Niceguy vs Graycompany: Death to the Meatball....Strategy talk

[niceguy2005]

Sorry I haven't updated in a while, but not much to report, UNTIL today.

2/16/43 through 2/28/43
The allies are preparing for their new campaign, which opens with Operation Ogre. While plans are still top secret I can tell you that this will be the first offensive campaign of any size the Allies are undertaking outside the Burma theater...not a single operation, but a full campaign.

The last couple of weeks have mostly been marked by the Allies continuing to ship large amounts of men and material to the front and intermittent duels between allied subs and japanese ASW squadrons.

However, the end of February blew up into several major air battles...a brutal dogfight over Chunking...and the US southern fleet raids shipping off Lunga

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/28/43

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TF 2 encounters mine field at Koepang (28,77)
Japanese barges discover that the harbor at Koepang has been mined.
Japanese Ships
AG AG-2056, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG AG-2060, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32
Japan launches a major raid on Chunking...the allies having just finished repairing the airfield there are determined to keep it open. P-38s from 2 fighter groups meet the large enemy force as it approaches Chunking. Quickly a viscious dogfight ensues...the P-38s best the Tony's but struggle with the Jacks. Still on this day the enemy loses 4 of its top pilots, but the bombers get through causing 34% runway damage and 19% air service damage.
Japanese aircraft
J2M Jack x 25
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 68
Ki-21 Sally x 26
Ki-49 Helen x 86
Ki-15 Babs x 2

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 43

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M Jack: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 35 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 3 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen: 4 destroyed, 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 25 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
134 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 84

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 67,97
A sqaudron of B-24s on anti-shipping patrol spots a cargo ship and attacks, but is set upon by strong cap.
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 11
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 50

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
MSW Takashima Maru
AK Dainiti Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 67,97
3 air wings launch an attack but only find an ASW patrol TF. They do considerable damage sinking two ships and critically damaging 3 more.
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 9
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 50

Allied aircraft
Seafire x 6
F4F-4 Wildcat x 13
SBD Dauntless x 66
TBF Avenger x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 7 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Seafire: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 8 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 10 destroyed, 3 damaged
TBF Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 29, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PC Ch 30, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PG Shinko Maru #1, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PC Ch 24, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
PC Takunan Maru #10, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 71,98
Bombers at Lunga scramble
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
G3M Nell x 3

Allied aircraft
Seafire x 15
F4F-4 Wildcat x 64

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed
G3M Nell: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 71,98
A second wave from Lunga, this time some get through the cap...one bomb bounces off the flight deck of Indomitable...no damage.
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
G3M Nell x 15
G4M1 Betty x 11

Allied aircraft
Seafire x 15
F4F-4 Wildcat x 64

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 17 destroyed
G3M Nell: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 10 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Seafire: 3 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 destroyed, 12 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Washington
CV Indomitable, Bomb hits 1
CV Hornet

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
1 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet

All in all not a terrible day for the allies. Many Japanese pilots were killed and the loss to the US is manageable. Two more squadrons were sent to reinforce Chunking.

The US southern fleet also seriously damaged several Japanese squadrons and just as importantly was seen near Guadalcanal. GC is not my next destination, but I am hoping my opponent will think it is.

One Wildcat pilot claims 9 kills in one day. [X(]

[niceguy2005]

Well, it's been a while, but I got some new graphics tools so I thought I would reopen the AAR as a mean of learning to use them...hopefully the maps will improve as we go along.

It is June 24, 1943. Allies are on the offensive. The UK just retook northern India...South Pac has launched Major offensives at Papua...Southwest Pac has invaded Timor. Cent Pac is preparing for an invasion of Baker.

On the perimeter of the Japanese defenses resistance continues to be light.

Let's start with a map of the Timor operations. Resistance has been so light McArthur is pushing up operations. Next up is operation Green Ghost, the invasion of Ambonia. Southwest Pacs objective is to secure the western edge of New Guinea - South Pac is conducting operations at Papua with the aim of securing eastern New Guinea.

The majority of the USN is in the Central Pacific, but Saratoga, Hornet and a UK CV, along with two CVEs are supporting operations in the Banda Sea.

[niceguy2005]

6/25/43

B-24s attack resource centers at Kendari and Taung Gyui scoring many hits...the strategic campaign is only just getting underway...I wonder if June 43 is too late to start?

Otherwise, attacks against troops and bases across Southwest Pac, including raids against Salamaua, troops south of Buna, airfields at Shortlands and Dili...barges bring more troops to Buna.

A look at the Papua campaign. South Pac is advancing. I am advancing only under the cover of USAAF fighters, so that mean generally only 3-4 hexes at a time. The next operation (High Tide) is the invasion of Salamaua by an undetermined number of elements from the 3rd USMC. Once secured the 43rd Div will arrive and begin the march on Lae. With Spits now at Buna the invasion can start at anytime.

[niceguy2005]

6.30.43

A brief update...I had meant to update on the Central Pacific map but I erased my screen shot. [8|]

Current highlights: 
A bombardment fleet hits Baker Is...as much to test defensive fire as it is to damage defenses.  Return fire seems light.  However, one hit to New Mexico took out her radar.  I will not dispatch her for repairs though until the operation is over.

Naval bombardment of Baker Island, at 94,92 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
 
45 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
CA Portland
BB Massachusetts, Shell hits 3
BB Mississippi, Shell hits 11
BB New Mexico, Shell hits 10
 
Japanese ground losses:
246 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
 
Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 3

At this point it is no surprise to Japan that I am planning to invade Baker.  I debated and debated this decision.  At the end of the day I was uncomfortable invading Tarawa or Makin with Baker Is at my back.  Further, with Baker under allied command P-38s can support an action in the Gilberts.

Intelligence shows the KB is most likely at Kwaj.  Another reason Baker was chosen is that no AF in the Gilberts can support Betty/Nell torpedo attacks and Kwaj is out of range.  I will only need to worry about the KB and bombs.  I do expect the KB to oppose my landing.

However, the US fleet is somewhat spread out due to my policy of engagement - trying to attack on multiple fronts at once to attrite Japan.   The following carriers are able to support the Baker invasion
Enterprise, Wasp, Yorktown, Essex, Indomitable, 2 CVL.  This is the vast majority of the Central Pacific carrier force (1 CVL and 1 CVE are at PH)...Bunker Hill arrives at SF in 3 days.

The battle plan for Baker calls for the 1st USMC div to attack supported by the 9th marine defense bn (for added large caliber firepower) and 1 ENG Rgt.  No HQ unit is available for the landing.  The marines are loaded on as many landing ships as I could scrape together, commanded by a capable invasion force commander...I am a little afraid its not enough.  There are 2 units on Baker totalling about 8,000 troops.  I suspect it is one large base force and 1 Nav guard unit.  The 40th Div will be loaded on APs and standing in reserve, but because the KB is in the area will be more than 2 days away.

Map hopefully to follow next turn.

In other news the 7th Aus Bde should land at Dili next turn via fast transport to complete the reconquest of Timor.  Only roughly 1/3 the Bde will land to secure the beach with the other  2/3 to follow on the next two days.

[niceguy2005]

7/8/43

Operation High Tide was a huge success. The 3rd USMC moved quickly to take Salamaua, securing the base on the second day of landing. The invasion fleet had 3 transports damaged by mines, 1 torpedoed by a daring Betty and 1 hit by subs.

Recon noticed a precipitous drop in CAP over Rabaul and guessed that Japan was redeploying its air power for a strike on the fleet. Guessing right, B-25s attacked Lae and B-24s hit bases on the Admiralty Islands wiping Japan's AC on the ground. CAP was able to handle the small strike launched on the second day.

In other news, an invasion force headed to Baker Island lands tomorrow. No sign of the KB.

The 7th Aus Brigade easily took Dili.

Japan's southern perimeter seems to be collapsing quickly.

[niceguy2005]

Here's something odd.

The 49th FG were one of the units that strongly contributed to the success of Operation High Tide. They flew escort on the Lae raid and defeated twice their number in Jap fighters. They units experience though is only averaging in the 60s. However, there seem to be some new additions to the unit that are already highly experienced.

[niceguy2005]

First carrier battle.  Here are the results...
 
Day Air attack on TF at 90,91
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3a Zero x 62
 
Allied aircraft
Seafire x 11
F4F-4 Wildcat x 73
SBD Dauntless x 80
Barracuda x 15
TBF Avenger x 71
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 16 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 17 destroyed, 1 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
Seafire: 7 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 49 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 9 destroyed, 21 damaged
Barracuda: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
TBF Avenger: 10 destroyed, 41 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu, Torpedo hits 3,  on fire,  heavy damage Fuel storage explosion
CA Nachi
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
CVL Zuiho
CVL Ryujo, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 1
DD Urakaze
 
Aircraft Attacking:
 1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 1 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 2 x Barracuda launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 2 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 2 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x Barracuda launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x Barracuda launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x Barracuda launching torpedoes at 200 feet
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Day Air attack on TF at 93,90
 
Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 23
A6M3a Zero x 12
B5N Kate x 15
 
Allied aircraft
Seafire x 16
F4F-4 Wildcat x 100
 
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 15 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 12 destroyed
B5N Kate: 15 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed, 4 damaged
 
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Day Air attack on TF at 93,90
 
Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 23
A6M3a Zero x 12
B5N Kate x 15
 
Allied aircraft
Seafire x 16
F4F-4 Wildcat x 97
 
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 14 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 11 destroyed
B5N Kate: 14 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
Seafire: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 13 destroyed, 4 damaged
 
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Day Air attack on TF at 93,90
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 4
B5N Kate x 12
 
Allied aircraft
Seafire x 11
F4F-4 Wildcat x 40
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 4 destroyed
B5N Kate: 5 destroyed, 2 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
Seafire: 1 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 8 destroyed, 1 damaged
 
Allied Ships
CV Indomitable
 
Aircraft Attacking:
 2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
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Day Air attack on TF at 93,90
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 8
B5N Kate x 12
 
Allied aircraft
Seafire x 15
F4F-4 Wildcat x 76
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 6 destroyed
B5N Kate: 11 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
Seafire: 3 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 9 destroyed, 7 damaged
 
Allied Ships
CV Essex
 
Aircraft Attacking:
 1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
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Day Air attack on TF at 93,90
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 11
B5N Kate x 21
 
Allied aircraft
Seafire x 15
F4F-4 Wildcat x 67
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 8 destroyed
B5N Kate: 15 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
Seafire: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 7 destroyed
 
Allied Ships
DD Stanly
CV Wasp
 
Aircraft Attacking:
 2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 
Day Air attack on TF at 90,91
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M3a Zero x 21
 
Allied aircraft
Seafire x 6
F4F-4 Wildcat x 29
SBD Dauntless x 21
Barracuda x 8
TBF Avenger x 29
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 6 destroyed, 1 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 destroyed, 3 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 6 damaged
Barracuda: 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger: 1 destroyed, 12 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho
CVL Shoho, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire
CVL Ryujo, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage Ammo Storage explosion...Sinks
 
Aircraft Attacking:
 3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 2 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 1 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 2 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x Barracuda launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
 4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
 3 x Barracuda launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 93,90
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 14
B5N Kate x 2
 
Allied aircraft
Seafire x 8
F4F-4 Wildcat x 37
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 11 destroyed
B5N Kate: 2 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged