The Thousand Mile War: Ardi (J) vs mind_messing (A)

[Ardi]

Hello everyone! Guess I should do a bit of introduction.
I'm starting the first AAR of my first PBEM game in WitP:AE. AARs are the thing that brought me into this awesome game (John 3rd vs Canoerebel was my first to read I believe), so when I've finally decided to play against a human opponent, I though it will be a good idea to make my own, to record my thoughts and actions, so I could later analyze them, and possibly get some advices and comments from the experienced members of the community.

I can't say I've played too much of WitP before. I did every small scenario, some (Coral Sea especially) for a few times. Started Grand Campaign twice as Japan (I'm JFB a bit), one until May 1942, the other till March 1942. Eventually it became a bit boring, not even because of the not-so-smart AI (I was playing standard AI on hard difficulty), but because I always get bored playing against the machine, even if it trashes me competely. Probably my love for the competetive multiplayer games plays the role in this mindset, but I always like to play against human opponents. It is very fun to understand that there is another person on the other side of the screen trying to outsmart you, while you struggling to prevent it.

So I've finally decided to play WitP online, but since Grand Campaign is a massive undertaking and I'm not sure I'll be able to keep up playing for few years straight, I decided to start off with some small scenarios, to get the taste of the PBEM games. I chose the Aleutians campaign since it is rarely played (at least rarely found in AAR section), is not too long and features interesting asymmetrical balance with US having heavy cruiser and battleship presence and strong LBA against Japanese carrier TF.

Mind_messing kindly offered to be my opponent in this. Since I've learned on his AARs how to plan Japanese industry and pilot training, I knew that my first challenge will be tough. Well, the better for me!


Here is the battleground.

[Ardi]

What have I got?

Air

36 A6M2 Zero Sentai
18 A6M2-N Rufe Sentai
9 Ki-43-lla Oscar Detachment
6 E13A1 Jake Detachment
6 E13A1 Jake Detachment
12 H8K1 Emily – 16 days
18 G3M1 Betty – 19 days
54 A6M3a Zero, 54 D3A2 Val, 54 B5N2 Kate – 37 days

No striking capability, only patrol and fighter planes. Bettys can be used only on Paramushiro. Only with arrival of CVs I get any kind of striking capability.

Ground

100+ AV on each island, with some AA. Attu in addition gets some tanks, CDs and anti-tank guns.
Paramushiro also has 1 Army, 1 Fleet and 1 Air HQ, with 2 engi units, AA company and airfield unit.

96th Independent Mixed Brigade – 252 AV – 12 days – my only reinforcement on the ground.

Naval

10 SS, 7 DD, 2 CL – Combat ships
1 AMC, 1 AV, 1 AO, 1 AK, 1 AK-t, 3 xAP, 6 xAK
2 E’s – 9 days
2 CA – 13 days
1 DD – 14 days
2 SS – 29 days
2 CA, 2 DD – 34 days
1 AMC – 36 days
2 CV, 1 CVL, 1 BB, 4 CA, 2 CL, 2 DD – 37 days
1 AVC – 43 days
3 SS – 46 days

Bulk of the forces arrives in 37 days. Until then my forces will remain inferior to the US.

What has opponent got?

Didn’t look specifically before the game, but from playing this scenario I can recall that most of the US forces, including 3 battleships, arrive in 14 or 15 days. Also Allies have a lot of LBAs, mostly fighters, heavy bombers and patrol craft.

What will I do?
Let’s look at the global situation. The only locations of the map that give points, are the islands of Attu and Kiska. 40 points each for Japan and 25 for Allies. So not a lot of VPs for controlling the islands and the battle will be decided by the damage inflicted upon the enemy forces, not by holding the locations.
Still, this doesn’t mean that I can easily give up these islands. If I lose them early, Allies can just withdraw behind powerful LBA cover. Problem is, I don’t get a lot of land forces to reinforce the garrisons. Only the starting ones and a mixed brigade coming in 12 days. So, I decided to heavily reinforce one of the islands and use it as forward outpost for my fleet and air forces, and if Allies try to land on it, I will be able to inflict heavy damage upon their forces.
I chose Attu to become my fortress. Reasons for this are
1) Its capability to expand the airfield at least to lvl 2, to comfortably operate all my LBA and be able to use carrier planes on the ground if necessary
2) Distance from the Adak is 10 hexes, which should deny any fighter sweeps/escort from there, and I believe the bombers from Dutch Harbor won’t be able to reach it as well. Even if they are, they won’t be escorted.
3) It Is closer to Paramushiro than Kiska
So, the main idea is to beef up Attu with troops and supplies, so it would be able to stand any invasion attempt. Kiska is most likely to be overwhelmed, but using Attu as point to rearm and refuel, I might be able to inflict some damage on the landing force.
To execute this plan, I am moving most of the units from Paramushiro to Attu, besides CD unit and Air HQ. The main flaw I see with this plan is possible sneak attack on Paramushiro itself. Not likely, but still possible. Probably should keep 1-2 Glen subs to the south of Aleutians until Bettys arrive. Since I won’t be able to use them properly on Attu anyways (it’s not likely that I will be able to expand airfield there to lvl 4) they will be observing area around Paramushiro.
I wonder, if I lose Paramushiro, will all my Naval reinforcements be denied (since they arrive there)?
The main bulk of Allied Naval forces will arrive in 2 weeks I believe, while my main forces will be there in 37 days. So, I will be outgunned on the sea for three weeks straight. For that reason, it will be extremely important to move two convoys to Attu. One with the troops that are already at Paramushiro, and the other with infantry brigade.
So, I decided to put my subs in two lines from north to south between Kiska and Adak. 2 CL and 5 DD formed a SAG with Tanaka in charge. I’ve sent them forward to Attu, while transports and oiler were loading fuel. 2 DDs were with them to work against subs if necessary. Also I deploy 3 of 6 midgets at Kiska.
Zeros and Oscars will be based on Attu. Actually, since there are not a lot of dive or torpedo bombers for Allies, the best use for my LBA will be sweeping Allied bases and CAPing mine from heavy bombers. Probably could use Zeros at carriers, in case they lose too many of their own fighters. Could probably rebase Rufes there as well, but not sure if concentration will be a good idea. I’m a bit afraid about all these shiny planes being wrecked by battleship bombardment.

What will my opponent do?
No idea. I’ve never played against human in WitP. Standard AI isn’t that smart, so can’t say I’ve learned a lot from it. And since my first opponent is so formidable, my only chance is to improvise, adapt and try to overcome.

[Ardi]

Day 1
Nothing too major. Everything starts to move, 2 of my AKs go to refit on their own (ouch, it takes 20 days), I notice that I can make 2 AKEs, which I do, so at least I’ll be able to refill my torpedoes somewhere. 1 B-24 lost to flak at Kiska, 1 A6M2 lost on transfer.

Day 2
US Task force of 2 CA, 3 CL and 6 DD bombards Kiska. 2 planes destroyed; many damaged. Midgets do nothing, 2 of them are down.
I decide to move my SAG closer to Kiska, in case something will follow the bombardment force.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Kiska Island at 157,51

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 38 damaged
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 destroyed on ground
E13A1 Jake: 4 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied Ships
CA Louisville
CA Indianapolis
CL Detroit
CL Raleigh
CL Richmond
DD Aylwin
DD Monaghan
DD Dale
DD MacDonough
DD Hull
DD Dewey

Japanese ground losses:
514 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 38 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 19 disabled
Guns lost 22 (2 destroyed, 20 disabled)

Airbase hits 26
Airbase supply hits 23
Runway hits 85
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Day 3
Oddly enough that was a correct guess. I found task force of 3 DDs, probably an ASW group. Though it started well, the performance of small American destroyer saved the day for Allies. USS Coghlan managed to cripple Nokaze with just 3 shots, while suffering only one hit during whole engagement. Two other US DDs were badly damaged, but they still managed to escape.
Nokaze sunk later at night. Right after the battle Kiso took a torpedo from a submarine and had to withdraw to Paramushiro with a lightly damaged Kamikaze.
I moved remaining SAG 2 hexes north-east and stayed there for the turn, not quite following the escaped DDs, while not retreating either. Wasn’t quite sure what to do, but I felt quite safe since I knew that US cruisers had spent their ammo on bombardment just a day ago. That indecisiveness costed me dearly later.
Convoy finished loading and started to move to Attu.

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Kiska Island at 157,51, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Abukuma
CL Kiso, Shell hits 2
DD Hatsushima, Shell hits 1
DD Wakaba
DD Shirakumo, Shell hits 1
DD Kamikaze, Shell hits 1
DD Nokaze, Shell hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Coghlan, Shell hits 1
DD Bancroft, Shell hits 6, heavy fires
DD Caldwell, Shell hits 19, heavy fires, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kiska Island at 156,51

Japanese Ships
CL Kiso, Torpedo hits 1
DD Hatsushima
DD Wakaba

Allied Ships
SS S-33

SS S-33 launches 4 torpedoes at CL Kiso

[Ardi]

Day 4
Unsuccessful attack from one of my subs confirmed that crippled DDs were slowly (2 hexes per day) moving to Adak and I decided to intercept them. I ordered my task force to move near Adak at night, and then retreat to Attu. Convoy started to unload.

Day 5
That was a bad idea. At night my task force, already halved in size and partially without torpedoes, met full cruiser TF. In three engagements during the night I lost Abukuma and one of the DDs. Tanaka was reported killed. Several US ships were damaged, but nothing too serious.
Convoy and oiler were still unloading at Attu, bunch of troops were still on the ships. Knowing that US ships spent a bunch of their ammo during the night, I decided to try and intercept their force with a 4 remaining DDs, 2 of which still had torpedoes. I placed them between Attu and incoming threat.

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Adak Island at 160,51, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Abukuma, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Hatsushima
DD Wakaba
DD Shirakumo, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis
CA Louisville
CL Richmond
CL Raleigh, Shell hits 1
CL Detroit, Shell hits 1
DD Dewey
DD Hull
DD MacDonough
DD Dale, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Monaghan
DD Aylwin

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Kiska Island at 159,51, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Abukuma, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Hatsushima
DD Wakaba
DD Shirakumo, heavy fires

Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis, Shell hits 2
CA Louisville
CL Richmond
CL Raleigh
CL Detroit
DD Dewey
DD Hull
DD MacDonough, Shell hits 1
DD Dale, on fire
DD Monaghan, Shell hits 1
DD Aylwin, Shell hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kiska Island at 159,50, Range 9,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Abukuma, Shell hits 18, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Hatsushima
DD Wakaba, Shell hits 1
DD Shirakumo, Shell hits 14, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis
CA Louisville
CL Richmond
CL Raleigh
CL Detroit
DD Dewey
DD Hull
DD MacDonough
DD Dale, on fire
DD Monaghan, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Aylwin

[Ardi]

Day 6
Unfortunately, US ships slipped by. Fortunately, they missed the convoy, but sunk an oiler. It was bad idea to move fuel to Attu directly. I wish I placed this oiler somewhere near Medny island to replenish combat ships. Transports ate all the unloaded fuel anyway because I forgot to put them on “Do not refuel” command.
My DDs met US forces during the day. Fortunately for me, they had spent most of their ammo already, so I’ve lost only one DD.

