero's and Betty's. The most obvious thing to do is going after Lunga, of course, but Gili Gili and Luganville are real options, I think, after suitable attrition of my air force. Another strategy might to fight a more defensive battle, threatening Lunga while foregoing invasion in the hope of taking a toll of my inevitable reinforcement- and resupply TF's and their escorts, without exposing any of his own.

The first major strategic question I have to answer is how to deal with Lunga. Withdrawal is not an option. In the past, I've found it almost impossible to prevent the swarms of Bettys' and BB's from reducing the place to ashes. Heavy commital of VMF's only leads to heavy losses. For now, I've decided to minimise air presence at Lunga to a token force, just enough to force Toraq to escort the Betty's. Hopefully op losses will help balance the sheet. If things get too hot, there's always the distraction of B-17's (revenge, oh sweet revenge...)

Stopping the Tokyo Express is a roll of the dice at best. At present I've got one BB and will receive another. I take it that Toraq's got more and will use them aggressively, coming down from Shortland. The Kongo class BB's are somewhat inferior to the US BB's, but I don't know what else he's got in the bag. If I lose my scant BB resources without reducing his, I'm in trouble. Better a force in being under restraint than no force at all. Initially I'll try to impose limits on Toraq's operation freedom through mines, CD's, and PT's. I've got about 25 subs available, and will turn the Slot into a torpedo alley (hopefully). Basically the idea is to manifest a presence while minimising the need for exposing main force elements.

The good news about Lunga is the 1st USMC div. Not an easily removed obstacle, but I shouldn't feel complacent. The 2nd USMC div. arrive in three weeks, and it is my intention to push it through to Lunga along with as many eng. units as I can spare regardless of losses. So we should probably have a big battle by the end of the month...

Operations planned:

Operation Suspenders: Establishing a base at Irau.
A classic move, and for a reason. Offering an alternative, less easily suppressed base in support of Lunga. Will at the very least pose another headache for Toraq if he's planning to invade Lunga directly.

Forces assigned:
112th Cav. Rgt. (Luganville)
9th USMC Defense Bn. (Luganville)
15th CB Bn. (Efate)
102nd BF (Efate)

Operation Backhand: Capturing Salamaua.
A move on Salamaua from Wau. This is primarely seen as a diversion, hoping to force Toraq to redirect resources in the defense of Lae, which is worth 450-something VP. If no response is forthcoming, forces will march on Lae, in what case I'll probably have to reinforce this thrust.

Forces assigned:
HQ 6th Oz. ID (Brisbane)
16th Bgd. (Port Moresby)
17th Bgd. (Brisbane)
43rd Eng. Rgt. (Gili Gili)

Operation Eichelberger: Capturing Buna.
The destruction of the Japanes garrison at Buna, aiming at the ultimate establishment of base at Dobodura. A simple, straightforward slugging-match in which I expect airpower to tilt the scales in my favour.

Forces assigned:
HQ 7th Oz. ID (Brisbane)
18th Bgd. (Gili Gili)
21st Bgd. (NNE Port Moresby)
25th Bgd. (NNE Port Moresby)
HQ US 32nd ID
126th RCT (NNE Port Moresby)
127th RCT (Brisbane)
128th RCT (Port Moresby)
114th Eng. Bn. (Brisbane)

Operation Strangelove: Establishing a base at Rossel Island.
Putting Shortland within B-26 range. The Tokyo Express is a gas guzzler, and hitting the Shortland's oil farms could have an impact. At the very least, the air threat should complicate operations around the Slot. The base will obviously be highly vulnerable to attack, which is not all bad - a bomb dropped here won't be falling on Lunga.

Forces assigned:
30th Bgd. (Port Moresby)
808th EAB (Cooktown)
163rd BF (Cairns)

On the drawing board:

Operation Showstopper: Carrier strike on Shortland.
If damage on Lunga becomes critical, CV strike on shipping at Shortland, supported by B-17 strike on Rabaul. Surprise everything. Bust or break operation.

Reserves:

SWPA: 41st US ID, 2/6 Arm. Rgt.; 6 Bgd's, 1 Arm Rgt. defensing OZ,

SOPAC: None! - soon 147th RCT, later 43rd US ID; Americal Div. defending Luganville & Noumea

Airforces available to start:

SWPA:
Fighters: 5xP-40, 8xP-39, 2xWirraway, 1xBeaufighter
Bombers: 2xB-25D, 6xB-26B, 1xBeaufort, 2xA-20B, 1xHudson, 9xB-17E, 1xB-24D
Aux.: 8xC-47, 2xCatalina, 1xF5A

SOPAC:
Fighters: 3xF4F4, 1xF4F3, 2xP-400
Bombers: 1xB-26B, 1xHudson, 4xSBD
Aux.: 3xCatalina

Naval forces:

1xCV, 1xBB, 9xCA, 37xDD + lots, but only enough SOPAC transports for now to support one operation.

Notes on DD's: Unlike the IJN, the Allies haven't any DD's (or any other ship class for that matter) that are desparately poor. Incidently, I think one of the charms of playing the IJN is its sprawling OOB.

8xFarragut Main Armement 4, Torpedo Tubes 8, Anti Aircraft 340, Anti Submarine Weapons 2 *convoy duty, FT*
7xBenham MA 4, TT8, AA 340, ASW 4
5xGridley MA 4, TT16, AA 340, ASW 2 *surface combat*
5xSims MA 4, TT8, AA 340, ASW 4
4xBristol MA 4, TT5, AA 560, ASW 8 *CV escort*
3xBenson MA 4, TT10, AA 400, ASW 8 *CV escort*
3xPorter MA 8, TT8, AA 500, ASW 2 *CV escort*
1xMahan MA 4, TT12, AA 340, ASW 2
1xArunta MA 4, TT4, AA 318, ASW 6

Notes of CA's: A look at the armour ratings reveal that the New Orleans class is significantly better suited for duking it out with the IJN. Belt- and Tower armour are critical in keeping out torpedoes and shells. I'll get a handful of the awesome USN CL's later. They're basically CA's with the very good 6" rifle, unlike IJN CL's, which are basically overgrown DD's.

3xNew Orleans MA 9, AA 1432, Armour.: Turret 150, Belt 125, Deck 55, Tower 150, Durabilty 40 *surface combat where armour is at a premium*
2xPensacola MA 10, AA 1432, Arm.: Tu 62, B 62, D 25, To 62, Dur 35 *obviously the poorest of the USN CA's. I'd use it for CV escort or bombardment*
2xNorthampton MA 9, AA 1432, Arm.: Tu 62, B 75, D 25, To 62, Dur 35
1xPortland MA 9, AA 1432, Arm.: Tu 62, B 75, D 25, To 62, Dur 35
1xAustralia MA 8, AA 760, Arm.: Tu 25, B 115, D 25, To 0, Dur 38 *bombarment - "poor" AA disq. as CV escort, no tower armour = sys damage in surface combat *

[timtom]

Nothing much happening. I'm busy repositioning my forces, concentrating for Operation Suspenders, flying another BF to PM along with 5th AF HQ. 41st US ID is marching to Townsville, which will be its staging area should I ever need it.

A couple of surface TF's are sighted at Buna. They would've been long gone had they been resupply TF's. Is Toraq pulling forces out of Buna? If so, how many? Anyway, the P-39's & A-20's in PM are ordered to strike next turn, although I guess the ships will be long gone by then.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/01/42 Weather: Partly Cloudy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Lunga airfield from Rabaul & Buka:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 57
A6M3 Zero x 30
G3M Nell x 13
G4M1 Betty x 68

Allied aircraft:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7

Japanese aircraft losses:
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed *+ one op.loss*
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed *+ one op.loss*

Allied aircraft losses:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4 destroyed, F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged *too high for my likening - both CV sdq.'s are understrength, so I need to built up a replacement reserve *

Allied ground losses: *airfield 45, service 25*
Men lost 237
Vehicles lost 1
Airbase hits 18
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 56
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

More feeling each other on the teeth. Shipping-strike at Buna was a no-show. Lots of recon flight. Looks like Toraq is going to built up Vella Lavella. Val's can just make Lunga from there, but it's beyond the range of SDB's and Wildcats - good choice. Recon indicates three TF's at Shortland holding six! BB's. Surely that's a bit much, but I did lose two Catalinas to flak there.

Toraq sent some Oscar's down from Lae, which did quite well against my P-40's. Intelligence indicates no fighters at Lae, so probably Toraq's pulled them back in anticipation of a retalitory strike - which is what I wanted to do.

I've pulled most of my ships at Luganville back to Noumea. No point in tempting fate...

