Pauk's corner: sake break for Japanese fanboys

[PzB74]

So Andy went for PM/GG as suspected!
Too bad you don't have KB close by...it's extremely important to hit the enemy in early 43!
You still got superior units.

My advice: Fight Andy's invasion with ALL you got! No retreats, no withdrawals - just like the real samurais
would have done [:D]

Move in as many troops/supplies you can to GG/PM and order your fleets to sortie at full speed.
In a week or so Andy's carriers will be low on supplies/fuel and be vulnerable. They will have to stick around to
protect transports. Even if he captures GG he will not be able to put a lot of ac there.

This may sound like a logistical nightmare, but if you give Andy one small tip of PNG he will jump all over the
place during the next 6 months [:@]

[Honda]

Yeah! Gather your CVs and hit the enemy with LBA. When CVs get to the zone of ops LRCAP them from a few differnet bases so as to avoid puting all eggs in one basket (that way weather won't play a crutial role). Even if Andy takes GG or PM or both counterattacck with all you got!

[pauk]

Paukashawa-san will try to do the best. However, situation is very critical and PM is just about to fall. Andy becomes methodical player and he learns how to overcommit forces - no less than four division are involved in PM invasion! So, we are ready to lose PM and Gili Gili eventually, but we already start to preparing for counter attack.



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/22/43

What a turn!




PNG

As expected enemy shows at the PM Riviera and endless river of American tourists starts to flow into this lovely city with touch of colonial charm. But before they took their positions, mines suprised him:


TF 1017 encounters mine field at Port Moresby (53,91)

Allied Ships
DD Panther, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Witte de With, Mine hits 1, on fire

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

TF 1042 encounters mine field at Port Moresby (53,91)

Allied Ships
DMS Hopkins
DMS Hovey
DMS Southard
DD Gwin, Mine hits 1, on fire

Andy really puts pressure on Port Moresby, and his bombardment runs were quite efficient. PM is closed.


Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 53,91

Allied Ships
BB Warspite
CL Hobart
CL De Ruyter
CL Leander
BB Revenge

Japanese ground losses:
186 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 15
Port hits 3
Port supply hits 3

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

Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 53,91

Allied Ships
CL Boise
CL Helena
CA Wichita
CA Chicago
BB New Mexico
BB Tennessee
BB Pennsylvania
BB West Virginia

Japanese ground losses:
297 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 35
Port hits 8
Port supply hits 12

Then mines carnage continues. Unfortunatly, no critical damage to his precious ships...

TF 1022 encounters mine field at Port Moresby (53,91)

Allied Ships
DD Brooks
DD Kilty
DD Barker
AO Kanawha, Mine hits 1, on fire
AD Whitney, Mine hits 1, on fire
DD Stewart

Which can not be said for poor Lamson....

TF 1059 encounters mine field at Port Moresby (53,91)

Allied Ships
DD Cummings
DD Fanning
DD Dunlap
DD Lamson, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Wilson
DD Case

Numerous MSW didn't prevent lovely mines to find their way to enemy transports, but there was no real devil in their kisses...

TF 1070 encounters mine field at Port Moresby (53,91)

Allied Ships
MSW Kingfisher
MSW Token
MSW Strive
MSW Sheldrake
MSW Motive
MSW Herald
APD Stringham
DD Clark
AK Crux, Mine hits 1, on fire
AP Heywood, Mine hits 1


Allied ground losses:
33 casualties reported

In the noon phase, enemy BBs bombarded PM again - i've included only the most powerful run. It was enough for destroying my supply reserves...

Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 53,91

Allied Ships
CL Boise
CL Helena
CA Wichita
CA Chicago
BB New Mexico
BB Tennessee
BB Pennsylvania
BB West Virginia

Japanese ground losses:
136 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 14
Port hits 3
Port supply hits 2

And, touring to PM begins....

TF 1070 encounters mine field at Port Moresby (53,91)

TF 1070 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 53,91

Allied Ships
MSW Kingfisher
MSW Token
MSW Strive
MSW Sheldrake
MSW Motive
MSW Herald
DD Vendetta
DD Clark
AK Shaula, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Crosby
DD Hull, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Prusa, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kennison
DD Balch
AK William E. Channing, Mine hits 1
AP Koolama, Mine hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
APD Stringham
DD Vampire
DD Voyager
AK Thomas A. Edison, Mine hits 1, on fire
AK Robert H. Harrison, Mine hits 1

Allied ground losses:
135 casualties reported

Coastal Guns at Port Moresby, 53,91, firing at TF 1070
208 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
DD Balch
MSW Kingfisher
DD Voyager


Allied ground losses:
1879 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 2

By the end of the day, more than 20 K enemy men were disembarked and well dug on PM beaches...

Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7526 troops, 28 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 296

Defending force 20726 troops, 243 guns, 69 vehicles, Assault Value = 971


Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Over the PM skies, pilots from G2 Genzan daitai (Zero) and 64th Ftr Sentai (crack Tojos with 96 exp!) fought valiant battle against American groups from CVEs (i guess) they shot down 21 fighters for the loss of one Tojo pilot and two Zero pilots...

I've decided to risk and rest these brave pilots....

SRA

You may ask yourself why i included boring training program report (near Palembang) in such eventfull turn..



Day Air attack on No. 101 RN Base Force, at 19,57

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 96
D3A Val x 8
A6M3a Zero x 51
B5N Kate x 8
G4M1 Betty x 27
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 10
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 77

No Japanese losses

THAT'S WHY! This sneaky Scot send Lex and Ilustrious 180 miles northeast of Batavia and found my repelnishment fleet at Batavia! What a play by gods of Fortune. Just couple of days before my light CV TF (Junyo, Shoho and Hosho were near Merak!). I had sub picket line near map so he was able to sneak close to my lines without being spoted. 13 Nells and 9 Emilys weren't enough to spot enemy fleet....


Day Air attack on TF, near Batavia at 19,59

Allied aircraft
Seafire x 24
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
SBD Dauntless x 34
TBF Avenger x 14
Avenger I x 12

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
TBF Avenger: 4 damaged
Avenger I: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
AO Iro, Bomb hits 3, on fire
AO Erimo
AO Shiriya, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Akikaze, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AO Sata, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AO Notoro, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Namikaze
AO Shiretoko, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

All these ships are now disbanded into Batavia port and should survive. As you will see this was actually luck for me... enemy planes attacked my light CV division (Junyo is detached and docked in Singapore - what a pitty!) without spoting my ships (radar?)


Day Air attack on TF at 21,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
Seafire x 23
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Seafire: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 2 destroyed, 10 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVE Hosho

Fortunatly, no bomb founds my light carriers...retaliation strike founds enemy CVs and you can imagine my hapiness when one of last 4 Kates puts torp in British ship...damn, it was a dude...phew!

Day Air attack on TF at 17,57

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 10
B5N Kate x 16

Allied aircraft
Seafire x 29
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 7 destroyed
B5N Kate: 10 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Seafire: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Illustrious, Torpedo hits 1
CV Yorktown

I believe that enemy CVs will run away from the hornest nest... but the question is: will he run away from Palembang (east, southwest) or Batavia (east, nortwest)?

Paukashiwa-san (another Pauk's nephew) decided to concentrate his air force at Batavia and deliver powerful strike against enemy CVs in the area.

[String]

a dud you mean?

[pauk]

n
grrr... accidentaly erased almost finished report.... so let the picture and classic CR speaks!


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/23/43






TF 1070 encounters mine field at Port Moresby (53,91)

TF 1070 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 53,91


Allied Ships
MSW Kingfisher
MSW Token
MSW Strive
MSW Sheldrake
MSW Motive
MSW Herald
DD Clark
APD Stringham
DD Balch
DD Vendetta
DD Vampire
AP Koolama, Mine hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kennison
DD Crosby
DD Hull, on fire, heavy damage
DD Voyager


Allied ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Coastal Guns at Port Moresby, 53,91, firing at TF 1070
110 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CA Portland
DD Clark
DD Vendetta
DD Voyager
DD Balch, Shell hits 1
AK Sabik, Shell hits 1
DD Vampire
AK Zaurak

Japanese ground losses:
18 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
2197 casualties reported


Four enemy TFs (including British and Australian ships) keep pounding PM.

Enemy unloading over beach at Goodenough island, Woodlark Island and Kiriwina Island



TF 1070 encounters mine field at Port Moresby (53,91)

TF 1070 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 53,91


Allied Ships
MSW Kingfisher
MSW Token
MSW Strive
MSW Sheldrake
MSW Motive
MSW Herald
DD Crosby
APD Stringham
DD Clark
AK Stephen M. White, Mine hits 1
DD Kennison
DD Balch
AK Prusa, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Malda, Mine hits 1, on fire
DD Vendetta
DD Vampire
DD Voyager


Allied ground losses:
24 casualties reported

Coastal Guns at Port Moresby, 53,91, firing at TF 1070
120 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
DD Vendetta
DD Vampire
DD Voyager
AK Brastagi, Shell hits 2, heavy damage
DD Clark
CA Portland
DD Balch

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
1841 casualties reported

Again not well coordinated strike from enemy carriers. Will try to engage them tomorrow over PM skies...

