My First Try . . .
My First Try . . .
I am playing Scn # 16 with Japanese sub doctrine off, as well as 100% commitment and both side extremely variable reinforcement-wise . You never have as exciting a game as your very first one, so this is it. I have hardly read the manual and the game arrived today. Real WWII admirals didn’t have a practice war, so neither shall I! Bear with the mistakes!
With dancing Bananas and Storm Troopers who needs BBs?
Day 1
Dear Diary,
It seems that I am next in line for a command posting and it is possible that Nimitz and MacArthur will select me as the Commander of the South west pacific. Although neither of them seems to consider it an important post it will be my largest responsibility in this war to date. MacArthur will be loathe to allow me, a navy admiral, to command his troops, and Nimitz doesn’t really like the idea of anyone controlling the U.S. Navy Pacific assets except him. I will do my best not to disappoint either of these great men. I am due to meet with both of them tomorrow, for what may be just an interview, but is more likely to be a promotion. Admiral Luskan, commander south west pacific – it sounds good I think.
Taken from “Admirals and Generals in the Pacific War, E. Jones”
This is a typed record of a meeting which takes place between the three, sometime in early 1942, where Nimitz and MacArthur gave Luskan his command:
Lus = Admiral Luskan
Mac = General MacArthur
Nim = Admiral Nimitz
Mac: I’ll warn you right now about those jokers out there in the South West!
Nim: Quite. Your new command has some difficulties being serious.
Lus: Serious sir?
Mac: Someone on that South west staff is a real smart-*** joker who doesn’t take this war seriously! I just read the theatre briefing report, supposed to bring me up to speed on the current strategic position throughout that area of operations, about our deployment and the known Japanese forces etc., and the report stated that the Japs seemed to be basing most of their operations out of a truck!
Lus: A truck sir?
Nim: Ludicrous isn’t it? Your first course of action will be to find whatever fool sent us this report and have him publicly executed. Either that or send him to New Zealand.
Mac: Not only was it a bad joke, but it was rife with bad grammar! And this moron managed to mis-spell truck!
Lus: I see sir.
Nim: Operating out of “Truk” indeed. Perhaps the typist was one of those Australians . . . Clerical mistakes will not be tolerated in either the navy or the army, is that understood?
Lus: *rolling his eyes* Yes sir. Absolutely sir.
Mac: I’m sure you’ve familiarized yourself with the reports from the region eh Luskan? What do you think the Japs are up to down there?
Lus: I’m not sure sir. Perhaps a move towards Australia and New Zealand. It would make the southern border of their co-prosperity sphere almost impossible for us to penetrate. I’m hoping they don’t have the man power for that.
Nim: Australia? Hmph. I don’t think the Japs would be overly interested in the place really.
Lus: Oh? Why is that sir?
Mac: Have you ever been there?!?
Nim: Exactly! Who’d want a place like Australia? Good BBQ facilities I suppose, but I hear the japs like their food raw. Go figure.
Mac: And if the Japs want New Zealand, I’m sure we can give them some sort of deal or discount . . .
Nim: I mean, lets be honest, we don’t want the place!
Lus: Uhh . . . great, I’m sure the Kiwis will be glad to hear that.
Mac: Kiwis? Like fruit?
It seems that I am next in line for a command posting and it is possible that Nimitz and MacArthur will select me as the Commander of the South west pacific. Although neither of them seems to consider it an important post it will be my largest responsibility in this war to date. MacArthur will be loathe to allow me, a navy admiral, to command his troops, and Nimitz doesn’t really like the idea of anyone controlling the U.S. Navy Pacific assets except him. I will do my best not to disappoint either of these great men. I am due to meet with both of them tomorrow, for what may be just an interview, but is more likely to be a promotion. Admiral Luskan, commander south west pacific – it sounds good I think.
Taken from “Admirals and Generals in the Pacific War, E. Jones”
This is a typed record of a meeting which takes place between the three, sometime in early 1942, where Nimitz and MacArthur gave Luskan his command:
Lus = Admiral Luskan
Mac = General MacArthur
Nim = Admiral Nimitz
Mac: I’ll warn you right now about those jokers out there in the South West!
Nim: Quite. Your new command has some difficulties being serious.
Lus: Serious sir?
Mac: Someone on that South west staff is a real smart-*** joker who doesn’t take this war seriously! I just read the theatre briefing report, supposed to bring me up to speed on the current strategic position throughout that area of operations, about our deployment and the known Japanese forces etc., and the report stated that the Japs seemed to be basing most of their operations out of a truck!
Lus: A truck sir?
Nim: Ludicrous isn’t it? Your first course of action will be to find whatever fool sent us this report and have him publicly executed. Either that or send him to New Zealand.
Mac: Not only was it a bad joke, but it was rife with bad grammar! And this moron managed to mis-spell truck!
Lus: I see sir.
Nim: Operating out of “Truk” indeed. Perhaps the typist was one of those Australians . . . Clerical mistakes will not be tolerated in either the navy or the army, is that understood?
Lus: *rolling his eyes* Yes sir. Absolutely sir.
Mac: I’m sure you’ve familiarized yourself with the reports from the region eh Luskan? What do you think the Japs are up to down there?
Lus: I’m not sure sir. Perhaps a move towards Australia and New Zealand. It would make the southern border of their co-prosperity sphere almost impossible for us to penetrate. I’m hoping they don’t have the man power for that.
Nim: Australia? Hmph. I don’t think the Japs would be overly interested in the place really.
Lus: Oh? Why is that sir?
Mac: Have you ever been there?!?
Nim: Exactly! Who’d want a place like Australia? Good BBQ facilities I suppose, but I hear the japs like their food raw. Go figure.
Mac: And if the Japs want New Zealand, I’m sure we can give them some sort of deal or discount . . .
Nim: I mean, lets be honest, we don’t want the place!
Lus: Uhh . . . great, I’m sure the Kiwis will be glad to hear that.
Mac: Kiwis? Like fruit?
With dancing Bananas and Storm Troopers who needs BBs?
Dear Diary,
I have to say that Nimitz and MacArthur were not the people I expected them to be . . . Kudos to our news media for making them seem a whole lot smarter than they really are. If only the Japs really knew . . . I have arrived in Noumea and although this is not my first time in the tropics, the heat and humidity has certainly knocked me around a bit. Flying east always gives me propeller-lag. I have used the last two days to familiarize myself with the actual men and machines under my command, as opposed to the numbers that fill my files. I am buoyed by the troops eagerness to strike at the Japanese, but at the same time I am concerned. There were no hard eyed veterans, or experienced troops in any form. All of the equipment was in first rate condition, this is good, although it is not because of proper maintenance, rather because of disuse.
I have to say that Nimitz and MacArthur were not the people I expected them to be . . . Kudos to our news media for making them seem a whole lot smarter than they really are. If only the Japs really knew . . . I have arrived in Noumea and although this is not my first time in the tropics, the heat and humidity has certainly knocked me around a bit. Flying east always gives me propeller-lag. I have used the last two days to familiarize myself with the actual men and machines under my command, as opposed to the numbers that fill my files. I am buoyed by the troops eagerness to strike at the Japanese, but at the same time I am concerned. There were no hard eyed veterans, or experienced troops in any form. All of the equipment was in first rate condition, this is good, although it is not because of proper maintenance, rather because of disuse.
With dancing Bananas and Storm Troopers who needs BBs?
The first week
Dear Diary:
This wasn't such a good week for the USN. The japs stole Gili Gili right out from under my nose, and had 20 bomber, 50 zero raids to P.M every day, soon there was Yamato (And another unidentified BB) bombarding the place. My fighters out of P.M did a good job foiling most of the air strikes, but by the end of the week, the airbase was out of action. Several USN supply TF's were designated, followed by transferring 8 SS to P.M in an attempt to punch a few holes in the odd enemy ship.
This wasn't such a good week for the USN. The japs stole Gili Gili right out from under my nose, and had 20 bomber, 50 zero raids to P.M every day, soon there was Yamato (And another unidentified BB) bombarding the place. My fighters out of P.M did a good job foiling most of the air strikes, but by the end of the week, the airbase was out of action. Several USN supply TF's were designated, followed by transferring 8 SS to P.M in an attempt to punch a few holes in the odd enemy ship.
With dancing Bananas and Storm Troopers who needs BBs?
2nd Week
Dear Diary,
I am wishing someone else had this job. The Japs have taken Buna (like at Gili Gili, they were there before I could send anyone to garrison the place), and continue to maul P.M. Several low flying level bomber raids from the Aussie mainland attacked the bombardment task force as it lingered too long near P.M, but was beaten off by flak. Now that P.M is out of action, the enemy air raids have dropped to 10 or 15 unescorted bombers.
I am wishing someone else had this job. The Japs have taken Buna (like at Gili Gili, they were there before I could send anyone to garrison the place), and continue to maul P.M. Several low flying level bomber raids from the Aussie mainland attacked the bombardment task force as it lingered too long near P.M, but was beaten off by flak. Now that P.M is out of action, the enemy air raids have dropped to 10 or 15 unescorted bombers.
With dancing Bananas and Storm Troopers who needs BBs?
Week Three - A carrier battle!
Finally, the Saratoga and escorts have arrived in a nick of time. Enemy carriers, a bombardment task force, and an invasion force of transports has been sighted east south east of P.M (past Gili Gili).
Saratoga, commanded by Spruance, raced into the fray in order to cover a transport group that I desperately needed to get through to P.M. (was running down fast!). After drawing within range, estimes of two enemy carriers, ended up turning to four (&$%!!!). Regardless, Spruance took the initiative and the navy pilots put the army troops to shame in no time. 3 bomb hits on the Junyo, 2 on the Zuikaku, and a torpedo into the Shokaku later, I was very happy. The enemy counterstrike was beaten off without any damage to Saratoga (although they did knock a CLAA under the waves).
The 2nd round opened with USN Dauntlesses sinking two transports, and dropping another bomb on the Yamato, complimented by my submarines suddenly remembering how to aim (they torpedoed 2 cruisers, 2 transports, and a destroyer in 4 days, although 4 subs didn't survive the encounters).
Then the dream run came to an end, and a massive IJN airstrike destroyed the Saratoga (and no aircrews made it back to any friendly airbases!?) killing Spruance, and a pair of follow up attacks wiped out three CA's and a bunch of destroyers.
Then my transport group (running for home) got caught in the open by those carriers the next day and all of them went to the bottom of the waves.
In spite of my excellent results in the face of tough odds . . . no enemy ships sank. None. Not one. Enterprise is due in 3 days . . .
Saratoga, commanded by Spruance, raced into the fray in order to cover a transport group that I desperately needed to get through to P.M. (was running down fast!). After drawing within range, estimes of two enemy carriers, ended up turning to four (&$%!!!). Regardless, Spruance took the initiative and the navy pilots put the army troops to shame in no time. 3 bomb hits on the Junyo, 2 on the Zuikaku, and a torpedo into the Shokaku later, I was very happy. The enemy counterstrike was beaten off without any damage to Saratoga (although they did knock a CLAA under the waves).
The 2nd round opened with USN Dauntlesses sinking two transports, and dropping another bomb on the Yamato, complimented by my submarines suddenly remembering how to aim (they torpedoed 2 cruisers, 2 transports, and a destroyer in 4 days, although 4 subs didn't survive the encounters).
Then the dream run came to an end, and a massive IJN airstrike destroyed the Saratoga (and no aircrews made it back to any friendly airbases!?) killing Spruance, and a pair of follow up attacks wiped out three CA's and a bunch of destroyers.
Then my transport group (running for home) got caught in the open by those carriers the next day and all of them went to the bottom of the waves.
In spite of my excellent results in the face of tough odds . . . no enemy ships sank. None. Not one. Enterprise is due in 3 days . . .
With dancing Bananas and Storm Troopers who needs BBs?
Week 4, June
Dear diary
Just a fast and unhappy update about my subchasers. enemy subs have sent 4 of them sleep with the fishes. At least I've had a couple of DD's drop charges and hit a few subs, although still, none are listed as sunk.
Enterprise has arrived to cover a landing at Irau, some engineers, a base force, and all of the Americal Division (eventually).
Just a fast and unhappy update about my subchasers. enemy subs have sent 4 of them sleep with the fishes. At least I've had a couple of DD's drop charges and hit a few subs, although still, none are listed as sunk.
Enterprise has arrived to cover a landing at Irau, some engineers, a base force, and all of the Americal Division (eventually).
With dancing Bananas and Storm Troopers who needs BBs?
Handy Hint
Nice work. Always remember to emphasise the bravery and brilliance of our Aussie troops, the stupidity of U.S. commanders and how most of their troops sat safely around in Australia shagging anything that moved while we did all the hard yakka. Greater attention to these facts in your account of the campaign will ensure a strong American player interest in your thread.
Have no fear,
drink more beer.
drink more beer.
Re: Handy Hint
And don't forget to mention that the yanks were over paid to boot!;)Originally posted by Drongo
Nice work. Always remember to emphasise the bravery and brilliance of our Aussie troops, the stupidity of U.S. commanders and how most of their troops sat safely around in Australia shagging anything that moved while we did all the hard yakka. Greater attention to these facts in your account of the campaign will ensure a strong American player interest in your thread.
Never argue with an idiot, he will only drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
Good initial account, you learned what I and some others probably had to learn the hard way--unless you absolutely have to, don't engage IJN flattops early on unless you have numbers, which you probably won't. This is especially true until you can upgrade the F3F's to F4F's. In an even fight, you will lose every time.
By the way, my gramps has fond memories of Australia from WWII, he really liked it, was in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Sydney, said they liked to get drunk on Aussie beer. He served with the 41st Division in New Guinea, which is in UV. I will admit you Aussies got a raw deal from MacArthur, he left the Aussies to mop up NG and the Solomons in '44 while the US troops were brought to Australia.
By the way, my gramps has fond memories of Australia from WWII, he really liked it, was in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Sydney, said they liked to get drunk on Aussie beer. He served with the 41st Division in New Guinea, which is in UV. I will admit you Aussies got a raw deal from MacArthur, he left the Aussies to mop up NG and the Solomons in '44 while the US troops were brought to Australia.
To Q-Ball : Nothing warms an Aussies heart more than being told our beer is enjoyable.
To Raverdave : Good pick up, I'd forgotten that one.
To Yanks in general : We really do appreciate the efforts of your father/grandfathers in the Pacific.
To Luskan : Hope we haven't sidetracked your thread. Keep the posts coming. I will be watching with interest to see whether you adopt the careful approach of sitting back and building up or taking casualties and being aggressive early. Good Luck.
P.S. Don't let Mac push you around.
To Raverdave : Good pick up, I'd forgotten that one.
To Yanks in general : We really do appreciate the efforts of your father/grandfathers in the Pacific.
To Luskan : Hope we haven't sidetracked your thread. Keep the posts coming. I will be watching with interest to see whether you adopt the careful approach of sitting back and building up or taking casualties and being aggressive early. Good Luck.
P.S. Don't let Mac push you around.
Have no fear,
drink more beer.
drink more beer.
To be honest, this game is far too addictive to allow good AAR reports. Don't know how some other threads manage a day by day, or even week by week account! I want to get back to the game as quick as possible, so tend to paraphrase what had been a well planned account.
So, here is a quick summary of the action since then.
Ground battles:
Irau: Enterprise covered a textbook landing at Irau, unopposed. Soon I'll have a fighter strip there, as well as some basic port facilities.
Lunga: An over literal interpretation by one of my commanders resulted in a big mistake, which turned out to my benefit. I told him "Go out there and take Guadacanal!" stabbing my finger down on the map. Unfortunately I wasn't looking at the map when I did this and so the marine general landed NEXT to Lunga, not on it (and managed to overcome 0 enemy defenders in a heroic shock attack/beach assault.
My second wave, with engineers, base force units, hq, a couple of tanks and the left overs of the marine unit however, landed at lunga, and were bloodied by the 5000 enemy troops and 200 guns there. The marine general, not wanting to miss a good scrap, marched overland and the result was a two pronged attack that beat a superior enemy force off the base. Enterprise and bombers out of Lungaville pounded the enemy ground forces, which splintered into just about every hex around lunga - but I don't care. I've got the base, I'm supplied, and my troops are reinforcing.