All of previous turn's damage to Lunga has been repaired: Hurrah for bulldozers I say!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/02/42 Weather: Partly Cloudy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Port Moresby from Lae (fighter sweep):

Japanese aircraft:
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 35

Allied aircraft:
P-40E Warhawk x 23

Japanese aircraft losses:
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 6 destroyed *actual loss four*

Allied aircraft losses:
P-40E Warhawk x 5 destroyed, P-40E Warhawk x 6 damaged *actual loss six*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

This turn I discovered that fighter bombers ain't the thing for attack installations when faced with heavy flak, so I've moved three sqd's of B-26's to PM for pounding Buna and cheap XP. I'll have to see whether Irndawg's fare better against ground units

Lots of enemy TF's milling about Shortland, and one is briefly observed off Tassaforonga.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/03/42 Weather: Partly Cloudy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Buna port from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
P-39D Airacobra x 35
P-40E Warhawk x 9

Allied aircraft losses:
P-39D Airacobra x 4 destroyed, P-39D Airacobra x 18 damaged *actually five lost to AAA, and another crashed returning over the Owen Stanleys*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Lunga airfield from Rabaul & Buka:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 26
G3M Nell x 21
G4M1 Betty x 29

Allied aircraft:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6

Japanese aircraft losses:
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses: *airfield 25, service 8, supply 9,000 (start) - > 6,000 (now)*
Men lost 25
Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

The Lunga derby opened this turn. Guess I might as well get used to it...

The crew of the SS Grampus had a busy day in the Slot with two offensive and one defensive contact, but both their aim and that of the Japanese proved somewhat cross-eyed. This included a ML, so I guess I'm duly forewarned. I've actually had four offensive sub contacts already, but no dice. A number of of S-boats will arrive in the Slot in a few turns. The longer-legged boats will concentrate around the Rabaul area and its approaches. I've also got a few subs fishing around Truk for a lucky shot or the possibility of a warning when Toraq's CV's come out to play.

Supplies at Lunga are disappearing fast. The LCU's themselves are well-supplied. Hopefully I can avoid organising a major resupply effort until the arrival of the 2nd USMC div. and additional shipping. It will, however, affect my ability to entrench, which is currently at a not very reassuring level 2.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/04/42 Weather: Thunderstorms
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Naval Attacks:

Naval bombardment of Lunga:

Allied aircraft losses:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed

Allied ground losses: *airfield 3, service 86, supply -> 3,000*
Men lost 186
Vehicles lost 1
Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 66
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

I positively jumped to edge of my seat at the start of this turn (and I image Antonio did too): North east of Shortland, SS Sturgeon lined a shot at - lo and behold - the Yamato! Then - anticlimax, no hits either way.

After several quiet turns, lots of things are happening. Enemy CV's are spotted north east of Shortland - probably in the company of Yamato. My guess is that they're there to provide air cover for a transport TF. I don't think it's just for a raid on Lunga - plenty of other options for suppressing that base. If he had something more ambitious in mind, I suppose he'd wide round the Solomons for surprise. We'll see. I'm in no position to fight a CV battle...

Big series of airstrikes against PM. I lost three weeks worth of P-40 replacements. The Oscar did quite well again, on a sweep down from Lae. However, attrition works both ways, and the (I believe sole) Oscar sqd. has now lost 10 aircraft over PM in the last couple of days, incl. the sqd. commander. I was both pleased and surprised to see the P-40's push past the escort, in spite of the clobbering they were getting, to bag 8 Betty's. Physical damage to PM is managable, but I might have to think about using P-39's as CAP to take the pressure off the P-40's a bit.

I wonder whether Toraq decided for this big effort because he detected the build-up of bombers at PM (Beauforts, B-26's, & A-20's), fearing they might be B-17's?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/05/42 Weather: Rain
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Air attack on TF at Gasmata from Gili Gili:

Allied aircraft:
Beaufighter VIC x 24

Allied aircraft losses:
Beaufighter VIC x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships:
CL Tatsuta, Bomb hits 1
DD Hatsukaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at Buin from Gili Gili: *on TF incl. BB Haruna*

Allied aircraft:
Beaufighter VIC x 21

Allied aircraft losses:
Beaufighter VIC x 15 damaged *three destroyed, six servicable aircraft left in sqd.*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF NNW Tulugi Islands from Lunga:

Allied aircraft:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
SBD Dauntless x 9

Japanese Ships:
ML Hoko, Bomb hits 1, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF NW Russell Islands from Lunga: *probably ASW TF looking for SS Grampus*

