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Finally after much review, the plot of the Coral Sea becomes clear:
Plan is as follows: Bettys and Nells with additional Zeros flown into Finnschaffen and Rabaul. KB has retaken on planes from Buna and is effectively at full compliment. KB will head SSE in the hopes of catching the Allies retreating. Subs in the area will head to Cooktown and Cairns, as well as a speed run to the south to also try and catch stragglers. The BB TF will head directly into the last location of the allied CVs (the hex with 4 TFs), and with all night float planes on search, hopefully react to any nearby allied surface TFs... I am sure I am missing something but opportunity to learn! Most recent lesson was not to set 10% of all my Vals and Kates to search, as I lost over 20 planes total to his CAP trap CV TFs.... having another 20 planes could have really made the difference! Drat!

I give Junyo about a 25% chance of making it, losing her will hurt. Currently I consider it a allied win here as all his CVs will live unless I can catch one or two. The lucky torpedo hit on Fuso was annoying. Lady luck is a fickle mistress...

Turn in my inbox... lets hope she smiles on me today!

Well Day 2 of the West Coral Sea battle ends up even more of a mess! Multiple night actions, the KB even had a brief run in with the damaged Lexingtion and Salt Lake City... neither side fired.

Disaster struck when the Houston, Pensacola and 3 DDs ran over the Junyo and Ryujo, sinking both. My BB TF probably bagged a several DDs and CA/CLs. The CA Australia, got close to the KB and scored a couple hits before being driven off. All in all, a melee of a night and day.

That said, in for a penny, in for a pound. KB will try one more day to catch large allied capital ships. What was disappointing was the lack of air attacks by the KB, only 4 small (6 TB, 8 Ftr) flights were made, all against single allied CA's. I likely only damaged them, so more yard work but little overall results.

Here is the next days plan. After this, I will likely retire as I feel I am pushing my luck quite a bit! Silver lining for the day was my shock attack went in at PM, resulting in the base being captured! Big win here as it would be hard to maintain pressure with half of the KB being sunk or damaged....

Exciting stuff! Fingers crossed you catch some of the damaged allied CVs otherwise you're in for a rough time when they come out of the yards given the losses KB's sustained

The swirling melee in the Western Coral Sea continues for a third day! Overnight the Warspite showed up! That was worrisome as I had had no indication it or any other BB's were in the theatre... Thankfully this was a powder puff fight just after the Warspite ran over a lagging IJN DD. Just about every Japanese ship is empty of ammo. I had sailed this TF to where the KB was in order to screen the KB. Looks like it worked!
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Cairns at 98,140, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
BB Kirishima, Shell hits 3, on fire
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 5, on fire
BB Yamato
CA Chikuma, Shell hits 2
CL Abukuma

Allied Ships
BB Warspite, Shell hits 3
CA Portland, Shell hits 1
CA Indianapolis, Shell hits 1
DD Farragut
DD Dale, Shell hits 1
DD Aylwin
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Multiple US sub attacks also occurred, one of which did score on the CL Kuma, sinking her. The CA Aoba also ate a fish but should make it. The Kuma was the worst ship loss of the day, thankfully!

During the morning air strikes, the KB was much better at sending out attack than the previous day. Key points include sinking of the CA San Francisco, 2 fish in the Warspite, and a single torpedo into the Boise.

The KB moved towards Townsend but retreated from surface threats and ended up 7 hexes, not 6 from the port! Very annoying. As such, the port strike did go in in the PM, but the Vals only had 60kg bombs and only the single 800kg Kate bomb penetrated the Yorktown. Oh how the fortunes of war can hinge, one hex closer and I may have been able to bag another 1-2 CVs.... CAP was strong, and I expect it will be very strong tomorrow!!!

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Afternoon Air attack on Townsville , at 92,144

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 64 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 35
B5N1 Kate x 4
B5N2 Kate x 49
D3A1 Val x 48

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 7
P-40B Warhawk x 25
P-40E Warhawk x 7
F4F-3 Wildcat x 11
F4F-4 Wildcat x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed
B5N1 Kate: 1 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 6 destroyed, 2 damaged
D3A1 Val: 12 destroyed, 3 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Warhawk: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CL Leander
CA Minneapolis
CV Hornet, Bomb hits 5
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 2
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage

Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
7 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 12000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
6 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000' *
Port Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
12 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 12000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000' *
Port Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 12000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
6 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000' *
Port Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
13 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 12000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000' *
Port Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000' *
Port Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000' *
Port Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000' *
Port Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

Here is the current plot map. As you gentle readers can see, I have decided to retreat the KB. It is low on fuel, minimal surface ammo, and some significant damage to several CVs from various night actions and the first days CV battle. Hard decision here as I feel I have the allied CVs on the ropes, but really worry if I stick around, at least 1 and likely 2-3 of the surface TFs he has out there as sacrifical blockers will catch the KB. I can't afford a night action, as that could spell the end of the KB. If I had tried to hit Townsville again, I give it over 50% chance of a night action, then my CVs may very well retreat again, also the CAP will be enormous. Chances are I would lose a CV or two, and may bag another CV. Not worth the trade... DRAT!