Then the enemy carriers came to play, just as Wasp joined Enterprise on station. However I had transfered my dauntleses from the two carriers to the airfield (to remain after the carriers withdrew to safety), and had replaced the avengers on both ships with VMF/VF wildcat squadrons. The enemy carriers (I'm guessing 3, although 4 were reported) launched attack after attack on my retreating carriers - after 3 BB's put Lunga airbase out of commission and sank a few of my DD and CA units. 176 wildcats on board the carriers were on 100% cap. Japanese naval aviation suffered fearsome losses, although Enterprise did end up taking 3 bomb hits (putting her flight deck out) and Wasp was caught by a torpedo. All fighters were left at lunga or Irau and the two carriers limped home (about 50 sys each, so I guessed this might be the right time to send them bck to Pearl).
In the four months since then, the enemy ships pulled back, and Rabual, the shortlands, and a small enemy fighter strip at Lunga mount daily 70+ zero, 50+betty/kate raids. Daily, about 60 wildcats make it into the air to do battle.
There have been 3 major attempts to retake lunga, each supported by carriers, but my marines repel six or seven thousand japs easily (every tank in theatre, 250 guns, a whole load of AA and 8000 front line troops, you would hope so).
Gili Gili: The arrival of my first 2 battleships, and the Hornet and Long Island prompted me to try and snatch Gili Gili back (although there is an airstrip there, the enemy isn't operating any planes? Too content to fly from Rabual to maul Moresby still.
By B17 wings beat up the jap defences, and the 3rd and 6th australian divs were loaded onto transports, and sent into the fray. Their landing was fiercely opposed by enemy units from rabual, and it is just too far (just) for my fighters at Buna or P.M to CAP for them. But then, without my knowing, Buna's squadron recieved P-38s, which could reach. Only one squadron, at an undersupplied base, but enough to break up bomber strike after bomber strike, with hornet's wildcats.
Unfortunately, the p-38's couldn't do anything about the enemy 3 CV group that closed to within 2 hexes of G.G. and wiped about 25 transports, 10 destroyers and a few cruisers out (I am very thankful that all the troops and supplies were already ashore!). Hornet's commander had been told to react to the enemy. I didn't know that his reaction would be "CHARGE!!"
To Hornet's credit, they launched a brilliant attack, supported by p38s that scored 3 or more hits on Zuikaku, Shokaku, Shoho (I think) and the Hiei (sp). The enemy strike was huge, and yet one scored a couple of hits on my other CLAA. My troops were battling hard to retake Gili Gili and hadn't reached the base yet, and so 3 disabled Jap CVs worth of naval air landed at the airbase (size 4 or so) and then launched a second attack which sank Hornet it minutes, and added a few DD's to the total for good measure. The next day these jap naval pilots systematically exterminated everything afloat with a U.S. star on it that hadn't already limped out of range - including a luck strike that damaged the Long Island enough that she didn't make port.
Then the Aussies took the airbase and the Japs lost all those planes on the ground
Shokaku sank the next day, and in the last 3 months I haven't seen another enemy carrier. They'll be back soon however (and it doesn't look like I'm getting another carrier for about 200 days . . .). The last three months have been about supply. DD's and a few damaged or even fewer untouched transports are trying to keep Lunga, P.M and G.G. supplied. All three bases now have a Havoc squadron, 2 fighter squadrons, and 3 fighter bomber squadrons (who are yet to bomb anything I might add). The havoc wing out of Gili Gili has been particularly successful at sinking enemy transports that stray too close.
Washington and a few CA's were at lunga overseeing a routine supply convoy when the japs tried a fourth bombard/then land more troops attempt (there are also 4000 jap 2nd line troops at tassafaronga that I am content to leave to starve). The Jap bombardment force escaped without serious injury done to anyone, but the transport group was still offloading troops the next day. None of them survived that encounter.
It is now the start of december 42, slowly I get transport replacements, and I get lots of things I don't need, loads of tankers (I only need 2 or three, but at one stage I had 12) and hundreds of sub chasers, although I haven't seen a jap sub since they torpedoed some of my wounded warships limping away from G.G. My subs have enjoyed a few scattered successes, but are not really making a difference to the war effort the way my troops have. Am routinely sending such smaller ships back to pearl in the hope Nimitz sends me another carrier or a few battleships.
The Score:
Allied Bases: 17 = 1681
Jap Bases: 16 = 4559
Al Air losses: 909
Jap air losses: 1237
Al Troop losses: 124
Jap troop losses: 389
Al ship losses: 118, inc. Saratoga, Hornet, Long Island = 1856
Jap ship losses: 33 inc Shokaku = 600
Overall:
Allied: 4027
Jap: 7448
Now my level bombers have 2 bases on P.N.G, and 2 small fighter strips that are closer and can do escort duty, I'm going to pound Lae and eventually clean up that whole chunk of png.
So, here is a quick summary of the action since then.
Ground battles:
Irau: Enterprise covered a textbook landing at Irau, unopposed. Soon I'll have a fighter strip there, as well as some basic port facilities.
Lunga: An over literal interpretation by one of my commanders resulted in a big mistake, which turned out to my benefit. I told him "Go out there and take Guadacanal!" stabbing my finger down on the map. Unfortunately I wasn't looking at the map when I did this and so the marine general landed NEXT to Lunga, not on it (and managed to overcome 0 enemy defenders in a heroic shock attack/beach assault.
My second wave, with engineers, base force units, hq, a couple of tanks and the left overs of the marine unit however, landed at lunga, and were bloodied by the 5000 enemy troops and 200 guns there. The marine general, not wanting to miss a good scrap, marched overland and the result was a two pronged attack that beat a superior enemy force off the base. Enterprise and bombers out of Lungaville pounded the enemy ground forces, which splintered into just about every hex around lunga - but I don't care. I've got the base, I'm supplied, and my troops are reinforcing.
Then the enemy carriers came to play, just as Wasp joined Enterprise on station. However I had transfered my dauntleses from the two carriers to the airfield (to remain after the carriers withdrew to safety), and had replaced the avengers on both ships with VMF/VF wildcat squadrons. The enemy carriers (I'm guessing 3, although 4 were reported) launched attack after attack on my retreating carriers - after 3 BB's put Lunga airbase out of commission and sank a few of my DD and CA units. 176 wildcats on board the carriers were on 100% cap. Japanese naval aviation suffered fearsome losses, although Enterprise did end up taking 3 bomb hits (putting her flight deck out) and Wasp was caught by a torpedo. All fighters were left at lunga or Irau and the two carriers limped home (about 50 sys each, so I guessed this might be the right time to send them bck to Pearl).
In the four months since then, the enemy ships pulled back, and Rabual, the shortlands, and a small enemy fighter strip at Lunga mount daily 70+ zero, 50+betty/kate raids. Daily, about 60 wildcats make it into the air to do battle.
There have been 3 major attempts to retake lunga, each supported by carriers, but my marines repel six or seven thousand japs easily (every tank in theatre, 250 guns, a whole load of AA and 8000 front line troops, you would hope so).
Gili Gili: The arrival of my first 2 battleships, and the Hornet and Long Island prompted me to try and snatch Gili Gili back (although there is an airstrip there, the enemy isn't operating any planes? Too content to fly from Rabual to maul Moresby still.
By B17 wings beat up the jap defences, and the 3rd and 6th australian divs were loaded onto transports, and sent into the fray. Their landing was fiercely opposed by enemy units from rabual, and it is just too far (just) for my fighters at Buna or P.M to CAP for them. But then, without my knowing, Buna's squadron recieved P-38s, which could reach. Only one squadron, at an undersupplied base, but enough to break up bomber strike after bomber strike, with hornet's wildcats.
Unfortunately, the p-38's couldn't do anything about the enemy 3 CV group that closed to within 2 hexes of G.G. and wiped about 25 transports, 10 destroyers and a few cruisers out (I am very thankful that all the troops and supplies were already ashore!). Hornet's commander had been told to react to the enemy. I didn't know that his reaction would be "CHARGE!!"
To Hornet's credit, they launched a brilliant attack, supported by p38s that scored 3 or more hits on Zuikaku, Shokaku, Shoho (I think) and the Hiei (sp). The enemy strike was huge, and yet one scored a couple of hits on my other CLAA. My troops were battling hard to retake Gili Gili and hadn't reached the base yet, and so 3 disabled Jap CVs worth of naval air landed at the airbase (size 4 or so) and then launched a second attack which sank Hornet it minutes, and added a few DD's to the total for good measure. The next day these jap naval pilots systematically exterminated everything afloat with a U.S. star on it that hadn't already limped out of range - including a luck strike that damaged the Long Island enough that she didn't make port.