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Attu Island at 153,49, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
AO Nippon Maru, Shell hits 53, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis
CA Louisville
CL Richmond
CL Raleigh
CL Detroit
DD Dewey
DD Hull
DD MacDonough

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Attu Island at 154,49, Range 17,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Hatsushima
DD Wakaba, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
DD Namikaze, Shell hits 1
DD Numakaze, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis
CA Louisville
CL Richmond
CL Raleigh
CL Detroit
DD Dewey, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Hull
DD MacDonough, Shell hits 2, on fire


Day 7
Sent two of my DDs on a small target spotted to the north of Kiska. They engaged with couple of DMs in close range, even suffering some hits from 40mm guns. My DDs were forced to retreat due to the lack of ammo.
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Day Time Surface Combat, near Kiska Island at 158,49, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Namikaze
DD Numakaze, Shell hits 3

Allied Ships
DM Pruitt, Shell hits 1
DM Sicard, Shell hits 2, on fire

Day 8
Convoy started to return to Paramushiro. My mistake, I could have unload it for couple of days longer.
Also tried night CAP with Rufes over the Kiska to disrupt B-24 bombings. No success.

Day 9
CL Richmond got hit by a torpedo. Attu is swept by P-38. Oscar CAP is swept aside.
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ASW attack near Kiska Island at 156,49

Japanese Ships
SS I-21, hits 4

Allied Ships
CL Richmond, Torpedo hits 1
CA Indianapolis
CL Detroit
CL Raleigh
DD Gansevoort
DD Hull
DD Meade

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Attu Island , at 153,49

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 10 NM, estimated altitude 44,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 39000 feet

CAP engaged:
54th Sentai Det with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 4 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 31000 and 36750.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes

Day 10
Indianapolis got hit by a torpedo. US forces bombard Kiska again.
Decided to try out low layered CAP. Oscars at 5000 feet, Zeros at 7000.
Escorts automatically went on refit for 9 days. Damn, forgot about it.
Rufes at least managed to shoot at US bombers a bit.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 24, 43
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Sub attack near Kiska Island at 159,51

Japanese Ships
SS I-9, hits 3

Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis, Torpedo hits 1
CL Detroit
CL Raleigh
DD Frazier
DD Hull
DD Meade

SS I-9 launches 6 torpedoes at CA Indianapolis


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Night Air attack on Kiska Island , at 157,51

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 19 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 7

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
452 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 8000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes

Subs deployed on a main possible course for the US ships to strike at Attu. Moving some of them closer to Kiska and Adak

[Ardi]

Day 11
Low layered CAP worked quite well.
Brigade started to load. It came a day earlier than I expected.
For a few days tried to intercept B-24 bombarding Kiska at night with Rufes. No luck, but at least I've damaged a couple. Hope they crush somewhere near Dutch Harbor on landing.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Attu Island , at 153,49

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 24 NM, estimated altitude 44,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 39000 feet

CAP engaged:
201 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 15 on standby, 0 scrambling)
15 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 32810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
54th Sentai Det with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 36750.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes




Day 12
I had a feeling that I should remove Zeros to Paramushiro, but I didn’t listen to it. Though I saw cruiser TF in 9 hexes from Attu, I’ve discarded the possibility of fast bombardment. Too bad for me. 9 planes lost, and my troops were badly damaged.
Sub torpedoes miss on Santa Fe. Sub is badly damaged.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Attu Island at 153,49 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 44 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed on ground
E13A1 Jake: 2 destroyed on ground

9 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CA Wichita
CA Louisville
CL Santa Fe
CL Detroit
CL Raleigh
DD Hull
DD Thompson
DD Meade
DD Gansevoort
DD Frazier
DD Coghlan

Japanese ground losses:
361 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 10 disabled
Guns lost 15 (4 destroyed, 11 disabled)

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 10
Runway hits 45


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Sub attack near Attu Island at 154,49

Japanese Ships
SS I-34, hits 18

Allied Ships
CL Santa Fe
CA Louisville
CL Detroit
CL Raleigh
DD Coghlan
DD Hull
DD Thompson
DD Meade

Day 13
Lost an xAK that was trying to sneak supply to Attu alone. Big mistake, should never send AKs unescorted. Pity escorts were refitting.
Maya and Nachi arrived. Turned upgrades off on them, just in case.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Attu Island at 152,48

Japanese Ships
xAK Melbourne Maru, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-41

xAK Melbourne Maru is sighted by SS S-41
SS S-41 attacking on the surface


Day 14
Got an AM with torpedo from Sub. Ordered one sub to sneak to Adak directly. Convoy with 96th Brigade started to move to Attu. Saw US cruiser force in a position to do a flank run on the Attu again. So I redeployed all my LBA to Paramushiro, but transferred Rufes to Attu, just in case I was mistaken at that was a preparation to land on Kiska, rather than bombard Attu. US bombers strike Kiska at day.
Another DD arrived. I formed a task force of 2 CA and 4 DD (2 of them with torpedoes) to escort the convoy. Surprisingly, when choosing TF leader, I saw Tanaka on the list! He hadn’t been there just a couple of days ago. Guess someone managed to take admiral out of the Bering Sea!
But seriously, is it possible for commander to be reported killed, and then appear again? Or is this a bug? I put him in charge of the cruiser TF this time anyway.
Another P-38 sweep. Traded 2 for 2 this time.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Attu Island , at 153,49

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 24 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
201 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
16 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
54th Sentai Det with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 25000.
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kiska Island , at 157,51

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 15
B-25C Mitchell x 20

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 5

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Sub attack near Kiska Island at 158,51