Gentle Readers, I open the thead to thoughts on whether I should have continued to hit the allied CVs in port or withdraw. Decision has been made, but really want to hear everyone's thoughts on if I was too timid, pushed as much as I should, or even if I have been a bit aggressive? I do want to learn given the depth of experiences by the wider forum what others have learned if they had been in a previous similar situation? Also consider we are planning on playing well into '45 like the first game. Here is the KB status for reference.... Note there are two more DD's below Makigumo....

Wow, great AAR on this! My two yen, I would be scared to death of all those surface ships if I was out of ammo on surface ships; I think they're going to be looking for you again and expecting a port strike on Townsville. I would withdraw.

Where's Lexington? You hit her pretty hard a couple days back, and now not visible on that port strike. Any chance she sank? That would make the tactical outcome a bit better; I haven't seen the final butcher's bill, but I think you are a bit in the deficit there with Ryujo, Junyo, and Zuiho in the drink (plus Fuso, though that was just bad luck).

Either way, with the CV damage he took and all the losses to F4F/Avenger (which is harder to replace for him in short term), I think you will have 2-3 months where he can't challenge KB, so you might think about how to use that, and make some lemonade from some of these lemons

Q-Ball, Thanks for the comments and glad to hear I was being prudent, not too conservative. I just ran the turn earlier today and yes, there were at least 2, likely 3 to 4 surface groups looking for me. I will get an updated map out here in a bit, but a bit of good first. While at our usual Thursday night ASL game night, Adm Wa did confess that the Lady Lex sank, she was at 98 sys damage and had fires when she was spotted by the KB that first night following the main CV battle. The CA Salt Lake City also succumbed that night. At this point, he only has the Hornet (and Wasp) as effective US CVs for the next few months. How fast he can get the rest of the CVs back, is anyone's guess. I assume they will need to head to the US or PH given the level of damage.

Once all the dust settles (and the interdicting subs on both sides have their say trying to catch cripples), I will try and get Adm Wa to give me a rundown on ships sunk on his side (I will reciprocate as well). It would be good to document here, as I think it would be interesting for all to see.

I had not thought yet about what to do with the "more streamlined" KB. Three CVEs Hosho, Unyo and Taiyo are enroute, which just makes up the loss of the CV. I only have 3 CVs (Akagi, Zuikaku, Hiryu) and the CVL Shoho fit for battle. Kaga, Soryu and Shokaku can still maintain flight ops but all need yard time. My initial feel is use the KB to support the Marshall reconquest, and maybe raid shipping lanes... I not sure I want to continue to expand at this point.?? Maybe Noumuea?

Good feedback, I do think you made the right call.....

Do you have extra subs in that area? There is a 100% chance he's going to make a run for Brisbane or Sydney with those CVs once KB clears, and he'll hug the coast inside the reef. I would have subs in the shallow coastline despite the risks, see if you can get a torp into something. If I am him, there's no way I'm waiting for a refueled KB to come back and raid Townsville. I'm sure you'll run recon on the port in case Enterprise is too damaged to move.......

I feel like Hosho should be deployed with KB from the get-go, since she can make 25 kts, same speed as the Junyos. (Speaking of which, IRRC Hiyo should be available shortly). I am loathe to use the other CVEs as front-line units mostly because of speed, but also lack of protection, torps, AA, everything else....they can be good platforms for standoff CAP support, so a few more Zeros can help

The 3 damaged CVs for sure should go back to Japan....IIRC, they are soon due for an upgrade anyway in June/July, so you may as well get that done while they repair. You can redeploy the fighters temporarily to a CVE or land base maybe

Yes, I have several subs in the area, I do want to have at least have a shot at a CV in the next week or two as they head to the repair yards. The KB did get a parting shot at the Boise and CA Minneapolis, putting two torpedoes into each. I am hoping I got the Boise as she had taken a torpedo the day before as well! Here is the combat replay for the Boise. Note I have a small Surface TF that has not been spotted, will try to ambush something around Rockhampton.

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Rockhampton at 98,148

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
B5N1 Kate x 2
B5N2 Kate x 4
D3A1 Val x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CL Boise, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Current map. Note that all of my other damaged ships were able to avoid subs and being spotted. Maybe Lady Luck will smile on them until they reach safe harbor!
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A bit of a reprieve from the South Coral Sea as things have settled down there. Boise was scuttled last turn, so that is a win. All of my surface and carrier units will likely arrive back in Truk over the next 4-6 days, then a large convoy to the HI for repairs.

China is progressing, with the Chinese army effectively crumbling. My goal has been to not pocket any more units, but to drive them back into Chungking as weak as possible. There are 29 units (217k) with ~634 guns in Chungking. There is also 17 units at about 60k in the hex to the west and SW of Chungking. I am hoping to have about 4k of AV ready to enter Chungking once I force the retreat of those 17 units. Chinese units are still being annoying to the south but really it is not impacting the drive to Chungking.

Let us know the final butcher's bill for the Battle of Coral Sea, and your thoughts....it feels like a bit of a draw, though as I said I think you'll have some freedom of action here for a bit, so you do have an opportunity to follow-up with something important. (Though it's possible, by changing planes etc he can use F4F/Avenger from damaged CVs to replenish air groups on the healthy ones....still, it appears they all took at least some damage, so I think they'll be out for a couple months regardless)

On a tactical note, I would have subs in those 2 deep hexes east of Rockhampton....it's not a bad idea to route his TFs 3 hexes off coast in deep water to avoid subs at a choke point like Frazier Island, and he might do just that. Hopefully you get lucky

There is no Frazier Island in this game ...

So the butchers bill to date for the IJN is as follows:

IJN
BB Fuso,
CV Junyo
CVL Zuiho,
CVL Ryujo,
CL Kuma
DD Hatsukaze
DD Isonami


Note lots of planes pilots were lost, and most of my BBs and CAs will need yard time. Also about half of KB is ready to go, the rest of the CVs will need yard time. On the plus side, it was good training for all those surface ships, the CA Kako has a 72 day / 79 night exp rating!.

Confirmed sinkings on the allied side are:
CV Lexington
CA Salt Lake City
CA Australia
CA Pensacola
CA San Francisco
CL Boise
DD Stuart
DD Benham
DD Porter
DD Balch
DD Bulmer
DD O'Brien

Possible (last sighting was heavy fires, heavy damage):
CA New Orleans
CL Phoenix
DD Barker
DD Mugford
DD John D Edwards

My thoughts on the battle:

I think it is a draw, maybe a slight allied win in that my carrier pilots have been attritted substantially. If I can catch a US CV as they head back to the repair yards, it will become a win, but that is only an outside chance. I have 5 subs laying in wait, but really will need a lucky shot as he will heavily escort them. I am moving a long lance heavy surface TF of 2 CLs and 4 DDs south to try and catch them in a night attack as they move south.... long shot but worth it.

Losing the Fuso was unlucky. It was nice to take out several allied CA's, and Boise. Yes this is just a tiny fraction of the overall allied OB, but it will let me stay ahead of the allies until the Essex arrive.. Still mulling what exactly to do in the next few months, outside of evicting him from the Marshalls. - Note, the first invasion at Ailuk was succesful, bagging a US base force and Seabee force. The second invasion of Namorik is loading up now. (see my earlier post on schedule).

Strategically, I was able to take PM, so my southern line of defense likely will not progress further. Will develop Milne just enough to be annoying, and also will build up Goodenough Island as well. An Air HQ (2nd Air Div) will go to Finschaffen, allowing Torpedoes to be based there and/or Buna.

What is everyone's thoughts on the outcome? Yes it is still not over until the ships get back to safe harbor and repair but I doubt it will change much. My estimate on repair times for the Allies is 4 weeks sail to Pearl or West Coast, 8-10 weeks repair, 3 weeks return..... so 3-4 months. Some will be shorter obviously...

Great AAR!

I reckon you got very lucky his first strike hit your BBs rather than the KB, but in turn I think he got lucky only losing one CV to your alpha strike at this point in the war. Plus being very close to port. The battlefield "terrain" definitely helped him here...

Hard to characterize who "won" this fight. Historians will probably say "neither".

Tactically, it looks to be a draw, more or less, in terms of immediate losses.

You accomplished a strategic goal (seizing Port Moresby), but so did he (attrition of KB, both carriers and more importantly pilots.)

In the short term, he has no functioning carrier fleet, while you have a reduced KB still available for use, so assured recapture of the Marshalls is probably a consequence of this battle, as well as reduced pace on the Allied counterattack. In the long-term, the losses favour him.

Finally, there is the "morale" factor. Only you and your opponent know how this battle will affect your risk appetite, intentions and long-term strategy. Going toe-to-toe with KB and pulling a draw is always good for the Allied player's morale in WW2 Pacific games - makes them feel like they've "turned the corner". That can be a challenge or an opportunity for you, or both.

Thanks for a fun read and ongoing good luck to you both!

