Mogami's AAR

[mogami]

Hi, I know Port Moresby is what they call the forlorn hope. Before settling down to a nice logical siege you have to first make the OLE storm the walls attempt just in case.
If Japan does not capture PM the allies have half the battle won. Their bombers reach all the way up past Kaveing. Long range cap does not protect and they will gain experience sinking the transports on my pipeline. Japan has no base with a like effect upon the allies. New Guinea is very difficult to supply (the ports are small and slow to unload meanwhile bombers jump over the hill twice a day) Giving up NG is not an option I care to start with (although failure to take PM results in losing all NG)
Can the battle be won solely by what occurs in the Solomon's?

So left with the reality I have to form some method of taking PM early or admit the allies get their free steady diet of VP points and starve my other operations. Of course this situation is very clear to any allied player (and most likely the AI) So to begin with I am trying to do the impossible (after all the art of war is doing what your opponents think impossible) The first condition is the removal of allied carrier forces. Then the bombers at PM have to be suppressed while enough combat force is delivered. It is 13 June 2 divisions have began arriving at Truk (2nd and 38th) The big operation should commence soon (one TF is loading 4 Rgts at Rabaul and will depart on the 14th. ) Tally ho!

(and yes the whole PM thing is a distraction from the real operations. It just has too large a negiative impact to be ignored from the outset.)

[mogami]

14 June 1942, 91 IJN ships in 7 TF are at sea headed towards PM.
60+ allied fighters are aloft to meet the 70 Rabaul based bombers...and the 150 zero's flying escort. Iron dogs and Wirraways are shot down like clay pigions over 40 allied fighters are shot down in a single mission. Japan loses 4 aircraft in air to air combat. That night USN surface TF comprised of 2 CL and 10 DD engage IJN TF of Aoba and Kako 2 CL and 4 DD (note to IHQ make TF's larger at least 10 ships) both CA and CL sank when USN torpedos hit evrything a float. USS Nashville is sank. The bombardment TF is 2 days from Moresby. The 2 CV TF's leave Rabaul today. Operation has 1 Bombardment TF with Kongo and Hiei and 4 CA 1 surface TF with 4 CA 2 CL 3 transport TF (and another that will leave Rabaul in next day or sol) 2 CV TF .
Now I have to give into sleep 45 UV turns in one day (plus 6 PacWar PBEM turns and 5 UV PBEM turns)

[Ron Saueracker]

You are a freak!:D Gonna have to play ya, you are one serious dude!

[Paul Vebber]

Bump - I think Mogami is finally getting some sleep - I think he has been playing since he got it!

EXCELLNT AAR as always!

[byron13]

No, don't sleep. I want to read about the invasion of PM.

[Hartmann]

I really want to know whether taking PM can be successfully pushed through ... at least against the AI.

Hartmann

[osros]

Seems like taking PM is the thing to do. But does it mean that
whoever controls PM wins the war?

Are there no other possibilites?

[Hartmann]

Originally posted by osros
Seems like taking PM is the thing to do. But does it mean that
whoever controls PM wins the war?

Are there no other possibilites?

Taking PM is a sound strategy for Japan in RL as in the Grand Campaign, if it can be done. (If at all, then it is an automatic victory for Japan in GAME TERMS.) Another idea is to take all of the Solomons, but I always thought that this is not really sound as long as PM is not secured. In the game, you can also win by standing firm and winning enough battles at sea, and generally inflicting disproportionally much damage to the enemy, I think. But caution: I did not have time to read the manual yet.

Hartmann

[Supervisor]

Bump - I think Mogami is finally getting some sleep - I think he has been playing since he got it!

Well, by his own estimate, I think he said it took about 15 minutes for 1 turn. That doesn't include resolution time either. So, 45 turns would be at least 11 hours (without food & other breaks).

Busy man, he was.

[mogami]

Greetings, First the good news Lexington is now listed among the ships sunk.