Then the Aussies took the airbase and the Japs lost all those planes on the ground
Shokaku sank the next day, and in the last 3 months I haven't seen another enemy carrier. They'll be back soon however (and it doesn't look like I'm getting another carrier for about 200 days . . .). The last three months have been about supply. DD's and a few damaged or even fewer untouched transports are trying to keep Lunga, P.M and G.G. supplied. All three bases now have a Havoc squadron, 2 fighter squadrons, and 3 fighter bomber squadrons (who are yet to bomb anything I might add). The havoc wing out of Gili Gili has been particularly successful at sinking enemy transports that stray too close.
Washington and a few CA's were at lunga overseeing a routine supply convoy when the japs tried a fourth bombard/then land more troops attempt (there are also 4000 jap 2nd line troops at tassafaronga that I am content to leave to starve). The Jap bombardment force escaped without serious injury done to anyone, but the transport group was still offloading troops the next day. None of them survived that encounter.
It is now the start of december 42, slowly I get transport replacements, and I get lots of things I don't need, loads of tankers (I only need 2 or three, but at one stage I had 12) and hundreds of sub chasers, although I haven't seen a jap sub since they torpedoed some of my wounded warships limping away from G.G. My subs have enjoyed a few scattered successes, but are not really making a difference to the war effort the way my troops have. Am routinely sending such smaller ships back to pearl in the hope Nimitz sends me another carrier or a few battleships.
The Score:
Allied Bases: 17 = 1681
Jap Bases: 16 = 4559
Al Air losses: 909
Jap air losses: 1237
Al Troop losses: 124
Jap troop losses: 389
Al ship losses: 118, inc. Saratoga, Hornet, Long Island = 1856
Jap ship losses: 33 inc Shokaku = 600
Overall:
Allied: 4027
Jap: 7448
Now my level bombers have 2 bases on P.N.G, and 2 small fighter strips that are closer and can do escort duty, I'm going to pound Lae and eventually clean up that whole chunk of png.
With dancing Bananas and Storm Troopers who needs BBs?
HELP!!!
I turned on continuous play to see if it would speed up the "wait for 100 days to get some new capitol ships" and now I can't turn it off! The japs just retook gili gili and lunga because I couldn't give any orders to my troops there! They're mauling transport groups set to do not retire and I can't DO ANYTHING!@! I've hit every key, and clicked everywhere!! How do I turn it off????
With dancing Bananas and Storm Troopers who needs BBs?
Just when you think you've read the manual . .
Aha! The F9 key. Of course, my marines are dead and dying the leangth of guadacanal, I lost hundreds of planes on the ground at lunga where some grinning japs are drinking saki (although somewhere in there my bombers sank the Hiyo??? Didn't see it), all of my bases are out of supply, Gili Gili is lost, and I lost the South Dakota, escorts, and the supply convoy (the last one I had with actual transports in it) because they were set to do not retire and the Jap carriers came to play.
I'm guessing I'm about to be removed from command after this debacle (doctor prescribes more single player games before I take on a real opponent!).
I'm guessing I'm about to be removed from command after this debacle (doctor prescribes more single player games before I take on a real opponent!).
With dancing Bananas and Storm Troopers who needs BBs?
Note to self
(note to self and all other newbies. Don't try and save on the ink, print ALL of the manual - not just from chapter 10 or so on. Also, keep the quick reference within searching distance!)
Dear Diary,
it seems the little mishap that has cost thousands of lives, and set the war int he south pacific back 2 years, has actually improved my career!!! I have been promoted and reassigned to a top secret research facility to oversee the development of a new super weapon that could end the war. It is called the Manhattan project, and it is somewhere out in the Mexican desert - my staff and I are posted to Ground zero (in Australia we call it the ground floor).
Admiral Luskan, no longer commanding here but elsewhere!
Cheers!
Dear Diary,
it seems the little mishap that has cost thousands of lives, and set the war int he south pacific back 2 years, has actually improved my career!!! I have been promoted and reassigned to a top secret research facility to oversee the development of a new super weapon that could end the war. It is called the Manhattan project, and it is somewhere out in the Mexican desert - my staff and I are posted to Ground zero (in Australia we call it the ground floor).
Admiral Luskan, no longer commanding here but elsewhere!
Cheers!
With dancing Bananas and Storm Troopers who needs BBs?