**************************** 24 MAR 43 ************************
We sweep Port Moresby and no resistance ..
The Silversides engages .. first missing the escort with duds .. then laying 2 lives ones on a nice big TK ..
SUBMARINES:
Sub attack near Davao at 82,94
Japanese Ships
E Hayabusa
E Hiyodori
PC Nire
AV Sanyo Maru
TK Tonan Maru #3
TK Nisshin Maru #2
DD Kiku
DD Satsuki
E W-26
Allied Ships
SS Silversides
SS Silversides launches 2 torpedoes at E Hayabusa
.......................
Sub attack near Davao at 82,94
Japanese Ships TK Tonan Maru #2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
E Hayabusa
E Hiyodori
PC Nire
AV Sanyo Maru
TK Tonan Maru #3
TK Nisshin Maru #2
DD Kiku
DD Satsuki
E W-26
Allied Ships
SS Silversides
SS Silversides launches 2 torpedoes at TK Tonan Maru #2
No sinking sounds .. yet . but she is on fire and has severe engine damage .. she should roll over next turn .
The Hoe misses a big fat convoy ...[8|]
Sub attack near Takao at 82,65
Japanese Ships
xAK Hawaii Maru
CS Chitose
E Nadakaze
E Okikaze
TK Toa Maru
TK Teiyo Maru
TK Nissyo Maru
TK Akatsuki Maru
xAK Arimasan Maru
xAK Hokkai Maru
xAK Sydney Maru
xAK Melbourne Maru
E W-21
E W-20
E W-8
Allied Ships
SS Hoe
SS Hoe launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Hawaii Maru
and S-32 can't fire on a barge ..
Sub attack near Rekata Bay at 112,135
Japanese Ships
LB-101
LB-106
LB-104
Allied Ships
SS S-32
SS S-32 cannot acquire firing solution on enemy LB
I have decided not to drop the entire 3rd Marines on Wotje but two regements . this unit needs to prepare for out next adventures ..
"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so"
The TK Tonan Maru #2 is one of the five original 17000 tonn (15000 liquid/2000 cargo) monster TK's. We have sunk one .. and this makes two .. 3 more left .. [:D]
From this respect a lucky month or two could be devastating to the IJ economy. It would take sinking the top 5 and 10 or so medium tankers and the economy wold begin to faulter. More so, the KB and friends from the Combined Fleet are hampered by fuel restrictions. I think right now its the economy or sailing SAG's ...
The Allied pace will pick up as we have converted 5 APA's, and 10 more in 5 days .. these ships allow loading a division on a level 6 port and dropping it in one day. Otherwise it takes a level 7 port at least and 15 AP's to get supplies and troops off the boat in one day. very important for hitting Atolls ..
"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so"
****************************************** 25 MAR 43 **********************************************
Intellegence indicated that the IJ planned to reinforce Yap and Ulithi .. but the torps have to work ...
Sub attack near Ulithi at 99,96
Japanese Ships
xAP Kokuryu Maru
xAP Tsingtao Maru
DD Yamagumo
Allied Ships
SS Gunnel
SS Gunnel launches 4 torpedoes at xAP Kokuryu Maru
Another 4 Duds ..
Sub attack near Torishima at 110,69
Japanese Ships
xAK Denmark Maru
Allied Ships
SS Growler
SS Growler launches 4 torpedoes
It looks like the IJ are heavily reinforcing Port Moresby ... 5 xAP's are amphib landing troops since the port is shut down .. we continue bombing the port ..
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 15
B-17E Fortress x 24
B-17F Fortress x 14
B-24D Liberator x 3
B-24D1 Liberator x 12
B-25C Mitchell x 30
B-25D1 Mitchell x 12
B-26 Marauder x 30
****************************** 26 MAR 43 ***********************************
For months the B26 and B25 pilots have been flying practice low naval missions .. waiting for the chance to jump on some merchants ..The IJ come in range and the boys launch ....
PORT MORESBY:
Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,133
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 20
B-25D1 Mitchell x 4
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
xAK Asuka Maru, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Kobe Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Fushimi Maru, Shell hits 7, Bomb hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
Japanese ground losses:
561 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 11 (1 destroyed, 10 disabled)
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
....................
Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,133
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 49 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 4
Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
xAK Asuka Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
Japanese ground losses:
276 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (2 destroyed, 3 disabled)
...............
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,133
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4
B-26 Marauder x 6
Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
xAP Kobe Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
All three ships full of troops and heavy fires heavy damage .. sinking sounds in the background ...
Then the IJA continue to park submarines right off Tabitetuea ..
Submarine attack near Tabiteuea at 137,133
Japanese Ships
SS I-18, hits 20, and is sunk SS I-18 is reported to have been sunk near Tabiteuea on Mar 26, 1943
Allied Ships
DD Maury
DD Helm
DD Gridley
DD Mugford
SS I-18 is located by DD Maury
This would be a confirmed kill as she slips below the waves with the eerie sinking sound in the background ..
Then The USS Hoe that has been quite passive of late finds its prey ..
Sub attack near Hengchun at 84,68
Japanese Ships
xAK Surabaya Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PB Kosin Maru #3
Allied Ships
SS Hoe
SS Hoe launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Surabaya Maru
...............
Sub attack near Hengchun at 84,68
Japanese Ships
xAK Norway Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PB Kosin Maru #3
Allied Ships
SS Hoe
Thats two xAK's that will be spending time in the pen .. if they make it to Formosa ..
Bombing in China .[>:]
The war heats up ...
"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so"
Good work with the low nav bombing. Have you tried it from 2k? Would they have a full load from 2000ft, or is it 6000ft?
Its interesting .. the 'D' models carried a full load the 'C' models carried a 1/2 load and yet was within normal range .. go figure .. 75% of the sorites cold not find the targets .. but enough did .. [;)]and all the bombs that hit did deep deck penetration ....
I do know 6000 is the torpedeo altitude .. so you ask a good question ..
The really good news is this will put the fear of low naval attack in the mind of the IJ .. I susepct no more reinforcements here ..
"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so"
I thought the B-25D1 is considered an attack bomber, thus negating a low level penalty. I'm no expert on the Allied side just now, but I do know that the attack bombers should carry a full load, while other MBs should have the penalty. i just can't get straight the height for 2E that is considered low naval. It used to be anything under 6k I think, but I may recall it was changed to under 2k?
"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill
I thought the B-25D1 is considered an attack bomber, thus negating a low level penalty. I'm no expert on the Allied side just now, but I do know that the attack bombers should carry a full load, while other MBs should have the penalty. i just can't get straight the height for 2E that is considered low naval. It used to be anything under 6k I think, but I may recall it was changed to under 2k?
I am a newbie !! [8D] So any contributions is great! At the very least Alfred with drop in and clarify things ..
"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so"
I thought the B-25D1 is considered an attack bomber, thus negating a low level penalty. I'm no expert on the Allied side just now, but I do know that the attack bombers should carry a full load, while other MBs should have the penalty. i just can't get straight the height for 2E that is considered low naval. It used to be anything under 6k I think, but I may recall it was changed to under 2k?
I am a newbie !! [8D] So any contributions is great! At the very least Alfred with drop in and clarify things ..
I'm no Alfred, but here is what I have in my notes (another forumites observations, I regret that I neglected to record who):
"It is important to note that fighters and fighter bombers will drop to 100 feet to strafe and bomb when set to 1,000 feet and below. They will bomb at between 3-5,000 feet regardless of any other setting below 6,000 feet. Medium bombers will go in at the altitude that you set. Attack bombers always drop down to attack at 100 feet whenever set to attack below 6,000 feet- above that altitude they act like medium bombers."
WitP-AE -- US LCU & AI Stuff
Oddball: Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don't you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don't you say something righteous and hopeful for a change? Moriarty: Crap!
I thought the B-25D1 is considered an attack bomber, thus negating a low level penalty. I'm no expert on the Allied side just now, but I do know that the attack bombers should carry a full load, while other MBs should have the penalty. i just can't get straight the height for 2E that is considered low naval. It used to be anything under 6k I think, but I may recall it was changed to under 2k?
I am a newbie !! [8D] So any contributions is great! At the very least Alfred with drop in and clarify things ..
I'm no Alfred, but here is what I have in my notes (another forumites observations, I regret that I neglected to record who):
"It is important to note that fighters and fighter bombers will drop to 100 feet to strafe and bomb when set to 1,000 feet and below. They will bomb at between 3-5,000 feet regardless of any other setting below 6,000 feet. Medium bombers will go in at the altitude that you set. Attack bombers always drop down to attack at 100 feet whenever set to attack below 6,000 feet- above that altitude they act like medium bombers."
Excellent feedback!! This is very helpful! [&o]
What is interesting to me is if a group trains at 100 feet you get Strafe skill, but if a group trains at 1000 feet that get low nav skill. I think that introduces some confusion of expected behaviors.
Thanks again for the clarification.
"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so"
Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIb Sally x 8
No Japanese losses
When daylight comes .. the IJNAAF show they have Betty's at Port Blair .. and they ground bomb ..
Morning Air attack on 75th IAC Regiment, at 54,59 , near Tavoy
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 24
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
What I beleive the IJ is up to is to draw me down the peninsula and then couterattack with shore bombardment and air strikes. Setting up airbases in vulnerable positions simply reproduces "Akyab" where shore bombardment produces lots of damaged RAF planes ..
We miss a small xAKL ..
Submarine attack near Fukue-jima at 100,58
Japanese Ships
xAKL Tatsuha Maru
Allied Ships
SS Gato
Bombing in China .. [>:]
More later ..
"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so"
The air attack off of Port Moresby is quite significant in intellegence. The IJ had about 19K troops at PM, and now has about 8K. I do not think that 11K troops were lost in these 3 ships, but rather the IJ was in the process of shifting troops to more vulnerable locations. We caught maybe 5000?
