Third Person AAR- Mogami v. Brady

[mogami]

Hi, Brady captured San Jose and began building the airfield. (3 hexes from Clark Field.) Clark Field is a size 9 with oddles of Japanese aircraft. Over the last few turns Japan has actually been destroying more enemy aircraft then it loses per turn. Happiness is blowing up Corsairs on the ground. (I've now destroyed 56 in A2A and 56 on ground) A few small
cheap shot landings have been repelled (He lands 900 guys on emety base and then flies in AV sets CAP and sends transports.) Japanese Paras wiped out 3 such attempts.
Just how many transports do the Allies have???? [X(]

[mogami]

18 July 1943
Hi, I am going to track a Japanese operation from start to finish and then post it.
Because of the critical situation in central Pacific where a battle for Eniwetok has been raging for some time the IJN CV force is going to sortie. I feel Brady must be stetched to his limit and a serious reverse now will buy time for Japan.

The Japanese air forces remain strong numericaly but quality has declined to dangerous levels. I need a quiet period to train.
Enemy LBA in SRA is too strong but only 2 airfields exist in Cenral Pacific. I might be able to inflict loss to surface and logistic ships.

I've ordered my CV to gather in Tokyo and am refitting their air groups. On hand are
CV Zuikaku,Hiryu,Akagi, Amagi, Unryu,Taiho,Hiyo,
CVL Ryujo
Total Capacity 512 aircraft.

9 IJN BB remain but only Kirishima is ready as escort.
11 IJN CA remain with 10 in condition to sail
6 IJN CL with 4 available
35 IJN DD with 21 of proper type or readiness.

Air group status on July 18th 1943
5 CV have fighter groups on board as of this time.
AI-1 Daitai (A6M3a) on board CV Akagi (max size 27) has 30 Pilots from 99exp to 40 exp Avg is 64 group only has 16 aircraft at moment
DI-1 Daitai (A6M3a) on board CVL Ryujo (max size 28) has 30 pilots from 99exp to 41exp Avg is 65 group has 28 ready and 2 reserve ac
DIII-1 Daitai (A6M3a) on board CV Hiyo (max size 19) has 18 pilots from 86exp to 36 exp Avg is 61 group has 18 ready ac
JI-1 Daitai (A6M5) on board CV Unryu (max size 24) has 27 pilots from 65exp to 53exp Avg is 58 group has 24 ready ac
JII-1 Daitai (A6M5) on board CV Amagi (max size 24) has 27 pilots from 67exp to 51exp Avg is 59 group has 24 ready ac

5 CV have divebomber groups on board
AI-2 Daitai (D3A) on board CV Akagi (max size 27) has 30 pilots from 93exp to 40exp Avg is 57 group has 27 ready and 3 reserve ac
DIII-2 Daitai (D3A) on board CV Hiyo (max size 19) has 19 pilots from 70exp to 43 exp Avg is 51 group has 19 ready ac
GI-2 Daitai (D4Y) on board CV Taiho (max size 27) has 22 pilots from 71exp to 56exp Avg is 65 group has 22 ready ac
JI-2 Daitai (D4Y) on board CV Unryu (max size 24) has 18 pilots from 69exp to 55exp Avg is 60 group has 18 ready ac
JII-2 Daitai (D4Y) on board CV Amagi (max size 24) has 18 pilots from 67exp to 53exp Avg is 60 group has 18 ready ac

4 CV have torpedo groups on board
AI-3 Daitai (B5N) on board CV Akagi (max size 18) has 21 pilots from 88exp to 44exp Avg is 56 group has 18 ready ac
BII-3 Daitai (B5N) on board CV Hiryu (max size 15) has 15 pilots from 92exp to 31exp Avg is 50 group has 15 ready ac
DI-3 Daitai (B5N) on board CVL Ryujo (max size 19) has 19 pilots from 81exp to 34exp Avg is 47 group has 19 ready ac
DIII-3 Daitai (B5N) on board CV Hiyo (max size 13) has 13 pilots from 93exp to 30exp Avg is 52 group has13 ready ac

So I need to find, fill out and transfer to ships 3xFighter groups 3xDivebomber groups and 4xtorpedo groups.
On hand carrier trained groups
Fighters
BI-1 Daitai (A6M2) Hakodate (max size 27) has 28 pilots from 97exp to 36exp Avg is 48 group has 26 ready ac
BII-1 Daitai (A6M3a) Tokyo (max size 23) has 27 pilots from 95exp to 33exp Avg is 54 group has 20 ready ac
EI-1 Daitai (A6M3a) Tokyo (max size 30) has 22 pilots from 90exp to 51exp Avg is 61 group has 16 ready ac
EII-1 Daitai (A6M3a) Tokyo (max size 27) has 27 pilots from 99exp to 37exp Avg is 61 group has 26 ready ac
GI-1 Daitai (A6M5) Tokyo (max size 27) has 11 pilots from 69exp to 59exp Avg is 64 group has 10 ready ac
Divebomber
BII-2 Daitai (D3A) Tokyo (max size 23) has 28 pilots from 93exp to 45exp Avg is 57 group has 23 ready and 4 reserve ac
EI-2 Daitai (D3A) Tokyo (max size 27) has 27 pilots from 99exp to 36exp Avg is 58 group has 27 ready ac
EII-2 Daitai (D3A) Tokyo (max size 27) has 27 pilots from 68exp to 36exp Avg is 56 group hs 18 ready and 9 damaged ac (just received replacements)
Torpedo
3xgroups equipped with B6N but understrength and AC not currently in production (GI-3,JI-3,JII-3) total combined 25 ac. I could withdraw groups (you can't disband carrier groups) to get required ac but then I'd have to employ untrained pilots to fly them.
Lets see what happens. GI-3 has the fewest pilots and ac but it will bring one of the others to full strength in ac.
Now JI-3 (B6N) Tokyo (max size 16) has 16 pilots (just drew 7 from pool) from 67exp to 29exp group has 16 ready ac
DII-3 (B5N) Tokyo (max size 13) has13 pilots from 79exp to 36exp Avg is 49 group has 12 ready 1 in repair ac
EI-3 Daitai (B5N) Tokyo (max size 13) has 19 pilots from 80exp to 41exp Avg is 48 group has 13 ready ac
EII-3 Daitai (B5N) Tokyo (max size 18) has 21 pilots from 66exp to 44exp Avg is 52 group has 18 ready and 1 reserve ac

OK have all required groups just need to bring them to full strength and move to CV.

The IJN is down to just 2 AO for replenshment so I'll need to refuel from bases. Saipan will be refueling base with replacement aircraft moving there to refit airgroups.

Phase I movement to Saipan and refueling prior to moving to contact.
Saipan currently has 50k fuel 56k supply ordering TF to move another 200k
Order minesweep TF (5xMSW) to clear Saipan
replacement groups of suitable type aircraft will transfer to Saipan prior to CV returning from combat.

Phase II engage enemy.
TF's will seek out and inflict as much damage as can be done against enemy naval forces in area from Eniwetok to Kusai Island.

Phase III return to Saipan to refuel ship and refit airgroups prior to CV still in condition returning to area or moving to new location to engage enemy.


19 July 1943
CV Hiyo departs Okayama for Tokyo

EI-1 Daitai embarks CV Zuikaku A6M3a 34 pilots 30 ready 4 reserve ac
EI-2 Daitai embarks CV Zuikaku D3Y 27 pilots 27 ready ac
EI-3 Daitai emabarks CV Zuikaku B5N 19 pilots 13 ready ac
CV Zuikaku loaded for mission 80 pilots 74 ac

EII-3 Daitai embarks CV Amagi B5N 19pilots 18 ready 1 reserve ac
CV Amagi loaded for mission 64 pilots 61 ac

JI-3 Daitai embarks CV Unryu B6N 16 pilots 16 ready ac
CV Unryu loaded for mission 61 pilots 58 ac

BII-1 Daitai embarks CV Hiryu A6M3a 27 pilots 20 ac (waiting more ac)
BII-2 Daitai embarks CV Hiryu D3Y 28 pilots 23 ready 4 reserve ac
CV Hiryu loaded for mission (requires 3xA6M3a) 70 pilots 62 out of 65 ac (TF will not wait on replacement ac but will try to get them at Saipan)

All CV loaded now excepting CV Taiho which will load tomorrow (groups tranfered to Tokyo this turn)

20 July 1943

EII-1 Daitai embarks CV Taiho A6M3a 27 pilots 26 ready ac
DII-3 Daitai embarks CV Taiho B5N 13 pilots 13 ready ac
CV Taiho loaded for mission 62 pilots 61 ac

Aircombat TF forming Tokyo
TF 25 VAdm C. Nagumo 168 carrier ac
CV Akagi
CV Hiyo
CVL Ryujo
CS Chitose (9xRufe 12xJake)
BB Kirishima
CA Takao
CA Atago
CL Sendai
DD Akizuki
DD Yugumo
DD Akigumo
DD Kazegumo


TF 31 RAdm T. Yamaguchi 197 carrier ac
CV Hiryu
CV Zuikaku
CV Taiho
CA Chikuma
CA Myoko
CL Natori
DD Makinami
DD Natsushio
DD Yukikaze
DD Hayashio

