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The action started NW Colombo with I-166 launching torpedoes at CA Dorsetshire. It failed and receive some punishing depth charge attacks

Sub attack near Trivandrum at 26,45

Japanese Ships
SS I-166, hits 2

Allied Ships
CA Dorsetshire
DD Napier
DD Nizam

1st, 2nd and 3rd naval battle
Then the carrier escort detachment spotted the Japanese raiders, three inconclusive naval engagements followed. Results were:

1st: Night Time Surface Combat, near Trivandrum at 27,45, Range 10,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CL Kiso
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Akebono, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Sazanami, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
CA Dorsetshire
CL Enterprise
CL Emerald
DD Napier, Shell hits 1
DD Nizam, Shell hits 1

2nd:
Night Time Surface Combat, near Trivandrum at 27,45, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Kiso
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Suzukaze
DD Akebono, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
DD Sazanami

Allied Ships
CA Dorsetshire, Shell hits 1
CL Enterprise, Shell hits 1
CL Emerald, Shell hits 2
DD Napier
DD Nizam

3rd
Night Time Surface Combat, near Colombo at 27,46, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Kiso, Shell hits 2
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze, on fire
DD Suzukaze
DD Akebono, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Sazanami

Allied Ships
CA Dorsetshire
CL Enterprise
CL Emerald, on fire
DD Napier, Shell hits 1
DD Nizam, on fire

Result: Akebono on heavy fires, Kawakaze on fire, most allied ships at least slightly damaged

Post deleted - the details were being posted as I was composing.

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Post deleted - the details were being posted as I was composing.

I corrected it Kiso was part of the raiding party

I missed it when typing

The slugfest between these 2 TFs continues...

4th and 5th battles
After the 3rd battle, Akebono and Kawakaze left; most likely scenario: they formed a "escort" TF and avoided engagments
Thus the 4th and 5th battles are against 1 CL and 3 DDs

4th:
Night Time Surface Combat, near Colombo at 26,47, Range 10,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CL Kiso, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yamakaze
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Sazanami

Allied Ships
CA Dorsetshire, on fire
CL Enterprise
CL Emerald, on fire
DD Napier, Shell hits 1
DD Nizam, Shell hits 2, on fire

5th:
Night Time Surface Combat, near Colombo at 27,48, Range 10,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CL Kiso, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Yamakaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Sazanami, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
CA Dorsetshire, on fire
CL Enterprise
CL Emerald, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Napier
DD Nizam, Shell hits 1, on fire

Results:By the time both commanders decided to disengage, most ships are damaged and on fire. Kiso having received some 8' hits is in the worst shape of all



Then.. it is now time for the cruiser TF from Cochin to take over... however, before this happens.. disaster!!!
Sub attack near Colombo at 27,47

Japanese Ships
SS I-153

Allied Ships
CL Durban, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Isis

Magazine explodes on CL Durban
SS I-153 launches 6 torpedoes at CL Durban
I-153 diving deep ....
DD Isis fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Isis fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Isis fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Isis attacking submerged sub ....
DD Isis fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

CL Durban sunk quickly...


6th naval battle... still nightime
after picking survivors, Danae, Isis and Encounter found the Japanese, and the Japanese met British cruisers for a 6th time this night

Night Time Surface Combat, near Colombo at 26,49, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Kiso, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Yamakaze, Shell hits 1
DD Suzukaze
DD Sazanami, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
CL Danae
DD Encounter
DD Isis

Results: Japanese are now tired and low on ammo, still Kiso keeps absorbing punches without sinking.. Damn Japanese invincible cruisers!!
Notice Sazanami of fire

7th naval battle, daytime
The Battleship TF finally come into play and this is the end of the road for Kiso... I guess I need multiple hits and battleships to sink a single Japanese CL !!

Day Time Surface Combat, near Koggala at 26,51, Range 23,000 Yards

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
E7K2 Alf: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Kiso, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
DD Yamakaze, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 2
DD Sazanami, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB Revenge, Shell hits 1
BB Royal Sovereign
DM Thracian
DE Starling

Results: Key of course is the sinking of Kiso, but also important is that both Yamakaze and Sazanami are on fire and heavy damage... Closest Japanese port is no less than 4 days away and they should sink tomorrow

Failed Submarine attack

My submarines were present, but as usual, they failed to score:
ASW attack near Koggala at 26,51

Japanese Ships
DD Sazanami, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Yamakaze, on fire, heavy damage
DD Suzukaze

Allied Ships
SS KXI


final Air strike
I had 2 squadrons flying in two turn phases. However only one naval bomber strike was capable of reaching the Japanese ships; all 3 others got lost due to range or weather:

Morning Air attack on TF, near Colombo at 27,49

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 10
Fulmar II x 15

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Kawakaze, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Albacore I bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Kawakaze [:)]

I expect Kiso will burn up before it gets to a friendly port. Oi may have already sunk from that aerial torpedo - all 5 DDs from the original Japanese TF were with Kiso, and the AI usually assigns a DD with a damaged ship when forming an escort TF. Oi is a bit smaller than most IJN CLs so it could have sunk with only one torp hit.

Great results of course, more important, he will likely be more cautious next time with his cruisers and destroyers

CL Oi --> torpedoed last turn, no info afterwards.. I hope it did indeed sink!
CL Kiso --> sunk
DD Yamakaze --> on fire, heavy damaged
DD Kawakaze --> heavy fires, heavy damaged... probably sunk
DD Suzukaze --> lightly damage
DD Akebono --> heavy fires
DD Sazanami --> heavy fires, heavy damaged... probably sunk

I lost CL Durban and I have several cruisers and destroyers damaged, but not at risk of sinking

Next turn I am hunting for Oi, Yamakaze, Suzukaze and Akebono... interesting enough my search is showing 4 ships on hex 26,51 (SW of Koggala)

The hunters are:
- Battleship TF
- Durban, Isis, Encounter
- Enterprise, who was with the carrier escorts. It was only lightly damaged and therefore will press the attack. All other carrier escorts are too damaged and low on fuel

In other news, I will go on the offensive on P Moresby [;)]
the plan is to kick out the 2 LCUs (SNLF I think) sieging it with:

1) Naval bombardment: 2 CAs (Australia, Canberra), 5 CLs (Leander, Achilles, Perth, Dragon, St Louis) and 8 DDs (Simms and Mahan mainly) will show him some Australian hospitality

2) B-17s: I have 8 fully rested on Charter Towers, eager to turn on the tenderizing machine

3) Banshees: 26 in total at PM. Their first combat mission

4) P-40s, P-39s: +35 P-40s and 12 P-39s... they will bomb/ strafe from 100'

5) Every troop available in PM will go on either "Deliberate Attack" or "Bombard"



EDIT: it is hard to notice in the picture, but both Dobadura and Kokoda reverted back to Allied control. this means that if I am succesfull, he will be forced to retreat either SE or NW.. and in both scenarios he can be naval bombarded

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

Great results of course, more important, he will likely be more cautious next time with his cruisers and destroyers

CL Oi --> torpedoed last turn, no info afterwards.. I hope it did indeed sink!
CL Kiso --> sunk
DD Yamakaze --> on fire, heavy damaged
DD Kawakaze --> heavy fires, heavy damaged... probably sunk
DD Suzukaze --> lightly damage
DD Akebono --> heavy fires
DD Sazanami --> heavy fires, heavy damaged... probably sunk

Nice way to start the month of March!!

Yes it is a great way to start the last month of Japanese "water walking" early war advantage!!

I am expecting "soon" another interesting turn:

- We will likely see more naval engagements on SW Ceylon; hopefully I will kill all raiding survivors. Next turn everybody will run away to Bombay. I am not expecting any Japanese reinforcements (a.k.a. Carriers) yet; but they will come looking for revenge
EDIT: I had some email exchange with PresterJohn.. it seems that this was another case of the usual "I order the TF to run away full speed but his imbecile commander decided to stay a little longer"

- India remains a "track& field" race with my troops running for their lives.. but bravely of course [:D]... last turn I was very close to losing 2 divisions that were changing to "strat"... I didn't realize how close were the Japanese. One of the biggest wins of last turn was to rebase many bombers to the front and use them to ground bomb = delay them for 1 turn. THanks to that, the 2 divisions were able to withdraw; they are now far away, moving to Benares

- I am very hopefuly on my P. Moresby operation; would we see the Japanese retreating for the 1st time of the war?

- Pacific operation (aka CV raiding): I decided to scale down this. Many reasons, including other AARs recent carrier battle results.
As you know, in the last turn I started a raid operation based on the intelligence that Shokaku left. I am clear in seeing this as an opportunity. but I might not be ready yet to take a lot of advantage to these kind of opportunities.

The CVs are still moving on direction to Midway, the search/ ASW patrols are going to hint him that I am coming; this is good, as I want him to assume that I will be going offensive based on Shokaku intel... even though I will not.