The Battle of Port Moresby

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/16/42
Bad weather grounds Rabaul airgroups the next few days.
Air attack on TF at 14,43

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 6
P-400 Airacobra x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 7
A-24 Dauntless x 10

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
Hudson x 3 damaged
A-24 Dauntless x 2 destroyed
A-24 Dauntless x 9 damaged

SLDR E.Hicks of 32nd RAAF Squadron bails out WOUNDED and is RESCUED

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
DD Kagero
CA Myoko
CA Atago

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,43

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3
A-24 Dauntless x 3


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
Hudson x 1 damaged
A-24 Dauntless x 2 destroyed
A-24 Dauntless x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
CA Mogami

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 4
P-400 Airacobra x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 11


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
Hudson x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Kuroshio

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi
CA Mikuma
DD Kuroshio
DD Hayashio
DD Amatsukaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Asashio
DD Asagumo
DD Uzuki
DD Satsuki
DD Matuskaze
DD Asanagi

Allied Ships
MSW Launceton, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi
CA Mikuma
DD Kuroshio
DD Hayashio
DD Amatsukaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Asashio
DD Asagumo
DD Uzuki
DD Satsuki
DD Matuskaze
DD Asanagi

Allied Ships
MSW Wollongong, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/17/42

Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina x 2 destroyed
PBY Catalina x 3 damaged

Airbase hits 15
Runway hits 62

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attackat 21,38

Japanese Ships
DD Umikaze
CA Maya

Allied Ships
SS S-40

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina x 2 destroyed
PBY Catalina x 2 damaged
P-400 Airacobra x 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 10

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 38

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina x 1 destroyed
PBY Catalina x 2 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 5

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 39

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/18/42

Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 21
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 23


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 14

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai
BB Hiei
CA Myoko
DD Kamikaze
CA Atago

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Dauntless x 1 destroyed
A-24 Dauntless x 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 13

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 23
Port hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/19/42

Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 21
H6K Mavis x 3

Allied aircraft

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
Wirraway x 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 12

Runway hits 10

Attacking Level Bombers:
17 x G3M Nell at 9000 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 9000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40


Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 3


Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Mikage Maru #20

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40


Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 3


Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi, Bomb hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/20/42
Chokai hit an allied mine as the TF departed to return to Rabaul
when it was the order phase she was far behind the TF and alone. US subs pounce on her I dispatch a 3 DD TF from Rabaul to go get her.
Sub attackat 19,33

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai

Allied Ships
SS S-45

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attackat 19,33

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai

Allied Ships
SS S-46

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attackat 19,33

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai

Allied Ships
SS S-37

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 3

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Batavia Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 3

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Asashio

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------
The AI continues to concentrate on Lunga
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/21/42

Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese Ships
PC Toshi Maru #3, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
PC Tama Maru #8, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
PC Takunan Maru #10
PC Shonon Maru #15, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
PC Takunan Maru #2, Shell hits 7, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City
CA San Francisco
CL Leander
CL St. Louis
DD Mustin
DD Russell
DD Ralph Talbot
DD Patterson
DD Jarvis
DD McCall
DD Maury
DD Balch
DD MacDonough
DD Alwin


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese Ships
AV Kamikawa Maru
DD Yugumo
DD Minegumo, Shell hits 1
DD Ariake

Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA San Francisco
CL Leander
CL St. Louis
DD Mustin
DD Russell
DD Ralph Talbot
DD Patterson
DD Jarvis
DD McCall
DD Maury
DD Balch
DD MacDonough
DD Alwin


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 16

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 49
Port hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Lunga, at 38,40

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 29
Port fuel hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,45

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
A6M3 Zero x 5
B5N Kate x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 13 damaged

Allied Ships
CL St. Louis
DD Balch, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA San Francisco


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,45

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 6
D3A Val x 14
B5N Kate x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 7 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 14 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Leander
DD Mustin, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA San Francisco
CL St. Louis
DD Maury
DD Alwin


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5062 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 39294 troops, 410 guns, 0 vehicles



