Howlin' At The Moon - DBB Vettim(A) vs Greasylake (J)

[vettim89]

14 October 1942

Originally I was upset that I had my DB on rest, but after thinking about it I think the surprise factor was better for me. Three xAP ate 1-3 1000 lb bombs and you can see what happened to Haguro. Is three penetrating 1000 lbers enough. She is a LONG way from Koepang which would be the nearest IJN port.

I admire Larry for his attempt at Strategic Surprise here. If Exmouth had not been developed, he could have grabbed it easily. I do wonder where his carriers are. Why try this without his CVs? Hmmmmm.

A Inf RGT has been FastTran'd to Erromango which is just north of Tanna's AB should go to level 5 next turn. I have over 100 fighters at Auckland that need moving up. Once fighters are at Tanna I will move ENG and AV Support to Erro. Then I have to decide how many bases around Luganville I need to develop before moving

[vettim89]

15 -16 October 1942

Posting from work so doing this by memory. Screenies later
On the 15th, LBA takes out an APD, an xAP, and finishes off the damged xP from the 14th. The lands a small fragment of 8th ID/C. At first I was surprised LArry pushed on, but then I figured he tried to get the troops off those sinking ships where ever he could land them. Disappointed that only one A-24 sq only flew in the PM phase. The other didn't fly at all

On the 16th, my SCTF tangled with Oi and four DDs. Oi was sunk and a DD damaged vs one CA with minor damage and one DD with moderate damage. My commander wisely kept the range at 7k to 9k to avoid TT waters. LBA only flew one mission off NW Oz which was only two A-24 that flew against Shoho which appeared suddenly alone except for a meager escort. A full 32 plane strike would have taken her out, but alas the two big strikes got lost :due to range or weather".

I forgot to mention Larry landed an Inf BGD and a SNLF at Broome which will likely fall next turn.

Lastly Lexington made port finally. Immediately into yard for repairs and three upgrades: June, August, and October.

[vettim89]

The combat at Exmouth. Pretty sure Oi sank. Combat text included - note the ranges

Night Time Surface Combat, near Exmouth at 50,129, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Oi, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Hagikaze
DD Kawakaze, Shell hits 1
DD Suzukaze

Allied Ships
CA Louisville
CA Pensacola
CA Australia
CA Canberra, Shell hits 1
CL Leander
CL Achilles
DD Whipple
DD Peary
DD Pillsbury
DD Le Triomphant, Shell hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
192 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled




Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 42% moonlight: 8,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 7,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 7,000 yards
CL Oi engages CA Pensacola at 7,000 yards
CL Oi engages CA Australia at 7,000 yards
DD Kawakaze engages CA Canberra at 7,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Hagikaze at 7,000 yards
CL Leander engages CL Oi at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
CL Oi engages CA Canberra at 6,000 yards
DD Kawakaze engages DD Le Triomphant at 6,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages CA Canberra at 6,000 yards
DD Pillsbury engages DD Hagikaze at 6,000 yards
DD Kawakaze engages DD Peary at 6,000 yards
CL Oi engages CA Canberra at 6,000 yards
DD Le Triomphant engages DD Suzukaze at 6,000 yards
CL Oi engages CA Pensacola at 6,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages DD Le Triomphant at 6,000 yards
CL Achilles engages CL Oi at 6,000 yards
CL Oi engages CL Leander at 6,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages DD Pillsbury at 6,000 yards
DD Kawakaze engages DD Peary at 6,000 yards
DD Whipple engages DD Hagikaze at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
CL Oi engages CA Canberra at 8,000 yards
CL Oi engages CA Australia at 8,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages CL Oi at 8,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CL Oi at 8,000 yards
CL Achilles engages CL Oi at 8,000 yards
CL Leander engages CL Oi at 8,000 yards
DD Suzukaze engages DD Le Triomphant at 8,000 yards
DD Kawakaze engages DD Pillsbury at 8,000 yards
DD Kawakaze engages DD Whipple at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CL Oi at 9,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Oi at 9,000 yards

[vettim89]

17-20 October 1942

Aussies destroy the small IJA fragment at Exmouth. Broome falls. A big pile of restricted Aussie units head for Geraldton and will walk North.

Erromago building forts to level 3 before the AB/Port get touched. The 2nd Marines are arriving at Noumea for movement to Efate when Erro is ready to hold fighters.

Then there was this. Just one hit but it's an AFB dream screenie for this point in the War

[vettim89]

x
x
x
x
x
x

Title is mistroika for my opponent.

21-22 October 1942

Well lookie here. Please, oh please, oh please drift just four or five hexes further south.

I doubt it. I suspect my opponent saw TF moving from Noumea to Erromango/Tanna and was hoping to catch one. Once things cool down, I will move an AV to Erro which will give me another five hexes of PBY coverage to the north to help avoid nasty surprises.

Still, "Step into my lair", said the spider to the fly

Here's hoping for a spectacular next turn

(edit, forgot there are 54 SBD at Nadi but obviously they won't come into play, yet. Also, forgot I had Marine sq at Tanna not USAAF which means 18 planes per squadron vice 16; so the correct number would be 54 SBD at Tanna. MUWAHAHAHA)

[vettim89]

23 October 1942

Battle of Noumea.

Well I need to learn to just run away whenever I get any hint of the IJN carriers being around. My little intel from last turn was highly inaccurate. What really was there was half of KB escorting a SCTF built around Kirishima and Hiei. They got in amongsth the transports at Noumea and could have done much worse than they did. Only one AMPH TF had troops on board and it eluded the IJN. I will break this down by phases.

[vettim89]

Night Phase

We start with the USN SCTF getting surprise on the IJN. The BBs did not fire a lot here. The IJN concentrated on Cummings. There was one penetrating 8" hit on Kirishima. Ashigara also took a penetrating 8" hit which caused an internal explosion. Many of the USN hits were by San Diego which was highly effective throughout the turn. Also Hiei collided with Hibiki but no damage seemed to show. There were no large caliber hits on the US ships and not many were even fired.

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima, Shell hits 2
CA Ashigara, Shell hits 4, on fire
CL Nagara, Shell hits 2
CL Abukuma, Shell hits 1
DD Naganami, Shell hits 1
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 1
DD Yamagumo, Shell hits 3
DD Asagumo
DD Akatsuki
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
CA San Francisco
CA Vincennes
CLAA San Diego
DD Jarvis, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Maury, Shell hits 2
DD Benham
DD Mahan, Shell hits 1
DD Cummings, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Next the IJN sank an AM that was alone in a MSW TF

The PTs then attacked but range never got below 8k. I lost one PT

The loaded AMPH TF then eluded the IJN

Now, the IJN gets in amongst a TF that had only supply aboard. Here the IJN BB find there big guns and concentrate on the two USN CLs. The brave combat ships did a pretty good job screening the transports. Th xAPs were only attacked after the two CL sank.

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima
CA Ashigara, Shell hits 1
CL Nagara
CL Abukuma
DD Naganami
DD Hamakaze
DD Yamagumo
DD Asagumo
DD Akatsuki
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 4, heavy fires

Allied Ships
CL Concord, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CL Trenton, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Clark, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
DD Worden, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD MacDonough
DD Dewey
DD Hull, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAP St. Mihel, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAP President Fillmore
xAP President Tyler
xAP Rangitiki
xAP Rangitata, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Mataroa, Shell hits 1
xAP Raranga
xAP Boschfontein, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
xAP Bloemfontein

The IJN now find another empty AMPH TF. Fewer combat ships to screen; so more damage. Fortunately this was a brief combat as the USN disengaged fairly quickly

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei, Shell hits 1
BB Kirishima, Shell hits 1
CA Ashigara, Shell hits 1
CL Nagara
CL Abukuma
DD Naganami
DD Hamakaze
DD Yamagumo
DD Asagumo

Allied Ships
DD Woodworth
DD Russell
DD O'Brien
DD Walke, Shell hits 3, on fire
AP Fuller, Shell hits 2
AP President Adams, Shell hits 1
AK Algorab, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
AK Titania
AK Alcyon, Shell hits 2
AMC Monowai, Shell hits 1, on fire

The IJN now bombards Noumea. I make no claim to understand the concepts behind Ops Points but this is getting a little ridiculous.

Night Naval bombardment of Noumea at 115,160

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 11 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 9 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed on ground
P-40K Warhawk: 20 damaged
P-40K Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground
F4F-4 Wildcat: 12 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed on ground
P-39D Airacobra: 5 damaged
SBD-2 Dauntless: 1 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
BB Hiei
CA Ashigara


Allied ground losses:
106 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)


Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 23

The night phase ends. All the USN TF that were safely tucked away at Noumea are now scatterd about the hexes around the base. This leads to so losses during the day.

