It has been a few days since I updates my side of our AAR. I've been grading papers from my college kids and they, unfortunately, take precedence. Here is a synopsis for the last week of action:
July 2nd
Serious fleet units are arriving daily at Truk. I have created two strong surface TFs at Tulagi (Port now 3 almost 4) and Shortlands. Each unit has atleast one BB, 3-5 cruisers, and 8-12 DD. These units are strong enough to lunge at any Allied convoy that becomes open for destruction.
My carriers: Junyo, Zuiho, and Ryujo are training at Truk and awaiting the arrival of Zuikaku (about July 14th). Once I have Zui, then I will be ready to rumble. Whenever Shokaku and/or Hiyo shows up I might consider splitting them into two TFs. Any thuoghts on this from the readers?
Irau and Rossel are now solid, established bases. Each has their airfield up and running, port expanding, and forts building. They are tough enough to hold out if attacked. All of my search planes are operating from these two bases. There isn't an area on the Allied side of the board that I can't see with these planes.
I have based 3 AV at Tulagi and placed all their seaplanes (about 25-30 planes) on ASW sweep. That should frustrate Dan's subs.
I have decided to make Nevea into a decoy. There are some troops present there and I am sending small convoys into it. My intention is to make it 'seem' like I am building it up in an attempt to get Dan to lunge at it. Provided I have my carriers ready, I hope to hit him with LBA from Lunga and CBA at the same time. Thoughts?
July 3rd
Have a small convoy unloading at Nevea and have sneaking suspition that Dan will try to hit it. I am sending my surface TF from Tulagi to cover.
July 4th Independence Day
DAMMIT! I was right. I've wanted a surface TF to hit a helpless convoy since the game started and it sure enough finally happened--TO ME! My 2DD and 4TR were nailed by 4CA and 11DD. Down go Oite, Tanikaze, and 3TR. Did a little damage back but nothing serious.
In frustration I convert the Tulagi TF mission into hitting Luganville hoping to catch Dan's ships there. Additionally send two Bombbardment forces against PM and Townsville.
July 5th
No luck. One of my DDs hit a mine going into Luganville and is sent back to Tulagi. Since my ships are Ok and have plenty of fuel, send them to Efate and see what is there.
Other Tfs are approaching PM and Townsville.
July 6th
Bombard PM and Townville but don't catch any ships. Same for Efate. This is frustrating. Everyone is headed home except PM bombardment group. Will send them back in tomorrow.
July 7th
Bombard PM.
My search planes pick-up a convoy suspitiously moving up the eastern edge of the mapboard near Luganville. Dan may be making a move on Nevea. I give it a lot of thought and then decide to send my 3Cvs south to a cover position well to the North of Nevea. If he is going to hit there, then I want to be able to move in and beat him up.
Coincidently--Lunga on this day moved up to a Lvl 3 airfield! You know what that means--Bombers are moving in. Both of my bomber squadrons are at full strength. Will move two squadrons of Zeroes for support.
That catches us up on the happenings...
In other areas: the Battle of Wau is stalemated. I have the South Seas Detachment there and he has two Aussie brigades opposing me. His C-47s are trying to keep the units supplied and I am shooting down 2-4 per day. This is providing great experience and practice for my flyers...
I think that about summarizes everything!
Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
July 8th
My search planes have detected a lot of Allied ship and convoy movement.
Carrier TF is moving south and will be in an ambush position in about 2 days.
MY LBA is ready to go. I am holding it in readiness for a massive strike (IF the computer will allow me...).
NEWS! I had I-2---that is correct a JAPANESE submarine--make a successful attack and SURVIVE the ASW response. Scratch the MSW Cairns. Doesn't count for much but it is something!
My search planes have detected a lot of Allied ship and convoy movement.
Carrier TF is moving south and will be in an ambush position in about 2 days.
MY LBA is ready to go. I am holding it in readiness for a massive strike (IF the computer will allow me...).
NEWS! I had I-2---that is correct a JAPANESE submarine--make a successful attack and SURVIVE the ASW response. Scratch the MSW Cairns. Doesn't count for much but it is something!
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Long time since I have posted. It seems to me that placing about a week's worth of AAR in at a time is rather nice. Gives things some ebb and flow.
Things have certainly heated up in the SE Pacific Region!
My carrier have been on a rampage for little to no loss and that is always a good thing!!! [:D]
July 9-13 were spent moving TFs around. I have started a semi-regular bombardment of PM and occasionally Efate. The point is to keep him on his toes, knock out some aircraft, and try to catch some ships. Zuikaku showed up as I was lurking with the rest of my carriers north of Nevea. Sent all carriers to rendezvous at Shortlands.
July 14th
Bombardment of PM and Efate. Catch the little DM Preble off of Efate and BLOW HER TO HELL! Wasn't very fair... My subs have been hitting (and SURVIVING to tell about it) fairly often recently. On this day I-31 hits AP Crescent City with 2 TT and lives to tell about it. Combine carrier into 4 carrier TF with 200 available aircraft. Should be able to handle up two enemy CV with that.
July 15th
His sub S-43 hits one of my PG coming back from a reinforcement run to Rossel. Doesn't sink but is damaged.
Minor Bombardments of PM and Cooktown.
I am sending the majority of my fleet out tomorrow to raid the Coral Sea. I have seen lots of activity throughout Australian ports and would to catch some. In an attempt to cloak my CV, I send TF, in addition to my CV, out of Shortlands to raid PM, Cooktown, and Townsville. Hope the coastwatchers focus on Mutsu and nagato and DON'T spot Zui, Junyo, Zuiho, and Ryuho!
35th Brigade, with lots of artillery, arrives in Truk. I am going to send it to PM to break the stalemate at Wau and then use it elsewhere. Form big convoy for that.
July 16th
I successfully slip into Coral Sea with CV not being spotted! [8D]
Crescent City finally sinks and another DAMNED S-Boat scores on a small transport near Truk.
July 17th
OHHHHHHHHH YAAAAAAAAAA!
We finally swing into action! On the way to hit Coottown, my surface TF catches AP Moreton Bay and blows her out of the water. Nice to see those big Allied AP go down.
Carriers have not been spotted.
There is shipping at PM. My Betties swing into action for the first real time. Nearly 40 with escort swarm all over a CA--DD TF. At the cost of 4-5 Betties, I sink CA Salt Lake City, Damage CL Achilles, and DDs case and Lamson. Carriers announce their GLORIOUS presense by lauching a long-range bombing strike on same TF. Additional damage done to CLs Honolulu and Achillies for only 2 vals and 2 Kates! I would say that was OK!
July 18th.
Allied shipping is running for cover! They can't get away..."from Hell's Heart at Stab at Thee!" (Moby Dick quoted by Khan Noonian Singh).
Bombard PM and Cooktown.
Additional raiding by CVs (Betties resting) claim AP Zeilin, CL Phoenix, and DMS Zane. NO Japanese plane losses. Got damaged but none lost. That is GREAT! [:'(]
July 19th
Sending carriers south for a day and then home. Hope to raid Cooktown and Towsville if anything isn't hidden in port. I don't want to get caught if he sallies forth with his carriers so this raid will be short.
To summarize in five days of activites: I've sunk 1 CA, 1 CL, 2 DM, and 3 Large Transports as well as damaged 2 CL and 2 DD. This is all at a cost to my carriers of only 4 bombers. Pretty good so far...
Things have certainly heated up in the SE Pacific Region!
My carrier have been on a rampage for little to no loss and that is always a good thing!!! [:D]
July 9-13 were spent moving TFs around. I have started a semi-regular bombardment of PM and occasionally Efate. The point is to keep him on his toes, knock out some aircraft, and try to catch some ships. Zuikaku showed up as I was lurking with the rest of my carriers north of Nevea. Sent all carriers to rendezvous at Shortlands.
July 14th
Bombardment of PM and Efate. Catch the little DM Preble off of Efate and BLOW HER TO HELL! Wasn't very fair... My subs have been hitting (and SURVIVING to tell about it) fairly often recently. On this day I-31 hits AP Crescent City with 2 TT and lives to tell about it. Combine carrier into 4 carrier TF with 200 available aircraft. Should be able to handle up two enemy CV with that.
July 15th
His sub S-43 hits one of my PG coming back from a reinforcement run to Rossel. Doesn't sink but is damaged.
Minor Bombardments of PM and Cooktown.
I am sending the majority of my fleet out tomorrow to raid the Coral Sea. I have seen lots of activity throughout Australian ports and would to catch some. In an attempt to cloak my CV, I send TF, in addition to my CV, out of Shortlands to raid PM, Cooktown, and Townsville. Hope the coastwatchers focus on Mutsu and nagato and DON'T spot Zui, Junyo, Zuiho, and Ryuho!
35th Brigade, with lots of artillery, arrives in Truk. I am going to send it to PM to break the stalemate at Wau and then use it elsewhere. Form big convoy for that.
July 16th
I successfully slip into Coral Sea with CV not being spotted! [8D]
Crescent City finally sinks and another DAMNED S-Boat scores on a small transport near Truk.
July 17th
OHHHHHHHHH YAAAAAAAAAA!
We finally swing into action! On the way to hit Coottown, my surface TF catches AP Moreton Bay and blows her out of the water. Nice to see those big Allied AP go down.
Carriers have not been spotted.
There is shipping at PM. My Betties swing into action for the first real time. Nearly 40 with escort swarm all over a CA--DD TF. At the cost of 4-5 Betties, I sink CA Salt Lake City, Damage CL Achilles, and DDs case and Lamson. Carriers announce their GLORIOUS presense by lauching a long-range bombing strike on same TF. Additional damage done to CLs Honolulu and Achillies for only 2 vals and 2 Kates! I would say that was OK!
July 18th.
Allied shipping is running for cover! They can't get away..."from Hell's Heart at Stab at Thee!" (Moby Dick quoted by Khan Noonian Singh).
Bombard PM and Cooktown.
Additional raiding by CVs (Betties resting) claim AP Zeilin, CL Phoenix, and DMS Zane. NO Japanese plane losses. Got damaged but none lost. That is GREAT! [:'(]
July 19th
Sending carriers south for a day and then home. Hope to raid Cooktown and Towsville if anything isn't hidden in port. I don't want to get caught if he sallies forth with his carriers so this raid will be short.
To summarize in five days of activites: I've sunk 1 CA, 1 CL, 2 DM, and 3 Large Transports as well as damaged 2 CL and 2 DD. This is all at a cost to my carriers of only 4 bombers. Pretty good so far...
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
This report covers action from July 20-27th.
We left off with my Japanese CVs sailing happily around sinking and/or damaged anything within range.
July 20th
I lose my first sub when I-31 is sunk off of Noumea.
As my CVs sail down the Australian coast (about Townsville), they come under heavy air attack by LBA. I got pretty nervous when I saw that there was over 40+ fighters escorting nearly 24 bombers! MY CAP intercepted and HOLY COW they went to work. Each Sea Eagle is getting promoted one step in rank and given two rations of Saki. When all was said and done, I lost 1 Zero in exchange for 9 fighter, six bombers, and damage to an additional 21+ planes. Most importantly NO DAMAGE to my ships!
July 21st
S-39 nails AO Sato south of Truk. Doubt if she will make it back. I HATE S-BOATS!
I continue my CVs south a little and then we shall head for Rossel to refuel.
July 22nd
My damaged AO sinks.
I-2 nails CL Honolulu with a TT and survives counterattack! Unfortunately this target too close to Brisbane and will, probably make it into harbor. [:@] My subs have definately been more successful this campaign.
DD Dewey hits a mine near Nevea and is damaged. I have been laying mines wherever possible.
My CVs are at Rossel refueling. This is nice. I haevn't used Rossel as a way point before but it has real possiblities...
My search aircraft spot enemy carriers for the first time north of Noumea. There are several convoys spotted heading north. I will cautiously investigate... Just in case, I transfer 54 Zeroes and 71 Bombers to Lunga.
July 23rd
S-47 hits small Maru with a TT. My thoughts here about S-Boats are well-documented...
15 Nells surprised 3 DD at Efate. Unfortunately they only hit Ralph Talbot with 2 TT. Probably sunk... Shouldn't complain though. My Nells got shot up but all made it home to Lunga! [:'(]
DD Craven also hits a mine near Luganville. My mines are actually doing something...
With bad weather, no one spots my CVs moving east. Don't see his carriers again but maybe I can hit a convoy.
35th Brigade, with NO interference, is unloading at PM.
July 24th
Nothing happened this day.
I want to be careful about getting into the Luganville area. He has bases there, at Wunpuko, and Kourouratopo (what a name...). I don't understand why he has established THREE bases in close proximity to each other. It would seem to be a waste of resources at this point.
Order my CVs to patrol north of this area for a day or two.
July 25th
Nothing exciting. No action.
35th Brigade is fully unloaded and on the way to Wau. He has airlifted two Aussie Brigades as well as the original Kanga Force there. I want to knock them back and send them packing for PM.
Send a surface TF to Bombard Efate.
July 26th
No good hunting in Luganville area. I send CVs home to Shortlands. Don't want to give them TOO much system damage. I'll let them rest up and recover some before sending them out again.
Decide to cause some trouble with Dan and send a Minelaying TF of SEVEN ML to plant a field at Kourouratopo! That should put some steel into his britches...I mean hulls of his ships!
July 27th
S-45 damaged another small Maru [:@].
Irau upgrades its airfield to size 2. I move a squadron of Zeroes and Vals there. That should provide some punch if Dan comes close.
My TF is attacked by 10 Avengers just short of Efate. CA Mogami is hit by 1 TT. I shoot down sevel and damage the rest.
Wonder if that is why I saw his carriers a couple of days ago. Did he send his CBA to these islands rather than risk the ships??? Interesting and cheesy....
We'll see...
Summation
Not a bad week of action. With the exception of losing the AO and I-31, I only had damage to Mogami and two small Marus. My carriers and LBA didn't get hurt at all. 35th Brigade with a HUGE amount of supplies made it into and were safely dropped at Lae. I now have nearly 100,000 supply there.
My CVs are returning to Shortlands with hardly having lost a plane and taken no damage.
On the Allied side, I shot down a decent number of aircraft and damaged CL Honolulu and 3 DD--Ralph Talbot might have sunk.
Not as good as last time but this was a pretty productive week of action.
We left off with my Japanese CVs sailing happily around sinking and/or damaged anything within range.
July 20th
I lose my first sub when I-31 is sunk off of Noumea.
