The Turning Tide

[decaro]

Todd and I broke ground by playing the historical scenario Yamamotto's Prophecy, instead of the hypothetical "Battle of Midway assumed not to occur" scenarios that (initially) favor the IJ player. Now we're trying a shorter scenario: #7 Turning Tide.

As the IJ player, Todd can either contest Guadalcanal, invade PM, or both, while I as the Alllies will try to retake the 'Canal and hold PM. As usual, the Allies start w/a large point deficit.

As it's not a long campaign, we're playing at only 100% ship committment for added realism.

[decaro]

While Allied Airacobras hit the IJ base on Buna, Todd draws first blood by quickly taking Woodlark.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/02/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Air attack on Buna , at 12,38


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 36


Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 2 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged

CPT D. Mcgovern of 35th FS bails out and is CAPTURED

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Woodlark Island

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 978 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Woodlark Island base !!!



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

[tocaff]

Well not really first blood as nobody was home. 

The setup of this scenario leaves the Japanese player with some very interesting problems that reflect the Imperial HQs failure to realize the importance of the area until it was to late.  Maybe with 20/20 hindsight I can get lucky and be the one to "Turn The Tide."  In the meantime the Allies have the advantage early on in the game so..............

[decaro]

My CAP can't cover both invasion TFs, so I pay the first installment on the Allied downpayment for Lunga.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/05/42

Weather: Rain

Air attack on Buna , at 12,38


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 14
B-26B Marauder x 23


Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 10

Port hits 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
G4M1 Betty x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 13 damaged

Allied Ships
DMS Trevor, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
APD Gregory, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Heywood, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DMS Zane, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Adams, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Zeilin, Torpedo hits 1
AP Neville


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 72

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
G4M1 Betty x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 8 damaged

Allied Ships
SC 642
SC 640, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

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

[decaro]

My CAP is back on station over Lunga and performs well ...

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/06/42

Weather: Clear

Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged


Allied Ships
AP George F. Elliot, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
G3M Nell x 6
G4M1 Betty x 12

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 2 destroyed
G3M Nell x 4 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 5 destroyed


LTJG R. Griffin of VF-2 is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
APD Little
SC 637, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
2 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Buna , at 12,38


Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 23


Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 40

Port hits 1
Port supply hits 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
9 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
G3M Nell x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
AP President Adams, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lunga

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2600 troops, 25 guns, 6 vehicles

Defending force 1912 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 1)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 49

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 10


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tulagi

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2526 troops, 50 guns, 12 vehicles

Defending force 2169 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles



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

[decaro]

The Allies take Lunga, but w/only a handful of IJ engineers, it wasn't a contest, as was the case historically ...

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/07/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Naval bombardment of Tulagi, at 38,39

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Port hits 8
Port supply hits 5


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,35


Allied aircraft
A-20B Havoc x 11


no losses

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 10
AP Tarushima Maru
AP Keizan Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 3 damaged


Allied Ships
AP Crescent City, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 13
G3M Nell x 9

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 2 destroyed
G3M Nell x 8 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
PG Swan
AK Diomed

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lunga

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2592 troops, 25 guns, 6 vehicles

Defending force 1875 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Lunga base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 20

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 18


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tulagi

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2526 troops, 50 guns, 12 vehicles

Defending force 2172 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles

[decaro]

Todd takes some AK hits, but I lose an entire (small) TF at Lunga.
Well, at least they delivered their cargo!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/11/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 19,34

Japanese Ships
AP Unkai Maru #3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-40


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tulagi at 38,39

Japanese Ships
SS RO-33, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Blue
CA Astoria
DD Bagley
DD Ralph Talbot


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Tulagi, at 38,39

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Port hits 7
Port supply hits 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 40,40

Japanese Ships
SS I-169

Allied Ships
APD McKean, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 27
G4M1 Betty x 27

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Lycaon, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Idomeneus, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Neleus, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Largs Bay, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Lismore, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Launceton, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Ipswich, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 180
Guns lost 3

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 20
G4M1 Betty x 23

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Neleus, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 12

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
2 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tulagi

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2492 troops, 50 guns, 12 vehicles

Defending force 2159 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles



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

[tocaff]

Joe's gone soft as he sees the reports even though my ships aren't shown as sunk we all know that they're made of rice paper.  Let's say that I can't afford another convoy run like that to anywhere!

[decaro]

Tocaff and I know how to mix it up, and this game is no exception; Todd sends his CVs near Lunga knowing the base isn't built-up as yet to be a threat, so it's CV vs. CV.

Todd nails the Big E big time, but all my eggs aren't in the same basket.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/17/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 40,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 58
TBF Avenger x 12

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 24 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 24 damaged
TBF Avenger x 12 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 2 damaged

PO2 B.Morita of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 5

LCDR H. Romberg of VT-7 bails out and is CAPTURED

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Yudachi
BB Kongo
CVL Ryujo
CA Haguro, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 40,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21
SBD Dauntless x 30
TBF Avenger x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 3 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 18 damaged
TBF Avenger x 5 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 15 damaged

LT M. Kobayashi of DI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

LCDR A. Magly of VT-3 bails out and is CAPTURED

Japanese Ships
DD Makigumo
BB Kongo
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA Takao
CVL Ryujo, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 46,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34
D3A Val x 44
B5N Kate x 36

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 42

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 9 destroyed
D3A Val x 16 destroyed
D3A Val x 13 damaged
B5N Kate x 18 destroyed
B5N Kate x 18 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5 damaged

LTJG H.Vaughn of VF-71 is credited with kill number 2

LT Y. Subota of EII-3 Daitai bails out and is CAPTURED

Allied Ships
CLAA Atlanta, Bomb hits 1
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 18, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Wilson


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 46,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
B5N Kate x 14

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 7 damaged


Allied Ships
CLAA Atlanta
CV Enterprise, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


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

[tocaff]

Nope, it was a tactical victory for the IJN and a strategic USN victory.  Sounds like the way things really were.  Joe lost a CV and I lost a CVL and 2 CVs with enough damage to be on the sidelines for more time than I've got. 

Joe & I do seem to have a thing for mixing it up, with very few of our battle being lopsided in favor of either side.

Now I'm faced with doing more with less.  [&:][:(][&:]

[tocaff]

My strategy has gone to hell in a hurry in the last week.
 
My recon failed big time in reporting that there was only 1 inf unit at PM and now my forced are in a bind there.

2 naval thrusts failed to accomplish anything other than get damaged & burn fuel.

I now know that Joe is entrenched in the Solomons and PM in such force that I can't hope to match, even with a focused effort. 

What to do????????????

[decaro]

Allied CVs now freely roam the PTO.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/26/42

Weather: Overcast

Air attack on TF, near Shortland Island at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12
SBD Dauntless x 39
TBF Avenger x 15

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CS Chiyoda, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AP Arizona Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
TK Toa Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hakaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire
TK Kokuyo Maru
AP Argentina Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
TK Toho Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 28th Regiment, at 10,39


Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 10


no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Shortland Island at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 6

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 22
TBF Avenger x 13

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
TK Akebono Maru
TK Kokuyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
TK Toho Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CS Chiyoda, on fire, heavy damage
TK Toei Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Arimasan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
PC Ch 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 29,31


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
SBD Dauntless x 9


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Enju Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,37


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 47


no losses

Japanese Ships
APD 1, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Tulagi at 38,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 5 damaged


Allied Ships
AV Curtiss

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 23590 troops, 328 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 7215 troops, 84 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 0)


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 907
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 85


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

[decaro]

Todd's transports continue to take a pounding ...

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/27/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on TF, near Buna at 12,38


Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 12
Wirraway x 14
P-39D Airacobra x 48
A-24 Dauntless x 10


no losses

Japanese Ships
APD 36, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
1 x Beaufort at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Woodlark Island at 22,39


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 23


no losses

Japanese Ships
AG 5031
AG 366
AG 365
AG 361, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 363


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Shortland Island at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 6
A6M3 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15
SBD Dauntless x 35
TBF Avenger x 14

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
TBF Avenger x 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Argentina Maru
DD Hakaze, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PC Ch 17, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Arimasan Maru
TK Akebono Maru
TK Toa Maru, heavy damage
TK Hoyo Maru
AP Teizui Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Woodlark Island at 22,39


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 3


no losses

Japanese Ships
AG 2051


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Buna , at 12,38


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 32


no losses

Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 15th Ind Engineer Regiment, at 10,39


Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 10


no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Buna at 12,38


Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 6
Wirraway x 14
P-39D Airacobra x 47
A-24 Dauntless x 9


no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
2 x Beaufort at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Shortland Island at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 6
A6M3 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15
SBD Dauntless x 10

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 6 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged

LTJG O.Matsumura of F2/2nd Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
AV Kamikawa Maru, Bomb hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 23540 troops, 328 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 5819 troops, 81 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 15 to 1 (fort level 0)



LTJG O.Matsumura of F2/2nd Daitai is credited with kill number 3
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 945
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 59


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

[tocaff]

The Imperial Japanese forces are cut off from resupply from Truk due to Joe's blockade.  Ships are stuck at Shortlands and the CAP offered by the base is useless as.......well being a family oriented forum I'll leave that to your imagination.

The IJN starts out weak and in dire need of transports and tankers.  I'm still short and can't run a convoy anyway as I can't protect it.

The IJA doesn't have heavy LCUs to stop or even defend against a skilled Allied opponent.

To put matters in the proper light:  I don't have a clue as to how to stop the bleeding.  [&:]

[decaro]

After a CV bonzai attack East of Shortland, Todd had to throw in the towel. There wasn't much else to be done as "The Turning Tide" too heavilly favors the Allies, making it more suitable for newbies to PBEM. After just 1 month, I almost closed the 1,000 point plus gap between the IJ and Allied player.

Thunderstorms could have been an equalizer, but they didn't help either side's CVs -- the storms hindered Todd's Bettys from finding my ships til late in the turn, and by that time the damage had been done.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/11/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Air attack on TF at 32,30

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21
SBD Dauntless x 31
TBF Avenger x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 4 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 18 damaged
TBF Avenger x 2 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 4 damaged

LT J. Sasai of F2/Tainan Daitai is KILLED

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 1
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 32,30

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 5 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 9 damaged

LCDR N.Imamura of CII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CA Myoko


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 32,30

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14
SBD Dauntless x 15
TBF Avenger x 15

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 5 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 9 damaged

LCDR N.Imamura of CII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 5

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Maikaze


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 35,31

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
B5N Kate x 13

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 6 destroyed
B5N Kate x 6 damaged


ENS H.Jordan of VF-2 is credited with kill number 6

LCDR B.Imamura of DII-3 Daitai is KILLED

Allied Ships
BB North Carolina
CV Wasp


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 35,31

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
D3A Val x 14

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 9 destroyed
D3A Val x 3 damaged


LTJG R. Hoel of VF-8 is credited with kill number 4

Allied Ships
CLAA Juneau, Bomb hits 1
CV Hornet


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 35,31

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
B5N Kate x 12

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 6 destroyed
B5N Kate x 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed

LT K. Matsuo of CII-3 Daitai is KILLED

Allied Ships
CL Leander, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL Honolulu
CV Hornet


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on South Seas Detachment, at 11,39


Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 14
P-39D Airacobra x 6
A-20B Havoc x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 3


no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Buna , at 12,38


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 41
A-24 Dauntless x 13
A-20B Havoc x 8
P-39D Airacobra x 21


Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 43

Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Buna , at 12,38


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 33


Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Buna , at 12,38


Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 25


Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 21

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 32,30

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 9

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 4 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 5 damaged

ENS E. Kakimoto of F2/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
CVE Unyo


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 32,30

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25
SBD Dauntless x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 3 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged

PO1 S. Ishii of F2/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 2

LCDR W. Rodee of VS-8 bails out and is CAPTURED

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 32,30

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
SBD Dauntless x 7
TBF Avenger x 4

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, on fire, heavy damage
CVL Zuiho, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 35,31

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 4

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 4 destroyed


ENS V.Blake of VF-2 is credited with kill number 3

Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 35,31

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 4 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 4 damaged


ENS J.Dunsmore of VF-6 is credited with kill number 4

LCDR J.Minami of G1/Kisarazu Daitai is KILLED

Allied Ships
CA Canberra
CA Quincy

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
0 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 35,31

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
A6M3 Zero x 8
D3A Val x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged

ENS J.Dunsmore of VF-6 is credited with kill number 5

Allied Ships
CL Honolulu


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wau

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4999 troops, 61 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1156 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles



PO2 S. Matsuki of F2/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 2
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 29


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

[tocaff]

Joe is being modest as he flat out kicked my butt.

I think that the key for the Japanese player in this scenario is to hunker down and await the crappy CV, CVL and CVE that enter as reinforcements.  Then you have to hope that the USN doesn't have their CVs concetrated.  I feel that this is a lights out scenario for the Japanese as the Allies are on the move from the start and to do more than slow them a bit was more than I accomplished.  [:(]

[decaro]

ORIGINAL: tocaff

I think that the key for the Japanese player in this scenario is to hunker down and await the crappy CV, CVL and CVE that enter as reinforcements ...

I agree. Like so many other UV scenarios, an early CV engagement seems to dictate what happens afterwards.

Gives you some idea just how valuable CVs are in this theater.