Allied aircraft:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
SBD Dauntless x 9

Allied aircraft losses:
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed, SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships:
DD Kagero, Bomb hits 2, on fire *ate two 1,000-pounders - don't think we'll be seeing this tin can again*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Port Moresby airfield from Rabual, Lae & Buka:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 64
A6M3 Zero x 16
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 32
G3M Nell x 25
G4M1 Betty x 57

Allied aircraft:
P-40E Warhawk x 60

Japanese aircraft losses:
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 5 destroyed *6 lost*
A6M2 Zero x 5 destroyed, A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged *12 lost*
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 9 destroyed, G4M1 Betty x 2 damaged *8 lost*

Allied aircraft losses:
P-40E Warhawk x 32 destroyed, P-40E Warhawk x 13 damaged *29 lost*
P-39D Airacobra x 4 destroyed, P-39D Airacobra x 4 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 25
Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 33
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Buna port from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
P-40E Warhawk x 27
A-20B Havoc x 29
B-26B Marauder x 44

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 39
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

Eerily quiet after last turns hectic activity. Sadly, Toraq bagged the intrepid Grampus, although it might yet live to fight another day. The Sailfish got the game's first confirmed sinking, in catching the cripple ML Hoko.

Toraq CV's (CVx1 +CVLx1) have drawn into a position 210 miles NE Lunga, putting the base within normal range of his strike planes. I'm expecting a concerted attack on Lunga next turn, and hence haven't moved my six reserve sqd's of SBD's and F4F's up from Luganville. CV Hornet is under steam from Noumea for a lingering position north of New Caledonia. Operation Suspenders is being put on hold until I've got a clearer idea what's going on.

Also, Toraq has landed troops on Santa Isabel [&:]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/06/42 Weather: Partly Cloudy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Sub attack NW Russell Islands:

Japanese Ships:
PC Ch 16

Allied Ships:
SS Grampus, Shell hits 2 *sys 36, fl 91*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack SE Shortland:

Japanese Ships:
ML Hoko, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships:
SS Sailfish
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Lae airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
B-26B Marauder x 46

Allied aircraft losses:
B-26B Marauder x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 28
Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 22
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

Looks like the Grampus is going to make it, although its crew must be up to their necks in water. Toraq withdrew his CV's to a position 300 miles NNW of Lunga. Their continued presence is rather disconcerting. A TF was spotted at Lunga, either sweeping or laying mines, I presume, unless Toraq forgot to set it for bombardment. The feared attack in mass did not materialise. Forces for Operation Suspenders are now being loaded at Luganville, although I won't be barging ahead quite yet...

Over on New Guinea, I doing some desultory bombing of Buna and Lae, trying to blow up some supplies. It's not really that I think its a war-winner, but I might as well use some of all that airpower.


The Weekly Tally:

Allied/Japanese:

Score at start: 1,840/1,724 = 1.07:1.00
Score after 1 week: 1,929/1,798 = 1.07:1.00

Army Losses:

3/0 = -

Naval Losses:

Allied ships:
Sunk: -
Damaged: SSx1

Japanese ships:
Sunk: MLx1
Damaged: CLx1, DDx2

Air Losses:

Total: 73/46 = 1.59:1.00

Air-to-Air: 39/27 = 1.44:1.00
Destroyed on Field: 11/0 = A bad habit
Destroyed by AAA: 13/1 = 13.00:1.00
Operational Losses: 10/18 = 1.00:1.80

Sorties Flown:

Total: 3,181/3,487 = 1.00:1.10

Week 1: 3,181/3,487 = 1.00:1.10

Loss pr. sortie (excl. DoF): 0.0195/0.0132 = 1.4773:1.0000
Operational loss pr. sortie: 0.0031/0.0051 = 1.0000:1.6452
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/07/42 Weather: Partly Cloudy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Lunga airfield from Buka:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 19
G3M Nell x 15
G4M1 Betty x 25

Allied aircraft losses:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed, F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses: *airfield 50, service 25*
Men lost 124
Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 40
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Lae airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
A-20B Havoc x 27

Allied aircraft losses:
A-20B Havoc x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 66
Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Buna port from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
B-26B Marauder x 40

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 47
Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Ground Attacks:

Ground combat at Bolitei:

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 249 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles *23rd NG Bn.*

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Bolitei base !!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

Toraq is operating the mother of all ASW TF's around Shortland with 15-20 DD's & PC's - not that they managed to hit the S-44 when given the chance.

Enemy CV's keep their station, just circling a little to avoid subs. It'll take several turns to unload over the beach on Irau, and I can't say that I like the idea of doing so with an AC TF and one or more surface TF's within 24 hours steaming. Probably they're there exactly to cause this kind of disruption. Cramming Lunga full of SBD's might act as a discouragement, but supplies there are so low now that I'm not sure I can count on them to fly.

A large resupply TF arrives at PM next turn, and every flyable P-40 & P-39 will be up...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/08/42 Weather: Partly Cloudy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Naval Attacks:

Naval bombardment of Lunga:

Allied aircraft losses:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses: *airfield 10, service 62*
Men lost 121
Vehicles lost 1
Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 3 *supply -> 1000*
Runway hits 127
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Sub attack at E Vila:

Japanese Ships:
DD Kawakaze

Allied Ships:
SS S-38, Shell hits 1, and is sunk *won't be the last*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack NE Shortland Island:

Japanese Ships:
TK Toei Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships:
SS S-43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Buna airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
B-26B Marauder x 43

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 35
Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

My subs took a shot at BB Kongo, then CA Kinugasa...Grrr!

Patience, young padawan, you're bound to get lucky eventually...

Toraq's CV's are slipping further and further south. Is it some underhand ploy at a surprise strike against Luganville? He knows there is (now: was) a lot of shipping there. the pummeling of Lunga continues, but as long as it's not followed up by an invasion TF, the damage isn't critical. The five AP's sighted at Shortland are hardly that.

I'm tempted to set the Hornet react to enemy and see if I could catch Toraq off guard. It seems highly unlikely, however, that he hasn't set the primary mission of his carrier sqd's to naval attack. If I have to fight a carrier battle, I'd prefer it to be at extended range, taking the sting out of the Kates.

If he sticks around much longer, I'll move the SBD's up from Luganville. I've got less than a 1,000 points of supply at Lunga, but Toraq won't know that. It'll cost me some aircraft destroyed on the ground - omelettes and all that...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/09/42 Weather: Thunderstorms
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Naval Attacks:

Naval bombardment of Lunga:

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 118
Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 105
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Lunga airfield from AC TF NE Lunga:

Japanese aircraft: *indicates two CV's*
A6M2 Zero x 23
D3A Val x 54
B5N Kate x 46

Allied aircraft:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7

Allied aircraft losses:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged

Allied ground losses: *airfield 55, service 80*
Men lost 110
Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 55
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

Carriers pulled to their fence-sitting position again. A surface TF is reported at Lunga, and oddly, it neither bombarded nor withdrew. If this is some sort of ploy to draw out my AC TF, it's working, although I doubt the TF will still be there in the morning.

On another note, TK Toei Maru, torpedoed two turns ago by S-43 , sank off Bougainville. Somebody alert Greenpeace!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/10/42 Weather: Partly Cloudy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Lunga airfield from Shortland & Buka:

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
G4M1 Betty x 34

Allied ground losses: *airfield 28, service 80*
Men lost 51
Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Buna airfield from Port Moresby: *strike trying to catch two sdq's reported at Buna airfield*

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 17

Allied aircraft:
P-40E Warhawk x 16
B-26B Marauder x 44
A-20B Havoc x 27

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 40
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

And...puff! Gone! Toraq's CV's have disappeared of the radar. I can't believe they've gone far - maybe he's off bunkering, what with the short legs of some of the IJN DD's. A surface TF (BBx1, CAx2, DDx3) is sighted just off Woodlark. I presume that it's headed for GG. A risky move at best with enemy carriers around, - hence I believe the Hornet remains undetected. I'll try to move it into a position to attack, but I'll need Toraq to cooperate to pull it off. I've removed most of the aircraft from GG as a precaution.

I've decided to recall the Operation Suspenders invasion TF's. I can't sit around and wait forever as the 2nd Marines arrive in 10 days time and I'll need the extra shipping. Instead, I'll FT the units to Irau, which is what I should've done in the first place. I'd very much like to have a size 2 airfield up and running on Irau before launching Operation Slam-Dunk (as it is now officially known), - the reinforment of Lunga.

I'm not very happy with my game so far. There's no red threat in anything I'm doing, and where there is a "plan" I seem to be just dallying about. I'm particularly annoyed with my self for not utilising my air assets more aggresively. I should be taking the battle to Toraq! I've shifted the heavies to PM for a little show turn after next. I'm hoping to do two strikes, then pull them back to be ready for Op. Slam-Dunk.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/11/42 Weather: Clear
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Sub attack at Buka:

Japanese Ships:
AP Boston Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships:
SS S-45
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF NW Russell Islands from Lunga: *ASW TF*

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


Allied aircraft losses:
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed, SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Lunga airfield from Buka:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M3 Zero x 10
G4M1 Betty x 30

Allied ground losses: *airfield 19, service 78, supply - > 750*
Men lost 35
Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Shortland Island port from Gili Gili:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2-N Rufe x 12
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft:
B-25D Mitchell x 27

Allied aircraft losses:
B-25D Mitchell x 3 damaged *actualy loss three B-25's*

Japanese Ships:
AV Akitsushima, Bomb hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 24
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

IJN carries reappeared 300 miles ENE of Lunga, just outside SBD range. Toraq knows there's a fair many aircraft at Luganville, but the threat to slip south of the Solomons and into the Coral Sea is real enough. The Big E arrives from Pearl in a week, and then we'll put an end to these shenanigans.

The TF near Gili Gili is gone. Maybe Toraq got cold feet or maybe it was just a faint, you'll have to ask him.

He seems pretty curious about going-ons at PM. I pulled all the B-26's & A-20's out when moving the B-17's in, not to give it away by a signal increase in bomber strength. He'll find out next turn.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/12/42 Weather: Clear
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Lunga airfield from Shortland, Buka & AC TF ENE Lunga: *a beautifully co-ordinated strike*

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 47
A6M3 Zero x 20
G3M Nell x 24
G4M1 Betty x 10

Allied aircraft:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8

Allied aircraft losses:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses: *airfield 11, service 56*
Men lost 11
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

Enemy carries withdrawn to a position 480 miles NE of Lunga...

Contrary to what the combat report indicates, there's actually being quite a bit of sub activity, but no hits. The S-45, however, was hit by an aircraft of ASW patrol, and is now limping back. Toraq's subs are yet to make an appearence - I haven't even made a sighting.

Can't say I'm terribly impressed with the B-17 run on Rabaul. Intelligence suggested there be over 150 aircraft there. But at least it didn't cost me much either. Damage to the airfield is about 33, which suggests that it'll take 2-3 strikes to even moderately hamper operations out of Rabual. That's too long. The bombers will have to come in at a lower altitude when in support of Op.Slam-Dunk.

I've decided to keep the heavies at PM for a couple of turns. No doubt Toraq will come calling...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/13/42 Weather: Clear
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Air attack on TF at Vella Lavella from Lunga: *guess I was wrong about the range*

Allied aircraft:
SBD Dauntless x 5

Japanese Ships:
CL Tenryu, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Lunga airfield from Rabaul & Buka:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 32
G3M Nell x 21
G4M1 Betty x 27

Allied aircraft:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9

Allied aircraft losses:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged

Allied ground losses: *airfield 58, service 47*
Men lost 46
Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 27
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Buka airfield from Port Moresby:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 14

Allied aircraft:
B-24D Liberator x 4

Japanese aircraft losses:
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses:
B-24D Liberator x 3 damaged *none lost*

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 5
Runway hits 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Rabaul airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
B-17E Fortress x 81

Japanese aircraft losses:
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed *bit disappointed...*

Allied aircraft losses:
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged *two B-17's lost*

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 235
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 25
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 75
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

The fourth day of clear skies in a row - instead of trying to kill each other, we oughta be hitting the beach and having a few .

I've started shuttling troops up to Irau by FT. The remaining troops of the 7th & 32nd Div. are about to arrive in Townsville. After being flown to PM, they'll commence the trek over the Owen Stanleys. Who's this Stanley fella anyway?

There's 40-odds ships in TF's at Shortland. I'm loath to attack them with B-25's & Beaufighters from GG as I suspect that my aircraft will hit little or nothing and get shot down for their trouble. I've lost 10 Catalina's on naval search as it is, presumably to flak. It seems the XP of aircraft on search increase as a function of the no. of sightings. In any case, most of the pilots of the VP-9 at Tulugi are now in the 90's. Rumour has it that's enough to pull off a night time naval attack...

The first enemy sub - RO-34 - is sighted at GG.

It's been a funny old cat&mouse week in the South Pacific...


