Always with them negative waves... Aaffins/Cheesesteak v. RADM Yamaguchi

[Zorch]

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

Is that a bunch of refs fighting?

They've got it all wrong! Players fight and refs break them up.

[jdsrae]

ORIGINAL: Zorch

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

Is that a bunch of refs fighting?

They've got it all wrong! Players fight and refs break them up.

That’s team “mates” fighting each other. Newcastle had three players sent off that day...
Apparently Dyer said to Bowyer “you’re Fn S$!t” to which Bowyer took exception!

[aaffins]

Had a bit of a delay while our opponent was on vacation combined with shoddy attention to our AAR. Our deepest apologies, dear readers.

Last update, prior to Cheesesteak's ranting about supplies, was that a big IJN force was bearing down on NZ as the calendar turned to March.

3/2 - That force turned to be a massive raid. Five TFs - 3 big bombardment TFs covered by the KB.

The following big boys rolled right up to Auckland and let fly, each quartet was an individual TF with DD escorts:
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima

CA Takao
CA Atago
CA Maya
CA Chokai


CA Kumano
CA Suzuya
CA Mikuma
CA Mogami

Damage was significant, but we had evacuated the airfield and port so we only lost a few minelayers trying to get a minefield layed out before he showed up and the AP Henderson got hit by a sub fleeing.

Our PTs also ran into the KB, giving us a good idea of the composition, shockingly light escort IMO:

CV Hiryu
CV Soryu
CV Shokaku
CV Zuikaku
CA Tone
CA Chikuma
DD Hibiki
DD Shikinami
DD Ayanami
DD Asagiri
DD Tachekaze

Unfortunately, I did a poor job routing some of the escaping TFs and we lost the following valuable ships to airstrikes:

AG Argonne, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
AG Sirius, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
AKE Exmoor, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

AP Hugh L. Scott, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
xAP Matua, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Salamaua, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk

AD Dobbin, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AV Wright, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
AS Fulton, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
AR Vestal, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires

DD O'Brien, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

For some reason, he seems to have made an error with his orders, the KB is still in the Auckland hex with the incredibly light escort while all the heavies have withdrawn and are 8+ hexes away to the North. We don't have a ton in the area, but that's too valuable a target not to try for.

Elsewhere, 3 USN BBs bombard Adak, doing light to moderate damage, but mainly just serving as a nuisance.

In China an ill advised cross river attack and Nanchang results in a thrashing of the IJA 39th Inf Div and a big attack at Singyang goes 1:2 and results in 170+ disabled/destroyed squads.

[CaptBeefheart]

Although a carrier strike makes some sense -- he got some decent ships, after all -- I'm not sure about the shore bombardment at Auckland. Anyway, if he lands eventually, you'll get some goodies.

Cheers,
CB

[Cheesesteak]

Going to attempt an update from my mobile (bc apparently I'm a masochist).

The CVs at Auckland created all sorts of confusion. Yamaguchi stated this was an error and I believe him. Unfortunately we weren't exactly in a position to assure he would pay. As Fins mentioned, he brought quite the entourage, so we had prepared for Auckland to get cratered. Several small DD and two CL TFs were created and routed to intercept. They would either be hitting big ships low on ammo or take a shot at the CVs.

Meanwhile, several thousand miles away, an operation alluded to earlier was underway. 'Hold my Beer' recieved the go-ahead. The Yorktown, Lexington, and Saratoga turned N-NW away from a failed interdiction at Darwin.

[Cheesesteak]

In addition to the smaller SCTFs sent on full-speed intercepts, BBs Warspite and Mississippi happened to be 15 hexes West/~2 hexes South of Auckland. Detached the slower lady and sent HMS Warspite with 4 DDs the circuitous-but-safe route by Wellington.

Clearing the area, diverting transport TFs, and several tweaks were made. In all, Fins and I spent about 2 additional hours micro-managing the reaction.

[Cheesesteak]

ORIGINAL: Cheesesteak

In addition to the smaller SCTFs sent on full-speed intercepts, BBs Warspite and Mississippi happened to be 15 hexes West/~2 hexes South of Auckland. Detached the slower lady and sent HMS Warspite with 4 DDs the circuitous-but-safe route by Wellington.

Clearing the area, diverting transport TFs, and several tweaks were made. In all, Fins and I spent about 2 additional hours micro-managing the reaction.

Our hopes, oddly enough, rested in large part on a single PT boat one hex off Auckland. PT-37 or somesuch ship was ordered to ram into the KB at all cost and hopefully disrupt their escape vectoring. We gave ourselves a 50% chance of seeing CVs on the combat report, 15% chances of putting a shell on them.