---------------------------

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/22/42
The subs chasing Chokai get a suprise.
Sub attackat 20,31

Japanese Ships
DD Asashio
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Satsuki

Allied Ships
SS S-39, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40


Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 3


Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Akibasan Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 37819 troops, 390 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 24620 troops, 215 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 761

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 224
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4973 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 40121 troops, 433 guns, 0 vehicles

9 days remain for NG area operations. Tokyo has sent heavy reinfocements (3 more CV 2 BB and smaller ships. no further ships are in route. CV's at sea are returning to Rabual where a general reorganization will occur. There will be at least 3 carrier TF's. I intended on catching the AI next time he comes to Lunga.
Future intentions are to assign the 2nd Div the defense of Port Moresby (after I capture it of course)
the 38th div will be returned to Rabaul for use in the Solomon's. All rear baseforces excepting Kaveing will
be moved forward. Gilli Gilli will be captured.
Further troops and supply headed for PM. Another bombardment group to put airfield out of commision. Chokai returned to Japan 71 days to repair.

[Hartmann]

Looks good. Even if you sacrificed several APs near Lunga as a tribute to concentrating on PM, it seems in tolerable margins. If you prove that PM can be taken, this will probably become standard procedure ... against the AI.

Hartmann

[ADavidB]

Interesting AAR - thanks. A couple of questions if you don't mind.

You mention:

"Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5062 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 39294 troops, 410 guns, 0 vehicles "

Was that as your troop were going ashore or afterwards?

Also, was there any earlier report of your troops going ashore?

Finally, how long did it take you to get nearly 40,000 troops ashore?

Also, had the AI been reinforcing PM since the beginning of the game? Could you have interdicted those reinforcements?

Thanks -

Dave Baranyi

[mogami]

Greetings
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/23/42

Allied subs seem to be wolf packing at PM
Sub attackat 21,33

Japanese Ships
DD Kagero, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-37


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attackat 21,33

Japanese Ships
DD Maikaze

Allied Ships
SS S-39, Shell hits 1, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 4th Aus Brigade, at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
G3M Nell x 23

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 2
P-400 Airacobra x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 2 destroyed
G3M Nell x 12 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 2 damaged

CPT C. King of 40th FS is credited with kill number 2


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 150

Attacking Level Bombers:
21 x G3M Nell at 8000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
APD 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3
A-24 Dauntless x 8


Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Dauntless x 1 destroyed
A-24 Dauntless x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Shinkoku Maru
AP Batavia Maru
AP Nana Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40


Allied aircraft
A-24 Dauntless x 6


Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Dauntless x 1 destroyed
A-24 Dauntless x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Meiten Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Enju Maru


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,42


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3
Wirraway x 3
P-400 Airacobra x 6



Japanese Ships
MSW Wa 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby
Japanese ground combat units are wearing out, more should arrive next turn
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 37399 troops, 390 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 24183 troops, 214 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 569

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 372


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4853 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 39990 troops, 433 guns, 0 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/24/42

Allied surface force shows up
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Marsue Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-44


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,43


Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 7
P-39D Airacobra x 4
A-24 Dauntless x 3


Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Dauntless x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Atlantic Maru, Bomb hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Boston Maru, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS S-44


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 35956 troops, 390 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 23838 troops, 214 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 1009

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 437
Guns lost 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4784 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 39080 troops, 433 guns, 0 vehicles



-------------------------------------

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/25/42

Sub attackat 12,42

Japanese Ships
AP Oigawa Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-44


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,43


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
G3M Nell x 11
G4M1 Betty x 24

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 1
P-39D Airacobra x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 5 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Chicago, Torpedo hits 3, heavy damage
CA Australia, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Walke
CL Hobart

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40


LCDR D.O'Neill of 3/VCS-4 bails out WOUNDED and is RESCUED
Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Shell hits 5
BB Kirishima, Shell hits 2
CA Mogami, Shell hits 7, on fire
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 1
CL Naka, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Hatsukaze
DD Maikaze
DD Murasame
DD Harusame
DD Hatakaze