As my CVs sail down the Australian coast (about Townsville), they come under heavy air attack by LBA. I got pretty nervous when I saw that there was over 40+ fighters escorting nearly 24 bombers! MY CAP intercepted and HOLY COW they went to work. Each Sea Eagle is getting promoted one step in rank and given two rations of Saki. When all was said and done, I lost 1 Zero in exchange for 9 fighter, six bombers, and damage to an additional 21+ planes. Most importantly NO DAMAGE to my ships!
July 21st
S-39 nails AO Sato south of Truk. Doubt if she will make it back. I HATE S-BOATS!
I continue my CVs south a little and then we shall head for Rossel to refuel.
July 22nd
My damaged AO sinks.
I-2 nails CL Honolulu with a TT and survives counterattack! Unfortunately this target too close to Brisbane and will, probably make it into harbor. [:@] My subs have definately been more successful this campaign.
DD Dewey hits a mine near Nevea and is damaged. I have been laying mines wherever possible.
My CVs are at Rossel refueling. This is nice. I haevn't used Rossel as a way point before but it has real possiblities...
My search aircraft spot enemy carriers for the first time north of Noumea. There are several convoys spotted heading north. I will cautiously investigate... Just in case, I transfer 54 Zeroes and 71 Bombers to Lunga.
July 23rd
S-47 hits small Maru with a TT. My thoughts here about S-Boats are well-documented...
15 Nells surprised 3 DD at Efate. Unfortunately they only hit Ralph Talbot with 2 TT. Probably sunk... Shouldn't complain though. My Nells got shot up but all made it home to Lunga! [:'(]
DD Craven also hits a mine near Luganville. My mines are actually doing something...
With bad weather, no one spots my CVs moving east. Don't see his carriers again but maybe I can hit a convoy.
35th Brigade, with NO interference, is unloading at PM.
July 24th
Nothing happened this day.
I want to be careful about getting into the Luganville area. He has bases there, at Wunpuko, and Kourouratopo (what a name...). I don't understand why he has established THREE bases in close proximity to each other. It would seem to be a waste of resources at this point.
Order my CVs to patrol north of this area for a day or two.
July 25th
Nothing exciting. No action.
35th Brigade is fully unloaded and on the way to Wau. He has airlifted two Aussie Brigades as well as the original Kanga Force there. I want to knock them back and send them packing for PM.
Send a surface TF to Bombard Efate.
July 26th
No good hunting in Luganville area. I send CVs home to Shortlands. Don't want to give them TOO much system damage. I'll let them rest up and recover some before sending them out again.
Decide to cause some trouble with Dan and send a Minelaying TF of SEVEN ML to plant a field at Kourouratopo! That should put some steel into his britches...I mean hulls of his ships!
July 27th
S-45 damaged another small Maru [:@].
Irau upgrades its airfield to size 2. I move a squadron of Zeroes and Vals there. That should provide some punch if Dan comes close.
My TF is attacked by 10 Avengers just short of Efate. CA Mogami is hit by 1 TT. I shoot down sevel and damage the rest.
Wonder if that is why I saw his carriers a couple of days ago. Did he send his CBA to these islands rather than risk the ships??? Interesting and cheesy....
We'll see...
Summation
Not a bad week of action. With the exception of losing the AO and I-31, I only had damage to Mogami and two small Marus. My carriers and LBA didn't get hurt at all. 35th Brigade with a HUGE amount of supplies made it into and were safely dropped at Lae. I now have nearly 100,000 supply there.
My CVs are returning to Shortlands with hardly having lost a plane and taken no damage.
On the Allied side, I shot down a decent number of aircraft and damaged CL Honolulu and 3 DD--Ralph Talbot might have sunk.
Not as good as last time but this was a pretty productive week of action.
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Going into our weekend, I decided to do a short update on yesterday's turns. Dan and I usually get two-three turns in a day.
July 28th
After the complete and uninterrupted landing of the 35th Brigade and LOTS of supplies, my Zeroes at Lae returned to their fighter sweeps over PM. I sent one squadron of A3s. For one loss, I got five kills. Not TOO bad...
35th Brigade starts on its march to Wau.
Send a light bombardment group to hit PM again. It should follow a BB bombardment tomorrow. I always hope to catch a TF of cargo ships in doind this. Also keep supplies going to PM at a trickle. If 35th and South Seas can drive the Aussies out of Wau, then maybe they will start to march downhill towards PM...
July 29th
Busy day!
I-21 (north of Noumea) makes an attack on a MSW and misses. She survives the counter-attack.
Bombard PM.
Two squadrons of bombers (15B & 15N) attack a transport force at Efate from Lunga. There is NO CAP over harbor!!! [:D]
My bombers nail three AK and two AO. One AK sinks for sure. All others got 1-2 TTs each. I lost NO bombers! VERY NICE!
There is a lot of convoy movement along the Southern edge of Australia. Thinking it might be worth a small risk, I send Zuikaku and Ryujo (110 Planes), 2 Ca, 1CL and 5DD due south from Shortlands. If they are not spotted for the next two days then I will strike at the shipping. If they do get spotted, then I will evaluate the possible danger...
I have a small supply convoy entering Nevea. That might draw some action...
Dan sent a MSW into Nevea to clear mines. he might be prepping for an attack there. I detach from Tulagi a STF of 1BB, 1CA, 2CL, 8DD to patrol north of Nevea hoping for a chance to strike.
Recon Kourouratopo. That might make Dan think about what I MIGHT be doing.
Got two new bomber squadrons at Truk. Sent them to Lae so I have a viable strike force there.
Got a ton of Base Forces as reinforcements. Am sending them to:
1. Rossel
2. GG with a Construction Unit
3. Munda with a Construction Unit
4. Gasmata with a Construction Unit.
Will begin base construction at GG, Munda, and Gasmata.
That is it for the moment!
July 28th
After the complete and uninterrupted landing of the 35th Brigade and LOTS of supplies, my Zeroes at Lae returned to their fighter sweeps over PM. I sent one squadron of A3s. For one loss, I got five kills. Not TOO bad...
35th Brigade starts on its march to Wau.
Send a light bombardment group to hit PM again. It should follow a BB bombardment tomorrow. I always hope to catch a TF of cargo ships in doind this. Also keep supplies going to PM at a trickle. If 35th and South Seas can drive the Aussies out of Wau, then maybe they will start to march downhill towards PM...
July 29th
Busy day!
I-21 (north of Noumea) makes an attack on a MSW and misses. She survives the counter-attack.
Bombard PM.
Two squadrons of bombers (15B & 15N) attack a transport force at Efate from Lunga. There is NO CAP over harbor!!! [:D]
My bombers nail three AK and two AO. One AK sinks for sure. All others got 1-2 TTs each. I lost NO bombers! VERY NICE!
There is a lot of convoy movement along the Southern edge of Australia. Thinking it might be worth a small risk, I send Zuikaku and Ryujo (110 Planes), 2 Ca, 1CL and 5DD due south from Shortlands. If they are not spotted for the next two days then I will strike at the shipping. If they do get spotted, then I will evaluate the possible danger...
I have a small supply convoy entering Nevea. That might draw some action...
Dan sent a MSW into Nevea to clear mines. he might be prepping for an attack there. I detach from Tulagi a STF of 1BB, 1CA, 2CL, 8DD to patrol north of Nevea hoping for a chance to strike.
Recon Kourouratopo. That might make Dan think about what I MIGHT be doing.
Got two new bomber squadrons at Truk. Sent them to Lae so I have a viable strike force there.
Got a ton of Base Forces as reinforcements. Am sending them to:
1. Rossel
2. GG with a Construction Unit
3. Munda with a Construction Unit
4. Gasmata with a Construction Unit.
Will begin base construction at GG, Munda, and Gasmata.
That is it for the moment!
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Dan played hookie today from his Lawyering and I didn't have my college classes today so we got a bunch of turns in! Five days worth of action report:
July 30th
My subs continue to strike and, generally, survive. I-158 hit President Adams with 3TT and sank her. No damage in return!
A large strike of 54Z and 15B struck a convoy at Kouro with no result. Move my STF centered on Haruna closer to Kouro for a look see.
Spotted a convoy at PM and swing Zuikaku and Ryujo to a SW heading going south from Rossel.
July 31st
Bombard PM and destroy a few planes.
He starts Recon of nearly every base I have. Wish I had some SPARE bombers for that!
I got my STF too close to Kouro and got jumped by a squadrom of Dauntlesses. I HATE those planes! He manages to plant two bombs on Haruna, and 1 bomb on a CL and DD. Not TOO much damage since they carried only 500lb bombs. Still...learn a lesson. A smaller strike of Avengers and Hudsons add to the excitement. One DD takes 3 bombs. NOT GOOD!
I decide to send in the STF on a quick hit-and-run so it can then go back to Tulagi. I've picked up several ships groups moving out of Noumea today so I think I'll do this and get out.
MY carriers still haven't been spotted so they go in to raid the NE coast of Aussie land.
August 1st
This month starts off terribly!
DD Henley hits the minefield I just laid by SEVEN MSW around Kouro.
I am an IDIOT! Sent in that STF to hit Kouro and it, for some ungodly reason, decided to stay after hitting the base and NOT head for Tulagi. DAMNED AI!!!! [:o] I was right about those Tfs coming out of Noumea. He has sent out ALL four American Carriers (in two groups of two) to cover a landing at Nevea (probably). They pound the Holy Hell out of my TF. Lose a CL and take severe damage to every other ship. HATE THAT! [:o][:o][:o]
My carriers strike near Townsville and sink an AK. Not much return; howver, since ALL of his carriers are to the NE, I decide to move southwards with Zui and Ryujo to try to bag some more shipping. I'll have to watch for his carriers to move towards me. I'll hgh-tail it out if that happens.
August 2nd
CRAZY DAY! It is terrible and great at the same time. His carriers finish off my cripples. Down goes Hauna, Haguro, Kuma, and a DD. Additionally, I-24, an AK, and a MSW go down. TERRIBLE!
I-29 bags DM Gamble and survives.
I-22 misses an AK but survives.
His carriers move towards and they hit the minefield I had laid several days ago with SEVEN minesweepers. CATCH THIS--DD Henley, CV Saratoga, and CV Enterprise all hit mines! GLORIOUS! [8D] While they are playing in my minefield, a strike from Lunga arrives and my LBA gets into the fray. 50Z and 13N tangle with over 55 Wildcats. I was pretty dispondant over their chances until I watched the fight. I lost 11Z and 2N but shot down nearly 25 Wildcats. My intrepid TT pilots then accomplished a MIRACLE...they put a TT into BOTH Saratoga and Wasp! Three carriers taking mine and/or TT damage in one day! BANZAI!
I want to sortie Junyo and Zuiho out but am cautious. They won't get there until he has retreated to Efate and/or Noumea. Vector 4 subs into area though...
August 3rd
Bombard PM
He retakes Nevea with two Marine Regiments. They might be vulnerable... I think a plan might be forming with possiblities...[:'(]
There ships all around Kouro and my LBA launches the attack I wished they launched yesterday against his carrier. 57Z and 40 Bombers sweep into area. No CAP! [:D] Multiple TTs crash into DDs Cummings, Stockton, and Jarvis with single TTs going into two other DD. Lose 1 Bomber for effort! Nice work.
My carriers finally bag major game by hitting Brisbane. NO CAP again! Multiple strikes hit 4AK, 4SC, 1MSW, and DMS Trevor. YUMMMMYY! Don't lose a single plane--even better.
My search planes pick up a convoy heading into Brisbane from Noumea. I'll take a shot at it tomorrow and send the fleet home.
Once Lord Neptune accepts these gifts, the tally for the days ends up at 3DD, 1MSW, 4SC, and 1-2AK sunk. Pretty good work for a day.
Sort of balances the crap on my dead TF. can't believe I lost a BB for no real reason...
For the 5 day period here are the losses:
Japanese BB Haruna, CA Haguro, 2DD, 1 I-Boat, and 1 MSW. I shot up his Carrier and LBA pretty well (by notes about 80+ aircraft).
American 3DD, 1MSW, 3-5AK, 4SC with Major Damage to Saratoga, minor damage to Enterprise and Wasp as well as several DDs and AKs. I only lost a few planes in all this mess. By my count (from notes) I only lost about 20 total planes. That is pretty darned good.
Had that Surface TF not gone insane, it would have been a GREAT week. As is, I will call it...intersting...
July 30th
My subs continue to strike and, generally, survive. I-158 hit President Adams with 3TT and sank her. No damage in return!
A large strike of 54Z and 15B struck a convoy at Kouro with no result. Move my STF centered on Haruna closer to Kouro for a look see.
Spotted a convoy at PM and swing Zuikaku and Ryujo to a SW heading going south from Rossel.
July 31st
Bombard PM and destroy a few planes.
He starts Recon of nearly every base I have. Wish I had some SPARE bombers for that!
I got my STF too close to Kouro and got jumped by a squadrom of Dauntlesses. I HATE those planes! He manages to plant two bombs on Haruna, and 1 bomb on a CL and DD. Not TOO much damage since they carried only 500lb bombs. Still...learn a lesson. A smaller strike of Avengers and Hudsons add to the excitement. One DD takes 3 bombs. NOT GOOD!
I decide to send in the STF on a quick hit-and-run so it can then go back to Tulagi. I've picked up several ships groups moving out of Noumea today so I think I'll do this and get out.
MY carriers still haven't been spotted so they go in to raid the NE coast of Aussie land.
August 1st
This month starts off terribly!
DD Henley hits the minefield I just laid by SEVEN MSW around Kouro.
I am an IDIOT! Sent in that STF to hit Kouro and it, for some ungodly reason, decided to stay after hitting the base and NOT head for Tulagi. DAMNED AI!!!! [:o] I was right about those Tfs coming out of Noumea. He has sent out ALL four American Carriers (in two groups of two) to cover a landing at Nevea (probably). They pound the Holy Hell out of my TF. Lose a CL and take severe damage to every other ship. HATE THAT! [:o][:o][:o]
My carriers strike near Townsville and sink an AK. Not much return; howver, since ALL of his carriers are to the NE, I decide to move southwards with Zui and Ryujo to try to bag some more shipping. I'll have to watch for his carriers to move towards me. I'll hgh-tail it out if that happens.
August 2nd
CRAZY DAY! It is terrible and great at the same time. His carriers finish off my cripples. Down goes Hauna, Haguro, Kuma, and a DD. Additionally, I-24, an AK, and a MSW go down. TERRIBLE!
I-29 bags DM Gamble and survives.
I-22 misses an AK but survives.
His carriers move towards and they hit the minefield I had laid several days ago with SEVEN minesweepers. CATCH THIS--DD Henley, CV Saratoga, and CV Enterprise all hit mines! GLORIOUS! [8D] While they are playing in my minefield, a strike from Lunga arrives and my LBA gets into the fray. 50Z and 13N tangle with over 55 Wildcats. I was pretty dispondant over their chances until I watched the fight. I lost 11Z and 2N but shot down nearly 25 Wildcats. My intrepid TT pilots then accomplished a MIRACLE...they put a TT into BOTH Saratoga and Wasp! Three carriers taking mine and/or TT damage in one day! BANZAI!
I want to sortie Junyo and Zuiho out but am cautious. They won't get there until he has retreated to Efate and/or Noumea. Vector 4 subs into area though...
August 3rd
Bombard PM
He retakes Nevea with two Marine Regiments. They might be vulnerable... I think a plan might be forming with possiblities...[:'(]
There ships all around Kouro and my LBA launches the attack I wished they launched yesterday against his carrier. 57Z and 40 Bombers sweep into area. No CAP! [:D] Multiple TTs crash into DDs Cummings, Stockton, and Jarvis with single TTs going into two other DD. Lose 1 Bomber for effort! Nice work.
My carriers finally bag major game by hitting Brisbane. NO CAP again! Multiple strikes hit 4AK, 4SC, 1MSW, and DMS Trevor. YUMMMMYY! Don't lose a single plane--even better.
My search planes pick up a convoy heading into Brisbane from Noumea. I'll take a shot at it tomorrow and send the fleet home.
Once Lord Neptune accepts these gifts, the tally for the days ends up at 3DD, 1MSW, 4SC, and 1-2AK sunk. Pretty good work for a day.
Sort of balances the crap on my dead TF. can't believe I lost a BB for no real reason...
For the 5 day period here are the losses:
Japanese BB Haruna, CA Haguro, 2DD, 1 I-Boat, and 1 MSW. I shot up his Carrier and LBA pretty well (by notes about 80+ aircraft).
American 3DD, 1MSW, 3-5AK, 4SC with Major Damage to Saratoga, minor damage to Enterprise and Wasp as well as several DDs and AKs. I only lost a few planes in all this mess. By my count (from notes) I only lost about 20 total planes. That is pretty darned good.
Had that Surface TF not gone insane, it would have been a GREAT week. As is, I will call it...intersting...
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
This portion of AAR covers from August 4-10, 1942. While events have settled down some from the craziness of Dan grabbing Nevea and my Carrier raid along Australia's coast, things remain active.
Throughout this week of activity my search planes consistently placed Dan's carriers at Luganville. I expect Saratoga to be repairing a while but the others probably are OK. Wasp, with a TT in her, might be out for a week or two as well. This means his intact (undamaged) carrier strength is Hornet and Enterprise. I would like to provide a fleet action but feel ill-prepared to do so. I'm going to ponder that.
August 4th
Sub activity remains high:
S-38 Sinks a small AK
Ro-34 Does the same
Another large raid from Lunga tries to get at Dan's carriers in Luganville. This time the result isn't very good: 33Z and 6B engage nearly 100 Wildcats [X(]. The only good news is that I lost ONLY 8Z and 5B for the same number of Wildcats. I'm going to rest my pilots and let my bombers squadrons rebuild their numbers some.
August 5th
Ro-34 engages another small AK and sinks it!
Withdraw all bomber squadrons from active duty for R&R.
I have major air reinforcements due on the 7th and Yamato [:D], plus escorts, due on the 11th. I would prefer Shokaku...
August 6th
DD Asagumo succumbs to fire one hex from Tulagi. [:@] She had been damaged in the frackus earlier at the start of the month.
With Zuikaku and Ryujo coming back towards Shortlands, I sortie Junyo and Zuiho to cover their return. In all that raiding along the Australia coast, I only lost about 10 planes from Zui and Ry! Not bad for what we sunk. I don't understand why Dan didn't put up CAP to resist my port attacks...
Since EVERY plane I had was at Lunga, I redeploy aircraft back to Lae to get back to business there. I do like being able to shuttle my planes around to meet the threat on either flank. Interior lines is a good thing. Dan can't say the same...
August 7th
NO MEANINGFUL ACTIVITY!
August 8th
S-37 engages one of my TK on the surface NE of Rabual. I don't think that Sub's captain new what he was in for! While hitting my TK with 2-3 deck gun shots, the TK pummeled his boat with SIX hits!!! [:D] Rather entertaining...
I-158 sinks SC644 with 3TT. Talk about overkill...
Meanwhile the Batlle of Wau begins to heat up. I start attacking again since 35th Brigade is about to arrive...
August 9th
The active I-158 misses an SC this day.
APD Colhoun strikes a mine at Gavigamma. My mines as well as subs have really been working out better then I had hoped. I have another ML mission heading for Nevea and Gavigamma in a few days. Losing the ML isn't terrible and I like these offensive mine missions (especially when his carriers hit them!! [:D][:D])
35th Brigade arrives and casualties climb at Wau. Get an email from Dan saying "That is an AWFUL lot of artillery..." Damn right BABY! We'll bombard those Aussies for a day or two and then clean-up!
August 10th
I-22 sinks SC 637 north of Noumea. I'm trying a WitP tactic here. I have a line of 3 I-Boats acrost his path from Efate to Noumea. In front of them are 2 Ro boats. They seem to be doing rather well.
DD Benham hits another mine at Gavigamma!
Spots lots of activity in shipping around Luganville, Gavigamma, Wunpuko, etc...
August 11th
No major activity.
I think he is very worried about his three brigades in Wau. He sent a B-17 raid to try to disrupt my attack. I have a good amount of AA there and managed to damed nearly all of his planes.
GG moved up to a Lvl 3 field and I have moved a Zero Squadron as well as Val Squadron there. Once my Betty's rebuild a little, I am moving them there. Those planes will be a REAL threat to Aussie Land! Of course, once he realizes this...
Sent a BB TF against PM this round. Haven't done that in about 10 days.
Also sent a STF against Gavigamma. That is a little more risky but might yield results...
My Wau attack this round yielded: 350 dead Aussies for 80 Japanese.
Summation
Slower week but still active. My subs and mines continue to perform far better then what I had hoped.
Losses: Allied--2 AK, and 2 SC with an APD and DD damaged
Japanese--1DD and 1AK
Light planes losses as well.
PLAN
I am considering a counter-offensive. Operation is to be called Southern Wind. He has extended himself northwards from Luganville pretty heavily. He has bases at Wunpuko, Gavigamma, Kouro, and Nevea. They aren't heavily defended and I think isn't willing to risk TOO much keeping them supplied. Am considering a multi-prong offensive. The Sendai Division isn't long in arriving. Send it against the Marine regiment and Para Battalion at Nevea and send two Regiments after Kouro where he has one army ground unit and several engineering regiments. Combined Fleet would voer and seek and fleet engagement. My LBA would be ready by then as well. Tentative plan would be to commence this operation October 1st...
Does anyone have a thought about this??? Feel free to give your advice!
Throughout this week of activity my search planes consistently placed Dan's carriers at Luganville. I expect Saratoga to be repairing a while but the others probably are OK. Wasp, with a TT in her, might be out for a week or two as well. This means his intact (undamaged) carrier strength is Hornet and Enterprise. I would like to provide a fleet action but feel ill-prepared to do so. I'm going to ponder that.
August 4th
Sub activity remains high:
S-38 Sinks a small AK
Ro-34 Does the same
Another large raid from Lunga tries to get at Dan's carriers in Luganville. This time the result isn't very good: 33Z and 6B engage nearly 100 Wildcats [X(]. The only good news is that I lost ONLY 8Z and 5B for the same number of Wildcats. I'm going to rest my pilots and let my bombers squadrons rebuild their numbers some.
August 5th
Ro-34 engages another small AK and sinks it!
Withdraw all bomber squadrons from active duty for R&R.
I have major air reinforcements due on the 7th and Yamato [:D], plus escorts, due on the 11th. I would prefer Shokaku...
August 6th
DD Asagumo succumbs to fire one hex from Tulagi. [:@] She had been damaged in the frackus earlier at the start of the month.
With Zuikaku and Ryujo coming back towards Shortlands, I sortie Junyo and Zuiho to cover their return. In all that raiding along the Australia coast, I only lost about 10 planes from Zui and Ry! Not bad for what we sunk. I don't understand why Dan didn't put up CAP to resist my port attacks...
Since EVERY plane I had was at Lunga, I redeploy aircraft back to Lae to get back to business there. I do like being able to shuttle my planes around to meet the threat on either flank. Interior lines is a good thing. Dan can't say the same...
August 7th
NO MEANINGFUL ACTIVITY!
August 8th
S-37 engages one of my TK on the surface NE of Rabual. I don't think that Sub's captain new what he was in for! While hitting my TK with 2-3 deck gun shots, the TK pummeled his boat with SIX hits!!! [:D] Rather entertaining...
I-158 sinks SC644 with 3TT. Talk about overkill...
Meanwhile the Batlle of Wau begins to heat up. I start attacking again since 35th Brigade is about to arrive...
August 9th
The active I-158 misses an SC this day.
APD Colhoun strikes a mine at Gavigamma. My mines as well as subs have really been working out better then I had hoped. I have another ML mission heading for Nevea and Gavigamma in a few days. Losing the ML isn't terrible and I like these offensive mine missions (especially when his carriers hit them!! [:D][:D])
35th Brigade arrives and casualties climb at Wau. Get an email from Dan saying "That is an AWFUL lot of artillery..." Damn right BABY! We'll bombard those Aussies for a day or two and then clean-up!
August 10th
I-22 sinks SC 637 north of Noumea. I'm trying a WitP tactic here. I have a line of 3 I-Boats acrost his path from Efate to Noumea. In front of them are 2 Ro boats. They seem to be doing rather well.
DD Benham hits another mine at Gavigamma!
Spots lots of activity in shipping around Luganville, Gavigamma, Wunpuko, etc...
August 11th
No major activity.
I think he is very worried about his three brigades in Wau. He sent a B-17 raid to try to disrupt my attack. I have a good amount of AA there and managed to damed nearly all of his planes.
GG moved up to a Lvl 3 field and I have moved a Zero Squadron as well as Val Squadron there. Once my Betty's rebuild a little, I am moving them there. Those planes will be a REAL threat to Aussie Land! Of course, once he realizes this...
Sent a BB TF against PM this round. Haven't done that in about 10 days.
Also sent a STF against Gavigamma. That is a little more risky but might yield results...
My Wau attack this round yielded: 350 dead Aussies for 80 Japanese.
Summation
Slower week but still active. My subs and mines continue to perform far better then what I had hoped.
Losses: Allied--2 AK, and 2 SC with an APD and DD damaged
Japanese--1DD and 1AK
Light planes losses as well.
PLAN
I am considering a counter-offensive. Operation is to be called Southern Wind. He has extended himself northwards from Luganville pretty heavily. He has bases at Wunpuko, Gavigamma, Kouro, and Nevea. They aren't heavily defended and I think isn't willing to risk TOO much keeping them supplied. Am considering a multi-prong offensive. The Sendai Division isn't long in arriving. Send it against the Marine regiment and Para Battalion at Nevea and send two Regiments after Kouro where he has one army ground unit and several engineering regiments. Combined Fleet would voer and seek and fleet engagement. My LBA would be ready by then as well. Tentative plan would be to commence this operation October 1st...
Does anyone have a thought about this??? Feel free to give your advice!
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Don´t see what you see, so I have one question
Is your intention to invade PM?
How many bases have you in the area?
What happen with his CVs?
An invasion in October is risky due to allied air power. If you want to avoid his CVs, you need a FT invasion...And if you want to overwhelm the garrison you need aircover, many troops...I don´t see how you´re going to get it.
In my current game against my brother I decided (without much planning, I must admit) to invade Nevea with a regiment. To my surprise, a full allied regiment was guarding the place (with 1 tank unit). Since I haven´t developed Irau, I can´t attack the place heavily or even protect them from air attacks from Luganville. Actually my rgt. is waiting for a FT evacuation!!![:@]
Is your intention to invade PM?
How many bases have you in the area?
What happen with his CVs?
An invasion in October is risky due to allied air power. If you want to avoid his CVs, you need a FT invasion...And if you want to overwhelm the garrison you need aircover, many troops...I don´t see how you´re going to get it.
In my current game against my brother I decided (without much planning, I must admit) to invade Nevea with a regiment. To my surprise, a full allied regiment was guarding the place (with 1 tank unit). Since I haven´t developed Irau, I can´t attack the place heavily or even protect them from air attacks from Luganville. Actually my rgt. is waiting for a FT evacuation!!![:@]
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
As a planner, I keep bouncing thoughts for this campaign. I have three options:
1. Stay building up my bases and wait for his first real move--then hit him with everything possible.
2. Attack to the East and go after his Islands that are spread out.
3. Try to take out Port Moresby.
I tend to be aggressive so I am tossing option 1 out pretty fast.
Attacking East might be interesting if I look at it as a hit-and-run raid. I could use 30+DD, CLs, and CS's to move a regiment+ and try to bushwhack one of his bases. Leave them for a day or two and then pick them up. This would need Bombardment cover, LBA cover, and a sortie by my carriers. Might provoke him into a rash move...
Attacking PM is a real option. I have GG with a Lvl 3 airfield and Lvl 4 Port, Lae is at Lvl 5 and 5, and Buna is Lvl 1 and 2. If I could isolate the battle field, with LBA, and bombard the base closed, I could land Sendai and 2 Regiments for an assault. His commitment of 3 Aussie Brigades at Wau probably weakens him further. He would be forced to sortie his Carriers out of Luganville, sail across the whole board, and then go into combat. All the while, I am waiting and attacking... This is very tempting...
THOUGHTS from the EVER Insightful Peanut Gallery???? [&o][&o]
1. Stay building up my bases and wait for his first real move--then hit him with everything possible.
2. Attack to the East and go after his Islands that are spread out.
3. Try to take out Port Moresby.
I tend to be aggressive so I am tossing option 1 out pretty fast.
Attacking East might be interesting if I look at it as a hit-and-run raid. I could use 30+DD, CLs, and CS's to move a regiment+ and try to bushwhack one of his bases. Leave them for a day or two and then pick them up. This would need Bombardment cover, LBA cover, and a sortie by my carriers. Might provoke him into a rash move...
Attacking PM is a real option. I have GG with a Lvl 3 airfield and Lvl 4 Port, Lae is at Lvl 5 and 5, and Buna is Lvl 1 and 2. If I could isolate the battle field, with LBA, and bombard the base closed, I could land Sendai and 2 Regiments for an assault. His commitment of 3 Aussie Brigades at Wau probably weakens him further. He would be forced to sortie his Carriers out of Luganville, sail across the whole board, and then go into combat. All the while, I am waiting and attacking... This is very tempting...
THOUGHTS from the EVER Insightful Peanut Gallery???? [&o][&o]
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
It has been almost a week since I updated the AAR. My wife and I went Las Vegas and got home late last night. GOD--I love that town! [:D]
Things have gotten hot and heavy in the SE Pacific!
To recap: last time I posted, I was debating on a weighted counter-stroke either attacking east towards Nevea or Kouro or making a REAL attempt at PM. I have decided to try PM for a serious shot of upsetting the Allied war plan. The 2nd Division and 3 brigades are being tasked for this attempt. With this in mind, I am keeping Dan's focus on the east and allow me to prep for the PM lunge. We'll see...
Recap for the Week of August 12-17, 1942:
August 12th
Subs:
I-1 makes attack near Brisbane--No success
S-47 makes an attack near Truk--No Success
I mine Nevea with 6 ML and they get jumped by LBA on the way out. 2 Heavily Damaged and 2 Lightly damaged
Bombard PM and send Carriers south for another riad along the Australian coast.
Battle of Wau (now serving as a diversion of Allied attention): 126 Japanese for 337 Aussies
August 13th
Subs
S-47 sighted by escort but no attack
Allied LBA raids on GG and Buna--no damage
Dauntlesses hit a STF I had sent towards Nevea: CA Kako and CL Jintsu damaged
Battle of Wau: There are now 4 Aussie Brigades battering away there. 60 Jap for 212 Aussie
August 14th
Subs
Pickerel misses an attack near Shortland
S-45 hits one of the damaged ML and misses Kako as they come back to Tulagi.
I-156 hits DD Fanning
MINES! Don and I are both using are mines a lot more in thsi game then the other one. He sowed a minefield at the entrance of GG and an APD of hit one. Got to do something about that...
Send out a heavy STF with Yamato, Kirishima, 3CA, and 8 DD for Luganville. Want to try to draw down his CBA some. Assign 3 Zero squadrons from Irau for cover. See if that surprises him!
Battle of Wau O Jap for 58 Auusie
My CVs are now deep in the Coral Sea and have not been spotted. [8D][8D] Send them towards Brisbane for a raid...
August 15th
Subs Big day of activity.
The Captain of I-33 goes through ALL his TT in one day near Luganville! He hits 2 AO (one for 3TT and one with 1TT) and will be promoted when he returns to Truk!
S-41 misses an attack
S-47 hits an AO w/1TT
My STF stirs up some activity from outlaying American bases. Two squadrons of Dauntlesses attack and get chewed up by my CAP [:D] 11 Fall! Some damage sustained: Yamato 2Bombs (I sweep off the shards--LOVE that ship), CA Maya 1Bomb, and 2DD take a bomb each.
I am still headed for Luganville! Want to draw his attention away from carrier raid and shot down his planes. Maybe (since he keeps CV at Luganville) I can engage his forces in a Surface Battle??? I doubt it but we will see!
August 16th
No Sub Actions (write this day down)
Nail a Convoy at Luganville! Down goes 2 large and 2 medium AP to Long Lances!
As my STF leaves Luganville the whole DAMNED American Navy sorties towards it. Four CV attack! This could be REALLY bad but it turns out pretty well. My Zeroes flying CAP have a good day: Shot down 19W, 15D, 2A, and 2Dev. I only lose 6Z! The damage to the STF isn't bad but isn't good either: Yamato HUGE--No damage despite several 1000lb AP, Kirishima moderate damage (25Sys), Chokai and Nachi mod dam (20-30Sys), and 4 DD hit.
Battle of Wau: 0 Jap for 79 Aussies
My Carriers are free to move in. Several convoys appear to be sailing routinely between Noumea and Brisbane. YUMMMMMM!
August 17th Busiest day of the Campaign yet.
Subs
Pickeral puts a TT into a DD near Tulagi (DD should make it)
S-40 hits a ML near Truk (should make it)
Vector all my subs into Luganville area for some hunting...
Mines
A convoy is at Kouro and 1 AP nails a mine.
His B-17s put in an appearance over Lunga and damaged one of my AP
DD Akigumo sinks after repeated Avenger attacks.
His CV retreat into Luganville. STF is able to retreat without trouble.
LBA from Lunga makes an attempt at Luganville! YIKES [X(] 28Z, 11B, and 18N vs 127W and 7 P-400 All in all, it could have been worse, my Sea Eagles shot down 16W and 2P in exchange (air-to-air and ack-ack) for 15Z, 10B and 4N. OUCH! No damage to ships...
GG makes its presense known by hitting a convoy at PM twice against NO CAP! [:-] Sink 2 AP and severely damed two more. Suffer damage to just a couple of planes. We'll attack from there again tomorrow.
Battle of Wau O Jap for 42 Aussie
Carriers STRIKE: Hit a convoy of 8 AP from long range (no TT [:@]) and damaged 6 for little to no loss. Several in sinking condition... I will keep CV in this area for another day and then head back to Rossel to refuel.
Summation
For the week of time:
Japanese lose 1 CL, 1DD, and 1ML. Damage sustained to 2BB, 3CA, 5DD, 1AP, 1APD, 4ML, and 1 AO. Air Losses very light except for that raid on Luganville.
Allied Losses: 6AP. Damaged: 2DD, 11AP, and 2AO. I am sure several of those AP will go down. Lost approx 40W and 40D/A. Good week I think.
Plans: Operation Southern Wind has been greenlighted! Sendai and 3 Brigades shall invade PM. In about a week all LBA shall rest in preparation for attacks. I will continue to make him look to the East while I lunge South. Everything now at Tulagi will be diversionary forces. Shortlands shall repair and prepare for the attack! BANZAI!!!
Things have gotten hot and heavy in the SE Pacific!
To recap: last time I posted, I was debating on a weighted counter-stroke either attacking east towards Nevea or Kouro or making a REAL attempt at PM. I have decided to try PM for a serious shot of upsetting the Allied war plan. The 2nd Division and 3 brigades are being tasked for this attempt. With this in mind, I am keeping Dan's focus on the east and allow me to prep for the PM lunge. We'll see...
Recap for the Week of August 12-17, 1942:
August 12th
Subs:
I-1 makes attack near Brisbane--No success
S-47 makes an attack near Truk--No Success
I mine Nevea with 6 ML and they get jumped by LBA on the way out. 2 Heavily Damaged and 2 Lightly damaged
Bombard PM and send Carriers south for another riad along the Australian coast.
Battle of Wau (now serving as a diversion of Allied attention): 126 Japanese for 337 Aussies
August 13th
Subs
S-47 sighted by escort but no attack
Allied LBA raids on GG and Buna--no damage
Dauntlesses hit a STF I had sent towards Nevea: CA Kako and CL Jintsu damaged
Battle of Wau: There are now 4 Aussie Brigades battering away there. 60 Jap for 212 Aussie
August 14th
Subs
Pickerel misses an attack near Shortland
S-45 hits one of the damaged ML and misses Kako as they come back to Tulagi.
I-156 hits DD Fanning
MINES! Don and I are both using are mines a lot more in thsi game then the other one. He sowed a minefield at the entrance of GG and an APD of hit one. Got to do something about that...
Send out a heavy STF with Yamato, Kirishima, 3CA, and 8 DD for Luganville. Want to try to draw down his CBA some. Assign 3 Zero squadrons from Irau for cover. See if that surprises him!
Battle of Wau O Jap for 58 Auusie
My CVs are now deep in the Coral Sea and have not been spotted. [8D][8D] Send them towards Brisbane for a raid...
August 15th
Subs Big day of activity.
The Captain of I-33 goes through ALL his TT in one day near Luganville! He hits 2 AO (one for 3TT and one with 1TT) and will be promoted when he returns to Truk!
S-41 misses an attack
S-47 hits an AO w/1TT
My STF stirs up some activity from outlaying American bases. Two squadrons of Dauntlesses attack and get chewed up by my CAP [:D] 11 Fall! Some damage sustained: Yamato 2Bombs (I sweep off the shards--LOVE that ship), CA Maya 1Bomb, and 2DD take a bomb each.
I am still headed for Luganville! Want to draw his attention away from carrier raid and shot down his planes. Maybe (since he keeps CV at Luganville) I can engage his forces in a Surface Battle??? I doubt it but we will see!
August 16th
No Sub Actions (write this day down)
Nail a Convoy at Luganville! Down goes 2 large and 2 medium AP to Long Lances!
As my STF leaves Luganville the whole DAMNED American Navy sorties towards it. Four CV attack! This could be REALLY bad but it turns out pretty well. My Zeroes flying CAP have a good day: Shot down 19W, 15D, 2A, and 2Dev. I only lose 6Z! The damage to the STF isn't bad but isn't good either: Yamato HUGE--No damage despite several 1000lb AP, Kirishima moderate damage (25Sys), Chokai and Nachi mod dam (20-30Sys), and 4 DD hit.
Battle of Wau: 0 Jap for 79 Aussies
My Carriers are free to move in. Several convoys appear to be sailing routinely between Noumea and Brisbane. YUMMMMMM!
August 17th Busiest day of the Campaign yet.
Subs
Pickeral puts a TT into a DD near Tulagi (DD should make it)
S-40 hits a ML near Truk (should make it)
Vector all my subs into Luganville area for some hunting...
Mines
A convoy is at Kouro and 1 AP nails a mine.
His B-17s put in an appearance over Lunga and damaged one of my AP
DD Akigumo sinks after repeated Avenger attacks.
His CV retreat into Luganville. STF is able to retreat without trouble.
LBA from Lunga makes an attempt at Luganville! YIKES [X(] 28Z, 11B, and 18N vs 127W and 7 P-400 All in all, it could have been worse, my Sea Eagles shot down 16W and 2P in exchange (air-to-air and ack-ack) for 15Z, 10B and 4N. OUCH! No damage to ships...
GG makes its presense known by hitting a convoy at PM twice against NO CAP! [:-] Sink 2 AP and severely damed two more. Suffer damage to just a couple of planes. We'll attack from there again tomorrow.
Battle of Wau O Jap for 42 Aussie
Carriers STRIKE: Hit a convoy of 8 AP from long range (no TT [:@]) and damaged 6 for little to no loss. Several in sinking condition... I will keep CV in this area for another day and then head back to Rossel to refuel.
Summation
For the week of time:
Japanese lose 1 CL, 1DD, and 1ML. Damage sustained to 2BB, 3CA, 5DD, 1AP, 1APD, 4ML, and 1 AO. Air Losses very light except for that raid on Luganville.
Allied Losses: 6AP. Damaged: 2DD, 11AP, and 2AO. I am sure several of those AP will go down. Lost approx 40W and 40D/A. Good week I think.
Plans: Operation Southern Wind has been greenlighted! Sendai and 3 Brigades shall invade PM. In about a week all LBA shall rest in preparation for attacks. I will continue to make him look to the East while I lunge South. Everything now at Tulagi will be diversionary forces. Shortlands shall repair and prepare for the attack! BANZAI!!!
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Normally I wait until Dan and I have played 5-7 days before I do an AAR but things have gotten HOT AND HEAVY! This AAR covers August 18-19, 1942.
With Operation Southern Wind under operational planning, I MUST make Dan think I am going after his eastern islands above Luganville. My carrier raid to the area between Brisbane and Noumea has been outstanding but Dan is now after me with EVERYTING he has got!
August 18th
Subs WHAT A DAY!
I-22 blows SC 643 out of the water at Luganville
Ro-33 sinks AK Fomalhaut at Kouro
I-21 puts a TT into AO Cuyama
I-156 does the same to AO Sabine
Pickerel misses a crippled Aoba as it limps into Tulagi
Dan has got to be pulling his hair out with all these successful Japanese attacks and NO sinkings!! [:D][:D]
At PM AK Murada sinks from earlier air attack from GG.
B-17s raid Lunga again and damage anothe of my AK.
Nagumo launches a magnificent set of raids on a troop convoy carrying elements of the 32nd US Division:
APs Hunter Liggett and Katoomba sink and 6 APs are damaged severely.
Additionally sensing an opportunity, he launches (at extreme range) a Val attack on Noumea (No CAP again!!! [:'(]) That raid damages 3 US DD. A follow-up raid in the afternoon sinks the DD McCall and damages 3 more. In all, 1DD sunk and 5 damaged!
For all this, my carrier lose only 3V and 2K. Got a lot damaged but really light casualties.
Battle of Wau O Jpn for 26 Ausies
Late-Afternoon Recon picks up the American carriers rapidly moving away from Luganville in an attempt to engage my carriers. THIS IS BAD! I can't let that happen. My carrier are way toooooo far away from base. I move westward towards Australia, take a gamble that he can't reach me and rest my pilots, and start thinking of ways to divert his attention...
August 19th
Subs
I-19 SINKS AO Guadaloupe at Luganville. In return, the sub is hit with 1DC for minimal damage. Dan must be screaming because it seems to me that subs have orders for hitting only AO/TK! They are being highly effective at this!!!
More men of the 32nd Division enter shark infested waters as the AP Fuller sinks from yesterday's raid.
Dan launches a B-25 raid that catches me by surprise. He hits 4 AP (none seriously) there that are unloading. Change my GG fighters for some CAP.
GG LBA nails and sinks AK Mildura.
THE GREAT CARRIER RACE! My carriers, who have orders NOT to react, make a westward lunge. Americans coming hard but not within striking range yet. My gamble to give my pilots a day of rest pays off. They drop from the mid-40s to mid-20s in fatigue value.
Battle of Wau 2 Jpn for 110 Aussies
PLAN
I am sending a decoy group of transports from Lunga and making them look like they are going to Nevea. Additionally I sortie two STF. One will go to Kouro to stir up trouble and the other heads to Truk with damaged ships. I hope that his Recon picks this up and he thinks I am now coming eat. Additionally (Psi-Ops occurring), I TAUNT Dan through an email telling him that it is about time he came SOUTH after me...
In the meantime...I feverishly move Nagumo west towards Australia. Carriers are still on Don't React. Planes begin a massive movement from all points to GG and Rossel. I am going to place three Zero Squardons on long-range CAO over the carriers when they begin their run north on the 20th. This should help Nagumo bulk up his CAP. More Zeroes and bombers move into GG for support.
Three Fast Transport missions depart Shortlands, Rabaul, and Tulagi carrying Base Forces to support all these planes. Most should get their inside of one day.
In short, I am hoping to draw Dan north again by threatening Nevea. If this doesn't work (Don't have TOO much hope here [&o]) then we will fight a carrier battle on the 21st of August. I don't like my chances versus FOUR US carriers but with the additional CAP and LBA maybe I have a chance.
