The Coral Sea (Scenario 3): Grotius vs. Maikarant

[Grotius]

Maikarant and I have agreed to play the short 14-turn Coral Sea scenario. Neither of us has done a WITP PBEM before, though I do have a little experience with UV PBEM. We decided to try the shortest scenario on the theory that we might actually finish. We've both been reluctant to jump into a campaign-game PBEM for fear of the long time commitment, but this little battle might change our minds.

The settings: Allied Damage Control On; Japanese and Allied Sub Doctrine Off; Historical First Turn On; Fog of War and Weather On. I'm Japan; Maikarant has the Allies.

Good luck, Maikarant! And please, let me have your advice for where I should build my Imperial Governor's Mansion in Noumea.

[Grotius]

Hai! The Empire is on the move.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/01/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28
G3M Nell x 15
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 3
Kittyhawk I x 6
P-39D Airacobra x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
G3M Nell: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 6 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 5 destroyed

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet

[Grotius]

Maikarant strikes back! He catches my Zeroes on the ground in Lae (resting after their attack on Port Moresby yesterday) but fortunately only destroys a couple of them. OK, I shoulda had some up for CAP. Interestingly, his afternoon wave of attacks includes B-17s out of Port Moresby, which put some holes in my runway. The Empire will remember this insult, Maikarant-san!

My naval forces continue to move south on their inexorable journey to Sydney and Melbourne. In the meantime, I flew a lot of air search missions today but didn't spot a single American ship. Maikarant-san ran recon over Lae and Wewak; time for me to start flying some recon missions too. I can't destroy the enemy until I find him.

Already I'm remembering why PBEM is so fun: I didn't expect Maikarant to move B-17s into Port Moresby. Those big boys take a lot of supply. But in a two-week scenario, why not? I doubt he'll run out of supply before time is up, so it looks like a good move. Of course, I have other plans for New Guinea.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/02/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 8
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 9
P-39D Airacobra x 29
F-5A Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
H8K Emily: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
26 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
3 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 8
Hudson I x 3
Beaufort I x 3
A-20B Boston x 3
B-17C Fortress x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged


Japanese ground losses:
33 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Beaufort I bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
12 x B-17C Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 15000 feet

[Grotius]

NOUMEA, New Caledonia (UPI, May 4, 1942) - Yesterday Japan carried out coordinated landings at four separate spots in the South Pacific. Japanese troops landed on the islands of Guadalcanal and Tulagi in the Solomon Island chain, and almost simultaneously at Buna and Gili Gili on the southeastern end of Papua New Guinea. President Roosevelt termed the landings "a grim new development in the battle for the South Pacific." Further details were not available at press time.

[Grotius]

/bow.

The Empire's troops conducted four more or less simultaneous amphibious landings in the South Pacific yesterday, as part of the larger effort to liberate the Southeast Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere from western Imperial domination. Allied warplanes responded with a furious attack on one of the landings, at Buna. Two waves of Allied bombers and fighters descended on my liberation fleet. But a small contingent of Japanese Zeroes flying CAP managed to keep the imperialist attackers at bay -- on this day, anyway.

Meanwhile, the enemy dropped more bombs on the airfield at Lae, and he also had the temerity to bomb Fortress Rabaul at night, disturbing my beuaty sleep. Enemy planes also flew annoying recon missions over Lae and Wewak. Our air searches uncovered only one enemy ship: a submarine moving north of New Caledonia. Enemy recon has picked up a few of our ships, however.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/03/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17C Fortress x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17C Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 4 troops unloading over beach at Gili Gili, 56,94


Japanese ground losses:
164 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 5 troops unloading over beach at Lunga, 67,97


Japanese ground losses:
73 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 6 troops unloading over beach at Tulagi, 68,96


Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 5 troops unloading over beach at Lunga, 67,97


Japanese ground losses:
44 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 2
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 2
P-39D Airacobra x 30
F-5A Lightning x 2
A-20B Boston x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
H8K Emily: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
59 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x A-20B Boston bombing at 15000 feet
27 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
3 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Buna at 55,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 8
Kittyhawk I x 20
Hudson I x 3
Beaufort I x 3
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 9
P-40E Warhawk x 22
A-20B Boston x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 8 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged
Hudson I: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
Beaufighter Mk 21: 7 destroyed, 2 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed

Japanese Ships
ML Tsugaru
CL Yubari

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Beaufort I bombing at 15000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87


Allied aircraft
Beaufort I x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 2
A-20B Boston x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
15 casualties reported

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Beaufort I bombing at 15000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Buna at 55,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 4
Kittyhawk I x 16
Hudson I x 3
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 6
P-39D Airacobra x 21
P-40E Warhawk x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 3 destroyed
Beaufighter Mk 21: 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Yubari
DD Oite
DD Mutsuki
DD Uzuki
TK Goyo Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
1 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 3 troops unloading over beach at Buna, 55,90


Japanese ground losses:
510 casualties reported

[Grotius]

4 May 1942: I expand the East Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere by capturing several bases this turn. In the meantime, Maikarant's land-based air out of Port Moresby tries to disrupt my landing at Buna. No sign of his carriers yet. Then again, he hasn't spotted mine either.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/04/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 3 troops unloading over beach at Buna, 55,90


Japanese ground losses:
356 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 5 troops unloading over beach at Lunga, 67,97


Japanese ground losses:
70 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17C Fortress x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed


Japanese ground losses:
23 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17C Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 3 troops unloading over beach at Buna, 55,90


Japanese ground losses:
174 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 5 troops unloading over beach at Lunga, 67,97


Japanese ground losses:
67 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 15
P-40E Warhawk x 15
F-5A Lightning x 2
A-20B Boston x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 8 destroyed


Japanese ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x A-20B Boston bombing at 15000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on South Seas Det. , at 55,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 10
Beaufort I x 3
Beaufort V-IX x 7
P-39D Airacobra x 17
P-40E Warhawk x 6
F-5A Lightning x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
Beaufort V-IX: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Beaufort I bombing at 15000 feet
17 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Buna at 55,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8

Allied aircraft
SB2U Vindicator x 12
Wirraway x 6
Kittyhawk I x 23
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 7
Beaufort V-IX x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 20
P-40E Warhawk x 20

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SB2U Vindicator: 2 damaged
Kittyhawk I: 9 destroyed
Beaufighter Mk 21: 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 5 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Mochizuki
CL Yubari
AP Nichibi Maru
AP Daifuku Maru
AP Mogamigawa Maru
DD Mutsuki
AK China Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Chowa Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Wirraway bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
3 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SB2U Vindicator bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Wirraway bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
8 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
9 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SB2U Vindicator bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SB2U Vindicator bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5198 troops, 50 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 110 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Buna base !!!



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

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 774 troops, 14 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Lunga base !!!



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

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 247 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Tulagi base !!!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Gili Gili

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 664 troops, 9 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Gili Gili base !!!

[Grotius]

5 May 1942: The war's first carrier battle took place today! I sent my CV CV CVL down toward Gili Gili to cover my landings there and at Buna. Although I'd been doing air search constantly, I never spotted Maikrant's carriers or any surface ships. (Incidentally, this *is* a PBEM; Maikrant just doesn't post on this forum often.) Suddenly, out of nowhere, Maikarant's CVs popped up 240 miles to the southwest -- in the Coral Sea, as befits the scenario name. Here are the results.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/05/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 58,93

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 40

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 10 destroyed, 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 38 destroyed, 11 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 2
CA Haguro, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 58,93

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 11
SBD Dauntless x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 8 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 11 destroyed, 11 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
CA Furutaka
CA Kinugasa

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 57,96

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
D3A Val x 22
B5N Kate x 29

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 10
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
D3A Val: 14 destroyed, 8 damaged
B5N Kate: 42 destroyed, 22 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Lexington
CA New Orleans
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA Portland