In terms of operation objectives, I am not there yet. I don't see a lot of value vs. the huge risk associated. The key point is that I need to get in and out really fast as I don't have the LCUs or the time to do any amphibious assault.
This limits this operation to a hit & run strike inside or very close to my area of control. This of course reduces my options to strikes on the most far away Japanese bases; something like Wake or Armchitka.
I think I will go for Wake

Decisions:
- CVs are still moving on direction to Midway; they will keep going
- CVs are supporting an AO replenish TF also heading to Midway... these AOs will come handy anywaty, either as replenish support for the strike or as a parked fuel station on Midway if not.
- Battlewagons are not leaving Pearl. They are too slow for a hit and run
- The Para battalion loaded into APDs will not come. They will go to Canton island to reinforce the garrison. It is better to keep it as a defensive asset.


One last point I forgot to mention: the 2 DDs at the Java sea, they were not spotted last turn. They will come very close to Soerabaja next turn... hopefully they will get some tankers!!

The highlight of Mar 1st was the raiding of a cargo/ fuel TF near Palembang, but lets start with Ceylon:

In Ceylon I didn't have good luck in finishing the Japanese raiders; I had 3 battles and 2 submarine actions

Yesterdays' results were:
Japan
DD Suzuyake: 3 penetration hits, but no visible damage afterwards.. it might escape
DD Yamakaze: no hits, but reported heavy damage from yesterday's battles
DD Sazanami: Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage. This is likely dead

Allies
CL Danae, 3 torpedoes... sunk... yes, again... This time it was I-154

So... from a total starting force of 2 CLs and 5 DDs:
1 CL sunk, another one likely sunk
3 DDs likely sunk
2 DDs heavy damaged... some chances of escaping as relief should be arriving soon and I will withdraw my BBs next turn. By the way, my cruisers are already gone, as they decided last turn, against my orders, to run away [8|]




Night Time Surface Combat, near Koggala at 26,51, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 2

Allied Ships
BB Revenge
BB Royal Sovereign
DM Thracian
DE Starling

Improved night sighting under 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 100% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 11,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
BB Royal Sovereign engages DD Suzukaze at 11,000 yards
DD Suzukaze engages DE Starling at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
BB Royal Sovereign engages DD Suzukaze at 8,000 yards
DD Suzukaze engages DM Thracian at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
BB Royal Sovereign engages DD Suzukaze at 6,000 yards
BB Revenge engages DD Suzukaze at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
DD Suzukaze engages DM Thracian at 4,000 yards
DD Suzukaze engages DE Starling at 4,000 yards
DD Suzukaze engages DM Thracian at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
BB Revenge engages DD Suzukaze at 10,000 yards
DD Suzukaze engages DM Thracian at 10,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Koggala at 27,52, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
BB Revenge
BB Royal Sovereign
DM Thracian
DE Starling

Improved night sighting under 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 100% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 11,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
Portal, R.H. crosses the 'T'
BB Revenge engages DD Suzukaze at 11,000 yards
DD Suzukaze engages DE Starling at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
BB Royal Sovereign engages DD Suzukaze at 8,000 yards
BB Revenge engages DD Suzukaze at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
DD Suzukaze engages DM Thracian at 7,000 yards
DD Suzukaze engages DE Starling at 7,000 yards
DD Suzukaze engages DM Thracian at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
BB Revenge engages DD Suzukaze at 10,000 yards
DD Suzukaze engages DM Thracian at 10,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
BB Royal Sovereign engages DD Suzukaze at 13,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Koggala at 28,52, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Yamakaze, heavy damage
DD Sazanami, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB Revenge
BB Royal Sovereign
DM Thracian
DE Starling

Improved night sighting under 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 100% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 11,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
BB Royal Sovereign engages DD Sazanami at 9,000 yards
BB Revenge engages DD Sazanami at 9,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages DE Starling at 9,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages DM Thracian at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
BB Royal Sovereign engages DD Sazanami at 6,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages DE Starling at 6,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages DM Thracian at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
BB Royal Sovereign engages DD Sazanami at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
BB Royal Sovereign engages DD Sazanami at 8,000 yards
BB Revenge engages DD Yamakaze at 8,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages DE Starling at 8,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages DM Thracian at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages DE Starling at 12,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages DM Thracian at 12,000 yards
Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Koggala at 28,51

Japanese Ships
SS I-154

Allied Ships
CL Danae, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
DD Isis

SS I-154 launches 6 torpedoes at CL Danae
I-154 diving deep ....
DD Isis fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Isis attacking submerged sub ....
DD Isis fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Isis fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Isis fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Koggala at 28,51

Japanese Ships
SS I-154

Allied Ships
DD Isis

SS I-154 is sighted by escort
I-154 diving deep ....
DD Isis attacking submerged sub ....
DD Isis cannot establish contact with SS I-154
DD Isis fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Isis attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-154 eludes DD Isis by diving deep
DD Isis is out of ASW ammo
DD Isis is out of ASW ammo
DD Isis is out of ASW ammo
DD Isis fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Isis fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Koggala at 28,51

Japanese Ships
SS I-154

Allied Ships
CL Danae, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage

SS I-154 launches 6 torpedoes at CL Danae
Sub escapes detection

Lets go now to Palembang. First, I want to thank BBFanboy for his advice about the use of small (2-ship) DD TFs for raiding: they are certainly difficult to spot

So, a few turns ago I managed to insert 2 small destroyers into the Java Sea (some background for those not following this AAR: Although Japan invaded Java, I still own Soerabaja and Batavia).

I rearmed, refuel and repaired them in Soerabaja, and 2 turns ago I sent them in direction to Palembang.
Last turn they were near Batavia, still undetected.
This turn I ordered them to the hex NE of Palembang... where they found a convoy [:D]

Results were very good [;)] of course it was not a massacre as we are talking only 2 small DDs vs. many ships. Besides, Japanese escorts did a great job too, AMC Bankok Maru in particular, put a couple good shots and absorbed many hits before getting sunk by torpedoes

This also achieved good intelligence, like:
- he is not yet using tankers in Palembang
- he is using big convoys lightly escorted
- he is not using destroyers to escort his convoys

This also tested the air defenses; the DDs were attacked by 32 Gnell bombers coming from the North, no casualties due to high manouvre rate. Of course using anything bigger than a destroyer would be suicidal



Day Time Surface Combat, near Palembang at 49,90, Range 16,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PB Chitose Maru, Shell hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
AK Sakito Maru, Shell hits 11, heavy fires
xAK Teikoku Maru
AMC Bankok Maru, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Toko Maru
xAK Omi Maru
xAK Ryuko Maru
xAK Monji Maru
xAK Lisbon Maru
xAK Wales Maru
xAK Chitose Maru #2
xAK Hokutai Maru, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Kasyu Maru, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Nagato Maru
xAK Seikyo Maru
xAK Shinkyo Maru
xAK Toko Maru
xAK Tyuwa Maru
xAK Kaimei Maru, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
xAK Tyoyo Maru
xAK Kaisyo Maru
xAK Unyo Maru #2
xAKL Yamayuri Maru
xAKL Yamabuki Maru
xAP Teikyo Maru, Shell hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Wazan Maru
xAK Ekkai Maru
xAK Sana Maru

Allied Ships
DD Scout, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Tenedos, Shell hits 1

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 21,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 21,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages PB Chitose Maru at 11,000 yards
AMC Bankok Maru engages DD Scout at 11,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages xAP Teikyo Maru at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages PB Chitose Maru at 7,000 yards
DD Scout engages AMC Bankok Maru at 7,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages xAK Ryuko Maru at 7,000 yards
AMC Bankok Maru engages DD Scout at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages PB Chitose Maru at 6,000 yards
DD Scout engages AMC Bankok Maru at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages PB Chitose Maru at 4,000 yards
AMC Bankok Maru engages DD Scout at 4,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages xAK Chitose Maru #2 at 4,000 yards
AMC Bankok Maru engages DD Tenedos at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
AMC Bankok Maru sunk by DD Tenedos at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages AK Sakito Maru at 3,000 yards
DD Scout engages xAK Kaimei Maru at 3,000 yards
DD Scout engages xAK Kasyu Maru at 3,000 yards
DD Scout engages PB Chitose Maru at 3,000 yards
DD Scout engages AK Sakito Maru at 3,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages xAP Teikyo Maru at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
DD Scout engages xAK Hokutai Maru at 2,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages xAK Kaimei Maru at 2,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages AK Sakito Maru at 2,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages xAK Toko Maru at 2,000 yards
Lambton, H. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range increases to 3,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages AK Sakito Maru at 3,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages AK Sakito Maru at 3,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages AK Sakito Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Scout engages AK Sakito Maru at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
Range increases to 16,000 yards
Range increases to 21,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Last but not least

P. Moresby:
Somehow disappointing results; I only got a 2:1 after 2 big naval bombardments and multiple air strikes
I will keep the pressure, he is now out of supply

The fleet was attacked by Japanese naval bombers. No casualties to report, but still a good idea to run away

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

Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5106 troops, 74 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 195

Defending force 3480 troops, 31 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 108

Allied adjusted assault: 58

Japanese adjusted defense: 21

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
298 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
219 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 27 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
NG Vol Rifles Battalion
Lark Force
2/1st Ind Coy
30th Australian Brigade
Papuan Inf Battalion
13th Fld RAA Regiment
Moresby RAN Stn Base Force
21st MAG
4th Aus Lt AA Regiment

Defending units:
84th Naval Guard Unit
Maizuru 2nd SNLF

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Port Moresby at 98,130

Allied Ships
CA Canberra
CA Australia
CL St. Louis
CL Dragon
CL Perth
CL Achilles
CL Leander
DD Smith
DD Mahan
DD Fanning
DD Gridley
DD O'Brien
DD Mustin
DD Hammann
DD Anderson

Japanese ground losses:
70 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

CA Canberra firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
Seagull V acting as spotter for CA Australia
CA Australia firing at 84th Naval Guard Unit
CL St. Louis firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
CL Dragon firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
CL Perth firing at 84th Naval Guard Unit
CL Achilles firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
CL Leander firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
DD Smith firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
DD Mahan firing at 84th Naval Guard Unit
DD Fanning firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
DD Gridley firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
DD O'Brien firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
DD Mustin firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
DD Hammann firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
DD Anderson firing at 84th Naval Guard Unit

Naval bombardment of Port Moresby at 98,130

Allied Ships
CA Canberra
CA Australia
CL St. Louis
CL Dragon
CL Perth
CL Achilles
CL Leander
DD Smith
DD Mahan
DD Fanning
DD Gridley
DD O'Brien
DD Mustin
DD Hammann
DD Anderson

Japanese ground losses:
75 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Seagull V acting as spotter for CA Canberra
CA Canberra firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
CA Australia firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
CL St. Louis firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
CL Dragon firing at 84th Naval Guard Unit
CL Perth firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
CL Achilles firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
CL Leander firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
DD Smith firing at 84th Naval Guard Unit
DD Mahan firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
DD Fanning firing at 84th Naval Guard Unit
DD Gridley firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
DD O'Brien firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
DD Mustin firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF
DD Hammann firing at 84th Naval Guard Unit
DD Anderson firing at Maizuru 2nd SNLF

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Maizuru 2nd SNLF, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 5

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 84th Naval Guard Unit, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 11

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 4000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 84th Naval Guard Unit, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 11

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 2000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
2 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 3000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on 84th Naval Guard Unit, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 11
P-40E Warhawk x 23

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 4 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x P-40E Warhawk bombing from 100 feet
11 x P-39D Airacobra bombing from 100 feet
2 x P-40E Warhawk bombing from 100 feet



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Morning Air attack on 84th Naval Guard Unit, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 2

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 3000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb



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Morning Air attack on 84th Naval Guard Unit, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 2

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 4000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb



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Morning Air attack on 84th Naval Guard Unit, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 14

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x P-40E Warhawk bombing from 100 feet



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Morning Air attack on 84th Naval Guard Unit, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 3

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x P-40E Warhawk bombing from 100 feet

Well done on the raiding! [:)]

About the cruisers "running away" - whenever ammo gets below 50% there is a chance the TF commander will want to return to base to replenish. Aggression is a key factor in deciding to go on (high) or go back (low).
I think the threat tolerance setting may also enter into the calculations - were your TFs set to "Absolute" threat tolerance?

Thanks,

Early on, when I setup the original TFs, everybody was on "threat" absolute. But after afterwards, due to damage, I reshuffled ships/ created new TFs and didn't change to absolute again

ammo and damage might had been factors. Also captain quality. I didn't change any skipper... I am saving PPs [;)]

Mar 2nd was a quiet day. some highlights:

DD Suzukaze was spotted and engaged again by the BBs; only one 4' hit on the superstructure.
Unless my submarines can do something; he will escape.
No signs on any other ship, and since they were all severely damaged, it is unlikely they run away full speed... thus I am confident I got 2 CLs and 4 DDs. not bad![:)]

Both British DD raiders (I split them), were engaged by Japanese Cruiser/DD TFs.
DD Scout sunk [:@]
Japanese Ships
CA Ashigara
CL Isuzu
DD Arashi
DD Hatsuharu

Allied Ships
DD Scout, Shell hits 5, and is sunk

while DD Tenedos managed to escape on fire

Day Time Surface Combat, near Semarang at 54,101, Range 20,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma
CL Jintsu
DD Yugumo
DD Maikaze
DD Nowaki
DD Minazuki
DD Nagatsuki
DD Wakatake

Allied Ships
DD Tenedos, Shell hits 4, on fire

Finally, P Moresby
I did one final naval bombardment, I sent the B-17s I got good odds.. but still I couldn't destroy (only disable) them

Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4958 troops, 74 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 172

Defending force 3180 troops, 31 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 79

Allied adjusted assault: 67

Japanese adjusted defense: 5

Allied assault odds: 13 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-), disruption(-), fatigue(-)
supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
255 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 28 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
188 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
2/1st Ind Coy
NG Vol Rifles Battalion
Lark Force
30th Australian Brigade
Moresby RAN Stn Base Force
13th Fld RAA Regiment
21st MAG
Papuan Inf Battalion
4th Aus Lt AA Regiment

Defending units:
84th Naval Guard Unit
Maizuru 2nd SNLF

I forgot to mention. there was a big air battle over Pt Moresby.. I was badly defeated.
Losses were:
21 P-40s and 4 P-39s
vs. 5 Ki-43-Ic

I think this had to do with my fighters set to LRCAP over a TF (I wanted to give cover to cruisers bombarding PM).
And although I am not yet too concerned about the losses, as many squadrons ABDA will disband in 12 days, I don't know if I should keep pushing.. these odds are not good

And the main question: Look at this squadron... this is my "dream team"... all hand picked EXP and AIR in late 60s or 70

should I re-base it to Moresby for CAP? for the next few turns it will face only Oscars!! maybe reserve them for something really important




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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 42 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 34

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 9
P-40E Warhawk x 37

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 6 destroyed

CAP engaged:
49th PG/7th PS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 15 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
35th PG/39th PS with P-39D Airacobra (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 6000.
Raid is overhead
20th PS (P) with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 15 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes

The only interesting thing happening on Mar 3rd was several air battles/ naval strikes over P. Moresby

I have a small TF of xAKLs there unloading supplies; and last turn they were attacked. I lost a couple + 1 PC to torpedoes

The xAKLs are, of course, disposable; so for next turn I have decided to try a little "CAP trap", 2 hexes out of P. Moresby.
The idea is to avoid the sweeping Oscars and to focus on the bombers + any escorting zero

I will go hard on this: I am devoting more than 80 planes, mostly P-39s, but I have included the handpicked "dream team" flying P-38s
We will how it goes [;)]




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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 42 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 27

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 15000 feet

CAP engaged:
49th PG/7th PS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes



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Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
G3M2 Nell x 15

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
G3M2 Nell: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAKL Canopus
xAKL Fiona, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Karuah
xAKL Kindur
PC Wilcannia

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
49th PG/7th PS with P-40E Warhawk (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 55 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 15

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAKL Nevadan
xAKL Prusa
xAKL Lorinna
xAKL William McArthur, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAKL Carlisle

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
49th PG/7th PS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 58 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
G3M2 Nell x 12

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
G3M2 Nell: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
PC Wilcannia, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Caledon
PC Bangalow

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
49th PG/7th PS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes



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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
xAKL Carlisle
xAKL Darvel
xAKL Corrimal, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

The other interesting news of the turn:

AIR OPERATIONS PHASE : AM
TF 225 followed by Japanese Fighter Bomber at 26,47 near Colombo
AIR OPERATIONS PHASE : PM
TF 261 shadowed by Japanese Torpedo Bomber at 29,48 near Colombo
TF 261 shadowed by Japanese Aircraft at 29,48 near Colombo

3 airplane sightings on Colombo... it might be submarine FPs, or maybe something more worrisome [X(]
I will:
- disband TFs
- set my search at 100%
- change speed setting of my retreating BBs to "full speed"

Prester John didn't fall into my CAP trap over P Moresby. I will try again in around 4 turns, as there is another small, slow xAKL convoy arriving then

News?
- Rangoon (Burma), Jorhat (Bangladesh) and Patna (India) fell.
- India exodus continues.
- Carriers will raid Wake island next turn. TF is not spotted.
- Suspicion confirmed: last turn planes over Colombo were carrier-borne