ChuckBerger, great points and I agree with you. You bring up morale and that is a key point in this that is often overlooked. I am planning on playing into it to some extent as we know each others style quite well. I believe that he thinks that KB is more damaged than what it is in reality. He has made comments along the lines of trusting IJN damage control to help him out. In reality, I have not yet had a "engine room door open to sea" or other such scary messages... None of my remaining carriers are damaged to the point of inhibiting ops. I should be able to get them back significantly quicker than he will expect. Thank may lead to opportunities... Adm Wa can be quite aggressive when he has the advantage, just need to set up the right conditions, and look for a good opportunity....

Ah Gentle readers, time for an update over in the Marshalls. Phase 1 (liberation of Ailuk) has been completed, and the invasion of Namorik is 2-3 days away. One thing that I hope will give Adm Wa pause is that the 3 BBs that were in several fights down south will lead a bombardment group to hit Namorik (Yamato, Kirishima, and Haruna). Every ship in the group has been damaged, so will bombard, then head to Toyko for some much needed Sake. All able CVs will stay out of sight for the next month or two.... I do not know supply situation at Maloelap, but he looks to be overstacked with 9-10k troops (same at Roi-Namur). There may be a chance to ambush any relief forces that try and force passage, after he thinks all my ships have headed home for repairs.... maybe a comment sometime about needed to refit will plant the bug... . All this psychological warfare is I am sure happening to me as well.... Adm does play his cards close to this vest.

The rest of the butchers bill, damaged ships. Here is the damaged TF that will transit from Truk to the HI for repairs and upgrades (several DDs and a CA are due). The only other major ship damaged is the Shokaku (14 sys, 19flt, 31 eng), which left Babeldaob last turn, headed to HI as well. One drawback is that all these ships returning to Truk drained her dry. More fuel is enroute but good lesson to prestock more fuel in Truk.
The CV Akagi, Hiryu, Zuikaku, CVL Shoho, and CVE Taiyo, and Hosho will base out of Truk for now.

Looking over the Pacific as the 1H of 1942 comes to a close. Status of each area as of June 30, 1942

Indian ocean - The IJN just took the british base Addu, but a fast response by at least one Brit carried caught a couple AKs. Also a surface TF tangled with the IJN covering TF, with minor damage to each. The British 18th Division is holed up in Ledo, with a few base forces. The ever victorious IJA is manuevering to ensure all retreat to the base, before assaulting. Adm Wa is throwing units across the river in an attempt to forestall the final advance into Ledo. Delaying tactics which actually is working for both of us as it is weakening him, while I am not yet ready to attack. Over by Calcutta, we are again having a chess match moving various LCUs around in the open ground, and bombing each other while sweeping...

Darwin - This area was looking grim as Adm Wa had moved two additiona Australian divisions there, and was pushing the IJA back to fenton. However, we have held at Fenton, and he trashed 1/3 of the US 24th Div in a river crossing. I have now also surrounded another 1/3 of the 24th Div and it will likely either be trashed or surrender. I also have two more high exp rgmts moving south from Darwin, which he is not aware of, and have moved in ~60 zeros to win the air war in the area once and for all!

Marshalls - The invasion into Namorik will go in tomrrow. That will be the second liberation invasion of four. There is a Marine raider Btn there, so I am hoping it will go off ok! The KB and PM invasion force is resting and / or heading to the HI for much needed RR.

Coral Sea - No sign of any allied CVs yet, I have 6 subs to the south, and a surface TF waiting to raid close into the Australian coast if anything is sighted. The surface TF has not been spotted....

Let me know if anyone has any questions or wants to see status of any area!

Mini Disaster in the Central Pacific. Two days ago, my invasion of Namorik went in after multi BB bombardment. Units were prepped around 50%, and I got a 1-2 (fort lvl 3). Here is the result:
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Ground combat at Namorik (132,120)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 3192 troops, 19 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 116

Defending force 3396 troops, 12 guns, 47 vehicles, Assault Value = 49

Japanese adjusted assault: 7

Allied adjusted defense: 16

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), leaders(-), disruption(-), preparation(-)
experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
1508 casualties reported
Squads: 59 destroyed, 61 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
201 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 34 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Assaulting units:
Maizuru 1st SNLF
17th Infantry Rgt /1

Defending units:
3rd Marine Raider Battalion
134th USA Base Force
47th Construction Regiment
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Following this, the next days' combat went further south! I have now ordered the loading of the remnants of the invasion force ! Darn Marines! Will need a bigger hammer and further prep for Roi-Namur, planned in a week. I will push that back to allow further prepping of the units and softening up of the target!

Here was the most recent combat!

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Ground combat at Namorik (132,120)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 2217 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 29

Defending force 3151 troops, 12 guns, 46 vehicles, Assault Value = 22

Japanese adjusted assault: 0

Allied adjusted defense: 14

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 99 (fort level 3)

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), disruption(-), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
795 casualties reported
Squads: 66 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
17th Infantry Regiment
Maizuru 1st SNLF

Defending units:
3rd Marine Raider Battalion
134th USA Base Force
47th Construction Regiment