Day Air attack on Shuzan Naval Guard Unit, at 53,91


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2
TBF Avenger x 6


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 1 damaged
----------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 85th Naval Guard Unit, at 53,91


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
SBD Dauntless x 193
Swordfish x 8
TBF Avenger x 68
Avenger I x 43


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged
TBF Avenger: 1 damaged
Avenger I: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
140 casualties reported
----------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 133rd IJN Base Force, at 53,91


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
TBF Avenger x 12


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 1 damaged


Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed


Allied Ships
BB Tennessee, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
---------------------------------------------------------

Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed


Allied Ships
AK Brastagi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Oh, does it mean that Army pilots are dumber than their Navy colleagues?

Day Air attack on TF at 52,93

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 3

Allied aircraft
Seafire x 23
F4F-4 Wildcat x 158

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 damaged

No luck there....

Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 2

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Colorado

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

This went better than i was hoped. Will buy couple of days more


Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 40261 troops, 593 guns, 118 vehicles, Assault Value = 1571

Defending force 12005 troops, 27 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 278

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 8

Allied max assault: 906 - adjusted assault: 567

Japanese max defense: 150 - adjusted defense: 537

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 8)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 8


Japanese ground losses:
325 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

Allied ground losses:
491 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Vehicles lost 6


SRA

Of course my LBA from Batavia didnt find enemy carriers fleeing west. Although Emilies from Merak spoted enemy CVs, my planes remains stood down... phew!

[PzB74]

Keep up the good work Pauk! [:)]

Try to damage as many of his ships as possible and delay his eventual build up in the area.
As soon as Andy got a foothold in the Solomons and PNG he will slowly roll into Lae and invade
New Britain by early 44 - all under a massive LBA umbrella.

How quickly can the KB return to the area around PM?
The quickest route would be a quick sprint to Timor and then down south between Oz and PNG?
Do you need to visit Kendari or Balikpapan to refuel the KB?

The best would be to concentrate them, but half seems to be enroute from Truk already?
Be careful and not loose them piecemeal.

In UV I counter-attacked at Woodlark and prevented the enemy from capturing it. Much about the same timeline
as in your AAR. Do you have a strategic Army Reserve and transports at Truk that can achieve this?

You are about to venture into a very busy period of the game....I'm almost a spent force after a full day of
heavy fighting [;)]

[kkoovvoo]

deleted (post belonged to other forum)

[kkoovvoo]

deleted (post belonged to other forum)

[pauk]

Yes, I agree with you PzB so Zmukler-go evaluated to the new plan: we will try to inflict as much damage to enemy as we can, and then comit powerful counter attack on PM with army bombers from Lae while LBA will look for the enemy ships. Meanwhile, KB will gather and try to engage enemy CVs on favourable terms, or, keep PM cut off from Australia...

Well you are right about quickest route /via Torres strait/ - this thought crossed my mind when i sent KB to Truk month ago after unsuccessfull raiding mission in Indian ocean - when I saw that Andy sent his CV bombers on ground mission (Primary!)... KB would be easily destroy his carriers, me thinks....

Zuikaku&Kongo will reach Truk in a week, Shokaku and Junyo too. Sent light carrier division towards Truk too (they are near Kuching now)... Akagi is in Shangai but i will sent her next turn to Truk too.

Other carriers are near Admirality islands now (some 180 miles NE) and will be used wisely.
From your AAR it seems that is better to fight there and NOW than in 1944... crucial moments in Zmukler will be land based Corsairs - this is PDU game....

I just finished my turn and will post happenings latter. A very interesting turn again!

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/24/43


Port Moresby will fall tomorrow, but soldiers didn't gave up without a single bullet shot. My Army and Naval pilots in joint action were responsible for causing headache to Andy.

enemy is still unloading at PM - i guess that are support units, Sea bees and aviation suppport...

TF 1070 encounters mine field at Port Moresby (53,91)

TF 1070 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 53,91

Allied Ships
MSW Kingfisher
MSW Token
MSW Strive
MSW Sheldrake
MSW Motive
MSW Herald
DD Kennison
DD Crosby
APD Stringham
DD Vampire
DD Voyager
DD Clark
DD Hull, heavy damage
DD Balch
AK William L. Garrison, Mine hits 1, on fire
DD Vendetta

Allied ground losses:
19 casualties reported

Coastal Guns at Port Moresby, 53,91, firing at TF 1070
43 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
DD Vampire
DD Balch, Shell hits 1, on fire
AP Empire Pride
DD Clark
DD Voyager
AK Pierre S. Dupont
AP Esperance Bay, Shell hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
1576 casualties reported


TF 1070 encounters mine field at Port Moresby (53,91)

TF 1070 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 53,91

Allied Ships
MSW Kingfisher
MSW Token
MSW Strive
MSW Sheldrake
MSW Motive
MSW Herald
DD Kennison
APD Stringham
DD Voyager
DD Clark
AK Malda, Mine hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Crosby
DD Vendetta
AP William Ward Burrows, Mine hits 1
DD Vampire
DD Balch


Allied ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

Coastal Guns at Port Moresby, 53,91, firing at TF 1070
48 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
DD Voyager
AK William E. Channing
DD Balch
AP Barnett, Shell hits 1


Allied ground losses:
983 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

I sent mega-ASW TF to subs nest near Admirality islands. Unfortunatly didn't have a single DD to spare for ASW and my aux ships were unable to inflict significant damage to enemy sub.

ASW attack at 58,86

Japanese Ships
MSW Atsu Maru
MSW Kyo Maru #1
MSW Kaiyo Maru #1
MSW Hinode Maru #18
PG Santos Maru
PC Ch 2
PC Shonon Maru #11
PG Myoken Maru
PC Shonon Maru #10
PG Tamo Maru #6
PG Kongosan Maru
PG Kogyoku Maru
PG Heijo Maru
PC Showa Maru #3
PC Shonon Maru #15
PG Shotoku Maru
PG Koei Maru

Allied Ships
SS Drum, hits 5

Andy sent lots of planes to attack my ground units at PM. Fortunatly for me, Lae was open and 42 IJA/IJN pilots intercepted enemy planes from the CVEs.

Day Air attack on Shuzan Naval Guard Unit, at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
A6M3 Zero x 14
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 10

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 23
TBF Avenger x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 23 destroyed
TBF Avenger: 12 destroyed

In this encounter, i lost two 2 Tojos and one A6M2 - 23 enemy fighters and 12 torpedo bombers are lost!

Then comes a second wave, from the main enemy CV TF. I lost 20 planes but enemy loses were even bigger!

Day Air attack on 85th Naval Guard Unit, at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3 Zero x 14
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 9

Allied aircraft
Seafire x 17
F4F-4 Wildcat x 27
SBD Dauntless x 190
Swordfish x 8
TBF Avenger x 66
Avenger I x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 14 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Seafire: 8 destroyed, 1 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 20 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 23 destroyed, 10 damaged
Swordfish: 2 destroyed
TBF Avenger: 8 destroyed, 5 damaged
Avenger I: 2 destroyed, 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
160 casualties reported

Excellent results - F1/2 Daitai (Zeros) lost 15 pilots and achived 16 kills and the bad thing they were veterans (78) but their colleagues from F2 Daitai (Zero) achived 40 kills for a cost of one pilot! 70th Ftr Sentai (Tojo) actually lost 4 pilots and shot down 39 enemy planes.... SAMURAI!


Now following CRs shows how important is to listen more experienced players (if i could do that all the times i would be a good player:). My small LBA detachments attacked the enemy:


Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged

First two strikes went without success....

Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 6 destroyed

But then, enemy CVE was heavily hit and sunk little latter...

Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 7 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Suwannee, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage SINKS!

Several more small strikes were executed and in one i get lucky..


Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed
-----------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 2

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
BC Repulse

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet

BB Californija gets three torps, but i think only two caused damage...


Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 11

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 4 destroyed, 3 damaged


Allied Ships
BB California, Torpedo hits 3, on fire
BB Colorado

I think that this strike was with recruit pilots, so no hits achived...

Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 12

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed, 6 damaged


Allied Ships
AK Sabik
CA Portland
APD Stringham

In the last strike, four Betties attacked AP President Coolidge (Torpedo hits 1, on fire).

My counterattack at Kiriwina failed due to lack of supplies. Allies captures Wooldark islands but my forces will disembark next turn and hopefully retake the base.

Ground combat at Kiriwina Island

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 3113 troops, 17 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 100

Defending force 330 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 13

Japanese max assault: 162 - adjusted assault: 4

Allied max defense: 10 - adjusted defense: 5

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
64 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Port Moresby will fall next turn - there is nothing i can do about it.


Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 53722 troops, 697 guns, 135 vehicles, Assault Value = 1551

Defending force 11036 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 238

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 7

Allied max assault: 2256 - adjusted assault: 2080

Japanese max defense: 132 - adjusted defense: 341

Allied assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 7)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 2


Japanese ground losses:
401 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Allied ground losses:
261 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
Vehicles lost 4


IMPERIAL HQ NEWSHEET

We identified following CVs in the area near PM: Enterprise, Yorktown, Essex, Saratoga, Indomitable and CVE Nassau, Sangoman. Still remain unclear where are Formidable and Hornet...

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/25/43

Port Moresby fall to enemy. Other than that pretty quiet turn. I've decided to rest my planes due to bad weather. Also i expected that Andy would withdraw his TFs from the PM which exactly happens. Now i can see what PzB meant with "lots of micromanagment", my hands are full with moving reinforcemnets to first line bases, countering Andy's raiders on PNG islands, regrouping air groups, bringing supply, moving my fleets etc....

However, cant say that i like it - i was tired of waiting and was happy to see action finally. No matter of outcome, rather than winning i enjoy in good fight. And I can give a credit to Andy, was afraid he would wait for late 43.

No matter what will happens in the future, i'm almost glad to see Andy in PNG/Solomons area, rather than Marshalls. Once when Marshalls are lost, enemy posses the shortiest route to Japan. In the PNG/Solomons, the enemy have to fortify his position first, than attack and conquere them. One thing is for sure, the hard days are in front of me....






Coastal Guns at Woodlark Island, 59,94, firing at TF 106
TF 106 troops unloading over beach at Woodlark Island, 59,94


4 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
377 casualties reported



Ground combat at 40,35

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 19376 troops, 329 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2982

Defending force 100406 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2395

Allied ground losses:
118 casualties reported


Ground combat at 37,33 - 60 miles south of Yunan.

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 46723 troops, 524 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 1007

Defending force 9109 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 325

Japanese max assault: 978 - adjusted assault: 1060

Allied max defense: 223 - adjusted defense: 34

Japanese assault odds: 31 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
478 casualties reported
Guns lost 18
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
162 casualties reported


Ground combat at 39,32- 60 miles east of Yunan.

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 13660 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 485

Defending force 21007 troops, 181 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 430

Allied max assault: 878 - adjusted assault: 60

Japanese max defense: 420 - adjusted defense: 65

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
148 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
470 casualties reported

Airfield should remain closed closed (more than 80 % damage before Allies attacked)...

Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 57301 troops, 685 guns, 134 vehicles, Assault Value = 1511

Defending force 10589 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 208

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Allied max assault: 2242 - adjusted assault: 1171

Japanese max defense: 132 - adjusted defense: 209

Allied assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 1)

Allied forces CAPTURE Port Moresby base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
642 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses:
651 casualties reported
Guns lost 25
Vehicles lost 3


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

[PzB74]

Well done Pauk! You inflicted quite a few casualties on the enemy [:)]
In my game I actually never captured PM since I went East instead...

Some hard facts:

1. Port Moresby will reamin in Allied hands for the rest of the war
2. Port Moresby will be used as a stepping stone for enemy expansion in Solomons/PNG.
3. It will become very difficult to keep Lae/Buna in supply and troops there will be decimated by enemy LBA.

From now on it's all about delaying Andy as much as possible and performing counter-strikes wherever/whenever possible.
It may be necessary to 'sacrifice' a strong contingent of LCUs to block the enemy at Lae/Buna/Gili Gili for as long as possible.

What is the status of Hollandia/Wewak/Hansa/Noemfoor etc?
It takes a lot of time and effort to raise size 9 forts here, but these bases are still a thorn in Andys side in my game.

The biggest threat - as I see it - is an Allied expansion towards Saigon and Singapore. If this happens the flow of oil and resources
will grind to a halt. You face different challenges than I'm used to, fighting on 2 fronts..!

1.) Delay in the South and prepare a main line of  resistance from the SRA to the Marianas with defenses in depth.
2.) Prevent the fall of Malay and southern Burma in the North (not optional;)

What is your views/plans regarding this Pauk?

I'm convinced superior Bushido spirit will prevail! [;)]

[pauk]

An excellent analysis! So, there is no hope to keep PM closed (combined action from bombers KB and BB bombardment TF(s)?

- Wewak(AF lvl 5) and Siador(4) are expanded. My engineers currently building forts there (both are at lvl 4). Rest bases in the rear arent expanded yet - two contigents of eng are on their way to Holandia. My first operational base in the rear of the Wevak is Sorong (4).

I found one problem with NG bases - i don't have enough troops to keep them well guarded. So we are going to see what will future offer.

Allied expansion to Burma/Malaya was my biggest fear so i think i have more than decend defence there:

Rangoon - 4 divisions (Imperial, 3th, 9th, 33th div); two tk rtgs

Mandalay - 55th division

Bangkok - 4th mix bde

Three more tk rtgs are on the Burma road - it's important to keep it closed.

In 17 days 31st division arrives in Shangai as BAA reinforcement.

All bases from Mandalay to Victoria Point have level 9 fortifications.

NOTE: you may noticed couple of units desperatly trying to escape from encirclement near Changsha/Chengtu (in my last screenshot attached in AAR). If i manage to move those units (two divisions and one bde) i will re-assign them to BAA (less PP have to be spend because they arent at full strentgh:). This will relase IMG and perhaps even 38th division (Singapore) from eastern front and i could send them to Pacific/PNG or Australia.

In Malaya, other than 38th division i have 23th Mix bde (guarding Georgetown and Alor star) and 3rd tk division (Singapore - 56% of TOE)

So, i should say that i'm safe there - for now.

Java - two bdes

Australia - 5 inf division, tank division (65 %) and couple of tk rtgs + few smaller units

Marshalls - two divisions, South sea detachment and several NG units.

That leaves me in Solomons/PNG two divisions and two bdes.

In short, i think i have fullfied your 2nd order. How to achive 1st, it remains unclear[;)] (just kidding)

currently i have more than 4K of PP but i'm still waiting to see what will happen in China - as you know i have troubles with Konichiwa-go (capturing of the Kumning and Yunan) but i don't want to give up just like that - these two bases would make enemy advance to Burma from north almost impossible!

I'm gambling i know, but as long i have KB intact and as long we didn't reach middle of 1943 the enemy can't hurt our Empire!

[PzB74]

I would say no: not for an extended period of time! Close PM and allied engineers will reopen it in no time.
Andy got 100s of transports on Oz that can resupply the base, and be sure that he brought enough in the first place.

You will need 6-8 divisions to re-capture PM, not counting Allied reinforcements. So it's time to look ahead and
forget about PM. Hitting the enemy supply train is a good alternative though [:)]

Andy will bypass your strongpoints, so it's a thankless job to garrison PNG.
With PDU on you can make him pay dearly for all his advanced. Be patient - unlike me - and keep the KB operational...and
away from LBA [8|] In 1944 you have to keep the away from all enemy presence in genreal [:D]

Sounds like Burma/Malaya are well covered [:)]
Are you planning a gradual evacuation of Oz...?
These troops will eventually be needed in the Marianas/Palau.

[Honda]

This is all valid, but don't you think it would be wise to unleash an air offensive while you still have the might in order to gain air superiority over southern NG. Then, gather what forces you can and invade PM. If nothing, it's a chance to lure out his CVs for a face-off with KB before Hellcat arrives. You don't even have to make any landings if the forces you manage to gather for the operation are insufficent. It's enough to make Andy think that the only way to save his expensive enterprize in NG is to commit his CVs in a battle against KB before he planed it in the first place. Perhaps something to think about?[&:]

[pauk]

PzB, you have to ask unpleasent questions, do you?[;)]

I'm not sure what to do with Australia. My strategy plan was to capture and secure SRA - that's why i went for northern Australia (NOTE TO ALL READERS: this is now, officially recognized Independent State of Aborigians[:D]*)

- no enemy bombers can reach SRA and no offensive can be conducted while i'm controling ISA). That was one of my fears too... it is way too easy for Allied offensive from north Australia-Timor-Java or Kendari or Amboina).

So i don't plan to evacuate troops from there in the near future. But once when the tide turns (middle of 1943) it will be extremely hard to avoid these troops being cut off - i would be happy that i can hold my perimeter there untill 1944. Then i would gladly evacuate troops...

However, i have to think about that - i lost both West (Perth) and East gate (PM) so my position is not perfectly secure as it was before.... but if i evacuate ISA i would give a call to Andy for a new route to SRA... catch 22, eh?

Palaus and Marians will be, somehow, reinforced... i will found troops somewhere i have to do it - i learned that from your AAR...

I will try to preserve KB - even in late 43 or early 44 i have mission for them - this is a top secret mission called "Cuning-go", the cuniest plan of all times. Lets hope that Cuning-go isn't the worst idea since Abraham Lincon said, "I'm bored, let's go to the theatre"[:D]

HONDA:

i never intented to re-invade PM, but your thoughts about air offensive against PM is what i have on my mind. That is why i moving crack/veterans units to PNG.

I will try to inflict serious wounds to enemy Air force - however, i'm aware that Corsairs will show in PM quickly.... but as long as i keep pressure on PM Andy would be tied down in that particular area.

*) For those who asked themselfs who recognised Independent State of Aborigians: Japan, Germany, Italy...etc[:D]

[PzB74]

Go ahead - I'm just afraid that the long distances from Lae and Rabaul will cost your Air Force dearly...
If Andy moves in Corsairs your'll be toast - they're most horrific opponents.

Sorry Pauk [:D] You still got a good year ahead of you, only in the latter half of 43 will things start to get nasty.
BUT I used ca 15 div worth of troops in the Palaus/Marianas. Can you scrounge that many? The 6 in Oz are also needed for
Ambonia, Kendari, Timor, Balkipapan, Menando, Davao etc [:'(] Building defenses from Lunga to Takao is a logistical nightmare of
mega proportions! I released ALL construction units and placed them in ALL bases from Rabaul to Manila...just to see Andy para drop
in and destroy the forts before I could man them all

My grand plans are usually sabotaged by some minor fluke ala this:
[font="comic sans ms"]
Melchett: Unhappily Blackadder, the Lord High Executioner is dead.[/font]
[font="comic sans ms"]Baldrik: Oh woe ! Murdered of course.[/font]
[font="comic sans ms"]Melchett: No, oddly enough no. They usually are but this one just got careless one night and signed his name on the wrong dotted line.
They came for him while he slept.[/font] [:D]

[ctangus]

Hi Pauk,

I'm an AFB but since you seem like a nice guy I'll post my 2 cents. [:)] I think you're committing too much to Australia. I have a smiliar game ongoing (late Jan 43 - Japs hold all of N australia but Darwin). I would be extremely happy if my opponent had 6 divs (or even 3) in Australia. Sooner or later I'll bypass or take those bases. (Slightly easier in my game than in yours since I do hold Darwin).

I can say, however, Japanese in N Australia are not a big concern for me and the more forces he puts into that POW camp, the better, as far as I'm concerned.

I'd suggest leaving a Div in Darwin, some naval infantry in the other N Australia bases and evacing all the rest to more important locations.

Whatever you do, good luck, and I'll continue to enjoy your AAR. [:)]

[pauk]

hi ctangus! Although you are AFB is nice to see you here![:)]

That's exactly my fears too - expecially now when East gate (PM) is under Allied control. I think i will start to evacuate my troops, but not all of them - leaving at least a division in each ISA base to convince Andy that i will defend newborn ISA to the last man!



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/26/43


PNG


Enemy ships returns to Port Moresby. However, one more enemy AP is in danger due to mines. It helps when you place 7 K mines, that is for sure!

TF 1070 encounters mine field at Port Moresby (53,91)

Allied Ships
MSW Kingfisher
MSW Token
MSW Strive
MSW Sheldrake
MSW Motive
MSW Herald
DD Kennison
AP Empire Tamar, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Vampire
DD Voyager


Allied ground losses:
56 casualties reported

Small bunch of enemy troops unloading at Buna - i will respond in same way moving few men via air tranport in Buna. I'm not worried about that so much, these missions have just one goal - diverting my antentions and resources!

TF 1086 troops unloading over beach at Buna, 55,90

Allied ground losses:
40 casualties reported

Enemy TF founds my sub near Cairns which waited for cripples. First and second ASW attack went good for my I-men, but third one was crucial. Salute for the brave Japanese sailors!

ASW attack at 50,97

Japanese Ships
SS I-10, hits 13, heavy damage

Allied Ships
AO Neosho
AO Neches
AO Cuyama
DMS Hovey
DMS Southard
DD Rathburne
DD Kane
DD Hatfield
DD Gilmer
DD Brooks
DD Kilty
DD Crane
APD Stringham
DD Paladin

Something is unclear to me. I have enough situations where i thought AF is closed. Now same happens with PM - i don't think that enemy engineers can repair AF in short phase after the base is captured. I asked few times is possible that ac will fly even when is AF is closed down but never got the answer...

Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 17
Ki-21 Sally x 50
Ki-46-III Dinah x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
Boomerang II x 9
Brewster 339D x 4
Kittyhawk I x 5
P-38G Lightning x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 9 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 9 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 3 destroyed, 6 damaged
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 6 destroyed
Boomerang II: 8 destroyed
Brewster 339D: 5 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 4 destroyed
P-38G Lightning: 6 destroyed, 17 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 5 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 1 destroyed
CW-22 Falcon: 1 destroyed
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
322 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 44

at 11000 feet

You may say it wasn't bad trade for me (46 enemy planes destroyed to my 25 in total) but i consider it as strategic defeat - i lost 9 crack Tojo pilots (90+) and 9 Zeros (total 21 ac lost in A2A). Enemy lost 25 planes in A2A (7 Boomerangs,6 P-38G, 5 Wildcats, 4 Brewsters and 3Kittyhawks) and 21 more on the ground.


As I expected i re-took Woodlark islands and 293 men of the 3rd Aus division becomes POW.

CHINA


Ground combat at 40,35

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 19457 troops, 333 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3012

Defending force 100402 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2391

Allied ground losses:
22 casualties reported



Ground combat at 37,33 - 60 miles south from Yunan. I've underestimated chinese strength...

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 24166 troops, 250 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 981

Defending force 8855 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 307

Japanese max assault: 431 - adjusted assault: 115

Allied max defense: 198 - adjusted defense: 73

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
254 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

Allied ground losses:
104 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Paukashawa-san imperial thoughts

I believe that Paukashawa was already introduced to the audience as a nephew of Great general Pauk[:D] - he is CiC of PNG/Solomons area. So, this war can't be losed[:'(]

Here is a situation after the last turn:



What I have to have on my mind:

1. the Allies spoted my CV divisions with damned B-24, that is for sure.
2. Allied CV fleet can turn by 180 degrees and intervene next turn.


Now, what to do?

1. I can repeat bombing of PM airfield, but this time with much more fighters as close support (i do not fear of Corsairs because even if he moved them in they will be quite fatigued). This will, hopefully destroy enemy CAP ability to defend transports at PM and my LBA could find and deliver several kisses to the enemy ships!

2. Same plan as above - in adition i could sent KB 5 (only Vals will attack enemy ships) hexes from PM or 4 (Kates would join my DBs). This would erase enemy fleet presence at the PM, but also could mean catastrophe if Andy bring back his carriers back to PM area! This is one of examples when i also think that Andy is psyhic - my carriers come late ony by one day!

3. based on presumptions that he will decide for #3 his choice (see Andys posibilities down on the page), i can keep KB near Siador and relase my Naval Samurais on the sweep over the PM instead of moving KB closer to PM. Rest is the same as #1.


Now, what Andy can do?

1. bring back CVs (because he is aware of my carriers) - they arent expend their sorties and it is questionable how much planes he lost in PM operations (not much, between 20-40). But what he doesn't know is that i don't have all CVs in the area so i would say he count on all of them... and I think he wont push luck any further - he got what he want so don't think he would risk again (but what if he decides to risk - he is madman![;)]). That leads to the other options:

2. Withdrawing tranports and perhaps even planes from PM and just waiting couple of days until PM becomes fully operational. This is a safest variant and he don't have much to lose. In that case, i would achive almost nothing.

3. He could, fooled by my recent behaviour with carriers (didn't risk them never before) just send more fighters to PM (even those groups from carriers) to deal with my army and naval bombers - not a bad idea for me but this would require totally different plan from my side (see Paukashawa thoughts #3)[:D]

It is simple, right[:'(][8|]? I just wanted to share with community what Japan commanders have to face in the middle of the war. It is different than at the start of the game because if I choose wrong decision i can forget about inflicting serious damage to the Allies latter. I have only one chance and have to choose right choice... but how?

[jumper]

Hi Pauk,
nice to see some action finally.. [:)] Not a nice one for japs, but definitively an ACTION [;)]

Not an easy task for you and your nephew (good idea to put someone another in charge in this mess. At least you will have someone to punish if he fails.. I suppose he is not one of your favourite nephews..[;)])

If you will decide to keep bombing PM, you might sent your crack daitais/sentais to sweep instead of escort misson. Escort mission are for regulars only IMO. Also you could move your CVs to Lae, from where they could attack shipping in PM and your CAP could be improved by land based fighters..
I think you should fight as hard and as long as possible. Now you have 4divisions + support units in single malaria base far away from their friends. The base is not fully operational. You have several good bases there so you dont have to have all eggs in one basket (but he has to). I think he will not move his 4E monsters there till the AF will be save and lvl 5 . You are loosing planes and good pilots, but your bombers are getting through hitting his forces on ground. You should be able to keep the pressure until the KB is reunited and ready to cover BBs bomber runs..
Just one possibility.. I lost PM a few months ago and it was disaster for the whole region.. Once I gave up the fight and PM became fully operational, my losses were horrific all around. Once your nephew will decide to stop attacks against PM, be sure he has already evacuated everything worth of it from its vicinage..




btw you have 199 AC in your TF 158 + 36 float planes. Optimum is not to have more then 200 AC in one TF to avoid troubles, but is it WITH or WITHOUT float planes? It seem you know the answer.. Will you share it, please [&:]



good luck!!!