Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font][&:] What do you mean LRCAP doesn't work over carrier TF? Ever? Is ther some sort of rule? Are you talking about LRCAP from land based air covering CV grps?
Sergeant----*
Sergeant----*
-
anarchyintheuk
- Posts: 3958
- Joined: Wed May 05, 2004 7:08 pm
- Location: Dallas
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Lr-cap over a cvtf is only effective up to a total of 25% of the number of planes sent, subject to the usual distance/endurance/moral/fatigue qualifiers. I believe it's supposed to represent difficulties associated w/ coordinating cv and lba cap. It's in the manual i thinkl. You can avoid the penalty by having the lr-cap set to a stf and have the cvtfs follow the stf. React movement can still bugger that up tho.
There are advantages and disadvantages to a 1-4cv tf and 4-1cv tfs. I prefer the latter if you have enough escorts and don't screw up your follow commands.
There are advantages and disadvantages to a 1-4cv tf and 4-1cv tfs. I prefer the latter if you have enough escorts and don't screw up your follow commands.
-
anarchyintheuk
- Posts: 3958
- Joined: Wed May 05, 2004 7:08 pm
- Location: Dallas
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Only refers to lba lr-cap over cvtfs.
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Very nice AAR John. Keep it coming. Too bad you lost all those CVs. I am playing the same scenario right now vs AI and I have lost only 1 CVL and 1 CV for 3 CVs sunk and 1 damaged severely.
Out of curiosity...you seem to be getting superb K/D ratio on your Zeros. I never get that even though I make sure they are rested. What altitude do you fly yours at on sweep and CAP missions?
Out of curiosity...you seem to be getting superb K/D ratio on your Zeros. I never get that even though I make sure they are rested. What altitude do you fly yours at on sweep and CAP missions?
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Good day All. I haven't been able to keep up with the AAR because life in La Salle has been most difficult. I am transitioning jobs from Adjunct Professor of History to Social Studies Department Chair of a rural High School and life has fallen apart. My family and I are trying to keep the home afloat until the new job starts and are not having much success. My UV playing has stopped until life gets itself back together.
Dan and I played turns from September 15-28, 1942 before everything got exciting.
I don't have time to write my normal AAR entry but would like to at least explain the developments that have occured. Don't know when we will get rolling again but I fully intend to get things back in order within a couple of weeks.
Developments:
As stated in my last couple of AARs, I had decided to initiate an attempt to take PM with my surface forces. Since my carrier fleet had been shattered and Dan's air groups had taken heavy casualties, I figured that this would be the best time to try to roll the dice.
Simply put...I was sadly mistaken. I had no idea how quick the Americans could replace their plane and pilot losses. Considering that I am a historian, I should have known better. Let me provide a short synopsis:
Sept 15-19th
My AP convoys move out from Shortlands and Lae. The equivelent of two infantry divisions with support troops head for PM. Several Battleship TF are escorting and preparing for bombardment missions at PM.
His LBA continues to pound down my airstrips making GG and Lae wasteland. Rossel stays active only because he didn't pay any attention to it.
Sept 20-23rd
My convoys reach PM, begin unloading, and are FULLY unloaded by the 23rd. I have NO real losses to this point. Got some 'good' bad weather to help.
Dan sends in surface TF over several nights and wild brawls ensue. Disappointed is hardly a word to describe the outcomes. In every engagement I have the heavier ships. Who loses more ships??? Guess. Only Japanese solice was the sinking of USS North Carolina.
His carriers, FULLY reloaded with aircraft, begint o pound my ships on the 23rd.
Sept 24-28th
Retire while being systematically destroyed by seemingly infinite numbers of Dauntlesses and LBA.
Come DAMN close to grabbing PM but he has several convoys that arrive in the nick of time with supplies and troops. Can't ehlp but imagine what might have been had I avoided the carrier battle as I hoped a few weeks earlier...
Summation:
Japanese Ship Losses
1 BB Hiei
2 CL
9 DD
32 AP
3 CS
3 APD
2 SS
American Losses
1 BB North Carolina
2 DD
2 AP
1 AV
Simply put--A disaster. I had planned to take losses and I thought about 20 ships would be acceptable for the operation. Had no idea that:
1. He would be able to attack with 4 CV fully loaded with aircraft
2. My Surface TFs would be incapable of sinking his ships
3. That his LBA would be so devastating to my bases EVERY day.
That summarizes the current situation.
I have my troops withdrawing towards Buna. They will make it. How I get them off is another story... Nearly my entire remaining surface fleet is damaged and headed for Rabaul/Truk for long repairs.
I have reinforced Guadalcanal with the 38th Division (en route).
