Iron Storm II - According to 1EyedJacks and Walkerd

[1EyedJacks]

Hi all,

February 17, 1942 saw fierce carrier combat near Palau. Chinese are invading Indo-China, and duffus 1EyedJacks lets 3 ships get skuttled in Haiphong...

So to set the scene @ Palau, on the 16th of February It was reported that 2 CAs were west of Palau sailing in a southernly direction. So of course I have to go investigate this with mini-KB...

Darren springs his attack with a little sub warfare - mining the port of Palau - what a sneaky fellow he is...[:'(][:'(][:'(]

[1EyedJacks]

Oh - some mines - I wonder how they got here?

[1EyedJacks]

And then the wicked British attack my Port Palau - what naughty little fellows they are - [:D][:D][:D]

Day Air attack on Palau , at 51,68

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 12
F4F-3 Wildcat x 21
SBD Dauntless x 68

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane: 6 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 10 destroyed, 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 45 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Hakone Maru, Bomb hits 1
BB Fuso, Bomb hits 7, on fire
AP Hasuna Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Kanko Maru, Bomb hits 1
AK Nittai Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Arashio, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Tarushima Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
17 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
17 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
17 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet

[1EyedJacks]

Not satisfied with attacking ships @ Port Palau, the British go after mini-KB in spite of a fierce CAP...

Day Air attack on TF at 47,70

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 73

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 25
TBD Devastator x 30
Albacore x 34

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 8 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane: 24 destroyed
TBD Devastator: 18 destroyed
Albacore: 15 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CS Mizuho
CV Soryu
CVL Unho, Torpedo hits 1
BB Amagi
CV Tairyu
BB Yamashiro

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet

[1EyedJacks]

And they attack again but the brave meatball pilots send them packing!

Day Air attack on TF at 47,70

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 39

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 14
Swordfish x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 8 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane: 5 destroyed, 4 damaged
Swordfish: 12 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Tairyu
BB Yamashiro
CV Soryu

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet

[1EyedJacks]

And then they attack again... hitting my Soryu - which makes me sorry, and pisses of the meatballs...

Day Air attack on TF at 47,70

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 35

Allied aircraft
Albacore x 22

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Albacore: 13 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CV Soryu, Torpedo hits 1
CVL Junho

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet

[1EyedJacks]

So the meatballs attack back, 27 A6M2 Zeroes cutting a hole thru 97 plane CAP of the hated limies and vent their wrath!

Day Air attack on TF at 49,68

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
D3A2 Val x 25
B5N2 Kate x 77

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 68
F4F-3 Wildcat x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 13 destroyed, 1 damaged
D3A2 Val: 6 destroyed, 13 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 31 destroyed, 15 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane: 12 destroyed, 24 damaged
F4F-3 Wildcat: 5 destroyed, 7 damaged

Allied Ships
BC Hood, Bomb hits 2
CV Illustrious, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CV Ark Royal, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 4, on fire
BB Prince of Wales

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

[1EyedJacks]

And of course if those redcoates can attack more than once then so can the meatballs...

Day Air attack on TF at 49,68

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A2 Val x 25
B5N2 Kate x 27

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 40
F4F-3 Wildcat x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed
D3A2 Val: 9 destroyed, 7 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 10 destroyed, 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
F4F-3 Wildcat: 6 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied Ships
BC Hood
CV Illustrious, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Prince of Wales, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL Glasgow
CV Ark Royal, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

[1EyedJacks]

The meatballs even toss in the kitchen sink - only to have it rejected by the redcoats...
Day Air attack on TF at 49,68

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 13

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 55
F4F-3 Wildcat x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 11 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 damaged

So the Brits get the final attack of the day in and plant a fish in the mighty Japanese Battleship Yamashiro...

Day Air attack on TF at 47,70

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 7
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9
TBD Devastator x 2
Albacore x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane: 5 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 6 destroyed
TBD Devastator: 2 damaged
Albacore: 3 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CV Tairyu
BB Yamashiro, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet

[1EyedJacks]

Moving on to Singapore, I try the navel attack command with fighters and DBs @ 100ft...