Allied Ships
CA Chicago, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
CL Hobart, Shell hits 30, and is sunk
DD Walke, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Farragut, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 45

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 33


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 35158 troops, 389 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 23458 troops, 212 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 1205
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 877
Guns lost 2

highest loss yet but also most inflicted, fresh units are debarking
some of the wore out ones are going to be removed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4724 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 38166 troops, 430 guns, 0 vehicles


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADavid it took several days to unload, this occured while my first bombardments were taking place. The combat you posted was allied arty fire. The allies fired while i was unloading but they did not make a regular attack It took 2 days for all my units to unload, supply still almost unloaded. I have been forming new TF's as the AP's empty to get them back to Rabaul faster. I had subs placed between Brisbane and PM as soon as possible. It might be that the battle for PM is going to require a 2 week extension. The transports have to return to Rabaul reload and return. Most of the 38th Div is still up at Truk.
I need to let the fresh troops unload and then see what kind of combat results are produced. But I am going to dispatch 2 carrier groups to the East and one to come down and support the PM operation.

[IChristie]

Gee, and I was hoping you were going to enjoy yourself with this game. Please, try to have a little bit of fun with it.

[mogami]

Greetings, the reinforcments turned the trick.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/26/42

Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 10

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 34


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Lunga, at 38,40

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 44


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 13 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged

LTJG G.Kanno of F2/1st Daitai is credited with kill number 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 2 destroyed

LTJG V.Morioka of F2/1st Daitai is credited with kill number 3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 35593 troops, 420 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 22810 troops, 210 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 556

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 435
Guns lost 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4704 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 47136 troops, 520 guns, 0 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/27/42

Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina x 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 26

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 45


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attackat 20,31

Japanese Ships
APD 35

Allied Ships
SS S-42


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 6 damaged


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 25


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Wau , at 8,35

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 27


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Wau , at 8,35

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attackat 20,31

Japanese Ships
AP Azuma Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
APD 1

Allied Ships
SS S-46


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 2 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 55

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 31


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 42605 troops, 512 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 22285 troops, 207 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Port Moresby base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 635

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 5253
Guns lost 49


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OK then. Time to spare. The remainer of June will be used to sort out the mess. The carriers put to sea today to operate southeast of Lunga
Hiryu, Soryu and Zuikaku in one TF
Kaga and Akagi in another
Junyo and the 2 CVL have been placed north east of Gilli Gilli.

Future intentions. Drive the enemy from PM
Capture Gilli Gilli
build Lunga as a base for further ops

[NorthStar]

Mogami,

In one of your earlier posts, the following appears:

Air attack on TF at 45,45

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
A6M3 Zero x 5
B5N Kate x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 13 damaged

Allied Ships
CL St. Louis
DD Balch, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA San Francisco

It appears that more Kates were damaged and destroyed than were sent on the mission. I can see where reports would show inflated enemy casualties, but shouldn't your own losses be reported accurately? Is this an error, or am I missing something here? Maybe two Kates were damaged in the attack and were then destroyed later (crashed on landing?)?

Thanks in advance.

P.S. Sorry to hear (read?) about your namesake.

[IChristie]

FOW affects the reports of your own casulaties as well. Of course you can check the status of your ow airgroups directly during the orders phase.

[mogami]

The Mogami covered herself in glory in sustaining damage in the service of her country. Her officers and crew will be given an honored position in the great victory parade to be held in Tokyo.
It is rumoured that even staff officer Mogami will leave his mountain cave to attend (there is another rumour free beer can be had)

[ADavidB]

Hi again - once more, an interesting AAR. I've got a question concerning your early assault and capture of PM - can the Allied player put any air power in Australia in the first few months of the campaign that can interdict Japanese naval forces going into PM? If not, I can see why Iain was recommending defending PM vigorously.