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 57,96

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 22

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 10
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 8 destroyed, 14 damaged


Allied Ships
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 57,96

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
B5N Kate x 21

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 10
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 15 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 8 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CV Yorktown, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 7
Beaufort V-IX x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Buna , at 55,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8

Allied aircraft
SB2U Vindicator x 17
SBD Dauntless x 16
Kittyhawk I x 10
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 5
Beaufort V-IX x 19
P-39D Airacobra x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra: 5 destroyed, 2 damaged

Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
10 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
11 x SB2U Vindicator bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 15000 feet
2 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 15000 feet
3 x SB2U Vindicator bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SB2U Vindicator bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 15000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 57,96

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
DD Sims

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 57,96

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
D3A Val x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet

[Grotius]

You'll notice that Maikarant's torpedo bombers didn't make it to me, whereas my Kates found him. The battle took place at a range of four hexes. What could he have done to either shorten the range (allowing his torpedo bombers to get their hits in) or lengthen it? If he sets Max Reaction Range to 6, will that mean his CVs will react as far as six hexes toward mine, to close the gap and allow his torpedo bombers to join the fight?

Anyway, I'm not sure if either of his CVs survived the fight; intel shows a large number of Operational Losses for his CV-based aircraft. But he got some good licks on mine too: two of the three are out of action, and one may sink tomorrow. All in all, the results roughly parallel (in a more bloody way) the actual battle of the Coral Sea -- tactical victory for Japan, but perhaps a strategic win for the Allies.

[tsimmonds]

If he sets Max Reaction Range to 6, will that mean his CVs will react as far as six hexes toward mine, to close the gap and allow his torpedo bombers to join the fight?

Could happen.

[Grotius]

Hmm, he says he had Max React set to 6. Maybe he began the turn more than 4 hexes away; I'll have to ask him.

The manual (p. 63) says Max React Range is the "maximum number of hexes the TF will move when reacting to an enemy's presence." I guess the implication, as Irrelevant says, is that this movement "could" happen, not that it always will.

[tsimmonds]

The manual (p. 63) says Max React Range is the "maximum number of hexes the TF will move when reacting to an enemy's presence."

I believe that whether reaction occurs depends on the aggressiveness of the OIC of the TF and a die roll.

[Grotius]

Another question about this CV battle. The US fighters flew CAP in the morning but not in the afternoon. But the US was able to fly offensive missions in the afternoon, which suggests that at least one of his CVs was still operational. (I.e., SYS+FLT was still less than 50.) So why did no CAP fly?

[Grotius]

6 May 1942: If Maikrant and I do a full-map scenario, I promise not to cut-and-paste every last boring detail of every combatreport.txt file. But for this little 14-turn scenario, I figure "why not?" There's lots of carnage in this Coral Sea scenario, and it'll be over soon enough. And I'm curious whether more experienced PBEM'ers have comments. Maikarant and I are still both wondering why his CVs didn't fly CAP in the afternoon of our carrier battle, even though they did launch offensive strikes in the afternoon.

Anyway, here's the action from May 6, 1942, the day after the carrier battle. I'm still unloading supply and troops at Buna; I can doubtless hold it for this short scenario with what I've got, but I figured I might as well finish the operation. Unfortunately, I'm running out of non-fatigued fighters to fly CAP, and my CVs are retiring to Rabaul.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/06/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 10
A-20B Boston x 25
B-17C Fortress x 15

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
A-20B Boston: 5 destroyed
B-17C Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
80 casualties reported

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 15

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-17C Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
4 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17C Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
4 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17C Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17C Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
2 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on South Seas Det. , at 55,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 16
Kittyhawk I x 5
Beaufort I x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 13

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
50 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Wirraway bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Wirraway bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Wirraway bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Beaufort I bombing at 15000 feet
13 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 60,92