Japanese Ships
SS I-31, hits 1

Allied Ships
DMS Perry
DMS Long
DMS Chandler

SS I-31 launches 2 torpedoes at DMS Perry
I-31 diving deep ....
DMS Chandler fails to find sub, continues to search...
DMS Chandler attacking submerged sub ....
DMS Chandler cannot establish contact with SS I-31
DMS Chandler fails to find sub, continues to search...
DMS Chandler fails to find sub, continues to search...
DMS Chandler fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kiska Island at 157,51

Japanese Ships
SS I-175

Allied Ships
AM Oriole, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

SS I-175 launches 2 torpedoes
I-175 bottoming out ....
Sub escapes detection


Day 15
US AP got hit by two torpedoes near Adak, and sinking sounds were heard. US task force bombards Attu. Good possibility to start unloading of the troops. I order convoy to move to Attu at full speed. One of my subs is badly damaged and I move it to Attu to pump out water.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Adak Island at 162,52

Japanese Ships
SS I-7

Allied Ships
xAP Branch, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

xAP Branch is sighted by SS I-7
SS I-7 launches 2 torpedoes


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Attu Island at 153,49 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 6 damaged
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 destroyed on ground

9 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CA Wichita
CA Louisville
CL Santa Fe, Shell hits 1
CL Detroit
CL Raleigh
DD Hull
DD Thompson
DD Meade
DD Gansevoort
DD Frazier
DD Coghlan

Japanese ground losses:
108 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 24 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 22 (1 destroyed, 21 disabled)

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 27


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Attu Island at 155,49

Japanese Ships
SS I-36, hits 6, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Gansevoort
CA Wichita
CA Louisville
CL Santa Fe
DD Hull
DD Coghlan
DD Thompson
DD Meade

SS I-36 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Gansevoort


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Adak Island at 162,52

Japanese Ships
SS I-7

Allied Ships
xAP Branch, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

xAP Branch is sighted by SS I-7
SS I-7 launches 2 torpedoes

I-36 crawling away.

[Ardi]

Day 16
Now this is a nice hit! Sinking sounds were heard, and 35 Wildcats are listed as lost, so I believe Nassau really was sunk. Though it is also a signal that main US forces are underway. I wonder which island they will target first. Convoy is spotted near Attu, along with the covering task force. I don’t see anything in a position to attack Attu next turn, if it’s not on flank speed. I hope to have at least two days to unload. Tanaka’s TF is positioned in a hex east of Attu.

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Sub attack near Adak Island at 164,51

Japanese Ships
SS I-7, hits 2

Allied Ships
CVE Nassau, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Mustin

Ammo storage explosion on CVE Nassau
SS I-7 launches 6 torpedoes at CVE Nassau
I-7 diving deep ....
DD Mustin fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Mustin fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Mustin fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Mustin fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Mustin attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

[AleRonin]

I wonder, if I lose Paramushiro, will all my Naval reinforcements be denied (since they arrive there)?

I think you don't get anything until the base is again in your hands becuase there are not other main bases in this scenario (I checked the editor, stock scenario).

Good catch the CVE!

Good luck [:)]

[Bif1961]

Japanese subs in 42 are the great white sharks they can strike without notice and really change a day.

[Ardi]

Thanks guys. Appointing commanders with good naval skill and agression and putting subs on direct route/absolute threat tolerance seems to do the job, even for mid-43. Guess it won't work so well later in the game.

[Ardi]

Day 17

Tanaka's task force destroyed a group of 3 DMS, which were either on minesweeping or ASW duty. Or they could had been sent forward so my ships would spend ammo on them, but considering the timing of the battle and absence of heavy ships during this turn, this seems unlikely.

Unloading was done faster than I had imagined. Whole brigade was deployed in a day. Since my patrol spotted US cruiser task force moving west and my SAG wasted a lot of ammo on DMS, I ordered a full speed retreat for both convoy and it's cover. I hope they'll manage to escape.

US Air forces sweep and bombard Kiska. SInce US ships most likely are going for Attu (not sure if they bombard it or try to intercept the convoy) I decided to set a CAP trap on Kiska, moving Rufes and Zeros on it. I also ordered half of the Zeros to sweep Adak, just to try out US CAP. Not sure how it will turn out, but still worth a try.

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Attu Island at 154,49, Range 3,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Maya
CA Nachi
DD Hatsushima
DD Usugumo
DD Kamikaze
DD Namikaze

Allied Ships
DMS Perry
DMS Long
DMS Chandler, Shell hits 8, and is sunk

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ASW attack near Attu Island at 153,49

Japanese Ships
xAK Hakkai Maru
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
SS S-35, hits 5

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Attu Island at 155,50, Range 25,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Maya, Shell hits 2
CA Nachi
DD Hatsushima
DD Usugumo
DD Kamikaze
DD Namikaze

Allied Ships
DMS Perry, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
DMS Long, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

[tarkalak]

Hi, great AAR. Good luck repelling the US. I played the scenario against the AI, but here are some notes that might be useful for you. I played it the latest official, so some things might be incorrect.

If you disband the Tanker/Oiler at a port ships can refuel from it, so you don't need to unload the fuel. The downside is that it can be sunk in port.

The Adak base force doesn't have a radar. You should bring the Paramishiro BF to Attu and potentially swap them. Kiska has a radar, so you don't have to worry about it.

With the CVE down your opponent have little means of protecting his invasions from the air. You can sink some when he invades. His P-40s can cover Kiska at extended range, but I don't think it will be effective.

In my game the Betties flew from level 2 airfield at Attu. I also moved the Air HQ there for torpedoes. [:D]
It might be a bit late to do that though.

If you disband the AV at Attu it will feed torpedoes to the Emilies and they can strike with them. The are deadly if they can hit.

About sweeping Adak, he has so many P-40 that it is a loss for you. Naval bombardment might give better results.