Day Air attack on TF, near Singapore at 22,51

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 34
Ki-51 Sonia x 25

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
PT TM-6
PT TM-13, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage <--TM 13 & 8 sink L8R
PT TM-8, Shell hits 16, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PT TM-10, Shell hits 4
PT TM-4, Shell hits 8
BB Canada, Shell hits 4, heavy damage
PT TM-15, Shell hits 8
PT TM-7, Shell hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar attacking at 100 feet
2 x Ki-51 Sonia attacking at 100 feet
3 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar attacking at 100 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia attacking at 100 feet
4 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar attacking at 100 feet
4 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar attacking at 100 feet
4 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar attacking at 100 feet
4 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar attacking at 100 feet
4 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar attacking at 100 feet
4 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar attacking at 100 feet
4 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar attacking at 100 feet
4 x Ki-51 Sonia attacking at 100 feet
4 x Ki-51 Sonia attacking at 100 feet
4 x Ki-51 Sonia attacking at 100 feet
4 x Ki-51 Sonia attacking at 100 feet
4 x Ki-51 Sonia attacking at 100 feet

[1EyedJacks]

And of course I lost Haiphong...

Ground combat at Haiphong

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 50524 troops, 326 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3283

Defending force 2485 troops, 14 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 22

Allied max assault: 1406 - adjusted assault: 182

Japanese max defense: 24 - adjusted defense: 12

Allied assault odds: 15 to 1 (fort level 4)

Allied forces CAPTURE Haiphong base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
223 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses:
74 casualties reported
Guns lost 5


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!


In closing out this day, I think that if I hadn't gotten very lucky and moved my little-KB west Darren would have handed me my head on a sliver plate. Also, I think he's pulled my teeth in regards to pilots... My pilot experience with KB is now pretty low as I had depleted my pool of navel pilots some time back. I told myself not to worry as I had mini-KB in reserve with pilots in the 90s... And mini-KB lost a *lot* of planes and pilots today...

Sigh! *I* think this mod should have a much larger pool of navel pilots - do you hear me Alikchi? You need to come out with Iron Storm III [:D][:D][:D]

Darren said up above that he has over a dozen CVs of various sizes... I think I did pretty good damage to the Illustrious, the Ark Royal, and the Indomitable but allied ships seem to handle damage better and *seem* to repair faster.

And I don't have many planes left to my mini-KB.

[ny59giants]

Michael,
Don't forget about the deck armor for those British CV's, except Ark Royal. [:-]
If memory serves me right it is 70 for one of those you just listed. The US CV's have around 50 while the Jap's are around 30. [&o][&o]
Unless you hit them with with torps or 800kg AP bombs, those 250kg just bounce off. [X(][X(]

[1EyedJacks]

Hi Michael (NY59Giants),

I hear you on the deck armor. I was counting torp hits.

From what I can see the Walkerd lost:

53 Sea Hurricanes
27 F4F-3
18 TBD
31 Albacore
12 Swordfish

While I lost:

36 Zeroes
15 Vals
52 Kates
13 Jakes

Walkerd lost more fighters - I lost more T&D bombers... I lost over 100 pilots here in my mini-KB. [:(]

[walkerd]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants
Send your British CV/CVL's on a raid of their own, now that KB is a week plus away from any possible intervention. The deck armor of those ships are the highest in the game (carrier wise). You need mainly to worry about torpedo carrying Betty's, but good planning can minimize the risk. Look at this attack at Pearl as an opportunity to teach Michael a lesson. I would!![:D][:D]

Well I was hunting his mini KB down with my carriers (didnt want to let the cat out of the bag). When he went to Palau I thought I would strike while he was in harbour.

A classic Midway attack. All my DB's set to port strike. Sigh.

ORIGINAL: ny59giants
I say that Pearl is defendable and needs to be made costly for any further raids. More fighters and setting your bombers to "supply transport" over their base to build their experince up to the mid-70's.

Would never use the supply transport for training. Far to gamey for me. Will set to plain old training missions.

Thanks for the input.

[walkerd]

My Midway – How not to conduct carrier battles 101

I followed mini KB back to Palau, originally hoping to catch it at sea. Realising he had retired to port I foolishly set all my DB’s to port attack. In hind site I should have kept everything set for naval and at least cleared the sea of his MSW and DD’s at sea in the Palau hex.

One CV is definitely lost but I still have over 200 aircraft and could launch more strikes. While 1Eyedjack lost a few aircraft I only had 3 torp hits. The following Combat report was what really makes it difficult.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A2 Val x 25
B5N2 Kate x 27

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 40
F4F-3 Wildcat x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed
D3A2 Val: 9 destroyed, 7 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 10 destroyed, 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
F4F-3 Wildcat: 6 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied Ships
BC Hood
CV Illustrious, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Prince of Wales, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL Glasgow
CV Ark Royal, on fire

I out number his entire strike, his fighters by 6:1 and he still gets 8 hits. Not complaining but it goes to show I cant fight him at this stage. I thought the Sea Hurricane was better then that. I know people say the Wildcat is hopeless but I did not realise it was that poor. I would put most of it down to pilot quality which will take a long time to fix.

The only bright spot is now 1Eyejacks must have gone through his Naval Pilot pool. I could try a war of attrition but I only have two more US CV’s coming soon and have lost a UK CV already (returning back to England for some reason). 1943 will see a big increase in carriers, may have to wait until then.

My land based aircraft pool, particularly bombers is large, but I am lacking in fighters, really lacking. I could mass land based bombers and hope to leak aircraft through but it may just be free VP’s.

Any suggestions?

[walkerd]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/18/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 94 encounters mine field at Palau (51,68)

Japanese Ships
MSW Toroshima Maru
MSW Tomozono Maru #3
MSW Wa 19
MSW Wa 14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 94 encounters mine field at Palau (51,68)

Japanese Ships
MSW Toroshima Maru
MSW Tomozono Maru #3
MSW Wa 19
MSW Wa 14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Yenen , at 50,28

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
Ki-21-II Sally x 54
Ki-48-I Lily x 26

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 32
P-43A Lancer x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-21-II Sally: 6 destroyed, 5 damaged
Ki-48-I Lily: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed, 11 damaged
P-43A Lancer: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
11 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 15000 feet
10 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
5 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
5 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 15000 feet
4 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 15000 feet
2 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 15000 feet
2 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet

Moved most of my P40E to Yenan. These are the survivors of the Philippines with my upgraded Chinese. They performed well but I was lucky to outnumber the Zero’s 2:1 but I suspect these Zero’s do not have the same experience level of the ones on the CV’s.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Singapore , at 22,51

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-II Sally x 17
Ki-48-I Lily x 21
Ki-46-II Dinah x 4

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-II Sally: 5 damaged
Ki-48-I Lily: 8 damaged

Allied aircraft losses


Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 15000 feet
8 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
8 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
G3M Nell x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
1 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
G3M Nell x 27
G4M1 Betty x 76
G5N1 Liz x 25
Ki-46-II Dinah x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 6 damaged


Allied ground losses:
188 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 22

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
15 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
13 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
11 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
9 x G5N1 Liz bombing at 15000 feet
9 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
10 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
5 x G5N1 Liz bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
8 x G5N1 Liz bombing at 15000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G5N1 Liz bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet

I have noticed the supply level dropping and a fair amount of disruption in my units. I guess the Betty’s are better here then hunting my ships

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 2nd Chinese Temp. Division, at 37,38

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 8
Ki-48-I Lily x 18

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
43 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 10000 feet
8 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 98th Chinese Corps, at 37,37

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 48

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
48 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
24 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on No. 107 RAF Base Force, at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-II Sally x 7
Ki-15 Babs x 1

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 46,67

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 59

Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 9
TBD Devastator x 17
Albacore x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 7 destroyed
TBD Devastator: 6 destroyed, 5 damaged
Albacore: 6 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CV Soryu

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet

To much CAP for me. 1EyedJacks has admitted his CAP level is 70% so with the uncoordinated strikes I am looking to be lucky for a hit.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 45,65

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 41

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 44
F4F-3 Wildcat x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 15 destroyed, 11 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane: 9 damaged
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Panther

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

Unescorted Nells from Palau get shot down over my TF

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 45,65

Japanese aircraft
D3A2 Val x 8
B5N2 Kate x 22
E13A1 Jake x 3

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 44
F4F-3 Wildcat x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 14 destroyed
E13A1 Jake: 3 destroyed

Unescorted carrier strike is also shot down. This makes a lot of B5’s that have been lost so far. Estimated Aircraft losses from his carriers now run close to 500 aircraft. That’s a lot of pilots not making it back.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 8
Ki-15 Babs x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Singapore , at 22,51

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 35
Ki-51 Sonia x 25

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 4 destroyed, 18 damaged
Ki-51 Sonia: 4 destroyed, 17 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

Allied Ships
BB Canada, Bomb hits 6, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
30 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar attacking at 100 feet
19 x Ki-51 Sonia attacking at 100 feet
1 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar attacking at 100 feet
2 x Ki-51 Sonia attacking at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Johnston Island , at 104,78

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
B5N2 Kate x 167

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
86 casualties reported

Port hits 8
Port fuel hits 3
Port supply hits 12

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
23 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
20 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
22 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
21 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
20 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
19 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
15 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
8 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
9 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 48,66


Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 3
SBD Dauntless x 23
TBD Devastator x 4


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 6 damaged
TBD Devastator: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso, Bomb hits 5, on fire
DD Sawakaze
CL Kinu
DD Michishio

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator 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 SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet

My second strike consists of the DB’s. They seem to perfom much better, of course there is no CAP as I went for the SAG and not the Carriers. I assume 1000 pound bombs will bounce of his BB’s. Here is hoping for lots of fires and poor damage control.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 48,66

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane: 2 damaged

His CAP turns up over the SAG and I send in a couple of Hurricanes to check on the damaged BB. (Or at least that’s my story)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 48,66

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged

More Hurricanes without any bombers.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 48,66

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 27

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 22 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CL Kuma

Aircraft Attacking:
3 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 SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet

My fourth airstrike with bombers and no escorts. Two more hits. Burn you Battleship, burn.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 47,67

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Illustrious, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

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

The badly damaged Illustrious, escorted by several DD’s is slowly limping away when overhead appears Nells launched from Palau. Unable to manoeuvre (down to 9kts) the Illustrious valiantly attempts to fight off the impending doom but a finaly sinks beneath the waves.


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Ground combat at Manila

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3580 troops, 93 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2358

Defending force 78051 troops, 462 guns, 296 vehicles, Assault Value = 1486



Allied ground losses:
79 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Amboina

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1044 troops, 23 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 138

Defending force 2830 troops, 16 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 36



Allied ground losses:
23 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

I have no idea why Amboina is taking 1EyedJacks so long. The only thing I can think of is no prep points and lots of fatigue / disruption.

[walkerd]

Just for the record, here are my top pilots.

[1EyedJacks]

Excerpts from ---> AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/21/42

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Naval bombardment of Pago Pago, at 96,113 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

52 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CA Aso, Shell hits 1
CA Ibuki
CA Myoko
CA Suzuya
CA Takao
CA Ashitaka, Shell hits 3
CA Kurama
BB Inaba, Shell hits 9
BB Harima

Allied Ships
AK Dos Hermanos, Shell hits 2, on fire
AK Gold Star, Shell hits 1, on fire
AVD McFarland, Shell hits 3, on fire
AK Lepus, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
464 casualties reported
Guns lost 14
Vehicles lost 4

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 3
Port hits 1

I had a little fun here - sending a pair of BBs and 7 CAs to Pago Pago for some night-time bombardment action. The AKs were gravy. Just trying to keep Walkerd on his toes. Why did I pick Pago Pago? I like the name and I've never been there. [:D][:D]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 33,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
D3A2 Val x 7
B5N2 Kate x 11
G3M Nell x 9
E13A1 Jake x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Ark Royal, Bomb hits 15, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
2 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 33,65

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Ark Royal, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 33,65

Japanese aircraft
D3A2 Val x 3
B5N2 Kate x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Ark Royal, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 33,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
D3A2 Val x 7
B5N2 Kate x 16
G3M Nell x 8
E13A1 Jake x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Ark Royal, Bomb hits 23, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
1 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
2 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet

This looks impressive but they are all 100kg and 250kg AP bombs - trash the flight deck and nock out a few guns - and its good practice for the pilots - but the Ark Royal still sails away @ the end of the day. What's kind of cool about this is Tarakan air groups hooking up with my mini-KB to go after the Ark. In truth, I really didn't think I'd get much up in the air from my CV TF. Darren and I have been killing off each others planes as he fought a withdrawl from Palau. His fighters were trashing my Kates and Vals. My CV TF is 5 hexes away from the Ark Royal so there are no torps on my Kates...

[walkerd]

Current Situation end of Feb 42

PH

Will restock with aircraft. No shortage of airgroups in this game and I have a large amount of reinforcements arriving soon on the West Coast.

I am really feeling the pinch when it comes to fighter squadrons. The replacement rate is low and I am still filling up my initial airgroups after almost 3 months.

Malaya

Singapore endures daily bombardments and slowly the supply level is dropping. I still have reserves of oil and resources and should be able to create more supply and last for a while. With the river, large garrison and size 9 fort I am hoping to hold out for months, even when supply runs low.

Burma / India

1Eyedjack has arrived at Rangoon but has not launched any attacks. The amount of troops I get for India is quite large. I even had wild visions of counter attacking early in this theatre (like in a couple of months). I have a lot of aircraft. Here is where I have heaps of Hurricanes and some Spitfires.

Come May I will start to organise my defences by streamlining the airgroups. Mot sure if it is available in standard but I get some neat long range recon Spitfires.

China.

Air war over Yenan which I am losing. Those 35EXP Chinese pilots just don’t stand up to the Japanese. Mind you their experience is climbing, all I need is for them to survive.

Philippines

Manila still holds but the remainder has pretty much fallen except for a few southern outposts. Massed bombers arrive every day over Manila but I expect to hold for a while yet.

Rabaul

Taken early and nothing happened since.

DEI.

Pace has slowed down except for my poor carrier effort which I will detail separately. Dutch airforce is still strong and most of the Dutch navy is still around. Some of the CL’s and BC’s have been damaged and are currently under repair.

I suspect I tend to be too aggressive and in particular with these units as they are “free” so to speak. Will still continue my policy to harass the enemy just to keep him on his toes.

South Pacific.

Slowly building my defences as can be expected.

[walkerd]

ORIGINAL: 1EyedJacks

Excerpts from ---> AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/21/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Pago Pago, at 96,113 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

52 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CA Aso, Shell hits 1
CA Ibuki
CA Myoko
CA Suzuya
CA Takao
CA Ashitaka, Shell hits 3
CA Kurama
BB Inaba, Shell hits 9
BB Harima

Allied Ships
AK Dos Hermanos, Shell hits 2, on fire
AK Gold Star, Shell hits 1, on fire
AVD McFarland, Shell hits 3, on fire
AK Lepus, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
464 casualties reported
Guns lost 14
Vehicles lost 4

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 3
Port hits 1

I had a little fun here - sending a pair of BBs and 7 CAs to Pago Pago for some night-time bombardment action. The AKs were gravy. Just trying to keep Walkerd on his toes. Why did I pick Pago Pago? I like the name and I've never been there. [:D][:D]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 33,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
D3A2 Val x 7
B5N2 Kate x 11
G3M Nell x 9
E13A1 Jake x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Ark Royal, Bomb hits 15, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
2 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 33,65

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Ark Royal, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 33,65

Japanese aircraft
D3A2 Val x 3
B5N2 Kate x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Ark Royal, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 33,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
D3A2 Val x 7
B5N2 Kate x 16
G3M Nell x 8
E13A1 Jake x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Ark Royal, Bomb hits 23, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
1 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
2 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 9000 feet

This looks impressive but they are all 100kg and 250kg AP bombs - trash the flight deck and nock out a few guns - and its good practice for the pilots - but the Ark Royal still sails away @ the end of the day. What's kind of cool about this is Tarakan air groups hooking up with my mini-KB to go after the Ark. In truth, I really didn't think I'd get much up in the air from my CV TF. Darren and I have been killing off each others planes as he fought a withdrawl from Palau. His fighters were trashing my Kates and Vals. My CV TF is 5 hexes away from the Ark Royal so there are no torps on my Kates...

Ow ow ow ow

What more can I say. Ark Royal had been damaged and was keeping my TF to 16kts. I had amalgamated my remaining CV’s into a single TF supported by a SAG. The increased CAP and AA fire was very effective in keeping mini KB at bay while retreating. While passing Balikpapan on the final run home my TF commander decides to end the turn in a coastal hex.

Not a single fighter flies CAP (over 60 in the TF). I thought I flew at 50%. Damage is so bad I have to scuttle the Ark Royal. Up to this point I was disappointed with my attack but was still comfortable with only loosing a single CVL. This made it a major defeat for me.

Performance

Up until loosing the Ark Royal this was a good learning tool for me with the following points;

Allied CV aircraft can not stand up to Jap aircraft. While I thought performance data was not that bad I suspect the pilot quality is killing. I know Zero bonus is in effect but that has show to save Zeros, not allow them to shoot more of me down.

I initial broke my CV TF’s into 4 groups, only one was over 100 aircraft and was around 110 to 115. I was hoping to combine my CAP and still have a coordinated strike. This proved to be a bad move on my part.

While my primary error was setting Palau as the target for my DB’s my strike was still uncoordinated and the lack of AA in my smaller TF’s was telling. I performed much better against Jap strikes when I combined my ships, concentrating on high AA ratings.

If I can not get around the strike rule I am going to have to ignore it and hope for the best. Problem is 1Eyedjacks tends to set high CAP levels.

I have been able to instantly replace my pilots at a similar Exp (60 to 70) level and all my aircraft. The loss of the Ark Royal will make a major impact on UK war effort, especially having just returned 1 x CVL to the UK.

Future operations will revolve around concentration of CV’s into high AA TF’s. Possible in one or two supporting groups but no more then that. I need to operate under my LBA umbrella more.