Also, is there any advantage for the Allied player to base the carriers in North Eastern Australia instead of Numea? In the "Campaign 42" scenario of Pacwar, Allied carriers sortieing out of Numea typically got jumped by Japanese carriers, land based AC or both. But coming out of Australia they got the advantage of Australian Air zones.

Thanks in advance -

Dave Baranyi

[mogami]

Hi, The first task the Japanese have is to knock out the US carriers. By making a threat the allies can not ignore (PM)
Then you have to get lucky since Japan can not afford to lose Zuikaku or Shokaku. I tried to arrange the first CV battle so
A. I got suprise (didn't happen)
B. it took place at long range (so US torpedo planes would not be involved and 1000il bombs would not be used (didn't happen)
Lucky for me Lex was sank and Hornet has not been seen since.
Shokaku was hurt but will return. Those carriers should in my view remain south of Gilli Gilli and force the Japanese to come after them. (the battle was north west of Woodlark Island)
There appeared to be alot of enemy air early on I don't know where it went to but it was absent when my transports entered what i thought was going to be dangerous waters. Hudsons and Mitchells had been in the area. Another thing that really worked out in my favour was the weather was really rotten for 2 weeks.
It grounded my air up at Rabaul and many enemy strikes coming from Australia failed to locate their targets are were likewise grounded.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/29/42

Sub attackat 18,44

Japanese Ships
CL Tatsuta

Allied Ships
SS Cabrilla


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Air attack on TF at 44,46
OK finally I catch those cruisers that have been having a free ride at Lunga
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 49
D3A Val x 64
B5N Kate x 63

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 6 damaged
B5N Kate x 5 destroyed
B5N Kate x 12 damaged

Allied Ships
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CL St. Louis, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA Louisville, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD McCall, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Leander, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Jarvis, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Anderson
DD Stockton
CL Achillies, Torpedo hits 1
DD Benham, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Worden
DD Sims, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

San Fransico sank
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Naval bombardment of Gili Gili, at 17,42


LCDR V.Cummings of 1/VCS-9 is KILLED
Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 27
Port hits 1


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Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 41042 troops, 547 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 14700 troops, 112 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 157

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 843
Guns lost 2

It appears part of the enemy force retreated or part of the force up north has moved south (the next day the remaining enemy force are driven north)
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It is going to take at least a month to shift forces and supply to Lunga. Meanwhile I will see about taking Gilli Gilli.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/04/42
A day the IJN carrier pilots will long remember Nagumo (Hiryu,Soryu,Zuikaku) and Yamaguchi (Kaga, Akagi) tag team a Allied cruiser force South East of Lunga
Air attack on TF at 43,49

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 32
D3A Val x 47
B5N Kate x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 6 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 14 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Ellet, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Northampton, Torpedo hits 3, on fire
DD Grayson, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA Canberra, Torpedo hits 1
DD Blue
DD Helm, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA Pensacola, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD MacDonough
DD Meredith, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Dunlap


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Air attack on TF at 43,49

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28
D3A Val x 17
B5N Kate x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 4 destroyed
B5N Kate x 5 damaged

LT H. Abe of BI-3 Daitai is KILLED

Allied Ships
DD Blue
DD Gwin
CA Pensacola, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Canberra, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Dunlap
CA Northampton, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,49

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
D3A Val x 22
B5N Kate x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Canberra, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Northampton, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Blue, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Wilkes
DD Gwin
DD Meredith, on fire


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Air attack on TF at 43,49

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
D3A Val x 20
B5N Kate x 14


Allied Ships
DD Blue, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Wilkes
DD Meredith, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Gwin, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD MacDonough, Torpedo hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,49

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34
D3A Val x 39
B5N Kate x 27


Allied Ships
DD Dunlap, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Wilkes, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Dewey


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Air attack on TF at 43,49

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 53
D3A Val x 57
B5N Kate x 38
(95 bombers attack 1 ship)

Allied Ships
DD Dewey, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Canberra, Meridith Dewey are listed as sunk.
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