[Ardi]

Day 18

Subs performed very well. I-24 missed on CL Detroit, but made up for it by hitting CA Louisville with 3 torpedoes (1 was a dud). Heard a sinking sound. Detroit also couldn’t escape his fate this day, being hit once by I-35.
It appeared that US forces were on surface attack mission, as no bombardment was commenced. Patrol spotted task force of 3 DDs moving to Attu from Adak, so I decided to pull subs of from this area, and also ordered two of them to try their luck on Adak.
CAP trap worked quite well. Fearing retaliation, I withdrew all fighters that could fly on Attu.
My surface ships escaped with no harm. This means that first part of my plan was completed. Now I should devise my next moves. Main question is – should I attempt to strike somewhere with my surface forces before carriers arrive? I think not. I could use my cruisers and destroyers to try and sneak up on landing transports, if only there were more bases to operate. Here the point of attack is too obvious as well as the point of retreat, so my movements will be quite easy to predict. Since subs are working quite nice, I probably leave the fighting for them for a time being,
AKE is finishing the conversion, will be ready in 4 days.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 02, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Attu Island at 155,49

Japanese Ships
SS I-24

Allied Ships
CL Detroit
CA Wichita
CA Louisville
CL Santa Fe
DD Coghlan
DD Hull
DD Thompson
DD Meade

SS I-24 launches 6 torpedoes at CL Detroit
I-24 diving deep ....
DD Hull fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Thompson fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Meade fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Thompson fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Thompson attacking submerged sub ....
DD Thompson fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Thompson fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Thompson fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Attu Island at 155,49

Japanese Ships
SS I-24, hits 1

Allied Ships
CA Louisville, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
CA Wichita
CL Santa Fe
DD Coghlan
DD Hull
DD Thompson
DD Meade

SS I-24 launches 6 torpedoes at CA Louisville
DD Hull attacking submerged sub ....
DD Thompson fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Meade fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hull fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hull fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hull fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hull fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hull fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hull fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kiska Island at 158,50

Japanese Ships
SS I-35

Allied Ships
CL Detroit, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL Santa Fe
DD Coghlan
DD Thompson
DD Meade

Massive explosion on CL Detroit
SS I-35 launches 6 torpedoes at CL Detroit
I-35 diving deep ....
DD Thompson fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Meade fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Thompson fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Thompson fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Thompson fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Thompson fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Thompson attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kiska Island , at 157,51

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29
A6M2-N Rufe x 7

Allied aircraft
Ventura GR.V x 5
P-40E Warhawk x 8
PV-1 Ventura x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Ventura GR.V: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed
PV-1 Ventura: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
201 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (5 airborne, 10 on standby, 14 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
24 planes vectored on to bombers
452 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kiska Island , at 157,51

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
A6M2-N Rufe x 5

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 4 destroyed

CAP engaged:
201 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
452 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 70 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Attu Island at 155,49

Japanese Ships
SS I-24, hits 2

Allied Ships
CA Louisville, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
DD Hull

SS I-24 launches 6 torpedoes at CA Louisville
DD Hull attacking submerged sub ....
DD Hull is out of ASW ammo
DD Hull is out of ASW ammo
DD Hull fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hull fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hull fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hull fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Day 19

My guess about bombardment of Kiska was correct. It was pummeled by everything Allied Navy got at night and heavily swept at day. Unfortunately, two subs missed on BB Idaho, and one sub that had sneaked to Adak was badly damaged.
For the time being I withdrew all fighters to Paramushiro. Without surface fleet and subs gradually retreating to Paramushiro for repairs and resupply, they are very vulnerable to surface bombardments.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 03, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kiska Island at 159,51

Japanese Ships
SS I-31

Allied Ships
BB Idaho
DM Pruitt
DD Kane

SS I-31 launches 6 torpedoes at BB Idaho
I-31 diving deep ....
DD Kane fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kane fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kane fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kane fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kane attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-31 eludes DD Kane by diving deep
DD Kane cannot establish contact with SS I-31
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kiska Island at 157,51

Japanese Ships
SS I-175

Allied Ships
BB Idaho
DD Bancroft
DM Pruitt
DD Kane

SS I-175 launches 4 torpedoes at BB Idaho
DD Kane fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kane fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kane attacking submerged sub ....
DD Kane cannot establish contact with SS I-175
DD Kane fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kane fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Adak Island at 162,52

Japanese Ships
SS I-35

SS I-35 is sighted by escort
I-35 bottoming out ....
Sub escapes detection


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Kiska Island at 157,51

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Wichita
CL Detroit
CL Raleigh
DD Thompson
DD Meade
DD Gansevoort
DD Frazier
DD Coghlan

Japanese ground losses:
115 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 16
Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 5

CA Wichita firing at Kiska Island
SOC-1 Seagull acting as spotter for CL Detroit
CL Detroit firing at Kiska Island
CL Raleigh firing at Kiska Island
DD Thompson firing at 8th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
DD Meade firing at Maizuru 3rd SNLF
DD Gansevoort firing at Kiska Island
DD Frazier firing at Kiska Island
DD Coghlan firing at Kiska Island


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Kiska Island at 157,51

Allied Ships
BB Idaho
BB Pennsylvania
BB Nevada
DD Kane
DD Bancroft
DM Pruitt

Japanese ground losses:
122 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 14 (2 destroyed, 12 disabled)

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 6
Port hits 9
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 3

BB Idaho firing at 8th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
BB Pennsylvania firing at Kiska Island
BB Nevada firing at Kiska Air Defense AA Division
DD Kane firing at Kiska Island
DD Bancroft firing at 8th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
DM Pruitt firing at Kiska Island


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Kiska Island at 157,51

Japanese Ships
SS I-175, hits 2

Allied Ships
DD Bancroft
DM Pruitt
DD Kane

SS I-175 is sighted by escort
I-175 bottoming out ....
DD Kane fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kane attacking submerged sub ....
DD Kane loses contact with SS I-175
DD Kane cannot establish contact with SS I-175
DD Kane fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kane fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kane fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kiska Island , at 157,51

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 16 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 12

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x P-40E Warhawk sweeping at 20000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kiska Island , at 157,51

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 18

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x P-40E Warhawk sweeping at 20000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Adak Island at 162,52

Japanese Ships
SS I-35, hits 10, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Mustin

SS I-35 is sighted by escort
DD Mustin attacking submerged sub ....
DD Mustin fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Mustin fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Mustin fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Mustin fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Days 20-24

Uneventful. I decided to wait until the bulk of IJN forces arrives.