[vettim89]

Day Phase

So the USN SCTF retreated NE which just happened to fall in the exit path of the IJN. What was that about Ops points? I watched this twice becuase I was thinking how could the BBs not be out of ammo. Well they almost were, almost. They emptied their magazines on Vincennes. The range never got close enough for the 8" guns to pentrate but there were a few hits on non-armored areas. Again, San Diego hit about everything she aimed at although many failed to penetrate. The IJN decided to run when there was no more ammo. The ranged opened and eventually only the US ships were firing at range 16k and 18k. The IJN had stopped firing by then completely and most of the hits on the Japanese DDs were at extreme range. Who said the USN can't hit anything in 1942.

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei, Shell hits 8, on fire
BB Kirishima, Shell hits 5
CA Ashigara, Shell hits 3, on fire
CL Nagara
CL Abukuma, Shell hits 4
DD Naganami, Shell hits 1
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Yamagumo
DD Asagumo, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
CA San Francisco, Shell hits 3
CA Vincennes, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
CLAA San Diego, Shell hits 6
DD Jarvis, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Maury, Shell hits 1
DD Benham, Shell hits 1
DD Mahan, Shell hits 6, on fire

[vettim89]

AM Air Phase

Suffice it to say I had 0% coordination even with three air HQ at Noumea. I failed to hit the IJN CVs completely. With my TF scattered hinter and yon, the IJN got through the defenses. The CAP battles were interesting. Everything from highly effective intercepts to almost none. Even saw one where the IJN CAP ignored my Escorts and shot down my attack planes.

Here are the strikes

Morning Air attack on TF, near Belep Islands at 114,155 ( I think this was the CAG remnants)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 42 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
A6M2-N Rufe x 2
A6M3a Zero x 7



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7
SBD-3 Dauntless x 7


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 destroyed

Morning Air attack on TF, near Belep Islands at 114,155

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 38 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
A6M2-N Rufe x 2
A6M3a Zero x 7



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 38
P-40K Warhawk x 5
TBF-1 Avenger x 15 (they launched but no hits - not very good NavT skil as these are from a VMSB sq that upgrade to TBF)


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 7 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 4 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku
CV Shokaku
CV Hiryu
BB Kongo

Morning Air attack on TF, near Belep Islands at 114,155

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 51 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
A6M3a Zero x 5



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 13
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12
SBD-2 Dauntless x 14


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-2 Dauntless: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged
SBD-2 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku
CV Hiryu


Morning Air attack on TF, near Belep Islands at 114,155

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
A6M3a Zero x 2



Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 9


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu

Morning Air attack on TF, near Belep Islands at 114,155

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
A6M3a Zero x 2



Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 9


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu

Morning Air attack on TF, near Ouv'ea at 116,158

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 25 (from Suva)


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei, on fire
DD Naganami
DD Yamagumo

Morning Air attack on TF, near Isle of Pines at 115,161

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 5
D3A1 Val x 11



Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 2
P-38F Lightning x 4
P-40E Warhawk x 4
P-40K Warhawk x 1
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAP Boschfontein, on fire
xAP Bloemfontein, Bomb hits 1
xAP Mataroa, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires
xAP Raranga, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Morning Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 115,160

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 102 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 43 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 11
B5N2 Kate x 7



Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 5
P-38F Lightning x 9
P-40E Warhawk x 26
P-40K Warhawk x 3
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 6 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

Morning Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 116,160

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
D3A1 Val x 11



Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 2
P-38F Lightning x 6
P-40E Warhawk x 11
P-40K Warhawk x 3
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CA San Francisco
CLAA San Diego

Morning Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 115,159

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 73 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
B5N2 Kate x 9



Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 15
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
DD Walke, heavy damage
AMC Monowai

[vettim89]

PM AIr Phase

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Belep Islands at 114,155

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 38 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
A6M2-N Rufe x 1
A6M3a Zero x 3



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 35
P-40K Warhawk x 5
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2
TBF-1 Avenger x 11


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 7 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku
CV Hiryu
CV Shokaku

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ouv'ea at 116,158

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 22
SBD-3 Dauntless x 16 (from Tanna - 54 SBDs there and this is the only attack)


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 3, on fire (only hits of the day)
DD Hamakaze, heavy fires

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Belep Islands at 114,155

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 41 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M2-N Rufe x 1



Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
SBD-2 Dauntless x 3


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-2 Dauntless: 1 destroyed
SBD-2 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Belep Islands at 114,155

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 70 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5



Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 3


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Belep Islands at 114,155 ( ok so no surprises there were no hits, wuold have been nice to fly in the AM to wear down the CAP)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 69 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4



Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 23
P-38E Lightning x 17
P-38F Lightning x 30


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17F Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku
BB Kongo
CV Hiryu

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 115,160

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 114 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 42 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 5
D3A1 Val x 23



Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 3
P-38F Lightning x 9
P-40E Warhawk x 22
P-40K Warhawk x 4
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 8 destroyed

No Allied losses

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Isle of Pines at 115,161

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
B5N2 Kate x 11



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAP Bloemfontein, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAP Boschfontein, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Clark

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 115,159

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 65 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
D3A1 Val x 10



Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 1
P-38F Lightning x 2
P-40E Warhawk x 5
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
AP President Adams

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 116,160

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 55 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 13



Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 1
P-38F Lightning x 4
P-40E Warhawk x 7
P-40K Warhawk x 3


Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 9 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CA San Francisco

[vettim89]

Ships Sunk

[vettim89]

Air Craft losses.

While I came out on the winning side just barely, this is very disconcerting. As far as I can tell, there was just Zuikaku, Shokaku, and Hiryu present here. I had over 300 fighters in the theater which represent 50% of the total US fighter strength in the Pacific not counting CBI. There are 150 at PH and 150 in Oz. I just saw three IJN carriers take on half of my entire fighter strength and WIN!!!!!!!!![X(][X(][X(][X(]


The only good news is I only lost a handful of pilots. Still. this is very discouraging

[vettim89]

Aftermath

Obvious immediate concern is saving my cripples. There are two ARs at Auckland that will be sent North ASAP.

Things to think about:

1. My NavSearch needs to get better. I had very poor pre-battle intel and that is my fault as I encountered a similar problem during the last carrier battle Three AVs departed Auckland this turn. I have two more PBY units that just arrived in theater.

2. The US has not evened the experience edge as far as fighter quality

3. I need to recheck my leaders because something seems amok as far as attack a/c not wanting to launch.

4. I have to wonder if the AB damage from the BOMB affected my results

5. Cudos to Larry for having the guts to try this

6. Cudos to Larry for picking the perfect spot to park his carriers as far as limiting exposure.

What I am going to do:

1. Spread my forces out. I thought having every body in one or two bases one hex apart would give the best chance for coordination. All it did was make them more vulnerable.

2. Step back my plans a bit. I think as long as I lack any hope of matching his carriers, I need to move slowly

3. Move my "eyes" as far forward as possible

4. Run away anytime IJN carriers show up in the future.

What else happened:

1. I lost a PC to a Ro boat at Carnavon

2. A IJA Recon RGT had been parked at Myitkyina for a week but had not attacked. I mved a LRP RGT in over the past few days. It finally attacked and was repulsed at 1 to 36 odds.

3. Op Report tells me CV Hiyo did not sink. Just lovely

[vettim89]

24 October 1942

Only one TF still visible in the SoPac which was two DDs. Hibiki likely sank as that TF only has one DD in it now. Sorry Cuttlefish. Redid some of my leaders. There were a few stinky ones. Hoping that helps if the possibility arises again. I also disbanded the CAG fragments. The units were just taking up space at the AB.

[vettim89]

25 October - 1 November 1942

Game falls into a lull after big battle a week ago. Notes:

1. IJA has reoriented and is pushing towards Wuchow, At least 11 units have been spotted so far. I have 350 AS behind level 3 forts. Units being moved from the Changsha area to reinforce my right. I will have to pull back to better terrain if (when) Wuchow falls.

2. I am moving the 7th Aussie Div to Port Headland. That and a large portion of the restriced Auusie units are moving to the NW

3. Erromango AB is almost to level 3. Once to level 4, I will move fighters up for the big push on Efate. I suspect Larry may try to interfere here.

4. Cox Bazaar AB is level 1. I will continue to move down to Akyab.

5. After routing the unit at Myitkyina, suddenly the IJA is on the move. I have been pounding troop concentrations at Katha.

6. Bagged this bad boy on 1 November. Capacities were 5000 troops, 1200 cargo. I don't think Larry has many of those

[vettim89]

2 November 1942

IJA strength at Wuchow is now 660 vs 350 KMT. I am moving reinforcements to Liuchow where forts are nearly level 4. Also, It is close enough to Kuming that the USAAF bombers can be moved in to help if need be

Larry must have decided he wants Exmouth. I am caught in a predictament here as the convoy and SCTF at Port Hedland are exposed. However CVL Shoho took two A-24 delivered 1000 lb bombs one of which gave the"Magazine Explosion" message. No IJN a/c listed as lost on the Intel Report. I am hoping this means she will at least not be flight capable next turn.

My opponent has three choices:

1. Call the whole things off if indeed he has lost his carrier support.
2. Push forward and accept the losses. There are at least three IJN BBs present
3. Call back the invasion and send the SCTF to Port Hedland.

I am hoping for #1 or #2 but fear #3. I opted to keep the TF at Port Hedland unloading. I would rather have the remaining troops at least partially unloaded vs sending them into open waters where the IJN might intercept and just sink them outright. A retreat East towards Broome was another option but I didn't want to hang them even more out to dry.

[vettim89]

3 November 1942

or ......

He could have a SCTF linger five hexes off Exmouth and let my LBA work it over. BB Fuso took 11 non-penetrating 1000 lb hits and 5 500 lb hits. SHe is burning nicely. CA Kako also took a 500 lb hit

IJA did a Deliberate attack at Wuchow and KMT took higher losses. Forts reduced to 2. Need to hold here for a few turns o get the troops to Liuchow.

IJAAF swept Chittagong and lost 6 Ki44 to 9 P-40E. The Hurricane IIc seem to be able to handle the Tojos better. One sq just upgrade to P-40K

Erromango AB grew to size 3. Troops beginning the load for Efate.

[vettim89]

4 November 1942

A very busy turn. Wuchow fell. I should be able to get 2000 AS into Liuchow before the IJA can get there.

The IJA is on the move in Burma with Myitkyina being threatened by 8-10 units moving from Katha. My LBA is pounding the troops on their way there. My USAAF bomber fleet that has been trickling in is about ready. Still waiting on about a dozen more B-25 and B-24 airframes. Cox Bazaar is devloping nicely. Once it is developed I will move on Akyab.

An interesting ASW attack just north of Tulagi:

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato
CA Furutaka
CA Aoba
CA Mikuma
CA Chokai
CL Kiso
CL Tama
CL Natori
CL Jintsu
CL Oyodo
DD Shigure
DD Isokaze
DD Nenohi
DD Hatsuharu

Allied Ships
SS Whale

So it appears Larry is going to try to repeat his raid on Noumea. Already clearing everybody out of the area. Tanna is level 6 and Erro is level 3. I have newly arrived squadrons of all types at Auckland that need a home including another P-38 squadron.

At Exmouth, three separate TFs are unloading troops. My AF did not do much (some of them got lost trying to find the TF right off the base). Only attacks in the PM phase were executed. Nagato took 4 1000 lb non-pentrating hits, Ise took 2 1000 lber, an xAP took two 1000 lb hits, another xAP took one 1000 lb hit, and an AK took one 500 lb hit. The IJN Bombarded the base at the end of the turn and trashed it: 99 runway, 67 facilities, and 42 Port.

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 8409 troops, 148 guns, 50 vehicles, Assault Value = 299

Defending force 7429 troops, 29 guns, 165 vehicles, Assault Value = 368

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Assaulting units:
22nd Australian Brigade
27th Australian Brigade
2/1 AIF Pioneer Battalion
2/2 AIF Pioneer Battalion
2nd Air Advn Base Force
4th RAAF Base Force
6th RAAF Base Force

Defending units:
5th Div /4
16th Engr Rgt /1
4th Div /8
48th Div /3
7th Tank Rgt /2
8th Tank Rgt /2
2nd Tank Rgt /2
1st Hvy.Artillery Rgt /1

So he brought a lot of firepower but it is heavily fragmented. I am moving all I dare from SE Oz to Perth or Geraldton depending on if they are restricted of not. As soon as I can muster up some escorts, I will send the two ID still on the WCUSA to oz vice the SoPac at least temporarily. I also detached one AMPH TF from SoPac and a REPL TF. The RN BBs have sortied from Colombo but are just over 100 days before they start withdrawing. I sent three large BF with 72 AV support each to Sydney that were heading to Noumea. All my AV support in Oz is in the NE corner. I don't dare strip that zone as this could be a feint to get me to empty Eastern Oz before a Japanese move there.

[vettim89]

5 November 1942

Oh the carnage! Oh the humanity!

Well my AMPH TF got chicken because there were SCTF and retreated from enemy surface threat right into the SCTF built around Fuso. Obviously 16 non-penetrating hits don't do much to a BB

Night Time Surface Combat, near Exmouth at 53,127, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso, Shell hits 1
CA Nachi, Shell hits 1
CA Mogami
CA Kako, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1
CL Sendai
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Kawakaze, Shell hits 3
DD Suzukaze

Allied Ships
CL Adelaide, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
DD Alden, Shell hits 1, on fire
DE Edsall, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
DD John D. Edwards, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD John D. Ford, Shell hits 1
DD Van Nes
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 3
AM Chevreuil, Shell hits 1, on fire
AM Gladstone, Shell hits 1, on fire
AM Rockhampton
xAP Empress ' Asia, Shell hits 1
xAP Sarpedonia
xAP Aorangi
xAP Maori
xAP Taroona
xAP Nairana
xAP Kinta, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Felix Roussel
xAP Cap St Jacques
xAP Cremer, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAP Maetsuycker, Shell hits 1
xAP Mijer
xAP Siberg, Shell hits 1
xAP Van Landsberge
xAP Van Rees, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
xAP Van Heemskerck, Shell hits 1
xAP Van Spilbergen, Shell hits 2, on fire


Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)

They retreated again and later in the turn we had this:

Day Time Surface Combat, near Exmouth at 51,128, Range 23,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso, Shell hits 1
CA Nachi
CA Mogami
CA Kako, Shell hits 1
CL Sendai
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Kawakaze
DD Suzukaze

Allied Ships
DD Alden
DD John D. Ford
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 1
AM Chevreuil, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
AM Rockhampton
xAP Empress ' Asia, Shell hits 3, on fire
xAP Sarpedonia, Shell hits 1
xAP Aorangi, Shell hits 1
xAP Maori, Shell hits 2
xAP Taroona, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
xAP Nairana
xAP Felix Roussel, Shell hits 1
xAP Cap St Jacques, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAP Maetsuycker, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Mijer, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Siberg, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
xAP Van Landsberge
xAP Van Heemskerck, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAP Van Spilbergen, Shell hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
Guns lost 46 (40 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Vehicles lost 18 (10 destroyed, 8 disabled)

The remanants are making for Carnavon. My LCU losses have been remarkably light thus far

[vettim89]

Then my SCTF got in the act but didn't do nearly as well.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Exmouth at 51,128, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Yukikaze, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
DD Arare, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Yamakaze, Shell hits 3, heavy fires

Allied Ships
CA Louisville
CA Pensacola
CA Australia, Shell hits 1
CA Canberra, Shell hits 1
CL Achilles
DD Paul Jones, Shell hits 2
DD Whipple
DD Peary
DD Pillsbury

and

Night Time Surface Combat, near Exmouth at 50,129, Range 9,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Kazegumo, Shell hits 1
DD Kuroshio, Shell hits 16, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Usugumo
APD Nadakaze
APD Tsuga, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
PC Take, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Naruto Maru #3, Shell hits 3, on fire
SC Ch 9
SC Ch 21
SC Ch 26
AK Sado Maru
AK Sakura Maru
AK Kyushu Maru
AK Azumasan Maru
xAK Melbourne Maru
xAK Lisbon Maru
xAK Tatuno Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Tokiwa Maru
xAK Hakubasan Maru
PB Ikuta Maru, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
E Yaeyama, Shell hits 1
SC Ch 34

Allied Ships
CA Louisville
CA Pensacola
CA Australia
CA Canberra, Shell hits 3
CL Achilles
DD Paul Jones, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Whipple
DD Peary, Shell hits 1
DD Pillsbury

A third IJN convoy eluded the Allies

Confirmed ships sunk for the day