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 3
B-26B Marauder x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter Mk 21: 1 damaged
B-26B Marauder: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA Furutaka

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 20000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Buna at 55,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3

Allied aircraft
SB2U Vindicator x 16
SBD Dauntless x 6
Kittyhawk I x 9
Beaufort I x 6
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 4
Beaufort V-IX x 16
P-40E Warhawk x 24
A-20B Boston x 14
B-25C Mitchell x 3
B-26B Marauder x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 damaged
Beaufort V-IX: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Asanagi
CL Yubari, Bomb hits 1, on fire
ML Tsugaru
AP Nichibi Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Akibasan Maru
DD Mochizuki, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Syoka Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Asakasan Maru, Torpedo hits 1
AP Mogamigawa Maru
DD Yayoi
DD Oite

Japanese ground losses:
120 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Beaufort I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 20000 feet
4 x A-20B Boston bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
1 x SB2U Vindicator bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x A-20B Boston bombing at 15000 feet
3 x SB2U Vindicator bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Beaufort I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 15000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 15000 feet
3 x SB2U Vindicator bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 20000 feet
9 x SB2U Vindicator bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 56,94

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 5
Beaufort V-IX x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
PG Heijo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 55,94

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
G3M Nell x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 8 damaged

Allied Ships
CA New Orleans
CA Minneapolis, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 55,94

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Australia, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 60,92

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 5
B-25C Mitchell x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter Mk 21: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Furutaka
CA Kinugasa
CA Kako

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
2 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Buna at 55,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3

Allied aircraft
SB2U Vindicator x 13
SBD Dauntless x 12
Wirraway x 4
Beaufort I x 2
Beaufort V-IX x 6
P-40E Warhawk x 4
A-20B Boston x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SB2U Vindicator: 2 destroyed
Beaufort I: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
MSW Fumi Maru #2, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK China Maru
DD Oite
AP Nichibi Maru, on fire
DD Yayoi, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CL Yubari, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Asanagi
AK Akibasan Maru
ML Tsugaru

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Wirraway bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Wirraway bombing at 2000 feet
4 x A-20B Boston bombing at 15000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 15000 feet
9 x SB2U Vindicator bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Beaufort I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 15000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 15000 feet
3 x SB2U Vindicator bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 56,94

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 18
Beaufort I x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
PG Heijo Maru, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Beaufort I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 55,94

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
G3M Nell x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Minneapolis, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 55,94

Japanese Ships
SS I-19

Allied Ships
CL Hobart, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Farragut
DD Walke

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Truk at 63,78

Japanese Ships
AP Kaika Maru

Allied Ships
SS Greenling

[Grotius]

7 May 1942: OK, I've been unloading at Buna for days, and it's just about time to declare victory and allow my Transport TF there to retire. Almost none of my LRCAP showed up for the party today, and I paid the price. Fortunately, both his CVs are badly wounded, limping back to either PM or Australia, and I still have one healthy one with which to give chase. But for this day, I have only bad news to report.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/07/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88


Allied aircraft
B-17C Fortress x 3


No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17C Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 6

Allied aircraft
A-20B Boston x 8

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
36 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x A-20B Boston bombing at 15000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Sasebo 5th SNLF, at 55,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 2

Allied aircraft
A-20B Boston x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
A-20B Boston: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 85th Naval Guard Unit, at 55,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 2

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 16
Kittyhawk I x 15
P-39D Airacobra x 15
P-40E Warhawk x 15
A-20B Boston x 6
B-26B Marauder x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
A-20B Boston: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
65 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Wirraway bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Wirraway bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Wirraway bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
9 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 20000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 10000 feet
15 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Buna at 55,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 1

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 10
Kittyhawk I x 6
Beaufort I x 11
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 3
Beaufort V-IX x 14
B-25C Mitchell x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Nichibi Maru
MSW Seki Maru #3
DD Asanagi, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Yubari, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Asakasan Maru
AK Akibasan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Uzuki, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Beaufort I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Beaufort I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Beaufort I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 56,94