If PM is to be a front I think I need the Saratoga and the Essex along with Hellcats to penetrate into the Coral Sea with CV's, and at least have an even exchange. A little look at the map shows huge areas in the Solomons that a KB could hide and attack from 8 hexes away. One thing we are doing is fulling these spaces with submarines.
In the meantime we can clear out the Marshall's and set up bases to neutralize Truk. Depending on the outcomes of naval engagements we will determine our operational tempo toward the home islands. A CV disaster like Midway means we can go straight for the Marianas .. otherwise we will have to pick operational theaters that we can heavly support with LBA.
The significance to this posting is that we have proven we can low nav attack against merchants .. the IJ has to wonder what 200 low nav trained 2E's would do to a SAG.
Attachments
PM.jpg (372.48 KiB) Viewed 312 times
"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so"
You could use PBYs to transport in engineer units (SeaBees) and supply to try to build up both Tagula [Port 0(0) & AF 0(5)] and Rossel Islands [Port 0(1) & AF 0(4)]. You could use APDs as Fast Transports with protection from CVs to land more units just before either or both base reach a level 1 AF. Meanwhile, you are getting plenty of B-24s now to suppress some AFs in the area from Cooktown. These base could be a diversion operation while you go after Port Moresby or Horn Island.
You could use PBYs to transport in engineer units (SeaBees) and supply to try to build up both Tagula [Port 0(0) & AF 0(5)] and Rossel Islands [Port 0(1) & AF 0(4)]. You could use APDs as Fast Transports with protection from CVs to land more units just before either or both base reach a level 1 AF. Meanwhile, you are getting plenty of B-24s now to suppress some AFs in the area from Cooktown. These base could be a diversion operation while you go after Port Moresby or Horn Island.
I think you have a point here .. the sooner the better to secure Tagula & Rossel Islands .. I will start working on that. IN the meantime we clean up the Marshall's a bit while the AP's convert into APA's .. then I think we can seriously increase the tempo in the Solomons ..especally after losing so many troops to a naval attack ..
"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so"
In my new game vs Olorin (Nick), I'm going to remember to NOT upgrade Argonaut, Narwhal, and some of the older subs and use them exclusively for mine laying missions in one large TF. You could use some to lay mines around Milne Bay down to Rossell Island. Make it more costly for him to do anything from the sea about Port Moresby. If your going to try to build up those two islands, then this is a good way to slow down some BB TF from bombing your troops.
In my new game vs Olorin (Nick), I'm going to remember to NOT upgrade Argonaut, Narwhal, and some of the older subs and use them exclusively for mine laying missions in one large TF. You could use some to lay mines around Milne Bay down to Rossell Island. Make it more costly for him to do anything from the sea about Port Moresby. If your going to try to build up those two islands, then this is a good way to slow down some BB TF from bombing your troops.
Excellent idea .. I have been laying mines right after my invasions .. this actually caught a sub ot two penatrating the amphib forces ..
"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so"
********************************************** 29 MAR 43 **********************************
SUBMARINES:
An active day for the Allies .. 2 surface attacks![X(]
Submarine attack near Saipan at 105,91
Japanese Ships
xAK Denmark Maru, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
Allied Ships
SS Shark
xAK Denmark Maru is sighted by SS Shark
SS Shark attacking on the surface
Submarine attack near Saishu To at 98,55
Japanese Ships
xAKL Kuramasan Maru, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
SS Gato, hits 1
xAKL Kuramasan Maru is sighted by SS Gato
SS Gato attacking xAKL Kuramasan Maru on the surface
OK .. then we simply fire torps unitl one goes kaboom .. (5 total at this xAK)
Submarine attack near Tanegashima at 102,63
Japanese Ships
xAK Kasuga Maru #2, Torpedo hits 1
Allied Ships
SS Lapon
xAK Kasuga Maru #2 is sighted by SS Lapon
SS Lapon launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Kasuga Maru #2
Another big tanker convoy I lose the draw to the escorts ..
Sub attack near Ulithi at 99,96
Japanese Ships
SC Ch 17
E Niizaki
E Nasami
E Tsubame
E W-23
TK Gyoshin Maru
TK Hofuku Maru
TK Fukko Maru
TK San Ramon Maru
TK Ose Maru
E Aotaka
E Hatsutaka
E Nuwashima
E Yurijima
Allied Ships
SS Gunnel
SS Gunnel launches 2 torpedoes at SC Ch 17
The Betty's come calling into the jungle ..
Afternoon Air attack on 75th IAC Regiment, at 54,59 , near Tavoy
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 19
No Japanese losses
Morning Air attack on Wotje Base Force, at 135,115 (Wotje)
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 23
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 12
No Allied losses
Japanese ground losses:
24 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
.................
Morning Air attack on Wotje Naval Fortress, at 135,115 (Wotje)
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 24
LB-30 Liberator x 12
B-24D Liberator x 26
B-24D1 Liberator x 24
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 12
[/center]