PzB vs Wobbly - Clash of Steel

[PzB74]

More troops unloaded at Maloelap - 1 US division supported by 2 engineer regiments.
Thunderstorms tomorrow, my favorite [;)] So I'm trying another little counter attack.

1 light cruiser and 4 destroyers will race into Maloelap: if the enemy battleships are
part of the invasion fleet it should be possible to outwit them. If not...well, war is war [8|]
Another 400 ac has also been put on naval attack - max range. Let's see what we can find!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/29/43

Invasions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Maloelap, 82,81, firing at TF 1067
TF 1067 troops unloading over beach at Maloelap, 82,81

189 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB Alabama, Shell hits 17
CL Tromp

Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
392 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Maloelap, 82,81, firing at TF 1067
TF 1067 troops unloading over beach at Maloelap, 82,81

35 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
CL Emerald
CL Richmond
BB Colorado, Shell hits 2

Allied ground losses:
132 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Day Air attack on Maloelap , at 82,81

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11 (On CAP over Wotje...:p)

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 6
F6F Hellcat x 3
F4U-1 Corsair x 6
SBD Dauntless x 2
P-38G Lightning x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 7 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 2 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 19th/A Division, at 82,81

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 23
F6F Hellcat x 12
F4U-1 Corsair x 23
SBD Dauntless x 3
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 9
P-40N Warhawk x 64
P-38G Lightning x 16
P-47C Thunderbolt x 27
PB4Y Liberator x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 damaged
Beaufighter Mk 21: 1 damaged
P-40N Warhawk: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
PB4Y Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
47 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 19th/A Division, at 82,81

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 2
SBD Dauntless x 10
P-40N Warhawk x 10
A-20G Havoc x 8
B-25J Mitchell x 24
B-24J Liberator x 4

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 19th/A Division, at 82,81

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 10

No Allied losses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 19th/A Division, at 82,81

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 4

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Maloelap

Japanese Bombardment attack Why so inefficient? Enemy on the beaches and 129 guns = 0 results [&:]

Attacking force 12493 troops, 129 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 14942 troops, 126 guns, 0 vehicles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Finschafen - nothing but remnants here..most units have been evacuated by air.
Mostly support troops left.

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 13964 troops, 113 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 795 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Allied assault odds: 132 to 1 (fort level 1)

Allied forces CAPTURE Finschafen base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
1122 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Maloelap

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 11962 troops, 126 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 15540 troops, 137 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)

Japanese ground losses:
38 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Allied ground losses:
517 casualties reported [:)]
Guns lost 35
----------------------------------------------------------

Enemy towards Timor!

Looky here...USS Intrepid and a large US fleet spotted heading towards Timor and Kai island!
Andy must belive I've shot my bolt. Not so, moving 800 trained ac into the area. If he wants
to play without support from his LBA...then it's time to kick a$$ and chew bubblegum [:D]

[Mike Solli]

This is getting very interesting. Run them turns!

[PzB74]

Indeed [:)]Today's last turn...packed with action and promise of more!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/30/43

Invasions

Now 3 eng units on Maloelap!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Maloelap, 82,81, firing at TF 1067
TF 1067 troops unloading over beach at Maloelap, 82,81

36 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
AK Empire Rani
DD Aulick

Allied ground losses:
219 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Maloelap, 82,81, firing at TF 1067
TF 1067 troops unloading over beach at Maloelap, 82,81

4 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Aulick
DD Stack

Allied ground losses:
140 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Surface Combat

Ultra aggressive commander Nishimura runs into a superior enemy cruiser force and
all he11 breaks loose! First the enemy is surprised and casualties are heavy on both sides.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Maloelap at 82,81

Japanese Ships
CL Kuma, Shell hits 19, on fire
DD Michishio, Shell hits 14, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Asagumo, Shell hits 2
DD Yudachi, Shell hits 25, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
DD Hatsuharu, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Ikazuchi, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Marblehead
CL Emerald, Shell hits 1
CL Mauritius, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CL Raleigh, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Chauncey, Shell hits 14, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hutchins, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Nicholas
DD Pringle, Shell hits 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I had hoped to avoid a second round...not good! At least Nishimura survived!

Night Time Surface Combat, near Maloelap at 82,81

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
E7K2 Alf: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Kuma, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Michishio, and is sunk
DD Asagumo, Shell hits 28, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatsuharu, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Marblehead, Shell hits 1
CL Emerald
CL Raleigh, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Chauncey, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hutchins, on fire
DD Nicholas
DD Pringle, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Maloelap at 82,81

Japanese Ships
DD Asagumo, Shell hits 5, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Marblehead
CL Emerald
CL Raleigh, on fire, heavy damage
DD Chauncey, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hutchins, on fire
DD Nicholas
DD Pringle, on fire

In all we loose 5 destroyers and a light cruiser in exchange for 1 large light cruiser, 1 destroyer +
a heavily damaged light cruiser and damage to 2 destroyers. Must say that's a good result since the enemy
outnumbered us 2-1. It's a good thing to nibble away at Andy's weak surface force.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Day Air attack on 19th/A Division, at 82,81

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 2
SBD Dauntless x 8
P-40N Warhawk x 63
A-20G Havoc x 13
B-25J Mitchell x 31
B-24J Liberator x 9

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
A-20G Havoc: 1 damaged
B-25J Mitchell: 3 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
85 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 19th/A Division, at 82,81

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 4

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 4 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lautem , at 33,78 - enemy carrier strike against Lautern!

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 61
TBM Avenger x 47

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged
TBM Avenger: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
84 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 4
Port supply hits 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today our gamble finally paid of: most of our bases were shrouded in low clouds but one strike
got of against a lightly defended troop convoy near Majuro. A transport ship was sunk with the bulk
of a naval construction unit aboard.

Day Air attack on TF, near Majuro at 83,83

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 16
D4Y Judy x 24
B5N Kate x 8
G4M2 Betty x 4
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18
Ki-21 Sally x 5

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 9 destroyed
D4Y Judy: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
B5N Kate: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
G4M2 Betty: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 6 destroyed

Allied Ships
AP West Point, Bomb hits 1
AP Feland
AP De Grasse
AK George Davidson, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AK Archbishop Lamy, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*

Allied ground losses:
406 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Maloelap

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12395 troops, 121 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 15981 troops, 107 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
28 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Maloelap

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 12711 troops, 107 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 15388 troops, 129 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)

Japanese ground losses:
306 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

Allied ground losses:
367 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
-------------------------------------------------------------

Situation map: US carriers strikes Lautern!

More and more enemy ships have been spotted in the 'slot' between New Guinea and Australia.
It's possible that Andy is planning something big. I'm going to be ready for him! All my units
in China that have an avg exp of 70 or more are being transfered to the DEI.

[PzB74]

Breakfast turn [8D]

Andy is pretty certain that we're running out of planes and pilots after loosing closer
to 1000 ac over the last weeks. It's possible that he will attack towards Northern Guinea or Timor.

Japan can loose lots of ac and pilots without breaking: the army occupies strong positions that it will
take Andy a long time to occupy. Within 2 months I can retrain more than 1000 aircrew...

The Kaga has been repaired and received new and trained air wings. She will stay in Shanghai and perform
2 upgrades before joining the KB. I've moved all KB strike craft ashore while their fighters are being re-trained.
This is the force that together with 150 Bettys and 300 fighters will meet an onslaught in the South West Pacific.
It's very easy to shift it back to Truk if necessary.

The navy still got 10 battleships to send into action if the enemy attempts to land without proper naval support.
Will be a few exciting weeks! [:D]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/01/43

One of those strange msgs...at least it tells me that a PT boat was lost at Emirau
and that the Chauncey sank. Total tally for the naval battle of Maloelap:

5 Jap destroyers and one old light cruiser
1 large British light cruiser, 2 US destroyers sunk and 1 US light cruiser damaged + 2 dd's damaged.
Over the last month the enemy has lost: 1 ca, 2 cl, 12 dd

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1065 encounters mine field at Emirau Island (60,84)

Allied Ships
DD Chauncey, and is sunk
PT PT-138, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

The following ac are now training in China:

A6M2 Zero x 54
A6M5 Zeke x 425
G4M1 Betty x 21
G4M2 Betty x 79
D4Y Judy x 54
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 36
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 36
B5N Kate x 63
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 34
---------------------
Tot: 900 ac
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Todays Maloelap strike slammed into a major enemy CAP formation and was anihilated...
Only the Bettys were experienced units.

Day Air attack on TF at 82,83

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
A6M5 Zeke x 11
G4M1 Betty x 11
G4M2 Betty x 15
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 33

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 31
F6F Hellcat x 6
F4U-1 Corsair x 24
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 7
P-40N Warhawk x 95
P-38G Lightning x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed
A6M5 Zeke: 11 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 11 destroyed
G4M2 Betty: 15 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 4 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 33 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 damaged
Beaufighter Mk 21: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
P-40N Warhawk: 9 destroyed, 8 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Majuro at 83,83 - this one was slightly more successful!

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 12
D4Y Judy x 22
B5N Kate x 7
G4M2 Betty x 3
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 14
Ki-21 Sally x 3

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 8
P-47C Thunderbolt x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 9 destroyed
D4Y Judy: 7 destroyed, 5 damaged
B5N Kate: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
G4M2 Betty: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 5 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 2 damaged
P-47C Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Naos
AP West Point
AK Conrad Kohrs, Bomb hits 1
AP Cambria
AK George Davidson, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Elmore

Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Majuro at 83,83

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 5
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 8
P-47C Thunderbolt x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 4 destroyed

Allied Ships
AK Delawarean

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Maloelap

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12091 troops, 110 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 15650 troops, 103 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Rabaul - enemy units have reached Rabaul and started to bombard our positions.
Will be a prolonged battle.

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 38916 troops, 434 guns, 11 vehicles

Defending force 25764 troops, 111 guns, 139 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
155 casualties reported
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

[PzB74]

A good turn! [8D]

We caught the damaged light cruiser Raleigh undefended at Mili and put another torp into her!
Should surely sink now.

In Rabaul Andy launched his first deliberate attack: he brought the forts down 1 lvl but it cost
him more than 2000 casualties. At that rate we'll deplete several division there. I'm quite happy that
he wants to assault all my large fortress bases. Bypassing them would have saved him a lot! Should be possible
to wreck his best combat units before he even meets mine!

More good news! The George is in producion [&o] I thought it wouldn't be due for another month.
10 units have been completed and production totals 170 units pr month. I got 2 crack A6M3 units that will upgrade
to this formidable ac. Both units have 27 ac with an avg exp of 84.

Query: these daitais are now on my carriers - if I upgrade them there I will have naval George's [:'(]
Sounds a bit fishy to me, so I should put them ashore...shouldn't I!? [8|]

Even more good news: The KB has been reformed! 9 fleet carriers, 2 light carriers and 2 escort carriers have received
new Zeke air groups and will steam towards Timor tomorrow. The enemy is active around Kai Island and I'm planning counter measures!

Conan, what's best in life?
"To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women!" [8D]


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/02/43

Air Combat

Day Air attack on TF, near Mili at 84,85

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 9
G4M2 Betty x 3
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4
Ki-21 Sally x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Raleigh, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage [:)]

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 2000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

The meat grinder at Rabaul is at work!

Ground combat at Maloelap

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 11877 troops, 108 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 15765 troops, 102 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Rabaul

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 39046 troops, 437 guns, 11 vehicles

Defending force 25643 troops, 115 guns, 140 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 8

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 8)

Japanese ground losses:
152 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Vehicles lost 2

Allied ground losses: [:-]
2369 casualties reported
Guns lost 87
---------------------------------------------------------

Situation Map: Enemy attack on Rabaul

[PzB74]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/03/43

This is what you call a minesweeper TF [;)]
Didn't have many mines at Finschafen...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1009 encounters mine field at Finschafen (55,87)

Allied Ships
MSW Ballarat
MSW Mildura
MSW Bittern
MSW Penguin
MSW Robin
MSW Tern
MSW Champion
MSW Sage
MSW Wagga
MSW Strahan
MSW Shepparton
MSW Lithgow
MSW Kalgoorlie
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Heavy strikes against Maloelap and Rabaul - Kavieng also hit. Andy got lots and lots
of targets now. Overextending a bit perhaps?

A small force is unloading at a dot island on the west side of central New Guinea.
Andy wants to build small bases into bridgeheads for future expansion in the area.
You know what I will do with them...stomp stomp I HATE russian bridgeheads...

Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
Ki-30 Ann x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Surigao, Bomb hits 3, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A strike against ships near Majuro was repulsed. Just have to keep trying - now and then
we come over a ship or convoy without cover..

Day Air attack on TF, near Majuro at 83,83

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 10
D4Y Judy x 16
B5N Kate x 5
G4M2 Betty x 3
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6
Ki-21 Sally x 2

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 16
F6F Hellcat x 11
F4U-1 Corsair x 12
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 3
P-40N Warhawk x 21
P-38G Lightning x 13
P-47C Thunderbolt x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 9 destroyed
D4Y Judy: 7 destroyed, 2 damaged
B5N Kate: 5 destroyed
G4M2 Betty: 3 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 5 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 1 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair: 2 damaged
Beaufighter Mk 21: 1 damaged

Allied Ships - one Betty actually got through...to be shot down by flak!
CA Salt Lake City
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enter the George

Compared to the Zeke the George got better manouverability (36 to 34), 363 mph to 351,
30 durability to 27 and a gun value of 16 to 12. 4x20 mm cannons should do the trick...
3 more days and we upgrade the first unit.

[pauk]

I'm very interested how will Georges performed against Allied fighters...

As you know, speed is MOST important factor of the A2A model, but George is (should be) formidable opponent...

I guess that you will hide them until you upgrade majority of your groups and then suddently strike with Georges (why i always think of Black Adder when i wrote George?[:D])

You got them earlier, maybe you can suprise Andy ...

[PzB74]

Well, I only got 2 A6M3 Daitais that upgrade to the George Pauk, a mere 54 ac and I'm not going to
receive new units anytime soon. So I guess I'll test em in battle when Andy least expects it [;)]

The George isn't the fastest fighter..the Tony is some 20mph faster - and that crate doesn't stand a
chance against Hellcats.

Got 600 trained ac aboard the KB now - still got a few units enroute. So my mobile striking force is
yet again ready for action. Plan: unload a division over Kai Island - support it with the KB and heavy
LBA! No way I'm letting Andy put Corsairs there

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/04/43

Air Combat

Plenty of air strikes against Rabaul and Maloelap again...and one small strike against Kavieng
by the IJAAF [:'(]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 3rd USMC Division, at 61,86

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 35
Ki-46-III Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
16 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
14 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Maloelap

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 11806 troops, 104 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 16029 troops, 106 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
3 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sarmi - a small para drop..but I got troops in all bases on NG!

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 100 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1048 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

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

[Speedysteve]

A very limited feedback but when I was in Spain over Christmas with my Father we played the Marianas scenario with me as Japanese (having far more expereience of WitP play) and my Dad as Allies.

I loaded some George's on my CVE's and even changed 2 x Zeke Daitai with George's. Now keep in mind that almost all of these groups had low-average experience (40-70).When coming to combat I didn't notice these George groups doing significantly better aginst the Hellcat horde's. If anything my Zeke's did better overall.........

I did manage ot lure my Dad into splitting his CVs forces though and even sank Enterprise, Hornet and a CVE but the best kill ratio I achieved was about 1:2 in the massed battle with KB against 2 US CV, 2 CVL amd 2 CVE backup. Overall in the campaign the kill ratio was roughly 6:1 in the Allies favour.

Anyhow I digress. I know it's a small test scenario without experienced pilots but in that I was not overly impressed with the George's performance.

Hope it works out better for you John [8D]

Steven

[Rob Brennan UK]

The george was officially a navy fighter .. so it could i think have been used from carriers , but when it was introduced japan didnt have any useful ones left so it was ground based by necessity. if the groups are navalised ( as i suspect) then use them on the cv's .. might only be trained vs capable though.

you need the A7M ? and i love the shinden as a point defence a/c .. whats the arrival of these 2 ?

[HarryM]

It was Navy but land-based, hence the -J appended to the end. (J signified Navy land-based fighter, such as J2M Raiden).

It started as a float-plane fighter which is why it had the original N classification which was retained in later wheeled versions.

Prototype carrier based versions N1K3-A and N1K4-A (A for Carrier based like A6M) were made but didn't enter production. Thanks to Francillon.

[PzB74]

Thx guys! I do consider the George a land based fighter, so I will not place it on my carriers.
Too bad the game doesn't allow us to research the naval version... Upgraded the first Daitai today,
got 4 99 exp pilots with 130+ missions. It's experience and numbers that will be important. Crack units
supported by hundreds of Oscars. Got 250+ AV support in all of the islands in the Marianas chain by now.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/05/43

Surface Combat/Bobmardments

Sent a bombardment group to Kai Island - picked up a transport TF in the process.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Kai Island at 39,78

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
CL Noshiro
CL Tama
CL Kiso
DD Akigumo
DD Makigumo
DD Naganami
DD Hayashio
DD Uzuki
DD Minekaze

Allied Ships
AK Arkansan
AK Empire Dawn, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Baron, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Kai Island, at 39,78

Japanese Ships
CL Kiso
CL Tama
CL Noshiro
BB Hyuga

Allied ground losses:
74 casualties reported

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Maloelap, at 82,81 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

1 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
CL Phoenix
CL Richmond
CL Tromp
CA Salt Lake City
BB Alabama
BB Colorado

Japanese ground losses: - ouch!
1010 casualties reported
Guns lost 12

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 16
Port hits 8
Port supply hits 25
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

A small counter attack against the US 40th Div on Maloelap!

Day Air attack on 40th USA Division, at 82,81

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 33

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
50 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
-----------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 39,77

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 11

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships - this is the ship driven out of Kai Island by my bombardment group!
AK Empire Dawn, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Tried a deliberate at Kavieng as most of Andy's bombers have been pounding Rabaul lately.
Same lame result...

Ground combat at Kavieng

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 75433 troops, 686 guns, 6 vehicles

Defending force 24331 troops, 138 guns, 134 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
2496 casualties reported
Guns lost 71
Vehicles lost 4

Allied ground losses:
289 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Vehicles lost 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Rabaul - Andy's getting there but it's still a costly process

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 41300 troops, 354 guns, 17 vehicles

Defending force 23850 troops, 75 guns, 139 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 7

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 7)

Japanese ground losses:
301 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 4

Allied ground losses:
1238 casualties reported
Guns lost 51
Vehicles lost 3
---------------------------------------------------------------

[Honda]

In George you should trust[;)]
Why? Because it's the only fighter with solid stats you have. My advice is: overuse them.
Yes, they will suffer. But, having in mind it's non-PDU and you will only have limited numbers available, you should make use of all that overproduction (171 if I'm not mistaken). Use the crack guys for as long as they live (don't abuse them, of course, just don't hide them). Even if replacement pilots are green, some might survive. It's a solid plane and survivability is increased even if just a bit. Use tham where they can make a difference and stay away from regular escort missons (too many Oscars are just crying for a shot at dying in vain). When some extra squadrons arrive you can start a serious training campaign in China, but in the meantime use them, even if green in which case they are still good medicine for the heavies that will soon go for Truk, Kendari, Amboina.

[Fishbed]

Sup PzB [:)]

Just a question: I remember you tried already to use some H8K in night naval attack, with no hit it's true, but still they managed to find the target, right? No plans to try out this one more time? Or using Dinahs as 100ft night fighter bombers against the enemy shipping?
What about other plane types and squadron possible night-time operations? Or what about huge Emilies concentration for a big strike?

In fact, any plan of night air action again, or is there anykind of a rule forbidding it? [:)]

AJ

[pauk]

hi, another question for Master PzB[:)]...

What are your plans for the troops on Kaveing?

Rabaul seems to falling in greedy American hands, slowly but surerly. Once when Andy posses Rabaul, Kaveing become "small and uninportant base for the Japs". That's the time when you should deploy on second defensive line (NG-Truk-Wake).

Do you have a plans for evacuating troops from Kaveing since it becomes clearly that you can't kick out American from the beaches or do you have some diabolic (not cuning[:D] ) offensive plan?

[PzB74]

In a way I agree with you Honda..but I'm a bit unsure what effect 54 semi or untrained George's will
have on the war. Was thinking about training the units to an avg exp of 90 and then test their effectiveness.
We can try to run some tests when the time comes.

I'm receiving 4 large George units over the next year but the first one doesn't arrive for another 267 days.

Fishbed, I've had my best H8K on night naval attack at Kwajalein for weeks on end (close to 90 avg exp). It's very
difficult to make them sortie, so I'm not bothering with any major night initiatives. The ac usually get blown to
pieces on the runways by large numbers of US heavy bombers....

Pauk, that's a good question! Imperial High Command has been pondering over the issue for a while without coming to
a conclusion. It will cost dozens and dozens of transports and auxilliaries to evacuate them. Guess it would be worth it so yes, an attempt will most likely be made. In order to succeed under murderous enemy fire numbers is the only solution.

Emirau and Admirality Isl will also be in a hopeless situation after Rabaul falls and their fall will again compromise the position of seveal bases in central New Guinea and Truk itself. So a rear guard has to be left behind and prolong these events for as long as possible. All these bases have 8 or 9 forts and lots of mines.

I will not commit my precious fleet destroyers or cruisers in numbers for these operations: smaller destroyers types and aux vessels will have to do.

[Speedysteve]

Hi John,

The George groups I had in the Mariana's scenario got toasted by the Hellcats. IIRC 50 were lost for about 4-8 Hellcats. Av exp was about 50ish. I had an ace afterwards though I remember [8D]

[Fishbed]

Talking about Georges, a little video to keep it real and change from our usual 2d view [:D]

http://www.angel.ne.jp/~tochy/airplane/ ... en-kai.mpg


Taken from this site, http://www.angel.ne.jp/~tochy/
I suppose you know it already but well, if not, take a look, you will not regret it [:)]

[pauk]

hmmm... we are bunch of desperate Jap fanboys aren't we?[:D] We have discussion about 54 Georges like they will be able to save the whole Empire[:D]....

Seriously, i would keep then in the "dark" and then use them ... I dunno know for sure but guess that experience above 80 should give better results. It is certainly worth to try...

As for a Kaveing... you can try evacuation with subs (you have plenty of them in that area, right?) and via fast transports - i know that it's impossible to evacuate a full division with FT and subs, but you will keep your evacuation in secret for several days. And that's important. If you send APs Andy would be probably alerted and he would certainly come to conclusion that you give up here.

Let's keep him in faith that you will desperatly fight here.

I doubt that Andy would set PP for next target if he expect "last man defence", instead of this he will probably set other units to prepare on Kaveing etc.... and that's 30 more days gained! (he need that time to prepare for next target)

[Arstavidios]

Just use a few aircraft from truk to pick up the troops if you have some time.
A chutai of Emilys would do the trick if you're in no hurry. You can add more planes if you need too. Aircraft are great for moving troops around your forward bases without risking your ships, but watch for the air transport bug which is nasty.