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 2

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
PG Shinko Maru #3

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Buna at 55,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 1

Allied aircraft
SB2U Vindicator x 12
SBD Dauntless x 3
Wirraway x 16
Kittyhawk I x 15
Beaufort I x 6
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 3
Beaufort V-IX x 13
P-40E Warhawk x 13
B-25C Mitchell x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Mutsuki
CL Yubari, on fire, heavy damage [sunk]
AP Nichibi Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Uzuki, on fire, heavy damage [sunk]
AK Akibasan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Asanagi, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Beaufort I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Wirraway bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Wirraway bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Wirraway bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Beaufort I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
9 x SB2U Vindicator bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x SB2U Vindicator bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Wirraway bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Wirraway bombing at 2000 feet

[maikarant]

[>:] You called?

Thanks Grotius for keeping this AAR alive, apologies for not commenting until now.

Indeed some decisions were questionable, some can be explained away somehow but the rest can be catalogued as "insufficient communication down the command chain". This is my first PBEM, and there are so many things I forgot at the beginning because I jumped right into it...

[Grotius]

You're doing pretty well for someone who claims to be a newb. Last I checked, the only ships officially listed as sunk are CVL Shoho and some of my smaller ships. Of course, last I checked, Lex and Yorktown had some torpedoes sticking out of their sides too.

This little scenario is an ideal introduction to the mechanics of PBEM and the game more generally. I recommend it to anyone who's debating whether to try a bigger PBEM scenario. If Maikarant is game for another PBEM, I will be.

[maikarant]

Thanks

By the way, I just posted my next turn to you. Seeing that you're online here gives me hopes to see the next replay soon! And you bet that I'll be game for the next step! [:)]

[Grotius]

8 May 1942: The submarine war heats up; I raise the Rising Sun over Tasssarafonga; and heroic Japanese troops slosh onto the beach at Russell Island. Bad weather socks in Maikarant's air armada at Port Moresby, allowing some of my burning ships to escape Buna unscathed.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/08/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Fergusson Island at 57,94

Japanese Ships
AK Hakonesan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
PG Shinko Maru #3

Allied Ships
SS S-41

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
B-17C Fortress x 3

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17C Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 55,97

Japanese Ships
SS I-165

Allied Ships
AO Cuyama
PG Tui
PG Moa
PG Kiwi
DD Electra

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 52,93

Japanese Ships
SS I-158

Allied Ships
MSW Cairns
MSW Ballarat

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Woodlark Island at 59,94

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
G4M1 Betty x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DMS Zane
AD Dobbin, Torpedo hits 2, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Woodlark Island at 59,94

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
G4M1 Betty x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DMS Zane
AD Dobbin, Torpedo hits 2, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 58,94

Japanese Ships
AK Hakonesan Maru, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Tautog

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Russell Islands at 66,96

Japanese Ships
AP Hikade Maru
PG Koei Maru
DD Yuzuki
DD Kikuzuki
AP Tsunushima Maru

Allied Ships
SS Tambor

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 47 troops unloading over beach at Russell Islands, 66,96


Japanese ground losses:
186 casualties reported

[Grotius]

I've declassified a few screenshots documenting the history of our short little conflict. Remember, this is Scenario 3, which lasts all of two weeks, from May 1-14, 1942.

Here was the disposition of my forces on 2 May 1942. I've noted the intended path of my four amphibious assaults, plus the intended path of my CVs, whose mission was partly to help cover further unloading operations at Gili Gili and Buna but mostly to sink American CVs. They stopped and refueled at Rabaul on their way to the Coral Sea, and, mirabile dictu, they found the CVs they were looking for.

[Grotius]

Most of the resistance was focused on Buna, as I expected. I did put up LRCAP over the invasion TF for the duration of the operation, but I still got used to seeing this combat animation every turn: