Vettim89 vs Greasylake - Reversal of Fortunes

vettim89 · Post by **vettim89** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 9:24 pm

6 September 1944

The IJN withdraws from Marcus. Repair of facilities going well there. Fleet will hang for a few more days to make sure everything is in order

Finally got a few leakers at Talaud Island and three AP's took TT. Withdrawing this TF as supply situation is good.

Loading at Darwin going well. Should even have some spare lift to move up to Moratai and grab some of the second wave.

vettim89 · Post by **vettim89** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 11:13 pm

7-8 September 1944

The action continues. Highlights of two days

* B-29's out of Rangoon hit Formosa again.

* The damaged AP's fromTalaud arrive at Moratai and begin to pump out.

* Loading for Mindanao proceeds along nicely

* SS Blackfin torpedoes DD Shigure (the Hibiki of the RL war) off Hokkaido

* LBA and subs sink two more TK at Miri and damage three more

* There are no concentrations of Japanese a/c in the PI or Palau. This releases the US/RN CVTF to slowing move up the eastern side of the PI. Hoping to maybe catch some units retreating from the Marianas

* A convoy escorted by CVE lands at Kuala on SUmutra. The TF commander unwisely sets his CAP at 30% and the 35 Graces from Palembang almost make him pay for his error. Error rectified and some THunderbolt II's from Sabang are ordered in to augment the CAP.

* Bankha falls and the Japanese do no retreat into the jungle

* First Deliberate attack at Attu comes off 1 to 1 and reduces forts to 5. Minimal US casualties so the attack is ordered to press on.

* THe first recon of the Marianas occurs with USAAF F-5's taking a peak at Saipan. THey see two SCTF still at anchor. A plan is drawn up

THe US CVTF will feint NW then srpint back SW to hopefully be in position to hit the bad guys in two turns. THe NE swing is just in case Larry realizes he has been seen and tries to break for the HI. Meanwhile the protective sub line that was put into place to cover the USN northern flank at Marcus will shift 300 nm west to block the route from the Marianas to the HI. The USN CVE will stay near Marcus until the 4 sq of F4U-1D are fully repped up and ready to go. TWO SCTF built around 8 old BB will remain at Marcus also

vettim89 · Post by **vettim89** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 10:47 pm

9 September 1944

Subs finish off three more TK trying to run from the north coast of Borneo. A more determined attack comes at the TF off Medan. More RAF fighters are sent forward to Augment the CAP. No hits but a few too many leakers for my taste. Forts at ATTU fall to 4. Baru Island (next to Nimlea in SRA) falls and the one IJA unit there goes poof. Part of my cleaning up of the rear area in SWPAC.

The US CVTF are moving to position to hit the large IJN fleet at Saipan. There are a lot of a/c down here. Here's hoping pilot EXP plays the big role I hope it does. I figure I have at least even odd on actual numbers and probably more. The 7th Fleet CV force moves further up the esat side of the PI and should be due east of Samar next turn. I f Larry opts to run east I will have him trapped between too large groups of CV's

Score crosses 50 K for the Allies this turn

vettim89 · Post by **vettim89** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 9:36 pm

10-17 September 1944

Can hear the crickets chirping in this forum. Just a quick wrap up of the week of turns

* Attu was captured by the US Army on th 17th.

* Bankha was cleared of remaining Japanese troops. NE SUmutra is all allies. ALl troops are now prepping to cross the straits

* The Mindanao force is one hex out of Moratai. They will refuel and head north next turn

* My CV raid on the Marianas was a failure. The Japanese combatants were at Guam. My Units hit two convoys at Saipan and sank a bunch of AK's and patrol craft. The Japanese launched a counterstrike to no avail. The lost 580 a/c that day. I unfortunately lost 68 F6F-5 defending my flightdecks. Many more were damged. This forced me to pull back to Marcus to rebuild and repair my VF's. Larry used this opportunity to move his SCTF and CVTF back to Japan.

* Lift trickling back to PH. My CVE all need upgraded and are slowly repping up at PH. Gonna began assembling the Iwo Force in the next few turns

Image: Alaska belongs to the USA again

Alfred · Post by **Alfred** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 11:08 pm

vettim89,
 
Re crickets chirping.  No need to comment when everything is proceeding smoothly under competent Allied leadership.
 
I particularly liked your move to build up the dot base at Talmud Island to bring pressure to bear on Mindanao (and subsequently on Palau if you are so inclined).  Too few Allied players realise the strategic value of building up dot bases.
 
Alfred

vettim89 · Post by **vettim89** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 11:48 pm

Agreed Alfred. Talaud will take a lot of pressure off when I hit Mindanao in about a week. Palau has already been evacuated by Japanese a/c as 4E can hit it from three separate bases.

18 Spetember 1944

The AVG was bored down at Padang. So I sent them up to northern China to interfere with the Japanese training academy. This was one of three raids this turn. Japanese lost 51 a/c and hopefully a lot of trainee pilots. The Allies lost a P-51B

One of the Ten Commandments of Allied Fan Boys: Thou shall not train your pilots in China

JeffroK · Post by **JeffroK** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 7:36 pm

As Alfred said, just quietly watching.

And waiting till they fix the disasters caused by the patch in WITPAE.

vettim89 · Post by **vettim89** » Sat Sep 19, 2009 4:44 am

19-23 September 1944

The Mindinao invasion got delayed a couple of days as I left the MSW at Darwin. It will hit on the 25th. Huge build up of Japanese air assets in the area with well over 500 a/c at Jolo and Cagayan combined. I have four US CV, 4 US CVL, and 4 RN CV (with upgraded Corsair sq to 32 planes each). I have over 200 fighters on LRCAP from three bases. This should be a fun couple of turns. As you can see from the image, it would be easy for Larry to assume that I am heading for Davao. No I am heading for Dadjangas 60 nm to the west. I couldn't have set this up better.

Over the past week or so, IJN ASW has been killing my subs like crazy around Iwo. I sent the USN CV fleet up there to stop that garbage. Got a few transports too. I think Larry may have gotten the idea that the Marianas are now cut off.

Lift is trickling back to PH. SHould be able to start loading for Iwo soon. On the more good news front, two more old BB's are ready for action plus about a dozen CA/CL that were dinged up fighting in the Aleutions and the SWPAC. Did not realize how bad that situation had become until I formed up for Marcus Is. Had almost not CA/CL to take along.

Lastly, the last Japanese unit was eliminated on Attu on the 23rd ending the Japanese occupation of mainland USA

vettim89 · Post by **vettim89** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 2:30 pm

24-26 September 1944

THe troops landed at Dadjangas on the 25th. The base was unoccupied. Shock Attack takes it on the 26th. The MSW did their job although I did lose one LST. The japanese only came on the 25th with air attacks. Six different strikes from two different bases were all turned away with no leakers. Air losses on the 25th were 366 to 47. The Japanese have now pulled out of the southern PI.

A convoy with two more full divisions of Commonwealth troops is in the Arabian Sea. Once these are lifted into Sumutra, I will begin to assemble forces for the jump to Malaya. The RN CV's departed Dajangas for Darwin. They will meet up with a convoy and take 110k supplies to Ban Don. Hopefully this will be enough to lift the siege there.

The last of the newly arrived lift has arrived at PH and is unloading. The loading for Iwo will begin in about two to three turns

vettim89 · Post by **vettim89** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 3:36 am

27-30 September 1944

So we come to the end of another month. This month saw the Allies take Marcus and Dadjangas plus clear NE Sumutra of Japanese units. The Japanese lost well over 1000 a/c this month and are definitely on their heels.

The preparations continue. Here is what is going on at present.

* An addition 30k combat troops are a week to ten days out of Ceylon. There is still an Commonwelath ID at Aden waiting for their ride. THese troops are all tagged to move to Sumutra and then across the strait to Malaya. Hopefully this will happen in the next month. Early novemeber by the latest

* Last convoy is a week out of Lihue. This is the attached image. This is the last lift for the Iwo Op. This will hopfully be going off by the end of the month of October. There will be four Marine Divs, 2 ID, five tank BTN, five Arty RGT and two HQ. In addition another two ID are tagged for Chichi Jima.

* The assualt troops from Marcus are now prepping for Naga. This will hopefully go off late November/early December

* The first ARM unit has arrived at Cotabato on Mindanao. The Infatry are trailing. Troops also moving on Davao. The convoys are about unloaded at Dadjangas and will immediate run back to Moratai to pick up the second wave. Once these are ashore. Three ID will be lifted to Cebu. Next target after that is San Jose Buenavista then Iloila. Theere is a large US force prepping for Legasapi also.

* Attu AB is almost level 7. The Superbees will be moved there once done to give me three more hexes of reach into northern Honshu.

* Convoy loading at Darwin now to lift supplies into Ban Don. These will be escorted by the RN CV's. This op will be timed to concide with the Iwo Op so as to be a distraction from the main thrust.

Score is about 1.4 to 1 at present. No need to doubt I will hit 1.5 to 1 by 1 January 1945. Possible I might even get 2 to 1 before then

vettim89 · Post by **vettim89** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 9:10 pm

Just got an e-mail from my worthy opponent Larry. He broke his ankle at work today. Hoping for fast healing

vettim89 · Post by **vettim89** » Sat Sep 26, 2009 2:51 am

1-5 October 1944

Slow five days until the 5th. Here the US CVTF move toward Iwo to inderdict the shipping lanes and try to wear down the air power. Second mission accomplished as pictured strike was wiped.

Finally troops are loading for Iwo. Gonna take a while to get all these units across the wide Pacific

Troops have arrived at Davao. First bombardment ordered. TF's have made Moratai and are loading up the second
wave.

One more trip from Ceylon to Sumutra should get all the troops in place for the jump.

vettim89 · Post by **vettim89** » Sat Sep 26, 2009 10:42 pm

6 October 1944

The USN set sail a few days ago to sweep the Bonins of enemy shipping. I was especially looking for the ASW groups that had been attack my susb. Instead I found the IJN and their carriers. Losts of movement with reaction moves occuring twice. The day began with SS Argonaut being sunk by an ASW group. Then SS Spadefish hit two separate DD's in two attacks.

The US struck first. Actually the US struck a total of six times between the am and PM phases. The four Japanese counter strikes were all wipes. Air losses on the day were 330 to 79 with only 35 F6F-5's shot down (about a 15% loss). Unfortunately my CVTF were out of fuel and had to head back to Marcus for go-go juice. There were two untouched SCTF that my a/c did not hit. ALso at leat two CV's and one CVE escaped relatively unscathed. Still I got this:

CV Akagi 24 bomb, 4 TT (did not sink but has to be a flaming wreck)
BB Musashi 9 bomb (all bounce but she is on fire)
CV Ikoma 9 bomb
CVL Ibuki 4 bomb, 2 TT (sunk)
CV Kasagri 1 bomb
CV ASO - nothing
CL Agano 2 bomb
DD Kuwa 2 bomb

To end the day, SS drum puts two TT into a stricken DD

vettim89 · Post by **vettim89** » Sat Sep 26, 2009 10:43 pm

Had to show a pic of a CV being hit

Capt. Harlock · Post by **Capt. Harlock** » Sun Sep 27, 2009 4:12 pm

Had to show a pic of a CV being hit

Coolness!

vettim89 · Post by **vettim89** » Sun Sep 27, 2009 5:17 pm

7 October 1944

Mop up day. CL Agano is finished off by a sub. The retreating USN CVTF launch a strike against an ASW TF at Iwo sinking three PC. DD Matsu sinks from damage from the TT's put into her by SS Spadefish last turn. A small strike is launched from Iwo at one CVTF - got a few leakers but no hits.

Larry is still trying to get oil out of Brunei. A MSW, a PC, and an AK are all sunk this turn by LBA out of Badjermasin and Manado. An oil filled TK is sunk at Singers. Sorry about that Larry but as I said before I am the Oil Nazi - NO OIL FOR YOU!

The Superbees are now tucked away at Attu and are ordered to hit the Oil at Akita which is one of only three Oil centers in the HI. Iwo forces continues to load and will set sail I figure in about four days. I will hit Iwo and CHichi Jima simultaneously then use FastTran to take Tori Shim for an additional fighter base.

Waiting for disruption to fall at Davao. The second wave of Aussie troops has departed Moratai for Mindanao this turn. Also Av support is leaving Menado. Having an isue with the game not letting my troops leave Dadjangas for Cotabato. Says I am moving from one ZOC to another. Odd because I have troops at Davao and one Arm BTN at Cotabato.

vettim89 · Post by **vettim89** » Sun Sep 27, 2009 9:58 pm

8 October 1944

Well Larry thought he could sneak a SCTF into Davao. So far CL Kitikami is trashed and CA Haguro and a DD are hurting. Problem is the SWPAC CVTF will be within 120 nm of Davao next turn. I suspect if he doesn't run, there will be a mauling tomorrow. Cursor intel says a BB is here. We'll see.

vettim89 · Post by **vettim89** » Mon Sep 28, 2009 9:37 pm

9 October 1944

Wow, another SCTF battle. I had sent a mixed TF of Dutch, Kiwi, Aussie and USN DD's into Dadjangas to scout ahead. They ran afoul of a similar Japanese TF. I lost two DD so far with several others in danger. The are making for Talaud Is where a couple of AR's are inbound. The two TF tangled twice with the IJN getting the better of the first and the Allies the second

Night Time Surface Combat at 43,62

Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi, Shell hits 2
DD Shikinami, Shell hits 8, on fire
DD Kaya, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Minazuki, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mikazuki
DD Asanagi, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Kiji, Shell hits 1
DD Kamo, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Abner Read, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
DD Terry, Shell hits 4
DD Grayson
DD Welles
DD Wilson, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Cushing, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Downes, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Quickmatch, Shell hits 7, on fire
DD Warramunga, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Le Triomphant, Shell hits 1
DD Kortenaer

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 43,62

Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shikinami, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Kaya, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
DD Minazuki, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mikazuki, Shell hits 1
DD Kiji, Shell hits 1
DD Kamo, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Terry, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Grayson
DD Welles, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Wilson, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Cushing, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Downes, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Quickmatch, on fire, heavy damage
DD Warramunga, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Le Triomphant, Shell hits 1
DD Kortenaer, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Then the sun came up and the combined CV air power and LBA sinks CA Haguro, CL Kitakami, and three more DD's

Another TF is between Palau and Moratai that is giving me cursor intel as a CV. Bracing for another day of hard fighting

vettim89 · Post by **vettim89** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 2:26 am

10-16 October 1944

Larry's injury is slowing our game. He is set for surgery next week. Basically the Iwo force is loaded and heading for Midway. Two more CV's have joined up with the 5th fleet at Marcus.

The 7th Fleet CV's have been raiding shipping around the PI and have sunk almost 20 ships - MSW, PC, AK, AP. Larry had tried to sneak a convoy out of Brunei with oil - they are all dead now.

Larry pulled the bulk of troops out of Ban Don. I tried a shock attack on the 14th and just missed 1 to 1. Turned the LBA on this base with a vengence now. I think Larry saw my build up on Sumutra and is redeploying to meet a potential invasion on the west coast of Malaya. I have kept recon to a minimum to avoid tipping off my target.

Catabato fell on the 14th. Dvao is being a little tougher than anticipated. Have more troops inbound so should be able to meet this porblem soon. Meanwhile the force that took Catabato is heading for Cagayan. I have an Aussie Division tagged for Buatan but need lift. Two US ID plus support are loading up for Cebu right now. Also all the Airborne troops are moving forward. I am going to try so island hopping by a new method.

Lastly, Larry made the comment that no more oil means no more new aircraft. I take that to mean he has exhausted his reserves and his HI pool is dead. I think this game will likely end via autovictory on 1 Jan 1945. I am hovering right below a 1.5 to 1 ratio right now.

Lastly CV Akagi showed up on the ship sunk list. This is the last of the PH raiders to go down.

Capt. Harlock · Post by **Capt. Harlock** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 12:25 am

I had sent a mixed TF of Dutch, Kiwi, Aussie and USN DD's into Dadjangas to scout ahead. They ran afoul of a similar Japanese TF.

Okay, strictly speaking the enemy TF was not similar, since all one nationality. But an exciting surface scrap nonetheless!

Vettim89 vs Greasylake - Reversal of Fortunes

RE: Day late, dollar short

RE: Day late, dollar short

A Little Controled Aggression

RE: A Little Controled Aggression

RE: A Little Controled Aggression

RE: A Little Controled Aggression

RE: A Little Controled Aggression

Set Up

RE: Set Up

RE: Set Up

Bad news

RE: Bad news

Battle of Bonin Islands

RE: Battle of Bonin Islands

RE: Battle of Bonin Islands

RE: Battle of Bonin Islands

Shifting Theatres

Battle of Dadjangas

RE: Battle of Dadjangas

RE: Battle of Dadjangas