PzB vs Wobbly - Clash of Steel

[Sneer]

I would take as it was extremaly interesting AAR.... but I'm unfortunately heavily specialized in Japan side

[PzB74]

Appreciate the support guys! [&o]

I'm pretty keen on finishing this game as well and a few setbacks will not be enough to de-rail this
baby; there are several potential takers already! [:)] Not heard anymore from Ken, so I'll screen the applications
and appoint a new CinC for the Allied side by tomorrow if he remains silent.

I hope the next - and last? Allied commander will stick with it until the bitter end (for me:) and perhaps document
how Japan can be reduced despite the heavy losses inflicted early on in the war.

To be continued....

[Arstavidios]

Uhuh, I'm still volunteering for the shlaughterhouse[:D]
What does not kill you makes you stronger

[PzB74]

I've had to make a very difficult decision: there were several high quality candidates for the position as Allied CinC.
In the end I handed the job to Andy Mac. I've been reading his AAR and he seems like a very capable player and is also in
the same time zone as me.

Hostilities should be commencing shortly [8D]

Would like to use the opportunity to thank Ken for doing a great job over the last 6 months despite a difficult strategic situation [&o]
Also a big thanx to the rest of you that offered to take over from Ken! It's almost unfortunate that I couldn't hire more than one of you...

[String]

Go Andy !!!!

Indeed, he should be quite capable, he should be quite aquianted with rescuing the allies from desperate situations by now [;)]

[pauk]

ORIGINAL: PzB

In the end I handed the job to Andy Mac. I've been reading his AAR and he seems like a very capable player and is also in
the same time zone as me.

Unforutnatly I can't read his AAR[:D], but from my experience based on our game I can second that he is very capable player.

[PzB74]

I'm pretty sure Andy will do a fine job [:)]

Since Andy has read my AAR he knows my plans and dispositions, so I'm going to
stand down and observe for a while. Need to learn how my new opponent plays.

So I'll be needing advice on how to proceed; we need new plans and new directives
to throw Andy of guard.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/21/43

Surface Combat

My sub laid mines claims another victim!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1082 encounters mine field at Salamaua (54,88)

Allied Ships
MSW Warrnambool
MSW Deloraine
MSW Wollongong
MSW Cowra
DE Edward C. Daly, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

I had originally planned another naval attack against Salamua, even brought battleships
to the party. These would have to move one hex beyond the Admirality Islands so I decided to
stage with cruisers only. Then Ken quit.

Some 80 odd fighters were on CAP over the ships but they suffered heavily at the hands of almost
100 Lightnings and heavy/medium bombers that suddenly streamed in. The Oscars were helpless as
usual, only the Zekes stood up to the challenge and claimed most of the P-38s. I've attached a summary
of todays losses at the end of this report.

One light cruiser and two destroyers were damaged but will all make it safely home. I could still have sent
my cruisers to Salamua, but Andy will be expecting me - so I'm not.

Day Air attack on TF, near Admiralty Islands at 58,84

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
A6M5 Zeke x 21
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 35
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 15

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 68
B-25J Mitchell x 48

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged
A6M5 Zeke: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 22 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 16 destroyed, 16 damaged
B-25J Mitchell: 4 destroyed, 10 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Kitakami
CA Takao, Bomb hits 3
CA Furutaka
DD Yugure, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA Chokai, Bomb hits 2
CA Atago
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The heavies just continue to stream in...

Day Air attack on TF, near Admiralty Islands at 58,84

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M5 Zeke x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 30
B-17E Fortress x 27
B-24D Liberator x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
A6M5 Zeke: 3 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 6 destroyed, 5 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 4 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Kitakami, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA Furutaka
CA Takao, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA Chokai, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Yugure, on fire, heavy damage
DD Natsushio, Bomb hits 1
CA Atago
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Admiralty Islands at 58,84

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M5 Zeke x 15
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 15

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 1
BB Musashi
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The battleships simply shrugs of the 500 lb bombs. No damage whatsoever [8D]

Day Air attack on TF, near Admiralty Islands at 58,84

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M5 Zeke x 15
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 23 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Mutsu, Bomb hits 1
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Again, my bombers did not get through. Time to stand them down and await new opportunities

Day Air attack on TF, near Dobodura at 55,91

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 11

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 15
Hurricane II x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 2 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Todays air losses

As you can see Oscars and Lightnings went down in droves today...

[Wolfie1]

Ye Gods! How many Allied players are you going to demoralise PzB[&:]

[PzB74]

Sometimes they demoralize themselves...and I think it's my turn this time [;)]

[Speedysteve]

Good luck John,

Despite me being very busy. I was going to offer myself as an opponent. Glad to see you have found someone tho. I'll continue to watch with interest [8D]

Steven

[Rob Brennan UK]

Oscars die ! .. fact of life really .. the lightning losses were horrible though . you still seem to have the experience edge. if possible maybe not give him easy kills to rack up some xp with the LR fighters ( lot easier said than done i do understand).

I'm so happy this is continuing [:D][:D][:D]

[AmiralLaurent]

Glad to see this AAR continue, PzB !

I hesitate to step forward for the role of CinC, but 1) I have read this AAR and was uneasy to continue the game in this condition 2) has probably not enough time for one more PBEM.

As for demoralizing Allied players, I think it is over. Now every battle were your losses are less than twice the Allied ones should be seen as a victory....

[Nomad]

ORIGINAL: Wolfie1

Ye Gods! How many Allied players are you going to demoralise PzB[&:]

Let's clear this up, I am not demoralized. I am unhappy about my financial situation and my inability to afford an internet connection at home( I still have this one from work, I can use it occasionally but not for sending/receiving turns).
BTW, I hate working Saturdays and working Sundays really sucks.

In fact, I was optimistic about my chances in this game. My goal was to get at least a draw and I think that is a reasonable goal. I'll be interested in how AndyMac does, I sent him a long email a little bit ago.

For all of you out there, unless you really understand the complete position of the Allies you really do not understand the position I and now AndyMac were in. I see some critisim above about 'going to a party without enough forces',etc. Well, there just are not any more. It would be extremmly interesting if John made the 1/19/42 turn available and others tried to continue. I would like to see just what everyone else would do. The Allies have to do something, they have to engage and score some points or lose on auto victory 1/1/44. If you attack, and even if you don't, the IJN can send in bombardment and surface combat fleets to damage/destroy your bases, aircraft, shipping, etc. Anyway, AndyMac is in charge now and we will see what happens.

[AmiralLaurent]

By the way, I had an experience in UV where I lost an opponent for family reason and I asked for a replacement. Three valuable players stepped in and I played against all 3, each having his own style and strategy.

Of course 3 UV PBEM took less time than one in WITP but it is always possible to do so.

[PzB74]

Nice to hear that so many of you considered taking over this game [:)] I hope you don't mind
that a brute from Scotland now represents the UK Rob & Speedy <G>

Taking on 3 players would have been interesting Laurent, unfortunately I don't have the time.. Going to
look into WPO with the little spare time I have.

I think most readers know why you had to let go Ken, the point of 'demoralization' is merely used
humorously..how many other games have seen one side played by 4 different players!? [:D] Andy Mac thought
you did a great job, and so do I. Compared to your predecessors you're the one who lost fewest assets. I have
offered to send the game turns to anyone who's interested in reviewing the current situation in more detail.

I'm thinking about using more unexperienced Oscars to boost my defenses. They don't achieve much
anyway but they seem to make it easier for my more experienced and capable fighter Daitai's to hit back.

The process of evacuating construction and base force units from the Solomons. No use having too much
support for bases that are within 4 hexes of enemy LBA. My aim is to always fight the Allies from 4+ hexes with
my air force.

I've turned some of the fleet heading for Truk back towards Sag Sag: 13 ships will attempt a hit and run if not
intercepted by enemy medium and heavy bombers again. Tomorrow the Yamato and Musashi will be together
in port for the first time. Together with the Nagato and Mutsu they provide me with a very heavy surface
combat group. Imagine engaging a couple of Iowa's next year [&o]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/22/43

Invasions

A small invasion force arrived at Aru and Sag Sag to unload troops!
The small combat group at Sag Sag was zapped by enemy LBA and is not
capable of protecting the base.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1026 troops unloading over beach at Aru Island, 39,80

Allied ground losses:
40 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Sag Sag, 57,88, firing at TF 1161
TF 1161 troops unloading over beach at Sag Sag, 57,88

161 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
LCI LCI-331
CL Hobart
CL Nashville
LCI LCI-327, Shell hits 1
DD Jenkins, Shell hits 2
LCI LCI-223, Shell hits 1
DD Isaac Sweers
LCI LCI-217
DD Monssen, Shell hits 1
LCI LCI-216
LCI LCI-85
LCI LCI-84
LCI LCI-83
LCI LCI-62
LCI LCI-24
LCI LCI-23
LCI LCI-22
MSW Skylark
LST LST-31
LST LST-30
LST LST-20

Japanese ground losses:
125 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
528 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

I've included the following air strikes to illustrate how LBA are capable of
reducing LCUs in no time. More than 600 men were causalties for the ca 180 enemy
bombers that attacked today.

Day Air attack on 2nd/B Division, at 57,88

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 18
Kittyhawk I x 6
Beaufort V-IX x 7
P-38G Lightning x 74
A-20G Havoc x 12
B-25J Mitchell x 71
B-17E Fortress x 35
B-24D Liberator x 12

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
404 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 2nd/B Division, at 57,88

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 62
P-40N Warhawk x 10

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
110 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 2nd/B Division, at 57,88

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 27

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
124 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation map: Enemy landings at Aru island

Aru island is a pretty useless little place, a size 0 airfield. I'm going to leave it alone, but
any move against Kai island will be met with extreme violence. I don't want a size 4 enemy af there.

[WhoCares]

Kiamana (A:SPS 1, P:SPS 2) and Babo (2,1) might also be good targets for him, threatening your reeinforcements and retreats along the PNG coast.

[PzB74]

I already got engineers building forts at Babo - have to check Kiamana, can't remember were it is [:'(]
If Andy wants to play ball in this area he's welcome. There is a full army and a powerful fleet at Balikpapan
just waiting for the opportunity to deliver a really heavy counter punch [:D]

[Speedysteve]

I hope you don't mind that a brute from Scotland now represents the UK Rob & Speedy

Hmm. I'm not sure John [;)][:D]

[WhoCares]

ORIGINAL: PzB

I already got engineers building forts at Babo - have to check Kiamana, can't remember were it is [:'(]
If Andy wants to play ball in this area he's welcome. There is a full army and a powerful fleet at Balikpapan
just waiting for the opportunity to deliver a really heavy counter punch [:D]

Kiamana is the dot-base two hexes below Babo - I knew I should have added that little info in the first post [:'(]

The allies don't have the option to challenge you on sea, but when they can lure you out to make counterlandings and throw your naval forces against PT-boats and/or your land reserves into his LBA range - this is exactly what they need, many targets in LBA range. And some lucky dices, of course.....[8|]

[Rob Brennan UK]

Nice to hear that so many of you considered taking over this game I hope you don't mind
that a brute from Scotland now represents the UK Rob & Speedy <G>

HAHA .. im 1/2 scot anyway so i don't mind at al .. watch out for the claymore sticking out from your shoulderblades.