That is the story as September closes. Quite different then at the end of August.
Don't know when Dan and I will be able to crank out more turns but will hope this occurs sometime in the next few weeks.
Dan and I played turns from September 15-28, 1942 before everything got exciting.
I don't have time to write my normal AAR entry but would like to at least explain the developments that have occured. Don't know when we will get rolling again but I fully intend to get things back in order within a couple of weeks.
Developments:
As stated in my last couple of AARs, I had decided to initiate an attempt to take PM with my surface forces. Since my carrier fleet had been shattered and Dan's air groups had taken heavy casualties, I figured that this would be the best time to try to roll the dice.
Simply put...I was sadly mistaken. I had no idea how quick the Americans could replace their plane and pilot losses. Considering that I am a historian, I should have known better. Let me provide a short synopsis:
Sept 15-19th
My AP convoys move out from Shortlands and Lae. The equivelent of two infantry divisions with support troops head for PM. Several Battleship TF are escorting and preparing for bombardment missions at PM.
His LBA continues to pound down my airstrips making GG and Lae wasteland. Rossel stays active only because he didn't pay any attention to it.
Sept 20-23rd
My convoys reach PM, begin unloading, and are FULLY unloaded by the 23rd. I have NO real losses to this point. Got some 'good' bad weather to help.
Dan sends in surface TF over several nights and wild brawls ensue. Disappointed is hardly a word to describe the outcomes. In every engagement I have the heavier ships. Who loses more ships??? Guess. Only Japanese solice was the sinking of USS North Carolina.
His carriers, FULLY reloaded with aircraft, begint o pound my ships on the 23rd.
Sept 24-28th
Retire while being systematically destroyed by seemingly infinite numbers of Dauntlesses and LBA.
Come DAMN close to grabbing PM but he has several convoys that arrive in the nick of time with supplies and troops. Can't ehlp but imagine what might have been had I avoided the carrier battle as I hoped a few weeks earlier...
Summation:
Japanese Ship Losses
1 BB Hiei
2 CL
9 DD
32 AP
3 CS
3 APD
2 SS
American Losses
1 BB North Carolina
2 DD
2 AP
1 AV
Simply put--A disaster. I had planned to take losses and I thought about 20 ships would be acceptable for the operation. Had no idea that:
1. He would be able to attack with 4 CV fully loaded with aircraft
2. My Surface TFs would be incapable of sinking his ships
3. That his LBA would be so devastating to my bases EVERY day.
That summarizes the current situation.
I have my troops withdrawing towards Buna. They will make it. How I get them off is another story... Nearly my entire remaining surface fleet is damaged and headed for Rabaul/Truk for long repairs.
I have reinforced Guadalcanal with the 38th Division (en route).
That is the story as September closes. Quite different then at the end of August.
Don't know when Dan and I will be able to crank out more turns but will hope this occurs sometime in the next few weeks.
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
This is my first posting in nearly three weeks. Life seems to be settling down here in La Salle and I can get back to active campaigning. Dan might have had a heart in getting the first turn from me in over a month.
September 29th
Subs
S-42 sinks an AP damaged in the brawl near PM.
Dan raids GG hard. I have been forced to dock most of my cripples there and he knows it! During the day, I lose 2 DD, a PC, and 4 AP. Most of these were in sinking condition so it doesn't come as a surprise.
I am crippled after the loss of my heavy carriers and merchant shipping. For the next few weeks, I will seek to do the following:
1. Draw back and rebuild my LBA.
2. Save all the ships I can, send them to Truk, and then to Japan for repairs.
3. I already have the entire 38th Division headed to reinforce Guadalcanal. They need to get there.
4. Reorganize my remaining combat vessels so I can react when the hammer falls.
I know Dan is smart enough to realize how vulnerable I am so I expect him to launch an invasion within the next two weeks of game time. Won't be able to do much. We'll see...
Still have my two light carriers and should get Hiyo sometime soon. Once I can pool those three together, I will have a limited attack capacity.
Nearly all of my bases have HUGE amounts of supply so I should be good there for about a month or more.
I will need to evacuate my troops that were sent to PM once they make the trek across the Owen-Stanley's to Buna. That'll be interesting...
September 29th
Subs
S-42 sinks an AP damaged in the brawl near PM.
Dan raids GG hard. I have been forced to dock most of my cripples there and he knows it! During the day, I lose 2 DD, a PC, and 4 AP. Most of these were in sinking condition so it doesn't come as a surprise.
I am crippled after the loss of my heavy carriers and merchant shipping. For the next few weeks, I will seek to do the following:
1. Draw back and rebuild my LBA.
2. Save all the ships I can, send them to Truk, and then to Japan for repairs.
3. I already have the entire 38th Division headed to reinforce Guadalcanal. They need to get there.
4. Reorganize my remaining combat vessels so I can react when the hammer falls.
I know Dan is smart enough to realize how vulnerable I am so I expect him to launch an invasion within the next two weeks of game time. Won't be able to do much. We'll see...
Still have my two light carriers and should get Hiyo sometime soon. Once I can pool those three together, I will have a limited attack capacity.
Nearly all of my bases have HUGE amounts of supply so I should be good there for about a month or more.
I will need to evacuate my troops that were sent to PM once they make the trek across the Owen-Stanley's to Buna. That'll be interesting...
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
We are playing turns but a lot more slowly then before with my new work schedule. It is rather frustrating to only get a single turn in a day but that is better then nothing.
Sept 30--Oct 4
I continue to pull back ALL combatant ships to Truk and send seriously damaged ships to Japan. This will make the naval presense in the campaign practically zero for at least two weeks. I chose to do this because:
1. I HAD TO!
2. Need to time to reorganize.
Reinforcements are certain, it is just a case of when.
My current strength is centered on 2 CVL, 2 BB, about 10 CA/CL, and 15-20 DD. Everything else is sunk or on its way back to Japan. I have enough strength to chose when to fight but that is about all...
My LBA situation is better. I have over 200 available fighters, 100 Betty's/Nell's, and 25 Vals. Plenty of recon available as well for scouting. The VAST majority of my planes are at Lunga or Rabaul. I have some strength at Irau and Rossel. Nothing anywhere else.
I will be getting another squadron of Bettys soon and that will continue to help. Most of my planes are training so their morale comes up.
I need about two weeks to get re-organized.
Dan WON'T give me that. He is a smart and crafty opponent. Even as I write, a massive invasion force is bearing down on GG. They will begin landing by Oct 6th. Nothing I can really do about it. I will let him land and then take one swipe at him with my LBA.
He is raiding GG and Wau everyday with at least 250 bombers creaming the combined targets.
My troops have withdrawn to their first hex away from PM and are retreating in good order with little harrassment. They will be my first priority. I will use Fast Transport TFs to pull out the troops and spread them around the map. This will take some time but it is essential.
MY losses dictate the fact that I am finished. My sole job now is to sting him periodically and try to drag this out as long as possible.
That is the state-of-the-state currently. Will update in another couple of turns.
Sept 30--Oct 4
I continue to pull back ALL combatant ships to Truk and send seriously damaged ships to Japan. This will make the naval presense in the campaign practically zero for at least two weeks. I chose to do this because:
1. I HAD TO!
2. Need to time to reorganize.
Reinforcements are certain, it is just a case of when.
My current strength is centered on 2 CVL, 2 BB, about 10 CA/CL, and 15-20 DD. Everything else is sunk or on its way back to Japan. I have enough strength to chose when to fight but that is about all...
My LBA situation is better. I have over 200 available fighters, 100 Betty's/Nell's, and 25 Vals. Plenty of recon available as well for scouting. The VAST majority of my planes are at Lunga or Rabaul. I have some strength at Irau and Rossel. Nothing anywhere else.
I will be getting another squadron of Bettys soon and that will continue to help. Most of my planes are training so their morale comes up.
I need about two weeks to get re-organized.
Dan WON'T give me that. He is a smart and crafty opponent. Even as I write, a massive invasion force is bearing down on GG. They will begin landing by Oct 6th. Nothing I can really do about it. I will let him land and then take one swipe at him with my LBA.
He is raiding GG and Wau everyday with at least 250 bombers creaming the combined targets.
My troops have withdrawn to their first hex away from PM and are retreating in good order with little harrassment. They will be my first priority. I will use Fast Transport TFs to pull out the troops and spread them around the map. This will take some time but it is essential.
MY losses dictate the fact that I am finished. My sole job now is to sting him periodically and try to drag this out as long as possible.
That is the state-of-the-state currently. Will update in another couple of turns.
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Well, things continue to be interesting in the Copperas Bowl! This posting covers developments from October 7-16, 1942.
As I suspected, Dan is launching a full scale invasion of the New Guinea area. I felt he would go after GG but he has chosen a more daring plan. He has taken Lae. Normally, this would be a HIGHLY risky move but I am so damaged that I consider it a smart and bold beginning to his counter-offensive.
He is the recap:
Oct 7th Thunderstorms
He has started some convoy and supply activites in the eastern bases: Nevea, Wunpuko, and Kouro. If I had any naval strength left, I would go after these! He has nearly everything in the west and little in the east. Maybe in time...
Consider for log purposes an everyday entry that he hits GG and/or Wau with at least 50-100 bombers each.
The Battle of Wau is over. I have been pulling my two regiments back so he just took the hex.
His convoy with at least 2 CV and support ships appears to be headed for GG.
Send more damaged ships to Japan.
October 8th Partly Cloudy
An AP hits one of my mines at Nevea.
Send more ships to Japan.
Convoy slowly approaching GG.
October 9th Overcast
DAMMIT! He has remined Truk and one of my precious DDs hit one...GRRRRRRRR [:@]
His massive fleet passes GG and turns west...Buna??? This could be a REAL threat to me. All my troops from the failed PM assault are retreating along the trail to Buna for Fast TF pick-up. If he takes the base, I run the risk of losing 40,000+ troops. The campaign would be completely over if he does that!
October 10th Partly Cloudy
Fleet just north of GG. Still could go there--might be headed for Lae. I HOPE it is Lae. I won't recover from losing all those men...
12 Betty attack this fleet without fighter escort--against orders--and are slaughtered.
Hey! Good News--Ro-33 puts 4TT into AP Lycaon and sinks her!
October 11th Clear
My first good turn in AGES!
Nearly 50 Betty pounce on a convoy at Cairns and manages to sink 2SC, 1WSW, and 2TK for no losses! YEA!! [8D]
18Z and 24B try to get into his invasion fleet. They are met by nearly 70 F4Fs and are cut in half--6Z and 12B fall for 4 Wildcats. No damage to his fleet. Move all Bombers to Lunga for training and morale improvement. Will call on them again when I feel like I have a better chance.
NAVAL REINFORCEMENTS!!! The AI is finally releasing to me some ships. CV Hiyo, 1CL, and about 10DD are on their way! With Hiyo, Zuiho, and Ryuho I should have some CBA to work with. Problem is, the AI did not release Musashi! I want that BB...
Oct 12th Clear
He is landing at Lae. This is daring but there isn't anything I can do about it. No fleet and not enough LBA to get through his fighter screen. I need to eliminate some of those F4Fs--RIGHT!
His CVs nail a small convoy entering Madang. I lose an AP.
Decide to move 3 of my best Zero Squadrons to Wewak and see if I can ambush his planes...
Oct 13th Partly Cloudy
I sent out a severely damaged Ap and PC from lae yesterday to distract him. It work--about 2,000,000 sorties were flown by his CVs to sink them. He has Wasp and Enterprise there I think.
Lae falls...Nadzab will be my rally point. I have the airfield at Lvl 3 there with plenty of support. Might use it as a nasty surprise sometime...
My convoys carrying an entire division and support troops are done unloading at Lunga, Tulagi, and Irau. They are pretty tough right now and heavily supplied.
Oct 14th Thunderstorms
Lose another AP from that raid two days ago.
He moves his fleet out again and appears headed for Finschafen...Makes sense. I don't have anything there and it is my logical jumping off point for a counter-attack.
Oct 15th Overcast
Two more AP go down from that raid at Madang.
Another TK of his sinks from my Betty raid of a few days ago.
I-33 attacks a group of APD and pays for it by sinking...
Oct 16th Partly Cloudy
S-44 puts a TT into an AP near Truk.
A TOAST of SAKI is raised to the intrepid Zero pilots of the three squadrons I moved to Wewak a few days ago. The day shall be known as " The Great Madang Wildcat Turkey Shoot!" My Z ambush a strike force coming into Madang. 65 F4Fs vs. 23Z--should be a slaughter! It is and I do the slaughtering! Dan loses nearly 30 (officially 21) F4Fs for a cost of only 2Z!!! [:D][:D][&o] Ohhhhh yaaa!
This loss must account for nearly 50% of two CV and/or 33% of 3 CV Fighter's force. I have an opportunity. I move all my Betty/Nell to Rabaul. I get two squadrons as reinforcements tomorrow and will add them to a (hopefully) massive strike! It is a roll of the dice but I don't have much to lose.
Those are the events through Oct 16th. My naval reinforcements shall be here in another 5-6 days. I will have some flexiblity at that point to try limited fleet counter-attacks.
As I suspected, Dan is launching a full scale invasion of the New Guinea area. I felt he would go after GG but he has chosen a more daring plan. He has taken Lae. Normally, this would be a HIGHLY risky move but I am so damaged that I consider it a smart and bold beginning to his counter-offensive.
He is the recap:
Oct 7th Thunderstorms
He has started some convoy and supply activites in the eastern bases: Nevea, Wunpuko, and Kouro. If I had any naval strength left, I would go after these! He has nearly everything in the west and little in the east. Maybe in time...
Consider for log purposes an everyday entry that he hits GG and/or Wau with at least 50-100 bombers each.
The Battle of Wau is over. I have been pulling my two regiments back so he just took the hex.
His convoy with at least 2 CV and support ships appears to be headed for GG.
Send more damaged ships to Japan.
October 8th Partly Cloudy
An AP hits one of my mines at Nevea.
Send more ships to Japan.
Convoy slowly approaching GG.
October 9th Overcast
DAMMIT! He has remined Truk and one of my precious DDs hit one...GRRRRRRRR [:@]
His massive fleet passes GG and turns west...Buna??? This could be a REAL threat to me. All my troops from the failed PM assault are retreating along the trail to Buna for Fast TF pick-up. If he takes the base, I run the risk of losing 40,000+ troops. The campaign would be completely over if he does that!
October 10th Partly Cloudy
Fleet just north of GG. Still could go there--might be headed for Lae. I HOPE it is Lae. I won't recover from losing all those men...
12 Betty attack this fleet without fighter escort--against orders--and are slaughtered.
Hey! Good News--Ro-33 puts 4TT into AP Lycaon and sinks her!
October 11th Clear
My first good turn in AGES!
Nearly 50 Betty pounce on a convoy at Cairns and manages to sink 2SC, 1WSW, and 2TK for no losses! YEA!! [8D]
18Z and 24B try to get into his invasion fleet. They are met by nearly 70 F4Fs and are cut in half--6Z and 12B fall for 4 Wildcats. No damage to his fleet. Move all Bombers to Lunga for training and morale improvement. Will call on them again when I feel like I have a better chance.
NAVAL REINFORCEMENTS!!! The AI is finally releasing to me some ships. CV Hiyo, 1CL, and about 10DD are on their way! With Hiyo, Zuiho, and Ryuho I should have some CBA to work with. Problem is, the AI did not release Musashi! I want that BB...
Oct 12th Clear
He is landing at Lae. This is daring but there isn't anything I can do about it. No fleet and not enough LBA to get through his fighter screen. I need to eliminate some of those F4Fs--RIGHT!
His CVs nail a small convoy entering Madang. I lose an AP.
Decide to move 3 of my best Zero Squadrons to Wewak and see if I can ambush his planes...
Oct 13th Partly Cloudy
I sent out a severely damaged Ap and PC from lae yesterday to distract him. It work--about 2,000,000 sorties were flown by his CVs to sink them. He has Wasp and Enterprise there I think.
Lae falls...Nadzab will be my rally point. I have the airfield at Lvl 3 there with plenty of support. Might use it as a nasty surprise sometime...
My convoys carrying an entire division and support troops are done unloading at Lunga, Tulagi, and Irau. They are pretty tough right now and heavily supplied.
Oct 14th Thunderstorms
Lose another AP from that raid two days ago.
He moves his fleet out again and appears headed for Finschafen...Makes sense. I don't have anything there and it is my logical jumping off point for a counter-attack.
Oct 15th Overcast
Two more AP go down from that raid at Madang.
Another TK of his sinks from my Betty raid of a few days ago.
I-33 attacks a group of APD and pays for it by sinking...
Oct 16th Partly Cloudy
S-44 puts a TT into an AP near Truk.
A TOAST of SAKI is raised to the intrepid Zero pilots of the three squadrons I moved to Wewak a few days ago. The day shall be known as " The Great Madang Wildcat Turkey Shoot!" My Z ambush a strike force coming into Madang. 65 F4Fs vs. 23Z--should be a slaughter! It is and I do the slaughtering! Dan loses nearly 30 (officially 21) F4Fs for a cost of only 2Z!!! [:D][:D][&o] Ohhhhh yaaa!
This loss must account for nearly 50% of two CV and/or 33% of 3 CV Fighter's force. I have an opportunity. I move all my Betty/Nell to Rabaul. I get two squadrons as reinforcements tomorrow and will add them to a (hopefully) massive strike! It is a roll of the dice but I don't have much to lose.
Those are the events through Oct 16th. My naval reinforcements shall be here in another 5-6 days. I will have some flexiblity at that point to try limited fleet counter-attacks.
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
This AAR Update covers from October 17-27, 1942.
Things remain grim for the Japanese player. Dan has been very aggressive. I sensed and now knows how vulnerable I am since the carrier disaster and ill-fated PM invasion.
There is no strategy right now as the Japanese player. I am simply trying to pick-up some of the pieces and see if I can put together some sort of coherent defence against the Allies.