[Cheesesteak]

And it was all for nothing. He dodged us and made good his escape. Likely a full speed run to the East.

Root Cause Analysis: Gregg sucks at routing SCTFs

[Cheesesteak]

If luck is when opportunity meets preparation, we failed to prepare properly. Will try to pull lessons learned from this, but I don't think we can plan for him to plop his carriers in a major Allied port anytime soon. Maybe he will overcompensate on his next major bombardment or invasion? Maybe he will be meticulous and airtight as a result. For all the hiccups a PBEM can entail, unpredictable stuff like this makes it worthwhile.

[Cheesesteak]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Mar 03, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Soc Trang at 60,78

Japanese Ships hello friends, what are you doing here?
DD Kamikaze
CA Kinugasa
CL Naka
DD Matsukaze
DD Harukaze

Allied Ships
SS Skipjack

SS Skipjack launches 2 torpedoes at DD Kamikaze
Skipjack bottoming out ....
DD Matsukaze fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Harukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Harukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Harukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Harukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Harukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Amphibious Assault at Tacloban (81,85)

TF 191 troops unloading over beach at Tacloban, 81,85

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

17 troops of a SNLF Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 15th Nav Gd /2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 27 encounters mine field at Pegu (55,53)

Japanese Ships
DMS W-8
DMS W-6
DMS W-5
DMS W-4
DMS W-3
DMS W-2
DMS W-1

33 mines cleared


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Kabara at 137,164, Range 20,000 Yards

Japanese Ships silly hobbits to climb so far!
PB Kiso Maru, Shell hits 16, and is sunk
PB Kohuku Maru, Shell hits 28, and is sunk
PB Myoken Maru, Shell hits 21, and is sunk
PB Nanpo Maru, Shell hits 24, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Honolulu
DD Dunlap
DD Fanning
DD Mahan

Japanese ground losses:
464 casualties reported
Squads: 37 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 11 (6 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Day Time Surface Combat, near Broome at 62,127, Range 20,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
APD Kiku
APD Tade

Allied Ships There's only two things I hate in this world. People who are intolerant of other people's cultures and the Dutch.'
CL Java
DD Banckert
DD Van Nes
DD Witte de With
DD Evertsen

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 20,000 yards
Japanese TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 21,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 21,000 yards
Range increases to 21,000 yards...
Japanese Fast Transport TF evades combat


Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Broome at 62,127

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 24
G4M1 Betty x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 4 damaged
G3M2 Nell: 1 destroyed by flak
G4M1 Betty: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Java
DD Evertsen
DD Van Nes
DD Banckert

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
9 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

Ground combat at Soerabaja (56,104)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 54381 troops, 524 guns, 186 vehicles, Assault Value = 1816

Defending force 11839 troops, 102 guns, 49 vehicles, Assault Value = 266

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 1063

Allied adjusted defense: 135

Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Soerabaja !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
139WH-3: 7 destroyed
B-339D: 3 destroyed
CW-22 Falcon: 1 destroyed
Do-24K-1: 3 destroyed
T.IVa: 1 destroyed

Combat modifiers
Defender: experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
617 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 102 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 13 disabled
Guns lost 17 (1 destroyed, 16 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
5837 casualties reported
Squads: 97 destroyed, 38 disabled
Non Combat: 304 destroyed, 76 disabled
Engineers: 51 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 85 (80 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Vehicles lost 51 (50 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 10
Units destroyed 3

Assaulting units:
144th Infantry Regiment
143rd Infantry Regiment
2nd Division
Imperial Guards Division
38th Division
124th Infantry Regiment
4th Ind.Mixed Regiment
1st Ind. Engineer Regiment
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
Lijfwacht Cav Sqn
3rd KNIL Landstorm Battalion
Tjilatjap KNIL Battalion
Artilleriecommando Coastal Gun Battalion
2nd KNIL Landstorm Battalion
Marinier Battalion
Loemafjang Base Force
Commandement Marine
MLD
2 ML-KNIL Aviation
3rd KNIL AA Battalion
North Java Base Force
Soerabaja Base Force


Ground combat at Tawi Tawi (72,90)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 39 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 2

Allied adjusted defense: 1

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Tawi Tawi !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(+), leaders(-), supply(-)

Assaulting units:
Yokosuka 3rd SNLF /12

[Cheesesteak]

A few turns pass, HMB proceeds unnoticed

[Cheesesteak]

March 8th, 1942

Air Raid Report.

ASDFJAKSDFJAWERKGJARGJ. Could I get Castor Troy in here to come guest-rant about how frustrating this was to watch?!?!

Morning Air attack on 25th Chinese Corps, at 79,57 (Kukong)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-30 Ann x 4
Ki-36 Ida x 3
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-30 Ann: 1 damaged
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 4 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
9 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-36 Ida bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 30 kg GP Bomb
4 x Ki-30 Ann bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 25th Chinese Corps, at 79,57 (Kukong)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27b Nate x 9
Ki-30 Ann x 11
Ki-36 Ida x 9
Ki-51 Sonia x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-30 Ann: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
45 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-27b Nate bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 50 kg GP Bomb
11 x Ki-30 Ann bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
19 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 50 kg GP Bomb
9 x Ki-36 Ida bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 30 kg GP Bomb
7 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 50 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 7th War Area ...
Also attacking 65th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 25th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 12th Group Army ...
Also attacking 25th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 7th War Area ...
Also attacking 65th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 7th War Area ...
Also attacking 65th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 25th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 7th War Area ...
Also attacking 65th Chinese Corps ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 93rd Chinese Corps, at 87,44 , near Chengchow

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-30 Ann x 30
Ki-36 Ida x 3
Ki-51 Sonia x 41

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
89 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x Ki-30 Ann bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
5 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 50 kg GP Bomb
36 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 50 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-36 Ida bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 30 kg GP Bomb
5 x Ki-30 Ann bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 15th Group Army ...
Also attacking 93rd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 15th Group Army ...
Also attacking 93rd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 15th Group Army ...
Also attacking 93rd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 15th Group Army ...
Also attacking 93rd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 15th Group Army ...
Also attacking 93rd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 15th Group Army ...
Also attacking 93rd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 15th Group Army ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 93rd Chinese Corps, at 87,44 , near Chengchow

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 20

No Japanese losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 50 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Wyndham , at 70,127

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 41 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 16

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
7 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Wyndham , at 70,127

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 47 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 damaged

Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 85th Chinese Corps, at 86,48 (Sinyang)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27b Nate x 67

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27b Nate: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
39 x Ki-27b Nate bombing from 100 feet
28 x Ki-27b Nate bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 50 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 13th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 29th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 84th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 85th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 13th Chinese Corps ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 18th Chinese Base Force, at 79,57 (Kukong)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-36 Ida x 6
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-36 Ida bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 30 kg GP Bomb
15 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 63rd Chinese Corps, at 79,57 (Kukong)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 1,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 19

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 50 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 13th Chinese Corps, at 86,48 (Sinyang)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27b Nate x 12

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-27b Nate bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 50 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 30th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 13th Chinese Corps ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 93rd Chinese Corps, at 87,44 , near Chengchow

Weather in hex: Overcast

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-36 Ida x 6

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-36 Ida bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 30 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 70th Chinese Corps, at 89,58 (Wenchow)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-36 Ida x 28
Ki-49-Ia Helen x 3

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-36 Ida bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 30 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-36 Ida bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 30 kg GP Bomb
7 x Ki-36 Ida bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 30 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-36 Ida bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 30 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-36 Ida bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 30 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-36 Ida bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 30 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-49-Ia Helen bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 86th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 88th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 28th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 100th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 86th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 70th Chinese Corps ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 70th Chinese Corps, at 89,58 (Wenchow)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-36 Ida x 6

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-36 Ida bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 30 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 86th Chinese Corps, at 89,58 (Wenchow)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-36 Ida x 9

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-36 Ida bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 30 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 88th Chinese Corps, at 89,58 (Wenchow)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-36 Ida x 4

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-36 Ida bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 30 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 28th Chinese Corps, at 89,58 (Wenchow)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-36 Ida x 4
Ki-49-Ia Helen x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-36 Ida bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 30 kg GP Bomb
9 x Ki-49-Ia Helen bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 100th Chinese Corps ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 100th Chinese Corps, at 89,58 (Wenchow)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-36 Ida x 6

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-36 Ida bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 30 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 86th Chinese Corps, at 89,58 (Wenchow)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 1,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-Ia Helen x 20

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-49-Ia Helen bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 15th Group Army, at 87,44 , near Chengchow

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-30 Ann x 19

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-30 Ann bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 56th Division, at 58,48 , near Magwe

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 2

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x H81-A3 sweeping at 20000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 56th Division, at 58,48 , near Magwe

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 6

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Blenheim IV bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 56th Division, at 58,48 , near Magwe

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 3 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 4

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Blenheim I bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Toboali at 50,92

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 5
F4F-3A Wildcat x 8
F4F-3 Wildcat x 26
SBD-2 Dauntless x 36
SBD-3 Dauntless x 18

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-2 Dauntless: 5 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CS Nisshin, Bomb hits 2 54 SBDs, 2 hits. No Smoke, no Damage
DD Kazegumo
DD Hagikaze
DD Natsugumo
DD Arashio
DD Yugumo
DD Kuroshio

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Toboali at 50,92

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 5
F4F-3 Wildcat x 13
SBD-2 Dauntless x 18
SBD-3 Dauntless x 16

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Arashio
DD Hagikaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Minegumo, Bomb hits 2
DD Kazegumo
DD Natsugumo
DD Asagumo
DD Yugumo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CS Nisshin, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage better

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 48,91

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 8
F4F-3 Wildcat x 13
SBD-2 Dauntless x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3A Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-2 Dauntless: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Kashiwara Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Celebes Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Clyde Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Togo Maru, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk

Japanese ground losses:
496 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 26 destroyed, 57 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Yamada Det S-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
Yamada Det S-2 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Celebes Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Clyde Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring PB Togo Maru


Dutch PBYs that flared up in the days prior to our approach had noted a few CS-sized convoys running towards Pbang. It was our hope to smash them. We failed. Instead, we found and likely sunk a CS and some base forces.

[Cheesesteak]

ORIGINAL: Cheesesteak

A few turns pass, HMB proceeds unnoticed

Operation 'Hold My Beer' was centered around hitting shipping in and out of Palembang. Best case, we would find no or light fighter cover of the base itself and the secondary mission would kick in. That was more an aspiration than expectation. We crept unnoticed 11 hexes out the day prior. Since the KB sighting at Auckland, we deemed the risk acceptable. We failed to hit paydirt in the form of Tonan-class tankers. We did, however, take out a future CVL and some troops. We have since made good our escape, though 13 Netties tried to hit us at night. Does that actually work? I'd be surprised if the game let Japanese LBA hit ships moving at flank speed at night.

If we have any readers, I'm feeling the need for judgment.

How would you grade this raid? I'd give myself a 'B-'. If I was feeling optimistic, I'd say we forced him to readjust his defensive posture in the DEI. Still, we were lucky to get away so easily.

[HansBolter]

ORIGINAL: Cheesesteak

ORIGINAL: Cheesesteak

A few turns pass, HMB proceeds unnoticed

Operation 'Hold My Beer' was centered around hitting shipping in and out of Palembang. Best case, we would find no or light fighter cover of the base itself and the secondary mission would kick in. That was more an aspiration than expectation. We crept unnoticed 11 hexes out the day prior. Since the KB sighting at Auckland, we deemed the risk acceptable. We failed to hit paydirt in the form of Tonan-class tankers. We did, however, take out a future CVL and some troops. We have since made good our escape, though 13 Netties tried to hit us at night. Does that actually work? I'd be surprised if the game let Japanese LBA hit ships moving at flank speed at night.

If we have any readers, I'm feeling the need for judgment.

How would you grade this raid? I'd give myself a 'B-'. If I was feeling optimistic, I'd say we forced him to readjust his defensive posture in the DEI. Still, we were lucky to get away so easily.

If you sunk a future CVL I would rate it an A- at the least.

[Cheesesteak]

ORIGINAL: Cheesesteak

ORIGINAL: Cheesesteak

A few turns pass, HMB proceeds unnoticed

Operation 'Hold My Beer' was centered around hitting shipping in and out of Palembang. Best case, we would find no or light fighter cover of the base itself and the secondary mission would kick in. That was more an aspiration than expectation. We crept unnoticed 11 hexes out the day prior. Since the KB sighting at Auckland, we deemed the risk acceptable. We failed to hit paydirt in the form of Tonan-class tankers. We did, however, take out a future CVL and some troops. We have since made good our escape, though 13 Netties tried to hit us at night. Does that actually work? I'd be surprised if the game let Japanese LBA hit ships moving at flank speed at night.

If we have any readers, I'm feeling the need for judgment.

How would you grade this raid? I'd give myself a 'B-'. If I was feeling optimistic, I'd say we forced him to readjust his defensive posture in the DEI. Still, we were lucky to get away so easily.

Giving some more context - immediately after, sub sightings occur. In the words of Fins:
...so many juicy targets in the DEI right now, tempting to go
hunting with the CVs, but not really worth it against LBA. Also have
barely enough gas to make it back to Perth. Clearly he's moving a lot
of big stuff behind the scenes based on those sub attack around
Singapore. Question is what he's setting up.
Small TF moving towards, 2 DDs moving to intercept.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Mar 10, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Muntok at 52,89

Japanese Ships
DD Hagikaze
DD Kuroshio
DD Suresushio
DD Asagumo
DD Natsugumo

Allied Ships
SS Porpoise

SS Porpoise launches 2 torpedoes at DD Hagikaze
Porpoise bottoming out ....
DD Suresushio fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Asagumo fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Natsugumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Natsugumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Natsugumo attacking submerged sub ....
DD Natsugumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Natsugumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub vs Sub: SS S-38 attacking SS I-121 at 48,142 - near Geraldton

Japanese Ships
SS I-121, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-38

SS S-38 launches 4 torpedoes at 4,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Djemadja at 52,83

Japanese Ships
PB Shanan Maru #16
PB Shonan Maru #6
PB Shonan Maru #2
PB Shonan Maru #1
PB Sonan Maru #5
PB Sonobe Maru
PB Noshiro Maru #2
AD Shoho Maru
AD Iwaki Maru
AV Kamoi
AO Teibo
AO Kyuko
AKE Toyu Maru
AKE Azuchi Maru
xAK Igasa Maru
xAK Kyosei Maru
xAK Hiyama Maru
xAK Hakusika Maru
xAK Yamabuki Maru
xAK Yae Maru
xAK Nitian Maru
xAK Oridono Maru
xAK Utide Maru
xAK Taian Maru
xAK Enzyu Maru
xAK Anzan Maru
xAK Kinkai Maru
xAK Keihuku Maru
xAK Malta Maru
xAK India Maru
xAK China Maru
PB Shonan Maru #17
PB Shonon Maru #10
PB Shuko Maru #5
PB Shuko Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS O23

SS O23 launches 4 torpedoes at PB Shanan Maru #16
O23 bottoming out ....
PB Shonan Maru #17 fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Shonon Maru #10 fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Shuko Maru #5 fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Shuko Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shuko Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shuko Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shuko Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shuko Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shuko Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shuko Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Perth at 48,144

Japanese Ships
SS I-122

Allied Ships
AM Colac

SS I-122 launches 2 torpedoes
AM Colac fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Colac fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Colac fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Colac fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Colac fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Singkawang at 53,88

Japanese Ships
DD Kisaragi
CS Mizuho
DD Nagatsuki
DD Kikuzuki
DD Fumizuki
DD Minazuki
DD Satsuki
DD Uzuki
DD Yayoi
DD Mutsuki
DD Kyukaze

Allied Ships
SS Porpoise, hits 2

[aaffins]

I rate the raid at least a 'B'...ftr this Operation HMB was definitely a Cheesesteak idea.

Additional considerations to us sinking a CS (future CVL) and base force:
1. That's 150+ VPs - we've never felt we were under threat of auto vic, but we have done precious little to cushion ourselves against a bad break. This helps.
2. This forces him to make proper defensive considerations, this will detract from his offensives elsewhere.
3. Although only 3 of our 12 strike squadrons flew, the silver lining is this could be as little as two Allied CVs from his perspective. In a funny way we maintained part of our fleet in being.
4. Opponent has yet to secure Cocos I. or Xmas I. (IO edition), this should delay. We (in fairness another VAC idea) decided to run the 44th Indian Brig. into Cocos, we'll be able to do that with low risk now.

Whilst we did not achieve our tactical objectives, I think this may pay off strategically.

[CaptBeefheart]

Pulling off that kind of raid this early in the game is great, and those results weren't too bad. DDs are a tough beast to hit with dive bombers. As you say, it'll help the strategic situation.

Cheers,
CB

[Cheesesteak]

ORIGINAL: Cheesesteak

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub vs Sub: SS S-38 attacking SS I-121 at 48,142 - near Geraldton

Japanese Ships
SS I-121, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-38

SS S-38 launches 4 torpedoes at 4,000 yards


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

sub on sub action! Commander of the S-38 is now in line for promotion. Historically, this would come with a pay-raise. We opt to take a page from 21st Century corporate life: put in him in charge of a CL for a month to make sure he is ready, then give the rank and pay increase.

[HansBolter]

ORIGINAL: Cheesesteak

ORIGINAL: Cheesesteak

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub vs Sub: SS S-38 attacking SS I-121 at 48,142 - near Geraldton

Japanese Ships
SS I-121, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-38

SS S-38 launches 4 torpedoes at 4,000 yards


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

sub on sub action! Commander of the S-38 is now in line for promotion. Historically, this would come with a pay-raise. We opt to take a page from 21st Century corporate life: put in him in charge of a CL for a month to make sure he is ready, then give the rank and pay increase.

What I have always seen sub vs sub as:

[BBfanboy]

Excellent metaphor Hans! [:D]