TF 32 RAdm M. Ugaki 119 carrier ac
CV Unryu
CV Amagi
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Kinu
DD Isokaze
DD Urakaze
DD Kasumi

TF 33 VAdm T. Komatsu (Surface/Scout)
BB Ise
CS Mizuho (8xAlf 9xJake)
CA Mogami
CA Mikuma
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano
CL Yubari
DD Asanagi
DD Sazanami
DD Sagiri
DD Hatsuyuki
DD Shinonome
DD Shiratsuyu

To avoid enemy patrol planes from Marcus Island all TF will move to 8 hexes due west of Iwo Jima before turning for Saipan
(Do not retire. Follow TF 25)

current load 484 carrier ac
197xfighters
161xdivebombers
126xtorpedo bombers

20 July 1943
For the first time Allied forces on Eniwetok outnumber the Japanese. Defenders hold. Allied heavy surface units contiune to bombard island. Bikina Atoll has reached level 1 airfield. Must get there before it reaches level 2 and offensive strikes can be launched.
CV TF travel 240 miles no contacts. No CV ac flying patrol or ASW. Float plane Petes within TF are set to ASW range 1.

21 July 1943
Defenders on Eniwetok begin to crack. 6-1 attack reduced fort level to 6
MS clear Siapan of enemy mines
CV TF turn for Saipan (currently west of Iwo Jima)

22 July 1943
Eniwetok was captured by enemy. Airfield is a size 4 however it is currently inoperable to damage.
CV TF 7 hexes out from Saipan.

24 July 1943
CV refueled Saipan heading to point 3 hexes nw Eniwetok. (airfield there still 62 damage)

28 July 1943
CV should launch strikes on enemy ships at eniwetok next turn. Airfield there is up and running no idea as to number or type of aircraft deployed there.

29 July 1943
No strikes enemy spot my CV


30 July 1943
All enemy ships except PT fleeing south. No strikes shoot down 30 enemy bombers/fighters lose 15 fighters no hits on Japanese except BB Ise. Ise breaks off to return Saipan rest of TF heading in to bombard Eniwetok. CV moving south after enemy.

31 July 1943
Carriers launch strike sink 3xLST

Day Air attack on TF at 76,80

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 24
D3A Val x 77
A6M3a Zero x 70
B5N Kate x 64

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 7 damaged
B5N Kate: 1 destroyed, 12 damaged

Allied Ships
MSW Skylark, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-353
LST LST-341, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-31, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-342, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-450
LST LST-338, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-24, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-344, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-354
LST LST-343

CV Akagi sends fighter Daitai back to Saipan and gets BI-1 Daitai in return 27xA6M2 Avg exp 48 (exchange results in increase of total fighters of 13)

TF should be in range of major concentration of enemy ships at Kusaie Island tomorrow

1 Aug 1943
Nothing! CV did not launch, enemy did not attack. Weather clear and contacts reported. I will attempt to return to Truk to refuel (200k fuel there) pick up replacement aircraft and return to this area. However will remain here 1 more day before retiring. So far the operation has not yielded the desired results.

3 Aug 1943
CV Hiryu damaged by 2 bombs and 1 torpedo (35/50/27) will attempt to make it back to Saipan. Remaining TF retreating out of range.
heavy loss among fighter groups
Operation has been pretty much a bust. (couldn't get my CV to attack and had CAP set 50-50 so not only did enemy strikes get through half my fighters did nothing

4 Aug 1943
Disaster! CV ac remaining 5 fighters 11 DB and 7 TB. Encountered enemy CV with fighters set to 100 percent CAP. Bomber groups decided now they would fly and were wiped out for nothing over 300 ac lost. Minor damage to several CV. Transfered 27 fighters (A6M3a) to CV Unryu. 15 fighters to CV Hiyo (A6M2)
Airgroups that are able (have a ready aircraft) transfered to Saipan. 41 fighters on CAP will have more tomorrow if TF in range
(I was caught with my pants down. Replacement airgroups were sitting on Iwo and not Siapan due to airfield size limits)

5 Aug 1943
Enemy CV catch my oilers
Lost 25 fighters but sent fresh groups to TF. 95 fighters now on CAP. TF refueled Truk (they were bombed several CV burning)
Entire herd making for Ulithi. All I can do now is try to wreck enemy CV groups when they attack. Hiryu trying to get into Ponape to put out fires. (unless the weather gods protect her she can't stay there)

8 Aug 1943
CV Hiryu sank at Ponape.
CV Hiyo Akagi CVL Ryujo all seriously damaged in port Truk where they will no doubt be destroyed soon.
Operation must be considered a fiasco. (3 CV 1 CVL for a few LST)

Remaining CV and escorts departing Ulithi for home. (BB Kirishima still has fires so it remains in port there)

Record of a disaster is complete. **** (last entries will be fate of ships )
14 Aug 1943
CV Zuikaku(back in port),Hiryu (sunk),Akagi,(will sink this turn near Guam) Amagi,(back in port) Unryu(back in port),Taiho(back in port),Hiyo, (enroute Japan unless she encounters enemy sub should make it)
CVL Ryujo(sunk)

[Brady]

Nice report Mogami, well done I must say.

