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After a lull, Al resumes the Liberator raids over Truk. He gets a few hits on damaged ships under repair - see what I mean about the Subs! But at least my Zeros make him pay. He’s lost over 150 Liberators (both types) this game, which has helped me keep overall air losses close – I’ve lost more total, but it’s been within 10%, and because of his 4E losses, I’m actually ahead on aircraft VPs. [8D]

I did get a strange sinking sound during the turn, when I hadn’t hit any Allied ships. The Sunk Ships screen after the turn shows an AM sunk at Eniwetok, cause unknown – Al complained about a collision the other day, so maybe this was a victim? I'll take credit for any sinkings - maybe they thought they saw a mini-sub! [:D]

Just a bombardment today at Tinian, forts are up to 67%. If they don’t get knocked down again, they will hit level 3 on the last turn! My supply xAKs finished unloading at Saipan (11K supply now), and are retiring to Iwo (less subs to navigate). I have a few ASW TFs west of Saipan, but they will pull back next turn after the transports are clear. After that, it’s button down and survive the last few days.

Here’s the map – his ‘CVTF’ is not showing any planes, and mostly tankers – I think one of my scout pilots just needs better glasses. [:'(] Several possible invasion TFs spotted by recon at Eniwetok, but if they haven’t left yet, I don’t think they will arrive in time to land. I still have KB to the north, and my 2 fast BBs to the west, but I don’t want to risk them against his CVs- if I don’t see a soft juicy target, I will pull them out of range.

4 AUG

Al’s CV planes catch my ASW ships off Saipan, sinking an E and a DD (with some help from a sub – revenge for my ASW attacks).

And surprise – that’s it! The scenario description end date was 6 AUG, but this was the final turn. I was expecting at least one more turn, maybe two. Al was expecting at least one more battle as well.

Overall victory level was 2.5:1, Decisive Victory. The base points were a major part, over 1700 points. Another big advantage in ground forces points, nearly 900 difference, mostly from units sunk.

Slight advantage in shipping. Seems strange, but neither of us lost any ‘Capital Ships’ – BBs or CVs. I lost my 3 CVLs, and we each lost a pair of cruisers. Fog of war must be lifted on this list, as ships that had been reported sunk (BB S. Dakota, CVE, a couple more cruisers) are no longer on the list, but it does show 3 subs sunk! [;)] And while I still had some damaged ships, looks like he had more at the end.

I commented on the air war last turn, total losses were close, I lost about 50 more aircraft, but he lost more points.

Kudos to Al, who was a great opponent all the way through. This is the third game we have played (2 times with Guadalcanal DBB), and he has been consistent, good-natured, and flexible with my travel schedule. [&o]

I learned a lot this scenario, definitely a newfound respect for the Allied capabilities and firepower available by 1944, especially ASW ability. Also learned a lot about ground combat in general, and firepower vs AV. Definitely will affect how I plan for my eventual Japan campaign.

Now I can’t wait to go read Al’s AAR! [8D]

Job well done, Justus2! Al failed to aggressively pursue and exploit his advantages and, as a result, was soundly drubbed in this scenario.

You did a very nice job holding the Marianas almost entirely intact without losing your fleet! Well done indeed. [8D]

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

Job well done, Justus2! Al failed to aggressively pursue and exploit his advantages and, as a result, was soundly drubbed in this scenario.

You did a very nice job holding the Marianas almost entirely intact without losing your fleet! Well done indeed. [8D]

Thank you, and thanks for your counsel during the campaign. It was a fun game, definitely intimidating seeing that Allied OOB at the start, and all the new toys they get.