On a semi-happy note Shokaku is FINALLY coming to Truk. Ten days seem like an eternity right now...
SUMMARY of August 18-19
In a glorious two days, the Japanese sink 1SC, 6AK/P, 1AO, and 1DD. Damage to US Fleet is 5DD, 5AK/P, and 2AO. Only Japanese loss is DD Hibiki which sunk on 18th near Rabaul due to earlier damage and 5Ap/K damaged due to LBA raids. A GLORIOUS two days BANZAI!
I only PRAY I can say the same for the next installment of this AAR!!!!
With Operation Southern Wind under operational planning, I MUST make Dan think I am going after his eastern islands above Luganville. My carrier raid to the area between Brisbane and Noumea has been outstanding but Dan is now after me with EVERYTING he has got!
August 18th
Subs WHAT A DAY!
I-22 blows SC 643 out of the water at Luganville
Ro-33 sinks AK Fomalhaut at Kouro
I-21 puts a TT into AO Cuyama
I-156 does the same to AO Sabine
Pickerel misses a crippled Aoba as it limps into Tulagi
Dan has got to be pulling his hair out with all these successful Japanese attacks and NO sinkings!! [:D][:D]
At PM AK Murada sinks from earlier air attack from GG.
B-17s raid Lunga again and damage anothe of my AK.
Nagumo launches a magnificent set of raids on a troop convoy carrying elements of the 32nd US Division:
APs Hunter Liggett and Katoomba sink and 6 APs are damaged severely.
Additionally sensing an opportunity, he launches (at extreme range) a Val attack on Noumea (No CAP again!!! [:'(]) That raid damages 3 US DD. A follow-up raid in the afternoon sinks the DD McCall and damages 3 more. In all, 1DD sunk and 5 damaged!
For all this, my carrier lose only 3V and 2K. Got a lot damaged but really light casualties.
Battle of Wau O Jpn for 26 Ausies
Late-Afternoon Recon picks up the American carriers rapidly moving away from Luganville in an attempt to engage my carriers. THIS IS BAD! I can't let that happen. My carrier are way toooooo far away from base. I move westward towards Australia, take a gamble that he can't reach me and rest my pilots, and start thinking of ways to divert his attention...
August 19th
Subs
I-19 SINKS AO Guadaloupe at Luganville. In return, the sub is hit with 1DC for minimal damage. Dan must be screaming because it seems to me that subs have orders for hitting only AO/TK! They are being highly effective at this!!!
More men of the 32nd Division enter shark infested waters as the AP Fuller sinks from yesterday's raid.
Dan launches a B-25 raid that catches me by surprise. He hits 4 AP (none seriously) there that are unloading. Change my GG fighters for some CAP.
GG LBA nails and sinks AK Mildura.
THE GREAT CARRIER RACE! My carriers, who have orders NOT to react, make a westward lunge. Americans coming hard but not within striking range yet. My gamble to give my pilots a day of rest pays off. They drop from the mid-40s to mid-20s in fatigue value.
Battle of Wau 2 Jpn for 110 Aussies
PLAN
I am sending a decoy group of transports from Lunga and making them look like they are going to Nevea. Additionally I sortie two STF. One will go to Kouro to stir up trouble and the other heads to Truk with damaged ships. I hope that his Recon picks this up and he thinks I am now coming eat. Additionally (Psi-Ops occurring), I TAUNT Dan through an email telling him that it is about time he came SOUTH after me...
In the meantime...I feverishly move Nagumo west towards Australia. Carriers are still on Don't React. Planes begin a massive movement from all points to GG and Rossel. I am going to place three Zero Squardons on long-range CAO over the carriers when they begin their run north on the 20th. This should help Nagumo bulk up his CAP. More Zeroes and bombers move into GG for support.
Three Fast Transport missions depart Shortlands, Rabaul, and Tulagi carrying Base Forces to support all these planes. Most should get their inside of one day.
In short, I am hoping to draw Dan north again by threatening Nevea. If this doesn't work (Don't have TOO much hope here [&o]) then we will fight a carrier battle on the 21st of August. I don't like my chances versus FOUR US carriers but with the additional CAP and LBA maybe I have a chance.
On a semi-happy note Shokaku is FINALLY coming to Truk. Ten days seem like an eternity right now...
SUMMARY of August 18-19
In a glorious two days, the Japanese sink 1SC, 6AK/P, 1AO, and 1DD. Damage to US Fleet is 5DD, 5AK/P, and 2AO. Only Japanese loss is DD Hibiki which sunk on 18th near Rabaul due to earlier damage and 5Ap/K damaged due to LBA raids. A GLORIOUS two days BANZAI!
I only PRAY I can say the same for the next installment of this AAR!!!!
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
THE GREAT CARRIER RACE IS OVER! Adm. Nagumo successfully ran away (Excuse me--advanced successfully towards his home bases) from the entire American carrier air arm! [:D][:D][:D][:D] Thank Goodness. I was pretty sure that my carriers were done for...
August 20th
Subs
I-21 sinks AO Cuyama w/3TT
S-41 is sunk by Nagumo's carrier escorts S-41's Commander probably had a heart attack raises his scope in my carrier force!
AP Manoora sinks while trying to get to Noumea--more of the 126th RCT goes swimming
Bombard PM and knock out 4 planes and damage 13 more.
Battle of Wau 0 Jpn for 27 Aussie
Nagumo approaches the Australia coast and is vastly aided by rain! American carriers don't know where I am headed so they approach somewhat cautiously. If I can slip closer to Australian coast in a NW direction, I don't think he can get close enough for a launch. Measure the distances and try several navigational possiblities before settling on this choice.
Reinforcements, in the form of BF, arrive at GG to bolster the plane capablities there. Rest my fliers at Rossel and GG for what might be to come. Rossel finally makes it to Lvl 2 as an airfield and I can now use it for active operations. GG is appraoching Lvl 4.
August 21st
No Sub action for a change.
My STF I sent to Kouro as a distraction manages only to catch 3 mines for its efforts! [:(] CA Myoko and 2DD minorly damaged.
B-17s raid GG and damage 2AP.
Battle of Wau 0 Jpn for 11 Aussie
My pullback from Wau with most of 35th Brigade reaches 1/2 point. They should be available for operations against PM at the end of the month.
August 22nd
Subs
I-2 makes an attack at Luganville but misses
Large AP J. Franklin Bell sinks appraoching Noumea and MORE troopers enter the water!
Battle of Wau
I choose to make a deliberate attack to get Dan's attention. Little do I know but he chooses to do the same thing. As a result...247 Jpn for 210 Aussie. He has four confirmed brigades at Wau.
Nagumo makes it as far west as possible. Now is the time to head due north towards GG and Rossel! If Dan's carriers can get me, it will be here. Set 3 Squadrons of LB Zeroes onto Long-Range CAP and get ready for the final run.
August 23rd
Subs
I-2 sinks SC642
I-27 damaged by B-17 near Townsville Sub sent to Shortlands so it doesn't sink.
AP Monrovia sinks near Noumea! The 126th RCT must be decimated!
Dan strikes at GG with B-17s and Hudson's. He catches my planes on the ground and I lose 4B and 1V with 6 more damaged. DAMMIT! [&:] I forgot in setting my Zeroes to Long-Range CAP, they set at 100%. OOOOPS...
Nagumo will make it home! Dan gives up and his carriers make a SW turn as mine swing very close to GG. HOW ABOUT THAT!
Battle of Wau Jpn 3 for 64 Aussie
Observations
That was TOO close! I was having kittens over the last several turns. Thank goodness the Japanese ships are fast! Nagumo will base out of Shortlands and get at least a week off for R&R, refit, and new planes. In nearly 2 weeks of flight operations, Nagumo only lost 17 planes. For this loss, he decimated an important Troop Convoy, damaged and sunk several DDs, and hit several other targets as well. No damage to Japanese ships and very little wear-and-tear SYS damage. The next time he comes out it will be for the invasion of PM.
I move all my Bomber squardons back to Rabaul for R&R. They will stand-down as long as Dan allows me to. My hope is to have 120 bombers and 27V ready for the offensive in about 10 days. My fighters will rotate back as well.
Summation of Action August 20-23, 1942
American Ships: Sunk 1AO, 3AP, 1SC, and 1SS. Many soldiers killed in AP sinkings.
Japanese Ships: 1SS damaged
I have had a VERY good two week period! [:D]
August 20th
Subs
I-21 sinks AO Cuyama w/3TT
S-41 is sunk by Nagumo's carrier escorts S-41's Commander probably had a heart attack raises his scope in my carrier force!
AP Manoora sinks while trying to get to Noumea--more of the 126th RCT goes swimming
Bombard PM and knock out 4 planes and damage 13 more.
Battle of Wau 0 Jpn for 27 Aussie
Nagumo approaches the Australia coast and is vastly aided by rain! American carriers don't know where I am headed so they approach somewhat cautiously. If I can slip closer to Australian coast in a NW direction, I don't think he can get close enough for a launch. Measure the distances and try several navigational possiblities before settling on this choice.
Reinforcements, in the form of BF, arrive at GG to bolster the plane capablities there. Rest my fliers at Rossel and GG for what might be to come. Rossel finally makes it to Lvl 2 as an airfield and I can now use it for active operations. GG is appraoching Lvl 4.
August 21st
No Sub action for a change.
My STF I sent to Kouro as a distraction manages only to catch 3 mines for its efforts! [:(] CA Myoko and 2DD minorly damaged.
B-17s raid GG and damage 2AP.
Battle of Wau 0 Jpn for 11 Aussie
My pullback from Wau with most of 35th Brigade reaches 1/2 point. They should be available for operations against PM at the end of the month.
August 22nd
Subs
I-2 makes an attack at Luganville but misses
Large AP J. Franklin Bell sinks appraoching Noumea and MORE troopers enter the water!
Battle of Wau
I choose to make a deliberate attack to get Dan's attention. Little do I know but he chooses to do the same thing. As a result...247 Jpn for 210 Aussie. He has four confirmed brigades at Wau.
Nagumo makes it as far west as possible. Now is the time to head due north towards GG and Rossel! If Dan's carriers can get me, it will be here. Set 3 Squadrons of LB Zeroes onto Long-Range CAP and get ready for the final run.
August 23rd
Subs
I-2 sinks SC642
I-27 damaged by B-17 near Townsville Sub sent to Shortlands so it doesn't sink.
AP Monrovia sinks near Noumea! The 126th RCT must be decimated!
Dan strikes at GG with B-17s and Hudson's. He catches my planes on the ground and I lose 4B and 1V with 6 more damaged. DAMMIT! [&:] I forgot in setting my Zeroes to Long-Range CAP, they set at 100%. OOOOPS...
Nagumo will make it home! Dan gives up and his carriers make a SW turn as mine swing very close to GG. HOW ABOUT THAT!
Battle of Wau Jpn 3 for 64 Aussie
Observations
That was TOO close! I was having kittens over the last several turns. Thank goodness the Japanese ships are fast! Nagumo will base out of Shortlands and get at least a week off for R&R, refit, and new planes. In nearly 2 weeks of flight operations, Nagumo only lost 17 planes. For this loss, he decimated an important Troop Convoy, damaged and sunk several DDs, and hit several other targets as well. No damage to Japanese ships and very little wear-and-tear SYS damage. The next time he comes out it will be for the invasion of PM.
I move all my Bomber squardons back to Rabaul for R&R. They will stand-down as long as Dan allows me to. My hope is to have 120 bombers and 27V ready for the offensive in about 10 days. My fighters will rotate back as well.
Summation of Action August 20-23, 1942
American Ships: Sunk 1AO, 3AP, 1SC, and 1SS. Many soldiers killed in AP sinkings.
Japanese Ships: 1SS damaged
I have had a VERY good two week period! [:D]
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
After the massive amount of action that Dan and I have had over the last 2 weeks of gametime, things settle down for the period of August 24-28, 1942.
August 24th
Subs
I-2 and Ro-33 both have TT attacks that they miss.
Spot his carriers at Rockhampton, Aust.
Battle of Wau O Jpn for 27 Auusie
August 25th
Subs
SS Greenling conducts an aggressive set of attacks on a Jpn TK. Shoots TT-misses, Surfaces--Hits with 1 TT and 7 Sh but takes 7 shells back for the effort, and strikes for a 3rd time with another TT. That is some effort!
Ro-33 makes up for the earlier miss on the 24th by sinking SC645
DD Harusame sinks at Tulagi due to earlier damage.
Battle of Wau Spot elements of 5th Aussie Brigade there!!! [:D]
This is great! Dan launches a dleiberate attack against my Artie Bombardment 99 Jpn for 99 Aussie
August 26th
Subs
I-29 hits an APD at Luganville w/1TT
TK Kyokuto sinks from earlier damage by Greenling
Battle of Wau I Bombard and Dan launches a shock attack. 239 Jpn for 203 Aussie
August 27th
Subs
Greenling strikes yet again on another TK with 1TT. Dan should promote this Commander! [:o]
I-1 launches an attack at Noumea, misses, and gets sunk. I haven't lost many subs and this was a surprise.
TK Genyo Maru sinks due to Greenling damage
Battle of Wau I Bombard and Dan shock attacks (where are his supplies coming from???) 304 Jpn for 135 Aussie
Wau has my attention. Dan is still attacking at a 0 to 1 ratio but he is relentless. I place a squadron of Zeroes on L-R CAP to try to catch his reinforcements...
Reconaissance spots an Allied Convoy approaching from Brisbane. It is just passing Rockhampton. This is where he has three seperate TFs including a BB, many CA, and his carriers. If I am to hazard a guess, his PM supplies must be low. I have cut him off pretty well from heavy supply for nearly a month. He has to sustain those brigades at Wau as well.
I cannot let his supply convoy reach PM safely. I will have Shokaku to go with my other carriers in a couple of days. My bombers are resting and getting replacements. Concievably, we might have a MASSIVE battle over this! In LBA I have nearly 150 Fighter and 100 Bombers. The Carrier groups are at full strength.
There could be a massive opportunity here. If we have a big fight over his convoy then perhaps Operation Southern Wind will have a greater chance of success. He'll think I am simply trying to blunt his reinforcement while I am actually perparing a counter-stroke...
Back to the log...
August 28th
Subs
S-39 nails a TK [&:] His subs are getting frisky!
An AP damaged earlier sinks at Shortlands
Dan launches a B-17 raid against Wau with 25 planes--18Z intercept. Damage several Forts and lose 58 Jpn
Battle of Wau Forgot to write down casualties...oooopsss...wasn't too bad though.
August 29th
I get a squadron of A6M3s that I place in GG and my army planes (30 Oscars) arrive at Wewak. They are sent to Lae.
I decide to keep L-R CAP over Wau and send two squadrons of Zeroes over PM on a sweep to see what might be happening.
Summation for August 24-28, 1942
Japanese Losses: 1DD, 2TK, 1AP, and a SS.
Allied Losses: 1SC sunk and 1APD damaged.
With Dan having his 5th Brigade in Wau, he is TRULY committed to that fight. I am using it entirely as a diversion. The convoy that Nagumo nailed about 10 days ago was carrying troops from a US Infantry Division and RCT from Brisbane to Noumea. The impact of those losses is significant. With Wau happening, he cannot have much left in PM defending it. My Recon lists a HQ, 3-4 Inf Units, and Lots of Engineers.
Operation Southern Wind shall drop off an entire Infantry Div and 3 reinforced Brigades at PM. It will be a tough fight but I have at least a 50-50 chance. The 2nd (Sendai) Division is approaching Shortlands to join the two Brigades already there. The 3rd Brigade will come from Lae. Troopships are currently unloading supplies at Lae and will then load when needed. Additionally, I will use a Fast TF to drop off a SNLF unit to secure the beach west of PM.
Since I have been constantly sending convoys to GG, Buna, Lae, and Rossel I really HOPE he doesn't see any of this activity until it rounds the eastern point of New Guinea. If I can get that far then there is a chance of unloading with nearly no loss. I will use LOTS of fighters on L-R CAP to protect the convoys. Several STF Bombardments will occur in the time preceeding and during the landings. Carriers will be out to fight whomever and whatever gets in the way.
Of course, there might be a major battle prior to that with his approaching convoy...
When we reach the end of the month, I intend to do a complete map update on Bases, Aircraft, and shipping for the AAR. I will also display the Order-of-Battle for Southern Wind.
August 24th
Subs
I-2 and Ro-33 both have TT attacks that they miss.
Spot his carriers at Rockhampton, Aust.
Battle of Wau O Jpn for 27 Auusie
August 25th
Subs
SS Greenling conducts an aggressive set of attacks on a Jpn TK. Shoots TT-misses, Surfaces--Hits with 1 TT and 7 Sh but takes 7 shells back for the effort, and strikes for a 3rd time with another TT. That is some effort!
Ro-33 makes up for the earlier miss on the 24th by sinking SC645
DD Harusame sinks at Tulagi due to earlier damage.
Battle of Wau Spot elements of 5th Aussie Brigade there!!! [:D]
This is great! Dan launches a dleiberate attack against my Artie Bombardment 99 Jpn for 99 Aussie
August 26th
Subs
I-29 hits an APD at Luganville w/1TT
TK Kyokuto sinks from earlier damage by Greenling
Battle of Wau I Bombard and Dan launches a shock attack. 239 Jpn for 203 Aussie
August 27th
Subs
Greenling strikes yet again on another TK with 1TT. Dan should promote this Commander! [:o]
I-1 launches an attack at Noumea, misses, and gets sunk. I haven't lost many subs and this was a surprise.
TK Genyo Maru sinks due to Greenling damage
Battle of Wau I Bombard and Dan shock attacks (where are his supplies coming from???) 304 Jpn for 135 Aussie
Wau has my attention. Dan is still attacking at a 0 to 1 ratio but he is relentless. I place a squadron of Zeroes on L-R CAP to try to catch his reinforcements...
Reconaissance spots an Allied Convoy approaching from Brisbane. It is just passing Rockhampton. This is where he has three seperate TFs including a BB, many CA, and his carriers. If I am to hazard a guess, his PM supplies must be low. I have cut him off pretty well from heavy supply for nearly a month. He has to sustain those brigades at Wau as well.
I cannot let his supply convoy reach PM safely. I will have Shokaku to go with my other carriers in a couple of days. My bombers are resting and getting replacements. Concievably, we might have a MASSIVE battle over this! In LBA I have nearly 150 Fighter and 100 Bombers. The Carrier groups are at full strength.
There could be a massive opportunity here. If we have a big fight over his convoy then perhaps Operation Southern Wind will have a greater chance of success. He'll think I am simply trying to blunt his reinforcement while I am actually perparing a counter-stroke...
Back to the log...
August 28th
Subs
S-39 nails a TK [&:] His subs are getting frisky!
An AP damaged earlier sinks at Shortlands
Dan launches a B-17 raid against Wau with 25 planes--18Z intercept. Damage several Forts and lose 58 Jpn
Battle of Wau Forgot to write down casualties...oooopsss...wasn't too bad though.
August 29th
I get a squadron of A6M3s that I place in GG and my army planes (30 Oscars) arrive at Wewak. They are sent to Lae.
I decide to keep L-R CAP over Wau and send two squadrons of Zeroes over PM on a sweep to see what might be happening.
Summation for August 24-28, 1942
Japanese Losses: 1DD, 2TK, 1AP, and a SS.
Allied Losses: 1SC sunk and 1APD damaged.
With Dan having his 5th Brigade in Wau, he is TRULY committed to that fight. I am using it entirely as a diversion. The convoy that Nagumo nailed about 10 days ago was carrying troops from a US Infantry Division and RCT from Brisbane to Noumea. The impact of those losses is significant. With Wau happening, he cannot have much left in PM defending it. My Recon lists a HQ, 3-4 Inf Units, and Lots of Engineers.
Operation Southern Wind shall drop off an entire Infantry Div and 3 reinforced Brigades at PM. It will be a tough fight but I have at least a 50-50 chance. The 2nd (Sendai) Division is approaching Shortlands to join the two Brigades already there. The 3rd Brigade will come from Lae. Troopships are currently unloading supplies at Lae and will then load when needed. Additionally, I will use a Fast TF to drop off a SNLF unit to secure the beach west of PM.
Since I have been constantly sending convoys to GG, Buna, Lae, and Rossel I really HOPE he doesn't see any of this activity until it rounds the eastern point of New Guinea. If I can get that far then there is a chance of unloading with nearly no loss. I will use LOTS of fighters on L-R CAP to protect the convoys. Several STF Bombardments will occur in the time preceeding and during the landings. Carriers will be out to fight whomever and whatever gets in the way.
Of course, there might be a major battle prior to that with his approaching convoy...
When we reach the end of the month, I intend to do a complete map update on Bases, Aircraft, and shipping for the AAR. I will also display the Order-of-Battle for Southern Wind.
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
This is going to be a long AAR Update on our Campaign. I have been dealing with Final Exams this week and grading a TON of papers and tests. Dan and I have kept up a good 2-3 turns a days and so this will cover the period of August 29-September 6, 1942:
Operational planning for Southern Wind is spinning up. The 2nd Division is approaching Shortlands. I will unload it, reorganize, and then load it plus two more brigades. The intention is to send two 25 ship convoys with surface escort towards PM starting around September 5th.
August 29th
No Sub Action. Most of mine have been called back to Truk in preparation for Southern Wind.
Send a fighter sweep over PM and find, to my surprise, 34 Allied fighter on CAP. I lose a fighter in exchange for five kills.
His carriers continue to hang out around Rockhampton. I would really like to move them away from my target. Decide to send the 2 CVL (Ryujo and Zuiho) with 1CL and 6 DD on a little raid towards his island bases north of Luganville. Perhaps they will draw his attention.
Shokaku is on her way to the Shortlands and can rendezvous with Zuikaku and Junyo.
Battle of Wau He attacks 230 Jpn vs. 91 Aussies dead.
August 30th
No sub action
Rainy weather covers my CVLs for an unobserved exit from Shortlands.
26 B-17s attack Wau and do little damage.
I send a sweep of 75 Zeroes and bag six kills.
August 31st
Subs
SS Drum puts 2TT into an AP.
An AP sinks at GG from an earlier raid.
Spot a convoy approaching PM. Move 26 Vals and 75B/N to GG and Lae. The daily fighter sweep yields 12 Destroyed Allied planes for 2 Japanese fighters.
I decide to send a small Surface TF to bombard PM. Perhaps they can catch the convoy heading there...
CVLs have not been seen. I continue them east towards the edge of the map before sending them south.
Move Zuikaku and Junyo to a covering position west of Rossel.
September 1st
No Sub Action
Thunderstorms for the weather.
Allied AO Brazos sinks from damage near Efate earlier.
Send CVLs south, CVs not seen as they sortie from Shortlands, and ditto for Surface TF.
DAMMIT! Dan knows my patterns pretty well. I moved all that LBA south yesterday and he massively nailed GG with medium and heavy bombers! [X(] I didn't even think to have CAP up since I was thinking of attacking and not defense. STUPID John! He closes down the field in one day and I lose 16 Zeroes, 9 B/N, and 3V. Will try long-range CAP tomorrow to see if I can slow him down to save my planes.
September 2nd
No Subs and rainy weather.
My Surface TF catches two AK unloading at PM! [8D] Can we all repeat together "I LOVE LONG LANCE TT??" Both transports go down!
I lose an AP at GG from earlier raids.
My CVL's announce their presense by hitting Luganville with 3Z and 26K! Thankfully he only has a few Wildcats up on CAP! My Kates nail three SC and put them down! I seem to like sinking those little ships. The raid only costs me 1 Kate.
UHHHHH OOOOHHHHHHH...I spot a massive fleet concentration coming up from Rockhampton. APs, Surface TFs, and a convoy=big trouble! I cannot stand up to his four heavy American Carriers. It will be nearly week until he gets to GG or Rossel or PM. Going to have to think about this!
Even worse, he continues to pound the Hell out of GG. My long-range CAP knocks down some bombers but isn't nearly enough. MORE planes destroyed on the ground and the runways are shot!
September 3rd
No sub activity.
GG Nailed AGAIN! I've lost 50% of my planes there and I can't even get off the ground...
The fencing at Wau continues. I bombard and Shock attacks! 227 Jpn for 306 Aussies. He stages a bomber raid there as well.
I have got to figure out what to do regarding this approaching armada. Dan won't spread things out where I could pounce. If I know him, he will keep 3-4 TFs together and DARE me to attack. HMMMMMMMMMMM...
September 4th
No sub activity.
There are two surprise naval bombardments at GG. Is that his target??? I think he is really going to simply try to reinforce PM but cannot count on that. Send a Fast TF to drop off an SNLF unit and CD unit from Lae to GG. TF will then pick up a Base Force from GG and bring it back to Lae.
GG is pasted during the day as well.
Good News--His raiding TFs that hit GG get to take a little punnishment! Zuikaku and Junyo launch their Vals at exptreme range. BB North Carolina takes SEVEN bombs and CA Chicago takes two. Can't expect too much here but at least it is some damage. Of the 43 Vals; however, I lose 18! OUCH!
Time to get serious:
1. Send Shokaku to NE of Rossel to rendezvous with Zui and Junyo. That should put enough teeth into the TF to help.
2. I had the CVLs returning towards Rossel but decide to send them due South for some commerce raiding. Perhaps they can divert Dan's attention...
3. BB group of Nagato and Mutsu formed and sent to Rossel.
4. BB Group formed around Kongo and Hiei to NE of GG and NW of Rossel.
5. All subs to converge on PM.
September 5th
Subs--Nothing
PM has a lot of aircraft in it. Small raids come from it during the day. Two fo my AS are hit minorly as they bring back a Base Force from GG to Lae.
I'm losing my planes at GG terribly quick. I decide to withdraw a Zero Squadron so it can reform in 60 Days. Can't do anything else until he leaves the base alone long enough for it to repair.
September 6th
Subs
SS Greenling misses an attack south of Rossel.
SS Drum misses an attack NE of Shortlands
SS S-37 nails an AP wth 3TT north of Rossel. It sinks.
CVLs are now on a line between Brisbane and Noumea. Spot an AO Convoy to the east and pursue!
Decide to drag the remainder of the carriers southwards as well. Nagato and Mutsu are going to attack Cooktown and see if I can catch North Carolina or Chicago there...
His massive force is about 3 days from PM. That has to be his goal. This has taken long enough for me to get SS into the area. 3 will be on station by tomorrow with four more there by the 8th.
That is the action to date. Big things about to occur!
I thought I would provide Campaign info at this point before all Hell breaks lose. Sinkings to this point in the campaign:
Japan: 36 ships for 506 VP--BB Haruna, CA Haguro, 3CL, 7DD, 3APD, 3MSW/ML, 4AO?TK, 3SS, and 11AP Most of the big losses come from that DAMNED AI mistake of keeping my surfaceTF around in daylight to be creamed!
Allied Powers: 53 ships for 413VP--CA Salt Lake City, CL Phoenix, 4DD, 3 DM/S, 2MSW, 3AO, 2SS, 12SC, 11AP, and 14AK. Serious escort and merchant losses but not near enough!
Base Status:
Irau--AC 2, PC 1, Fort 5, and Assault Strength 49
Lunga--AC 5, PC 3, Fort 3, and AS 147
Tulagi--AC 0, PC 5, Fort 1, and AS 21
Munda--AC 1, PC 1, Fort 0, and AS 52
Shortlands--AC 2, PC 6, Fort 4, and AS 738 Sendai Division and 2 Brigades
Gasmata--AC 2, PC 2, Fort 1, and AS 3
Wewak--AC 2, PC 1, Fort 0, and AS 0
Lae--AC 5, PC 5, Fort 4, and AS 80
Nadzab--AC 2
Buna--AC 1 and PC 1 AS 7
GG--AC 4, PC 3, Fort 2, AS 114
Rossel--AC 2, PC 2, Fort 3, and AS 80
That is a rundown of my bases and loses to this point.
Operational planning for Southern Wind is spinning up. The 2nd Division is approaching Shortlands. I will unload it, reorganize, and then load it plus two more brigades. The intention is to send two 25 ship convoys with surface escort towards PM starting around September 5th.
August 29th
No Sub Action. Most of mine have been called back to Truk in preparation for Southern Wind.
Send a fighter sweep over PM and find, to my surprise, 34 Allied fighter on CAP. I lose a fighter in exchange for five kills.
His carriers continue to hang out around Rockhampton. I would really like to move them away from my target. Decide to send the 2 CVL (Ryujo and Zuiho) with 1CL and 6 DD on a little raid towards his island bases north of Luganville. Perhaps they will draw his attention.
Shokaku is on her way to the Shortlands and can rendezvous with Zuikaku and Junyo.
Battle of Wau He attacks 230 Jpn vs. 91 Aussies dead.
August 30th
No sub action
Rainy weather covers my CVLs for an unobserved exit from Shortlands.
26 B-17s attack Wau and do little damage.
I send a sweep of 75 Zeroes and bag six kills.
August 31st
Subs
SS Drum puts 2TT into an AP.
An AP sinks at GG from an earlier raid.
Spot a convoy approaching PM. Move 26 Vals and 75B/N to GG and Lae. The daily fighter sweep yields 12 Destroyed Allied planes for 2 Japanese fighters.
I decide to send a small Surface TF to bombard PM. Perhaps they can catch the convoy heading there...
CVLs have not been seen. I continue them east towards the edge of the map before sending them south.
Move Zuikaku and Junyo to a covering position west of Rossel.
September 1st
No Sub Action
Thunderstorms for the weather.
Allied AO Brazos sinks from damage near Efate earlier.
Send CVLs south, CVs not seen as they sortie from Shortlands, and ditto for Surface TF.
DAMMIT! Dan knows my patterns pretty well. I moved all that LBA south yesterday and he massively nailed GG with medium and heavy bombers! [X(] I didn't even think to have CAP up since I was thinking of attacking and not defense. STUPID John! He closes down the field in one day and I lose 16 Zeroes, 9 B/N, and 3V. Will try long-range CAP tomorrow to see if I can slow him down to save my planes.
September 2nd
No Subs and rainy weather.
My Surface TF catches two AK unloading at PM! [8D] Can we all repeat together "I LOVE LONG LANCE TT??" Both transports go down!
I lose an AP at GG from earlier raids.
My CVL's announce their presense by hitting Luganville with 3Z and 26K! Thankfully he only has a few Wildcats up on CAP! My Kates nail three SC and put them down! I seem to like sinking those little ships. The raid only costs me 1 Kate.
UHHHHH OOOOHHHHHHH...I spot a massive fleet concentration coming up from Rockhampton. APs, Surface TFs, and a convoy=big trouble! I cannot stand up to his four heavy American Carriers. It will be nearly week until he gets to GG or Rossel or PM. Going to have to think about this!
Even worse, he continues to pound the Hell out of GG. My long-range CAP knocks down some bombers but isn't nearly enough. MORE planes destroyed on the ground and the runways are shot!
September 3rd
No sub activity.
GG Nailed AGAIN! I've lost 50% of my planes there and I can't even get off the ground...
The fencing at Wau continues. I bombard and Shock attacks! 227 Jpn for 306 Aussies. He stages a bomber raid there as well.
I have got to figure out what to do regarding this approaching armada. Dan won't spread things out where I could pounce. If I know him, he will keep 3-4 TFs together and DARE me to attack. HMMMMMMMMMMM...
September 4th
No sub activity.
There are two surprise naval bombardments at GG. Is that his target??? I think he is really going to simply try to reinforce PM but cannot count on that. Send a Fast TF to drop off an SNLF unit and CD unit from Lae to GG. TF will then pick up a Base Force from GG and bring it back to Lae.
GG is pasted during the day as well.
Good News--His raiding TFs that hit GG get to take a little punnishment! Zuikaku and Junyo launch their Vals at exptreme range. BB North Carolina takes SEVEN bombs and CA Chicago takes two. Can't expect too much here but at least it is some damage. Of the 43 Vals; however, I lose 18! OUCH!
Time to get serious:
1. Send Shokaku to NE of Rossel to rendezvous with Zui and Junyo. That should put enough teeth into the TF to help.
2. I had the CVLs returning towards Rossel but decide to send them due South for some commerce raiding. Perhaps they can divert Dan's attention...
3. BB group of Nagato and Mutsu formed and sent to Rossel.
4. BB Group formed around Kongo and Hiei to NE of GG and NW of Rossel.
5. All subs to converge on PM.
September 5th
Subs--Nothing
PM has a lot of aircraft in it. Small raids come from it during the day. Two fo my AS are hit minorly as they bring back a Base Force from GG to Lae.
I'm losing my planes at GG terribly quick. I decide to withdraw a Zero Squadron so it can reform in 60 Days. Can't do anything else until he leaves the base alone long enough for it to repair.
September 6th
Subs
SS Greenling misses an attack south of Rossel.
SS Drum misses an attack NE of Shortlands
SS S-37 nails an AP wth 3TT north of Rossel. It sinks.
CVLs are now on a line between Brisbane and Noumea. Spot an AO Convoy to the east and pursue!
Decide to drag the remainder of the carriers southwards as well. Nagato and Mutsu are going to attack Cooktown and see if I can catch North Carolina or Chicago there...
His massive force is about 3 days from PM. That has to be his goal. This has taken long enough for me to get SS into the area. 3 will be on station by tomorrow with four more there by the 8th.
That is the action to date. Big things about to occur!
I thought I would provide Campaign info at this point before all Hell breaks lose. Sinkings to this point in the campaign:
Japan: 36 ships for 506 VP--BB Haruna, CA Haguro, 3CL, 7DD, 3APD, 3MSW/ML, 4AO?TK, 3SS, and 11AP Most of the big losses come from that DAMNED AI mistake of keeping my surfaceTF around in daylight to be creamed!
Allied Powers: 53 ships for 413VP--CA Salt Lake City, CL Phoenix, 4DD, 3 DM/S, 2MSW, 3AO, 2SS, 12SC, 11AP, and 14AK. Serious escort and merchant losses but not near enough!
Base Status:
Irau--AC 2, PC 1, Fort 5, and Assault Strength 49
Lunga--AC 5, PC 3, Fort 3, and AS 147
Tulagi--AC 0, PC 5, Fort 1, and AS 21
Munda--AC 1, PC 1, Fort 0, and AS 52
Shortlands--AC 2, PC 6, Fort 4, and AS 738 Sendai Division and 2 Brigades
Gasmata--AC 2, PC 2, Fort 1, and AS 3
Wewak--AC 2, PC 1, Fort 0, and AS 0
Lae--AC 5, PC 5, Fort 4, and AS 80
Nadzab--AC 2
Buna--AC 1 and PC 1 AS 7
GG--AC 4, PC 3, Fort 2, AS 114
Rossel--AC 2, PC 2, Fort 3, and AS 80
That is a rundown of my bases and loses to this point.
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
I got so far behind with my last AAR installment, I thought perhaps I would do one at a time for a little while.
Let me cover September 9th first before going into thoughts:
The weather continues to suck! Rain again today.
I now have seven subs ready and waiting for Dan near PM. I think I am going to spread them out 2-3 deep coming out of the PM hexes. Hopefully, they will hit him in successive hexes and wear him down some. I expect to take SS losses.
His massive set of TFs are still about 2-3 days from PM. He is midway from Cooktown to PM.
He hit GG today with a just a few bombers. I checked out the base and found to my excitement that I could fly planes out. The repaired survivors FLEE to Rabaul. Out of 54Z, 27B, 27N, and 26V, I pull out 18Z, 7 B/N, and 7V. What a disaster. There are still about 25 planes at GG that are damaged. I will try to get them out one-at-a-time.
My CVLs begin to attack his Sealanes between Noumea and Brisbane. AP Ormiston takes 6TT and down she goes. I order the TF to move slowly towards Brisbane.
My Bombardment group with Nagato and Mutsu approach Townsville and is hit with some LBA: Atago takes 3B, a CL takes 1B, and a DD 2B. Atago has serious issues so send her back to Rossel. Dan could have her easily with his carriers but I bet he won't move them from covering (in the same hex) his convoy.
Main CVs are drawing even with Townsville but are midway between Australia and New Caledonia.
Two BB TF sit at Rossel. Yamato and her consorts sit along Hiei and Kongo with their escorts. Two squadrons of Fighters fly 90% CAP over them.
I get Zero reinforcements! [:'(] Two complete squadrons arrive and they are sent to Lae. I now have 125 Fighters with 40 Bombers there. Everyone prepped to attack convoy. Having learned a lesson with GG, each of my fighter squadrons have CAP at 30%. Shoul dbe enough to deter an attack.
Make another deliberate attack at Wau: 65 Jpn for 85 Aussie. His 5 Brigades are all at "0" attack strength.
QUESTIONS for anyone who want to jump in:
1. I don't think I can fight his CVs toe-to-toe. How should I go about damaging as much as possible without losing my CVs?
2. Should I ignore the convoy and go hunting elsewhere?
3. Should I make an all-out effort and risk it all?
4. Should I simply retire back to Tuagi and Shortlands and wait to pick the fight when I WANT IT?
I am truly at a loss right now. Any thoughts would be well accepted!
Let me cover September 9th first before going into thoughts:
The weather continues to suck! Rain again today.
I now have seven subs ready and waiting for Dan near PM. I think I am going to spread them out 2-3 deep coming out of the PM hexes. Hopefully, they will hit him in successive hexes and wear him down some. I expect to take SS losses.
His massive set of TFs are still about 2-3 days from PM. He is midway from Cooktown to PM.
He hit GG today with a just a few bombers. I checked out the base and found to my excitement that I could fly planes out. The repaired survivors FLEE to Rabaul. Out of 54Z, 27B, 27N, and 26V, I pull out 18Z, 7 B/N, and 7V. What a disaster. There are still about 25 planes at GG that are damaged. I will try to get them out one-at-a-time.
My CVLs begin to attack his Sealanes between Noumea and Brisbane. AP Ormiston takes 6TT and down she goes. I order the TF to move slowly towards Brisbane.
My Bombardment group with Nagato and Mutsu approach Townsville and is hit with some LBA: Atago takes 3B, a CL takes 1B, and a DD 2B. Atago has serious issues so send her back to Rossel. Dan could have her easily with his carriers but I bet he won't move them from covering (in the same hex) his convoy.
Main CVs are drawing even with Townsville but are midway between Australia and New Caledonia.
Two BB TF sit at Rossel. Yamato and her consorts sit along Hiei and Kongo with their escorts. Two squadrons of Fighters fly 90% CAP over them.
I get Zero reinforcements! [:'(] Two complete squadrons arrive and they are sent to Lae. I now have 125 Fighters with 40 Bombers there. Everyone prepped to attack convoy. Having learned a lesson with GG, each of my fighter squadrons have CAP at 30%. Shoul dbe enough to deter an attack.
Make another deliberate attack at Wau: 65 Jpn for 85 Aussie. His 5 Brigades are all at "0" attack strength.
QUESTIONS for anyone who want to jump in:
1. I don't think I can fight his CVs toe-to-toe. How should I go about damaging as much as possible without losing my CVs?
2. Should I ignore the convoy and go hunting elsewhere?
3. Should I make an all-out effort and risk it all?
4. Should I simply retire back to Tuagi and Shortlands and wait to pick the fight when I WANT IT?
I am truly at a loss right now. Any thoughts would be well accepted!
-
TAIL GUNNER
- Posts: 1156
- Joined: Wed Apr 27, 2005 5:10 am
- Location: Los Osos, CA
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
ORIGINAL: John III
QUESTIONS for anyone who want to jump in:
1. I don't think I can fight his CVs toe-to-toe. How should I go about damaging as much as possible without losing my CVs?
2. Should I ignore the convoy and go hunting elsewhere?
3. Should I make an all-out effort and risk it all?
4. Should I simply retire back to Tuagi and Shortlands and wait to pick the fight when I WANT IT?
I am truly at a loss right now. Any thoughts would be well accepted!
1. I would closely protect my Betties and Nells as much as possible. Only use them for PM airfield attacks on clear days. 10% naval search at 1000 ft. for ASW the rest of the time. If you can amass 200-300, I'd launch an all out strike the next time he shows his CVs. It'll be an ugly slaughter, but there is strength in numbers. Then race your CVs down to (hopefully) kill off stragglers.
2. Since his CVs are escorting....I'd go elsewhere. You would need extreme luck to come out on top of that engagement I thinks. Besides, PM is such a supply hog. I'd let him unload his supplys and then bomb the airfield and port when he retires. Soon he'll need supplies again. Continually bombing PM will also make him think twice about basing his precious B-17s there, which are your only real threat to Rabaul. However, if thunderstorms are forecast, I might risk a bombardment mission and pray for bad weather on the way in and out. Also use your own CVs when it's safe to raid PM's airfield. I like to use Vals for airfield attack (they're great at that) and Kates bombing port facilities from about 10000 feet to avoid most flak. You might not get alot of port supply hits, but only one takes away about 2000 supply! Then get the hell out of there!
3. Only if you want to lose all your CVs......besides, who likes to play a game with no CVs? Yawwwwwwn...
4. Yep, wait for your chance.....it'll happen. One great gem I learned from herbieh is to use your Mavis and Emily for night port attacks. You can hit Noumea from Lunga, and Brisbane from Gili-Gili! If his CVs are holed up in port, you'll might get some lucky 500lb bomb hits.
Why did you pick this scenario anyways?
No Midway carriers.........impossible to win?
Chad
"If you want peace, prepare for war."
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Thanks Juggalo.
DAN and I chose this scenario for the very reason you mention. The KB has been crippled from the losses at Midway. This scenario is about even in terms of numbers. It makes the challenge much higher and greater. We have had a GREAT campaign that has run 3.5 months of game time right now and it is clearly anyone's game.
If I want the FULL KB, I will keep playing WitP where I can use them to strike anywhere and everywhere!
DAN and I chose this scenario for the very reason you mention. The KB has been crippled from the losses at Midway. This scenario is about even in terms of numbers. It makes the challenge much higher and greater. We have had a GREAT campaign that has run 3.5 months of game time right now and it is clearly anyone's game.
If I want the FULL KB, I will keep playing WitP where I can use them to strike anywhere and everywhere!
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
This is the second time I have had to write this AAR because my computer lost power right when I was getting finished! A waste of 30 minutes.
This is the chronicle of the Second Battle of the Coral Sea that was fought September 8-11, 1942. The results were decidely in favor of the Allies and near disaster for the Japanese.
As stated in the earlier AAR, I had decided to retreat from the advancing Allied TFs containing a BB TF, all FOUR American CVs, and a large convoy. I wanted to fight a major battle at a time of my choosing. With this in mind, I order all TFs to return to either Shortlands or Tulagi. Unfortunately, Dan had other ideas. He suddenly swings his TFs east instead of continuing along the Australian coast. This move precipitates a major battle.
Sept 8th
Subs
No activity. I have seven subs stationed near PM waiting...
Other Odds and Ends
A Japanese PG hits a mine at Irau
Bombard Townsville with Nagato and Mutsu. TF is ordered out due east so as to NOT run into the American fleet.
He continues to hit GG with LBA.
A raid also hits Lae and damages several transports.
Air Battle over PM: 4 Jpn Ftrs for 11 Allied Ftrs.