Based on past operations and the inhearent logistics trail I always have in place for such operations I feal the undertaking of this operation was worth the effort, at least from His prespective, though He was just unlucky. He missed about 20 transports at Eniwetock by two days, and Most of the ships at Kusie had departed South the moment I saw his TF which was about 2 days out.

Allied CV's had just begaine to arive at Midway from repair in Hawaii and the West Coast from earler operations, they sortied as soon as the enemy was spoted and moved into a posation to block the enemy as they retired from the main combat area.

The F4U's(Land based) and the Helcasts and British Coursars and Helcats had a field day with enemy air assests, realy the strikes from the Allied CV's could of been better, but were suifient to force a port visit at Truck and my Land basesed assest were as noted able to acheave signafagant efect on the ships in port.

...................

If Mogami had not gone South for that extra day he would of Missed the Allied CV's.

[Brady]

9/43

[Brady]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/27/43

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Naval bombardment of Admiralty Islands, at 58,84

Allied Ships
BB Tennessee
BB Nevada
BB West Virginia

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 7
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 2

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Naval bombardment of Admiralty Islands, at 58,84

Allied Ships
BB Tennessee
BB Nevada
BB West Virginia

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 7
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 2

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Day Air attack on Tokyo , at 66,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 6
B-24D Liberator x 88
B-24J Liberator x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 20 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed, 16 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Ise, Bomb hits 4
BB Hyuga, Bomb hits 3
CV Katsuragi, Bomb hits 4, on fire
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 3
CV Amagi, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 3
BB Fuso, Bomb hits 4, on fire
CV Taiho, Bomb hits 3
BB Yamashiro, Bomb hits 3
CV Unryu, Bomb hits 4, on fire
BB Mutsu, Bomb hits 2
CS Mizuho, Bomb hits 1
CA Mogami, Bomb hits 1
AP Kansan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
115 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Port hits 14

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
13 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
2 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
7 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
5 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
4 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
2 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wakkanai , at 71,35


Allied aircraft
Liberator VI x 10


Allied aircraft losses
Liberator VI: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Kuretake Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Kinu, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Port hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
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Day Air attack on Saigon , at 31,46


Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 3
B-17E Fortress x 33


Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina: 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Heavy Industry hits 12

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
15 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Singapore , at 23,50

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 27

Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 1
P-38G Lightning x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 7 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 2 destroyed

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Day Air attack on Singapore , at 23,50

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 20

Allied aircraft
Liberator VI x 64

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 9 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator VI: 8 destroyed, 14 damaged

Heavy Industry hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Liberator VI bombing at 11000 feet
6 x Liberator VI bombing at 11000 feet
6 x Liberator VI bombing at 11000 feet
6 x Liberator VI bombing at 11000 feet
6 x Liberator VI bombing at 11000 feet
5 x Liberator VI bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 11000 feet
2 x Liberator VI bombing at 11000 feet
2 x Liberator VI bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 11000 feet
1 x Liberator VI bombing at 11000 feet
2 x Liberator VI bombing at 11000 feet
2 x Liberator VI bombing at 11000 feet
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Day Air attack on Soerabaja , at 22,65

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 39

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 45

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 5000 feet
17 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kwajalein , at 79,79


Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 1
B-26B Marauder x 53


Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina: 1 damaged
B-26B Marauder: 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported

Port hits 1
Port supply hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 5000 feet
33 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 38th Division, at 31,64


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 12
Boomerang II x 14
Vengeance I x 28


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 2 damaged
Vengeance I: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
12 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet

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Ground combat at Shikka

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 65345 troops, 573 guns, 30 vehicles

Defending force 12033 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 129 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
591 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Allied ground losses:
110 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 2


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Ground combat at Balikpapan

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 52980 troops, 393 guns, 340 vehicles

Defending force 31227 troops, 67 guns, 40 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 3)


Japanese ground losses:
540 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
Vehicles lost 5

Allied ground losses:
173 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Vehicles lost 7


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Ground combat at Madioen

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2120 troops, 0 guns, 106 vehicles

Defending force 2048 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 13 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Madioen base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
66 casualties reported


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

[Brady]

Game Over....

On Sept. 27 1943 Japan Suriendered, Mogami's Condations set at game start were :

Japan out of Suply.

Heavy Bombers in range of the Home land.


Both condations were met acording to Mogami.