The Weekly Tally:

Allied/Japanese:

Score at start: 1,840/1,724 = 1.07:1.00
Score after 1 week: 1,929/1,798 = 1.07:1.00
Score after 2 weeks: 1,962/1,925 = 1.02:1.00

Army Losses:

7/2 = 3.50:1.00

Naval Losses:

Allied ships:
Sunk: SSx1
Damaged: SSx2

Japanese ships:
Sunk: MLx1, TKx1
Damaged: CAx1, CLx2, DDx2, AVx1, APx1

Air Losses:

Total: 100/76 = 1.32:1.00

Week 1: 73/46 = 1.59:1.00
Week 2: 27/30 = 1.00:1.11

Air-to-air: 42/31 = 1.35:1.00
Destroyed on Field: 14/4 = 3.50:1.00
Destroyed by AAA: 19/3 = 6.33:1.00
Operational Losses: 25/38 = 1.00:1.52

Sorties Flown:

Total: 7,406/8,615 = 1.00:1.16

Week 1: 3,181/3,487 = 1.00:1.09
Week 2: 4,225/5,128 = 1.00:1.21

Loss pr. sortie (excl. DoF): 0.0116/0.0084 = 1.3810:1.0000
Operational loss pr. sortie: 0.0034/0.0044 = 1.0000:1.2941
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/14/42 Weather: Clear
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Naval Attacks:

Naval bombardment of Lunga:

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 48
Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 85
Port hits 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Sub attack E Vila: *the S-40 in fact has bingo fuel after a cascade of ASW attacks near Shortland - why subs lose fuel (and not op. points) is a mystery. Technically the S-40 was under tow when it torpedoed the Chikuma. A Navy Cross at least!*

Japanese Ships:
CA Chikuma, Torpedo hits 1, on fire *yeah baby, yeah! Take it all!*

Allied Ships:
SS S-40
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Port Moresby airfield from Lae (night attack)

Japanese aircraft:
G4M1 Betty x 15

Japanese aircraft losses:
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 22
Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1 *2,000+ supply points destroyed!*
Runway hits 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga airfield from Vella Lavella & Shortland:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M3 Zero x 13
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 25
G3M Nell x 13

Allied aircraft:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6

Japanese aircraft losses:
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses: *airfield 34, service 60*
Men lost 28
Runway hits 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

Uneventful turn. Enemy carriers observed 210 miles NE of Shortland. It also looks like Toraq is having another go at bombarding Gili Gili. I'm going to hit Rabaul next turn, then send the heavies on R&R at Charter Towers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/15/42 Weather: Partly Cloudy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Naval Attacks:

Naval bombardment of Lunga

Allied ground losses: *airfield 20, service 64*
Men lost 119
Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 110
Port fuel hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Air attack on TF E Woodlark Island from Gili Gili:

Allied aircraft:
Beaufort x 12

Allied aircraft losses:
Beaufort x 8 damaged *three Beauforts lost*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

Amazing how I can spend close to 45 minutes on a turn while only given a handful of orders.

Somewhat more pleased with the result of the bombing of Rabual, especially the destruction of four hard-to-replace Nells. All of the 112th Cav. Rgt. is now in place at Irau along with 2,000 supply points. Having made the 600 miles march from Brisbane to Townsville, the 6th ID will be do the last leg to Cooktown by boat. I'd done well to move it by sea all the way, but to be honest, I forgot that Wau is beyond C-47 range from Townsville. The 43rd Eng Rgt. move to Wau some time ago, and is busy fortifying the place. While all this is happening, I'll be shuttling the remaining Operation Eichelberger forces to PM.

I'll also have to start thinking about moving additional supply to PM, which the heavies will need for the upcoming Operation Slam-Dunk in about a fortnight.

Toraq's carriers (4xCV, 1xCVL?) shifted to a position just north of Vella Lavella, along with two surface TF's and a small (4XAP) transport TF. The ASW TF is operating the Slot again, and a sub is sighted SW of Guadalcanal. Is something up or is it the usual smoke and mirrors?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/16/42 Weather: Partly Cloudy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Sub attack ENE Vila:

Japanese Ships:
TK Nichei Maru, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships:
SS Plunger
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF E Vila from Lunga: *on ASW or FT TF*

Allied aircraft:
SBD Dauntless x 4

Allied aircraft losses:
SBD Dauntless x 4 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF N Gili Gili from Gili Gili:

Allied aircraft:
Beaufort x 10

Allied aircraft losses:
Beaufort x 1 destroyed, Beaufort x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships:
ML Hirashima, Torpedo hits 1, on fire *shifting up two Wirraway sqd's to finish it off next turn - the Beaufort sqd's a mess*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Lunga from Shortland Island (fighter sweep):

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 25

Allied aircraft:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6

Allied aircraft losses:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Rabaul airfield and port from Port Moresby:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M3 Zero x 15

Allied aircraft:
B-17E Fortress x 78
B-24D Liberator x 10

Japanese aircraft losses:
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed, A6M3 Zero x 5 damaged
G3M Nell x 4 destroyed, G3M Nell x 9 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses:
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged *3 B-17's, 1 B-24 lost*

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 129
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 114
Port hits 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

Another turn of hectic undersea activity. A nervewracking business, really. My subs and Toraq's ASW TF's crossed swords repeatedly, and I should think that he is as unimpressed by IJN ASW as am I: Subs 2, ASW TF 0. Must be a bit like watching Real play: All that talent and no show. He's got quite a few aircraft flying ASW as well, one of which repoted a hit on the S-42. Must've been a dud, 'cos the sub is undamaged.

The CV's haven't moved since last turn...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/17/42 Weather: Partly Cloudy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Naval Attacks:

Naval bombardment of Lunga:

Allied aircraft losses:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses: *forgot to check damage - virtually everything was fixed last turn, so it shouldn't be too bad*
Men lost 57
Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 61
Port hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Sub attack NW Russell Islands:

Japanese Ships:
PC Ch 17, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships:
SS S-43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack E Vila:

Japanese Ships:
PC Tama Maru #8, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships:
SS S-46
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

Well, Toraq's definately headed for Guadalcanal, although the tranport only holds 10-odd AP's. It takes three 3,000-point AP's to lift a IJA Rgt. with room to spare for supply, so the worst-case scenario is a full division. The Marines ought to be able to handle that until reinforcements can be brought in.

Positive ID's on Toraq's carriers include the Zuikaku, Shokaku, and Ryujo. The no. of strike planes operating suggests another two carriers, probably both the Junyo & Hiyo, possibly one of the Junyo class CV + a CVL. He put up 64 Kates, and the three identified carriers total 54 Kates. Junyo and Hiyo adds 12. 69 Vals also struck Lunga, which is exactly the complement of two Shokaku class CV's + 1 Junyo class CV, but there's been quite a few Val's flying ASW - one of which sank the S-37. These could be land based, however. Three BB's are spotted. I know the Yamato, Nagato, Kongo, and Haruna are about, and I'm guessing the Mutsu is there too.

CV Enterprise and BB South Dakota arrive next turn. I see no point, however, in fighting on Toraq's terms, especially if the the worst he can do is to get a division marooned on Guadalcanal. If he's there to pull troops off the island, let him. None the less, the CV's and BB's are going on station north of New Caledonia.

There's less than 200 points of supply at Lunga, and I doubt moving my SBD's there will get me much other than aircraft destroyed on the ground.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/18/42 Weather: Clear
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Naval Attacks:

Naval bombardment of Lunga

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 83
Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 102
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Lunga airfield from Buin & AC TF's NW Russell Islands:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 28
A6M3 Zero x 21
D3A Val x 69
B5N Kate x 64

Allied aircraft:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8

Japanese aircraft losses:
D3A Val x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 destroyed, F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 damaged

Allied ground losses: *airfield 65, service 61*
Men lost 125
Airbase hits 11
Runway hits 58
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

Toraq's landing elements of four infantry-, three artillery- , an engineer- and a HQ unit at Lunga. The endless bombardments haven't effected the three marine rgt's on Lunga in the least. Disrution is in the 5-10 range, fatigue 35-40. Hopefully this will be a nasty surprise to Toraq.

His carriers have swung into a position 240 miles WSW of Lunga. If he stays, I might even try to sneak round Luganville for a strike on his invasion TF's.

My subs executed five attacks, one of which scored, which is a fairly normal ratio, it seems. On the light side, after dodging two attacks by SS Swordfish, ML Tsugaru blundered into a Japanese minefield off Tulagi.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/19/42 Weather: Thunderstorms
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Naval Attacks:

Naval bombardment of Lunga:

Allied ground losses: *airfield 40, service 71*
Men lost 441
Vehicles lost 1
Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 163
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Sub attack at SE Vila:

Japanese Ships:
DD Minekaze, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships:
SS S-46
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------