He swings his Carriers out towards the east and I am forced to give battle:
The Japanese Carriers (Sho/Zui/Junyo) are hit by four seperate air strikes. Luck shines on the Japanese side for most of the attack. Shokaku is not hit, Zuikaku takes 1 1000lb B, and Junyo is hit hard with 1 500lb and 2 1000lb bombs. She is in bad shape (75% SS and 25 Fires). I detach her and order her to withdraw towards Rossel. Same thing for Sho/Zui. The attacks are tremendously costly for the Americans: 24W/39Daunt/7Avenge fall and MANY more are damaged. Considering everything, I got off WAY light!
The American Carriers decimate my bomber squadrons. THREE (2 Kate/1Val) go in UNESCORTED! [:o][:o] Nearly 50 Wildcats wipe them out. Only good thing to say is that I do manage to put 2 TT into Saratoga. The day costs me: 5Z, 23V, and 31K. I had CAP at 60% over my carriers and cannot understand why a coordinated strike did not occur!!!
Historically it was the Americans who had this problem and NOT the Japanese...
To protect my CVs, I order nearly 100Z from Rossel to fly L-R CAP over Sho/Zui. With as many losses as Dan's air groups have taken today, it should be enough to protect my CVs.
My CVLs are well on the way back to Tulagi. I will not risk them.
Decide to detach 2CA and 2DD to raid Noumea from the CVL TF. Perhaps it will distract Dan...
Additionally, send Hiei and Kongo towards Townsville to see if I can catch Saratoga. It is a risk but perhaps the BBs will slip through with all the other activity.
Vector 3 SS to Townsville from PM for the same reason.
Sept 9th
Subs
Nothing
2 Japanese AP sink from earlier attacks.
Another Lae raid nets 2 APs damaged.
Surface TF catches several Allied AK at Noumea! This starts the day off well! [:D][:D] At the end of the fight: 2 large AK (Titania and Electra), 1 AK, and an SC go down! 3 AK are damaged as well. On the way home, my CAs take some damage from LBA. Takao and Myoko both take several bombs and run for home! They are not in any real danger of sinking...
My L-R CAP over Sho/Zui DOESN'T DO A DAMNED THING! They don't fly...
Dan lunges eastward to further attack my ships.
Four smaller strikes bore in on my CVs. By the end of the day, Shokaku takes 4 1000lb bombs and Zuikaku takes 2 more. Both are in deep trouble...70+ SYS and 30+ Fires. I migth lose all three of my larger CVs. Dan loses 20 more planes and has 40 more damaged. He cannot have TOO much striking power left.
I feebly counterattack with 25Z, 22V, and 3K. Down go 1Z, 10V, and 3K. I manage to place 1 Bomb onto Enterprise.
BB TF appraoching Townsville and haven't been spotted. Perhaps I will get lucky.
Air Battle over PM: 2 Jpn Ftrs for 2 Allied Ftrs.
Sept 10th
Subs
I-158 misses an attack near PM
An AP sinks from damage earlier at Lae.
PM Sweeps: 1 Jpn Ftr for 6 Allies.
All three carriers are in sinking condition. None go down yet. We'll see.
Dan pulls back towards Australia.
Sept 11th
Sub
Ro-34 nails AK Barwon in two attacks with 4 TTs. Down she goes! My subs are back!!!
Still have four at PM and 3 appraoching Townsville.
Due to damage sustained earlier I lose; CA Atago, Cls Tatsuta and Katori.
I GET LUCKY!!!! My BBs NAIL Saratoga! She and DDs Helm and Drayton sink! [8D][8D] Finally, something positive! The BBs manage to get away without getting hit.
PM Sweep: 5 Jpn Ftr for 3 Allied. I add two rested Zero Squadrons onto the PM Sweeps.
All three Japanese CVs are still floating. Sho and Zui are not TOO far away from Rossel and docking. Don't think they will make it but one must have hopes...
With the sinking of Saratoga, the battle effectively ends. I won't do a summation until we see how many (probably all) of the Japanese carriers sink.
Sept 12th
Subs My subs are now on the prowl and scoring...
I-156 hits the large AP American Legion with 2TT near Townsville
I-33 sinks SC708 with 3TT
S-44 makes an attack but fails.
BIG Air Battle over PM: 4 Jpn Ftrs for 33 Allied Ftrs!!!!! WOW!
His CVs have gone into Townsville.
I am seriously thinking about launching Operation Southern Wind RIGHT NOW! Though my CVs are in deep trouble, his LBA and CBA is severly damaged. Might not be a better time. I have nearly 200 Zeroes that can be called upon for cover. That is...IF they actually fly and provide help...
That is the news on the Second Battle of the Coral Sea.
This is the chronicle of the Second Battle of the Coral Sea that was fought September 8-11, 1942. The results were decidely in favor of the Allies and near disaster for the Japanese.
As stated in the earlier AAR, I had decided to retreat from the advancing Allied TFs containing a BB TF, all FOUR American CVs, and a large convoy. I wanted to fight a major battle at a time of my choosing. With this in mind, I order all TFs to return to either Shortlands or Tulagi. Unfortunately, Dan had other ideas. He suddenly swings his TFs east instead of continuing along the Australian coast. This move precipitates a major battle.
Sept 8th
Subs
No activity. I have seven subs stationed near PM waiting...
Other Odds and Ends
A Japanese PG hits a mine at Irau
Bombard Townsville with Nagato and Mutsu. TF is ordered out due east so as to NOT run into the American fleet.
He continues to hit GG with LBA.
A raid also hits Lae and damages several transports.
Air Battle over PM: 4 Jpn Ftrs for 11 Allied Ftrs.
He swings his Carriers out towards the east and I am forced to give battle:
The Japanese Carriers (Sho/Zui/Junyo) are hit by four seperate air strikes. Luck shines on the Japanese side for most of the attack. Shokaku is not hit, Zuikaku takes 1 1000lb B, and Junyo is hit hard with 1 500lb and 2 1000lb bombs. She is in bad shape (75% SS and 25 Fires). I detach her and order her to withdraw towards Rossel. Same thing for Sho/Zui. The attacks are tremendously costly for the Americans: 24W/39Daunt/7Avenge fall and MANY more are damaged. Considering everything, I got off WAY light!
The American Carriers decimate my bomber squadrons. THREE (2 Kate/1Val) go in UNESCORTED! [:o][:o] Nearly 50 Wildcats wipe them out. Only good thing to say is that I do manage to put 2 TT into Saratoga. The day costs me: 5Z, 23V, and 31K. I had CAP at 60% over my carriers and cannot understand why a coordinated strike did not occur!!!
Historically it was the Americans who had this problem and NOT the Japanese...
To protect my CVs, I order nearly 100Z from Rossel to fly L-R CAP over Sho/Zui. With as many losses as Dan's air groups have taken today, it should be enough to protect my CVs.
My CVLs are well on the way back to Tulagi. I will not risk them.
Decide to detach 2CA and 2DD to raid Noumea from the CVL TF. Perhaps it will distract Dan...
Additionally, send Hiei and Kongo towards Townsville to see if I can catch Saratoga. It is a risk but perhaps the BBs will slip through with all the other activity.
Vector 3 SS to Townsville from PM for the same reason.
Sept 9th
Subs
Nothing
2 Japanese AP sink from earlier attacks.
Another Lae raid nets 2 APs damaged.
Surface TF catches several Allied AK at Noumea! This starts the day off well! [:D][:D] At the end of the fight: 2 large AK (Titania and Electra), 1 AK, and an SC go down! 3 AK are damaged as well. On the way home, my CAs take some damage from LBA. Takao and Myoko both take several bombs and run for home! They are not in any real danger of sinking...
My L-R CAP over Sho/Zui DOESN'T DO A DAMNED THING! They don't fly...
Dan lunges eastward to further attack my ships.
Four smaller strikes bore in on my CVs. By the end of the day, Shokaku takes 4 1000lb bombs and Zuikaku takes 2 more. Both are in deep trouble...70+ SYS and 30+ Fires. I migth lose all three of my larger CVs. Dan loses 20 more planes and has 40 more damaged. He cannot have TOO much striking power left.
I feebly counterattack with 25Z, 22V, and 3K. Down go 1Z, 10V, and 3K. I manage to place 1 Bomb onto Enterprise.
BB TF appraoching Townsville and haven't been spotted. Perhaps I will get lucky.
Air Battle over PM: 2 Jpn Ftrs for 2 Allied Ftrs.
Sept 10th
Subs
I-158 misses an attack near PM
An AP sinks from damage earlier at Lae.
PM Sweeps: 1 Jpn Ftr for 6 Allies.
All three carriers are in sinking condition. None go down yet. We'll see.
Dan pulls back towards Australia.
Sept 11th
Sub
Ro-34 nails AK Barwon in two attacks with 4 TTs. Down she goes! My subs are back!!!
Still have four at PM and 3 appraoching Townsville.
Due to damage sustained earlier I lose; CA Atago, Cls Tatsuta and Katori.
I GET LUCKY!!!! My BBs NAIL Saratoga! She and DDs Helm and Drayton sink! [8D][8D] Finally, something positive! The BBs manage to get away without getting hit.
PM Sweep: 5 Jpn Ftr for 3 Allied. I add two rested Zero Squadrons onto the PM Sweeps.
All three Japanese CVs are still floating. Sho and Zui are not TOO far away from Rossel and docking. Don't think they will make it but one must have hopes...
With the sinking of Saratoga, the battle effectively ends. I won't do a summation until we see how many (probably all) of the Japanese carriers sink.
Sept 12th
Subs My subs are now on the prowl and scoring...
I-156 hits the large AP American Legion with 2TT near Townsville
I-33 sinks SC708 with 3TT
S-44 makes an attack but fails.
BIG Air Battle over PM: 4 Jpn Ftrs for 33 Allied Ftrs!!!!! WOW!
His CVs have gone into Townsville.
I am seriously thinking about launching Operation Southern Wind RIGHT NOW! Though my CVs are in deep trouble, his LBA and CBA is severly damaged. Might not be a better time. I have nearly 200 Zeroes that can be called upon for cover. That is...IF they actually fly and provide help...
That is the news on the Second Battle of the Coral Sea.
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
My L-R CAP over Sho/Zui DOESN'T DO A DAMNED THING! They don't fly...
This was a design decision, and has been in UV for some time. LRCAP does not work over carrier TFs. Something about play balance and historical reasons.
Great game so far!
In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
I wish I had known about the CAP rule before. Would have played out that day differently. Sink your own CVs and learn, that is my policy! [8|]
Final results of the Second Battle of the Coral Sea are in and it was a terribly lopsided Allied victory. Shokaku and Zuikaku (even while docked at Rossel) sank on September 14th. Junyo sank on the 13th. This is a strategic defeat of massive proportions. I just have my two CVLs and hope for Hiyo within two weeks.
I officially admit that I SUCK in carrier engagements. Of course, I was up against every American CV left... I wonder if that should be a house rule? The Americans, historically, NEVER put all their eggs in one basket. They always sailed the CVs in their own defensive rings and usually paired them in the same area. Putting FOUR Fleet Carriers in one TF would not have happened until late-43 or early-44. Oh well...
Back to the war:
Sept 13th Partly Cloudy
Subs
Drum misses attack at Munda
I-33 misses DD at Townsville
Junyo sinks
Sho/Zui dock at Rossel. Both are at 99% SYS damage and have a couple of fires.
Air-to-Air
56Z vs 58 Allied Ftrs at PM 5Z fall in exchange for 14 Allied
Raids occur at GG and Lae.
Set my Betty's, with Zero escort to perform a Port Attack on Townsville with the hope of getting a lucky hit.
Battle of Wau: 171 Japanese for 114 Aussies
Sept 14th
Subs
I-33 sinks DD Anderson at Townsville
SC647 hits a mine at Kouro and sinks.
Shokaku and Zuikaku both sink at Rossel. War over...
I cannot believe the scale of his bombing attacks! He closes Lae in ONE raid today. 30+ Fighters and 100 Bombers blast it to pieces despite CAP. I shot down 10 planes and damage about 15 more but the base is closed.
My Air-to-Air at PM brings O losses for 7 Allied Ftrs
No luck on the my raid at Townsville. 20 Betty attack, 6 are lost and no shipping hits... Won't try that again.
I'm going to try a different tack with PM. Three seperate Bombardment groups are closing on the base. BBs accompany each TF. Let us see if some damage can be done there.
Southern Wind is Greenlighted. All troops are loaded at Shortlands and Lae. They will rendezvous West of Rossel near GG and then commence their run into PM. If all goes well, they will be lost in the shipping clutter until one-two days out. We shall see.
Final results of the Second Battle of the Coral Sea are in and it was a terribly lopsided Allied victory. Shokaku and Zuikaku (even while docked at Rossel) sank on September 14th. Junyo sank on the 13th. This is a strategic defeat of massive proportions. I just have my two CVLs and hope for Hiyo within two weeks.
I officially admit that I SUCK in carrier engagements. Of course, I was up against every American CV left... I wonder if that should be a house rule? The Americans, historically, NEVER put all their eggs in one basket. They always sailed the CVs in their own defensive rings and usually paired them in the same area. Putting FOUR Fleet Carriers in one TF would not have happened until late-43 or early-44. Oh well...
Back to the war:
Sept 13th Partly Cloudy
Subs
Drum misses attack at Munda
I-33 misses DD at Townsville
Junyo sinks
Sho/Zui dock at Rossel. Both are at 99% SYS damage and have a couple of fires.
Air-to-Air
56Z vs 58 Allied Ftrs at PM 5Z fall in exchange for 14 Allied
Raids occur at GG and Lae.
Set my Betty's, with Zero escort to perform a Port Attack on Townsville with the hope of getting a lucky hit.
Battle of Wau: 171 Japanese for 114 Aussies
Sept 14th
Subs
I-33 sinks DD Anderson at Townsville
SC647 hits a mine at Kouro and sinks.
Shokaku and Zuikaku both sink at Rossel. War over...
I cannot believe the scale of his bombing attacks! He closes Lae in ONE raid today. 30+ Fighters and 100 Bombers blast it to pieces despite CAP. I shot down 10 planes and damage about 15 more but the base is closed.
My Air-to-Air at PM brings O losses for 7 Allied Ftrs
No luck on the my raid at Townsville. 20 Betty attack, 6 are lost and no shipping hits... Won't try that again.
I'm going to try a different tack with PM. Three seperate Bombardment groups are closing on the base. BBs accompany each TF. Let us see if some damage can be done there.
Southern Wind is Greenlighted. All troops are loaded at Shortlands and Lae. They will rendezvous West of Rossel near GG and then commence their run into PM. If all goes well, they will be lost in the shipping clutter until one-two days out. We shall see.