Here is the list of the ships lost on day 22.

[Ardi]

ORIGINAL: tarkalak

Hi, great AAR. Good luck repelling the US. I played the scenario against the AI, but here are some notes that might be useful for you. I played it the latest official, so some things might be incorrect.

If you disband the Tanker/Oiler at a port ships can refuel from it, so you don't need to unload the fuel. The downside is that it can be sunk in port.

The Adak base force doesn't have a radar. You should bring the Paramishiro BF to Attu and potentially swap them. Kiska has a radar, so you don't have to worry about it.

With the CVE down your opponent have little means of protecting his invasions from the air. You can sink some when he invades. His P-40s can cover Kiska at extended range, but I don't think it will be effective.

In my game the Betties flew from level 2 airfield at Attu. I also moved the Air HQ there for torpedoes. [:D]
It might be a bit late to do that though.

If you disband the AV at Attu it will feed torpedoes to the Emilies and they can strike with them. The are deadly if they can hit.

About sweeping Adak, he has so many P-40 that it is a loss for you. Naval bombardment might give better results.

Thanks!
Unfortunately, I've lost my oiler already. Thanks for this hint though, I will definetly put into use in my next games.
As for Bettys, I was under impression that medium bombers need an AF size 4 to fly with full load. I'll try it later in the game though.
Thanks for the tip about AV and Emilys. Also I'll probably try to sweep Adak, but only when carriers arrive.

[tarkalak]

ORIGINAL: Ardi

ORIGINAL: tarkalak

Hi, great AAR. Good luck repelling the US. I played the scenario against the AI, but here are some notes that might be useful for you. I played it the latest official, so some things might be incorrect.

If you disband the Tanker/Oiler at a port ships can refuel from it, so you don't need to unload the fuel. The downside is that it can be sunk in port.

The Adak base force doesn't have a radar. You should bring the Paramishiro BF to Attu and potentially swap them. Kiska has a radar, so you don't have to worry about it.

With the CVE down your opponent have little means of protecting his invasions from the air. You can sink some when he invades. His P-40s can cover Kiska at extended range, but I don't think it will be effective.

In my game the Betties flew from level 2 airfield at Attu. I also moved the Air HQ there for torpedoes. [:D]
It might be a bit late to do that though.

If you disband the AV at Attu it will feed torpedoes to the Emilies and they can strike with them. The are deadly if they can hit.

About sweeping Adak, he has so many P-40 that it is a loss for you. Naval bombardment might give better results.

Thanks!
Unfortunately, I've lost my oiler already. Thanks for this hint though, I will definetly put into use in my next games.
As for Bettys, I was under impression that medium bombers need an AF size 4 to fly with full load. I'll try it later in the game though.
Thanks for the tip about AV and Emilys. Also I'll probably try to sweep Adak, but only when carriers arrive.

Bombs will work against transports as well. Some forumites have had success even with the small 60 kg bombs and Jakes.

In my humble opinion sweeping Adak is counterproductive. What will you achieve with that?
Naval bombardments do better and you don't have the airforce to shut down the airfield anyway. I was able to take Adak from the AI, but it takes several days of unloading and the CDs killed most of my transports. I don't think it is possible against a capable opponent.

If MM doesn't invade until your carriers arrive, I think he is in trouble.

Also, bases give points relative to the size of port + airfield. If he takes a base he can pump up his score by enlarging it.

Total Base points = base points * (port size + airfield size)

[BBfanboy]

tarkalak: Total Base points = base points * (port size + airfield size)

A small correction:
Total Base points = base points * (port size + [airfield size*2])

[Ardi]

ORIGINAL: tarkalak

ORIGINAL: Ardi

ORIGINAL: tarkalak

Hi, great AAR. Good luck repelling the US. I played the scenario against the AI, but here are some notes that might be useful for you. I played it the latest official, so some things might be incorrect.

If you disband the Tanker/Oiler at a port ships can refuel from it, so you don't need to unload the fuel. The downside is that it can be sunk in port.

The Adak base force doesn't have a radar. You should bring the Paramishiro BF to Attu and potentially swap them. Kiska has a radar, so you don't have to worry about it.

With the CVE down your opponent have little means of protecting his invasions from the air. You can sink some when he invades. His P-40s can cover Kiska at extended range, but I don't think it will be effective.

In my game the Betties flew from level 2 airfield at Attu. I also moved the Air HQ there for torpedoes. [:D]
It might be a bit late to do that though.

If you disband the AV at Attu it will feed torpedoes to the Emilies and they can strike with them. The are deadly if they can hit.

About sweeping Adak, he has so many P-40 that it is a loss for you. Naval bombardment might give better results.

Thanks!
Unfortunately, I've lost my oiler already. Thanks for this hint though, I will definetly put into use in my next games.
As for Bettys, I was under impression that medium bombers need an AF size 4 to fly with full load. I'll try it later in the game though.
Thanks for the tip about AV and Emilys. Also I'll probably try to sweep Adak, but only when carriers arrive.