October 17th Partly Cloudy
Sub Action
I-157 puts a TT into a MSW and sinks her near Wunpuko
He appears to be moving ships and convoys to his eastern bases again. I keep getting the MSW notes about clearing paths. Nevea now has SBDs in it. Not sure about Kouro and Wunpuko. This sector has been VERY quiet and I cannot expect that to last.
Oct 18th Thunderstorms
A GOOD Note: 2 of his APDs hit mines at Kouro! I don't think they sank but it is good news.
He is moving his CVs away from Lae and leaving his convoys potentially vulnerable. I am moving planes into Nadzab to try to surprise him from nextdoor to Lae.
Fast TF arrives in Shortlands. I will begin to haul out troops from Buna. There are nearly 3 divisions worth of soldiers there and I desperately need them. The war would have been TOTALLY over had Dan chosen to invade Buna instead of Lae!
Oct 19th Thunderstorms
Subs
I-157 get in another kill by finishing off APD Little who had hit a mine yesterday!
Ominous moment--A bombing raid of twin engine bombers hit Rabaul from Lae...
I try a fighter sweep of PM and manage to shoot down just two planes. My pilots and squadrons are tired and depressed. They need rest and I think I had better give it to them.
On the OTHER hand: 24 Vals nail a convoy leaving Lae from Nadzab! I hit 4 AP and damage 2 seriously! A small victory. Bet that was a surprise. I'll try again tomorrow and then pull out of Nadzab before he flattens it...
Oct 20th Thunderstorms
NOTHING happens!
Oct 21st Overcast
My opponent takes swipe at Rossel with a Surface Bombardment. CA San Fransisco hits a mine and the attacks does nothing.
Lose an AP due to earlier damage.
Oct 22nd Overcast
Bombers FLATTEN Nadzab! I have a squadron of Zeros and Vals there. Had pulled out one of each of those squadrons yesterday (thank goodness). If Dan follows form, he will hit the base over and over until I cannot do anything.
I am fearful of a pincers movement coming from Wau and Lae and have decided to retreat towards Madang with everything. If he cuts me off, there is nothing I can do.
I successfully have loaded and unloaded (at Shortlands) my first regiment from Buna.
Form my remaining carriers for a raid on the eastern side of the board. Perhaps I can catch one of his convoys and get some victory points...his carriers are still in Australia.
Oct 23rd Overcast
Set-Up CAP over Nadzab and do VERY well: 15 Allied fighter and bombers for 3Z. Of course about 60 bombers still get through and trash the base... [:o][:o]
Going for a second regiment at Buna with Fast TF.
Oct 24th Partly Cloudy
18Z versus HORDES of Allied fighters and Bombers over Nadzab! Lose 4Z for 6 Fgtrs/Bombers. Pulling CAP out from there. The base and total air dominance is his.
Oct 25th Partly Cloudy
A MSW hits a mine at Kouro.
Air Raid Nadzab
In another serious development--Avengers flying from Nevea hit a convoy at Irau. 2 AP damaged. Move a semi-rested Zero Squadron there...
Oct 26th Partly Cloudy
He now has bombers operating in numbers out of Lae. They hit two of my convoys heading into Kavieng and Rabaul. This, quite probably, signals the end. VERY BAD!
Lose a MSW from these raids and have 3 AP seriously damaged.
Unload 2nd Regiment from Buna at Shortlands.
Oct 27th Partly Cloudy
My Carrier raid is closing in on Nevea and Kouro. Hope to catch him napping...
Fast TF headed for Buna to get 3rd Regiment. These DDs and CLs are getting tired fast.
Bomber Status: I have two concentrations of Bombers right now. There are 44 in Rossel and 56 in Lunga. Moral is up and they are rested. My Zeros are all tired.
Got an entire new Infantry Division at Truk today. Am going to concentrate my APs and move it to Shortlands.
I REALLY Need more warships. All those ships I sent back to Japan are getting repaired pretty quickly. I expect to get substantial reinforcements within 2 weeks. We'll see...
Dan and I discussed surrender options yesterday. I have decided to keep this AAR up for another month of gametime to Dec 1st and decide at that point whether or not to keep going. This isn't too much fun at the moment; however, it is interesting to try to accomplish something with nothing...
Things remain grim for the Japanese player. Dan has been very aggressive. I sensed and now knows how vulnerable I am since the carrier disaster and ill-fated PM invasion.
There is no strategy right now as the Japanese player. I am simply trying to pick-up some of the pieces and see if I can put together some sort of coherent defence against the Allies.
October 17th Partly Cloudy
Sub Action
I-157 puts a TT into a MSW and sinks her near Wunpuko
He appears to be moving ships and convoys to his eastern bases again. I keep getting the MSW notes about clearing paths. Nevea now has SBDs in it. Not sure about Kouro and Wunpuko. This sector has been VERY quiet and I cannot expect that to last.
Oct 18th Thunderstorms
A GOOD Note: 2 of his APDs hit mines at Kouro! I don't think they sank but it is good news.
He is moving his CVs away from Lae and leaving his convoys potentially vulnerable. I am moving planes into Nadzab to try to surprise him from nextdoor to Lae.
Fast TF arrives in Shortlands. I will begin to haul out troops from Buna. There are nearly 3 divisions worth of soldiers there and I desperately need them. The war would have been TOTALLY over had Dan chosen to invade Buna instead of Lae!
Oct 19th Thunderstorms
Subs
I-157 get in another kill by finishing off APD Little who had hit a mine yesterday!
Ominous moment--A bombing raid of twin engine bombers hit Rabaul from Lae...
I try a fighter sweep of PM and manage to shoot down just two planes. My pilots and squadrons are tired and depressed. They need rest and I think I had better give it to them.
On the OTHER hand: 24 Vals nail a convoy leaving Lae from Nadzab! I hit 4 AP and damage 2 seriously! A small victory. Bet that was a surprise. I'll try again tomorrow and then pull out of Nadzab before he flattens it...
Oct 20th Thunderstorms
NOTHING happens!
Oct 21st Overcast
My opponent takes swipe at Rossel with a Surface Bombardment. CA San Fransisco hits a mine and the attacks does nothing.
Lose an AP due to earlier damage.
Oct 22nd Overcast
Bombers FLATTEN Nadzab! I have a squadron of Zeros and Vals there. Had pulled out one of each of those squadrons yesterday (thank goodness). If Dan follows form, he will hit the base over and over until I cannot do anything.
I am fearful of a pincers movement coming from Wau and Lae and have decided to retreat towards Madang with everything. If he cuts me off, there is nothing I can do.
I successfully have loaded and unloaded (at Shortlands) my first regiment from Buna.
Form my remaining carriers for a raid on the eastern side of the board. Perhaps I can catch one of his convoys and get some victory points...his carriers are still in Australia.
Oct 23rd Overcast
Set-Up CAP over Nadzab and do VERY well: 15 Allied fighter and bombers for 3Z. Of course about 60 bombers still get through and trash the base... [:o][:o]
Going for a second regiment at Buna with Fast TF.
Oct 24th Partly Cloudy
18Z versus HORDES of Allied fighters and Bombers over Nadzab! Lose 4Z for 6 Fgtrs/Bombers. Pulling CAP out from there. The base and total air dominance is his.
Oct 25th Partly Cloudy
A MSW hits a mine at Kouro.
Air Raid Nadzab
In another serious development--Avengers flying from Nevea hit a convoy at Irau. 2 AP damaged. Move a semi-rested Zero Squadron there...
Oct 26th Partly Cloudy
He now has bombers operating in numbers out of Lae. They hit two of my convoys heading into Kavieng and Rabaul. This, quite probably, signals the end. VERY BAD!
Lose a MSW from these raids and have 3 AP seriously damaged.
Unload 2nd Regiment from Buna at Shortlands.
Oct 27th Partly Cloudy
My Carrier raid is closing in on Nevea and Kouro. Hope to catch him napping...
Fast TF headed for Buna to get 3rd Regiment. These DDs and CLs are getting tired fast.
Bomber Status: I have two concentrations of Bombers right now. There are 44 in Rossel and 56 in Lunga. Moral is up and they are rested. My Zeros are all tired.
Got an entire new Infantry Division at Truk today. Am going to concentrate my APs and move it to Shortlands.
I REALLY Need more warships. All those ships I sent back to Japan are getting repaired pretty quickly. I expect to get substantial reinforcements within 2 weeks. We'll see...
Dan and I discussed surrender options yesterday. I have decided to keep this AAR up for another month of gametime to Dec 1st and decide at that point whether or not to keep going. This isn't too much fun at the moment; however, it is interesting to try to accomplish something with nothing...
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
We are going to run at least one more month of game time.
I just got back from a little vacation up in the mountains and should get some turns in over the next couple of days.
I just got back from a little vacation up in the mountains and should get some turns in over the next couple of days.
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Having just read my 'one more month' statement, I must now admit that I am done. I am ending this AAR not because of losing to my fine opponent but due to the DAMNED AI within the game. Let me update and you shall see...
Oct 28th Thunderstorms
Thank Goddness for the weather. Little to no air activity.
Dan's troops enter Nadzab and I am panicking. If his other soldiers from Wau cut me off from Madang then I will lose all those troops. Thankfully, he does a shock attack and kicks me back a hex towards Madang.
He also takes Finschaven and Salamaua. New Guinea is his. I have Gili-Gili, Buna, Madang, and Wewak. He will have to backtrack and get rid of these bases sometime soon as I can raid from them.
My Carriers--Hiyo and 2 CVLs are now moving into strike range of his eastern island bases--Nevea, Kouro, etc...I hope to sting him with convoy raid and then head for Tulagi. Prep planes for 70% CAP and Naval Strikes. Need Victory Points...
Oct 29th Partly Cloudy
Sub Action
Sculpin puts a TT into a Jap AP
I-158 does the same to APD Stringham
Ohhhhhh for bad weather! Massive raid flattens GG for about 1,000,000th time!
Sucessfully pull out 3rd Inf Regiment and two command HQ from Buna. Shortlands is getting crowded with troops! Still only about 50% complete with Evac.
What should I do with these troops. Strengthen remaining bases? Counter-Attack in New Guinea through Madang or Finschaven?? Hmmmmm...
REINFORCEMENTS! BB Musashi, 2CA, and DD are on their way from Japan. Maybe I can begin to develop a fleet again...
Oct 30th Partly Cloudy
ABJECT DEPRESSION! My carriers enter into strike range and don't fly a single sortie! [X(][X(] By that I mean NO CAP, NO Strikes, NOTHING! They are hit by Dauntlesses and Avengers and are soon to be sunk! [:@] Can't believe this. WTF??? What is the point to this if the CVs don't even try to protect themselves?
Ro-33 nails an AK north of Noumea with 2TT.
Just when I beginning to get back into the game, this happens. Has anyone else had something like that occur? Want to shoot the AI! Going to go and drink a bit!!
Oct 28th Thunderstorms
Thank Goddness for the weather. Little to no air activity.
Dan's troops enter Nadzab and I am panicking. If his other soldiers from Wau cut me off from Madang then I will lose all those troops. Thankfully, he does a shock attack and kicks me back a hex towards Madang.
He also takes Finschaven and Salamaua. New Guinea is his. I have Gili-Gili, Buna, Madang, and Wewak. He will have to backtrack and get rid of these bases sometime soon as I can raid from them.
My Carriers--Hiyo and 2 CVLs are now moving into strike range of his eastern island bases--Nevea, Kouro, etc...I hope to sting him with convoy raid and then head for Tulagi. Prep planes for 70% CAP and Naval Strikes. Need Victory Points...
Oct 29th Partly Cloudy
Sub Action
Sculpin puts a TT into a Jap AP
I-158 does the same to APD Stringham
Ohhhhhh for bad weather! Massive raid flattens GG for about 1,000,000th time!
Sucessfully pull out 3rd Inf Regiment and two command HQ from Buna. Shortlands is getting crowded with troops! Still only about 50% complete with Evac.
What should I do with these troops. Strengthen remaining bases? Counter-Attack in New Guinea through Madang or Finschaven?? Hmmmmm...
REINFORCEMENTS! BB Musashi, 2CA, and DD are on their way from Japan. Maybe I can begin to develop a fleet again...
Oct 30th Partly Cloudy
ABJECT DEPRESSION! My carriers enter into strike range and don't fly a single sortie! [X(][X(] By that I mean NO CAP, NO Strikes, NOTHING! They are hit by Dauntlesses and Avengers and are soon to be sunk! [:@] Can't believe this. WTF??? What is the point to this if the CVs don't even try to protect themselves?
Ro-33 nails an AK north of Noumea with 2TT.
Just when I beginning to get back into the game, this happens. Has anyone else had something like that occur? Want to shoot the AI! Going to go and drink a bit!!
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Dan and I have decided to close out our AAR and start a new campaign with Scenario 17. Hope the readers enjoyed this. Apologise for occasionally basking in TOTAL depression over the AI.
My worthy opponent did quite well and I look forward to reading his AAR now.
John
My worthy opponent did quite well and I look forward to reading his AAR now.
John
-
anarchyintheuk
- Posts: 3958
- Joined: Wed May 05, 2004 7:08 pm
- Location: Dallas
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Enjoyed the AAR and I am looking forward to the next one.
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Good News! I have been writing back and forth with Dan today and we plan to start a new AAR but with Sc 17 instead. We'll get that off the ground sometime today.
-
TAIL GUNNER
- Posts: 1156
- Joined: Wed Apr 27, 2005 5:10 am
- Location: Los Osos, CA
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Cool, you should really be able to give Canoerebel massive fits with the addition of the Midway carriers....

"If you want peace, prepare for war."
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Damned right! [8D]