Bombs will work against transports as well. Some forumites have had success even with the small 60 kg bombs and Jakes.

In my humble opinion sweeping Adak is counterproductive. What will you achieve with that?
Naval bombardments do better and you don't have the airforce to shut down the airfield anyway. I was able to take Adak from the AI, but it takes several days of unloading and the CDs killed most of my transports. I don't think it is possible against a capable opponent.

If MM doesn't invade until your carriers arrive, I think he is in trouble.

Also, bases give points relative to the size of port + airfield. If he takes a base he can pump up his score by enlarging it.

Total Base points = base points * (port size + airfield size)

Problem with bombardment is that MM has superior naval force. I also believe that I'm not able to rearm Musashi with AKEs that I have, so I wouldn't want to waste it's ammo on bombardment. And it's dangerous to send only cruisers against 3 battleships.
Also I lost my oiler, so I can't refuel on Attu efficently. Probably I can draw fuel from the big transports, but it will require time and will disorganize my forces. For these reasons I'm restraining to use full speed except for the emergency cases, thus denying myself the fast bombardment runs.
The only way I see to comfortably pummel Allied ground troops and airfields is to destroy or severely damage their naval forces. But strong CAP and LRCAP will deny my main weapon - the carriers. So I need to reduce it so Allies won't be able to stay under its cover or hide in port.
Also thanks to you and BBfanboy for details on base point formula. More the reason was to fortify Attu since it has more potential for development than Kiska. Kiska is 1(1) in AF and 2(2) in port, and even if I lose it, I doubt Allies will be able to expand it beyond the standard size in short timeframe of the scenario, so it will give 60 point difference at maximum.

[Ardi]

Day 25

Invasion on Kiska. Mind_messing told me later in PM that he had confused his landing forces and attacked Kiska with troops prepped for Attu, hence the huge damage on the troops upon landing.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 09, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Kiska Island (157,51)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

161 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB Idaho
CL Detroit
CL Raleigh
AP U.S. Grant
DD Balch
DD Dale

Japanese ground losses:
297 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 34 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 12 (1 destroyed, 11 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
93 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

BB Idaho firing at 303rd Ind.Infantry Battalion
CL Detroit firing at Kiska Air Defense AA Division
CL Raleigh firing at Maizuru 3rd SNLF
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Kiska Island (157,51)

TF 8 troops unloading over beach at Kiska Island, 157,51

Allied ground losses:
902 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 113 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 47 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 55 (0 destroyed, 55 disabled)
Vehicles lost 10 (1 destroyed, 9 disabled)

13 troops of a USA 43 Rifle Squad accidentally lost during unload of 32nd USA Rgt
M3 Stuart Light Tank lost from landing craft during unload of 4th (Sep) Infantry Rgt
13 troops of a USA 43 Rifle Squad lost overboard during unload of 17th USA Rgt
12 troops of a US 43 Cmbt Eng Sqd lost from landing craft during unload of 18th Combat Engr Rgt


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Kiska Island at 157,51

Allied Ships
BB Pennsylvania
BB Nevada
DD Kane
DD Bancroft
DM Pruitt

Japanese ground losses:
230 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 30 (1 destroyed, 29 disabled)

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

BB Pennsylvania firing at 8th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
BB Nevada firing at Kiska Island
DD Kane firing at Kiska Island
DD Bancroft firing at Kiska Island
DM Pruitt firing at Maizuru 3rd SNLF


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Kiska Island at 157,51

Japanese Ships
SS I-175, hits 7

Allied Ships
CL Santa Fe
CL Richmond
AVP Teal
AGC Bibb
AP Zeilin
xAP Flavel
xAK George W. Julian
DD Monaghan
DD Dale

SS I-175 is sighted by escort
DD Monaghan fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Dale fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Monaghan attacking submerged sub ....
DD Monaghan fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Monaghan fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Monaghan fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Monaghan fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Kiska Island (157,51)

52 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB Idaho
CL Detroit
CL Raleigh
CL Richmond
DD Farragut
DD Balch
AP U.S. Grant
DD Monaghan

Japanese ground losses:
93 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
32 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

BB Idaho firing at Kiska Air Defense AA Division
CL Detroit firing at Maizuru 3rd SNLF
CL Raleigh firing at Kiska Air Defense AA Division
CL Richmond firing at Kiska Air Defense AA Division
DD Farragut firing at Maizuru 3rd SNLF
DD Balch firing at Kiska Air Defense AA Division
DD Farragut fired at enemy troops
DD Balch fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


Day 26-27

Invasion continues. I-24 lost.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Kiska Island at 157,51

Japanese Ships
SS I-24, hits 31, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Frazier
DD Lansdowne
DD Hull
DD Mustin
DD Thompson
DD Meade

SS I-24 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Frazier
DD Hull fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Mustin attacking submerged sub ....
DD Thompson fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Meade fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hull attacking submerged sub ....
DD Mustin fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Meade fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hull fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Mustin fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Mustin fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Mustin attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-24 forced to surface!
DD Thompson firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Meade firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Hull firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Thompson firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Thompson firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Meade firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Hull firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Thompson firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Meade firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Hull firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves


Day 28

First Allied Deliberate attack. 1 to 2, forts still stand.

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

Ground combat at Kiska Island (157,51)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7804 troops, 126 guns, 48 vehicles, Assault Value = 267

Defending force 4303 troops, 135 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 96

Allied adjusted assault: 118

Japanese adjusted defense: 325

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

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), disruption(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
183 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled

Allied ground losses:
147 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
17th USA Regiment
4th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
32nd USA Regiment
18th Combat Engineer Regiment
7th Div Prov Battalion
81st Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
4th Engineer Coy
Maizuru 3rd SNLF
303rd Ind.Infantry Battalion
8th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
Kiska Air Defense AA Division
51st JNAF AF Unit

Day 29

Quiet day.

Day 30

Allied attack on Kiska reduced forts to 1.

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

Ground combat at Kiska Island (157,51)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7874 troops, 125 guns, 48 vehicles, Assault Value = 269

Defending force 4201 troops, 131 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 86

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Allied adjusted assault: 118

Japanese adjusted defense: 193

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

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
238 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
629 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 33 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled

Assaulting units:
17th USA Regiment
18th Combat Engineer Regiment
32nd USA Regiment
4th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
7th Div Prov Battalion
81st Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
4th Engineer Coy
Maizuru 3rd SNLF
303rd Ind.Infantry Battalion
8th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
Kiska Air Defense AA Division
51st JNAF AF Unit


Day 31

Another attack. Japanese forces hold on the scraps delivered by Emilys. Seems to be effective as I don't see negative combat modifier on supply for my troops.

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

Ground combat at Kiska Island (157,51)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7512 troops, 125 guns, 48 vehicles, Assault Value = 217

Defending force 4071 troops, 131 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 75

Allied adjusted assault: 64

Japanese adjusted defense: 196

Allied assault odds: 1 to 3 (fort level 1)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
282 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 21 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 9 (1 destroyed, 8 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
180 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 34 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
4th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
17th USA Regiment
32nd USA Regiment
18th Combat Engineer Regiment
7th Div Prov Battalion
81st Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
Maizuru 3rd SNLF
4th Engineer Coy
303rd Ind.Infantry Battalion
8th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
Kiska Air Defense AA Division
51st JNAF AF Unit

[Ardi]

Day 32

Bettys managed to reach the ships around Attu. I guess the invasion is inbound.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 16, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 153,49

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 71 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
DD Coghlan
CA San Francisco

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo


Day 33

Even with Lightning LRCAP, Bettys were able to come through. Though they missed on the big boys, one torpedo found itself a DD to hit.
Allied forces (2 US Regiments) landed on Attu.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 17, 43
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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 153,49

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 12

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 9 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
BB Idaho
CA Wichita
CL Raleigh
DD Meade, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
54th FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes

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ASW attack near Attu Island at 153,49

Japanese Ships
SS I-169, hits 11

Allied Ships
DD Mustin
CL Santa Fe
CL Detroit
AMC Prince Henry
AVD Casco
AGC Bibb
AP J. Franklin Bell
LST-23
DD Kane
DD Hull

SS I-169 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Mustin
DD Kane fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hull fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Mustin fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Mustin fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Mustin attacking submerged sub ....
DD Mustin fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Mustin fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Day 34

Nothing major.

Day 35

I-9 was damaged but she put a fish in Wichita. On Kiska Allied assault dropped forts to 0.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 19, 43
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Sub attack near Attu Island at 153,49

Japanese Ships
SS I-9, hits 9

Allied Ships
CA Wichita, Torpedo hits 1
DD Phelps
DD Gansevoort

SS I-9 launches 6 torpedoes at CA Wichita
I-9 bottoming out ....
DD Phelps attacking submerged sub ....
DD Gansevoort fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Phelps fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Phelps fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Phelps fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Phelps fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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Ground combat at Kiska Island (157,51)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7663 troops, 125 guns, 48 vehicles, Assault Value = 240

Defending force 4063 troops, 130 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 77

Allied adjusted assault: 143

Japanese adjusted defense: 94

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

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
393 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 32 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 9 (2 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
228 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 33 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
4th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
32nd USA Regiment
18th Combat Engineer Regiment
17th USA Regiment
7th Div Prov Battalion
81st Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
Maizuru 3rd SNLF
4th Engineer Coy
303rd Ind.Infantry Battalion
8th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
Kiska Air Defense AA Division
51st JNAF AF Unit


Here are overall plane losses on day 33.

[Ardi]

Day 37

Considering the difference in numbers of Attu and absence of US big guns near the island, I decided to attack US forces on the beaches. Just deliberately, didn't risk the shock attack. But this was a day for failed ground attacks. Both Japanese attack on Attu and Allied on Kiska are deflected, though US losses on Attu are considerable.
And my fleet is finally here! While convoy is forming and loading supplies and air HQ to move them to Attu, fleet will move forward, to deny any possible bombardment of the islands.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 21, 43
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Ground combat at Attu Island (153,49)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 10935 troops, 124 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 385

Defending force 5861 troops, 88 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 217

Japanese adjusted assault: 121

Allied adjusted defense: 389

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 3

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
898 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 22 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Guns lost 4 (2 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
629 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 87 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
301st Ind.Infantry Battalion
43rd Engineer Battalion
1st Engineer Coy
Det/45th Tank Regiment
96th Ind.Mixed Brigade
North Chichijima Naval Guard Unit
38th Const Coy
15th/16th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
5th JNAF AF Unit
35th RF Gun Battalion
13th Ind.AA Gun Coy
Attu Air Defense AA Division
Northern Army
North Chichijima CD Coastal Gun Battalion
5th Fleet
12th Naval Construction Battalion
57th JNAF AF Unit

Defending units:
159th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
184th USA Regiment


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Ground combat at Kiska Island (157,51)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7658 troops, 123 guns, 48 vehicles, Assault Value = 234

Defending force 3901 troops, 127 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 62

Allied adjusted assault: 89

Japanese adjusted defense: 118

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

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
130 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
326 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 44 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
4th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
17th USA Regiment
18th Combat Engineer Regiment
32nd USA Regiment
7th Div Prov Battalion
81st Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
Maizuru 3rd SNLF
4th Engineer Coy
303rd Ind.Infantry Battalion
Kiska Air Defense AA Division
8th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
51st JNAF AF Unit