Greetings! This will be a new AAR based on Scenario 16. Specifications: Japanese Subs off and everything else on. Reinforcements are fixed and ship commitment is 100% Allied and 140% Japanese.
A little history of the two opponents for this 15 Round Heavyweight Match: I am a Professor of Military History in La Salle, Colorado and my worthy opponent, Dan, is a lawyer in Rome, Georgia. Dan is currently thinking about getting his Ph.D. in History. We are huge fans of what Matrix has accomplished and wanted to contribute.
This Scenario has already been started by us about six weeks ago and we are on late-August there. My, Japanese, carrier fleet got destroyed by all FOUR US Carriers and the scenario has completely transformed into something really different. We began bantering about starting an AAR and decided to re-start the exact same scenario. With a new beginning comes news hopes and dreams that have NOT been sunk by US Dauntlesses! [8D]
I tend to be a pretty aggressive player. This worked to my detriment in the earlier scenario. I intend to be a little more controlled here but will lunge when I see an opportunity.
Basic Plans:
1. Quick grabbing of GG and Buna through Fast Transport missions. GG gets the 5th SNLF and Buna 75th NG. These will then be re-supplied by FT until I can gain control of the air.
2. Reinforcement of Lae with South Seas Detachment and large convoy. SSD will then be used to clear Wau of enemy.
3. Truk detaches four Convoys for the following:
a. Begin Fuel runs to Shortlands
b. Base Force and NG to Rossel and Irau
c. 17th Army, 35th Brigade, and all CD units available to Lunga
d. Subs loading mines for Cooktown, Cairns, and Townsville.
4. Aerial Phase
a. Train up Bombers for the inevitable first convoy into PM.
b. Move two squadrons of Fighters into Lae to begin sweeps of PM and cover Convoy when it appoaches in several days.
Last time we started this, I made an immediate grab for PM and had rather poor results. This time I want to slowly build-up pressure and make a decision whether to go for it or not. Additionally, an assualt on Luganville may not be out of the question. As the Japanese, I like to at least make an attempt at either one or the other.
It is my intention to run a narrative instead of showing ENDLESS combat screens. I like the AARs that tend to give you more thinking then statistics. This is how I teach history and it seems to work best for me. We shall see!
Dan will run his own seperate thread and I hope you enjoy the match! "We who are about to die salute you!" John
Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
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Canoerebel
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RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Allied AAR separate
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Scenario started on June 1st and it is now June 3rd. It appears that my esteemed competitor has pulled his LBA from PM. At least my initial fighter sweeps have been unopposed to this point.
As normal the S-Boats have struck. One of my PGs got hit by a Torp from S-39. It always defies my imagination when the historically HORRIBLE American Torps always seem to hit from an S-Boat. I know that they were older and fired a slightly different Torp but it is depressing and frustrating at the same time.
Have grabbed GG and Buna without issue. Convoy loaded for PM and we'll see if Allied LBA appears for that...
As normal the S-Boats have struck. One of my PGs got hit by a Torp from S-39. It always defies my imagination when the historically HORRIBLE American Torps always seem to hit from an S-Boat. I know that they were older and fired a slightly different Torp but it is depressing and frustrating at the same time.
Have grabbed GG and Buna without issue. Convoy loaded for PM and we'll see if Allied LBA appears for that...
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
June 4th and all is well. Fast Transports returned from their GG and Buna runs. Immediately re-loaded them with 8th Naval Garrison from Rabual to go to GG. That unit plus 5th SNLF should be enough to hold position for now.
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
June 5th goes peacefully by. My scout planes have picked up a surface TF or convoy TF approaching PM. Still a couple days away; however, so I dispatch the 4 CAs (Aoba, Kinugasa, etc...) under Ozawa to a holding/patrol position near Rossul Island. If that convoy closes with PM, I will be ready to pounce! Nothing else to report beyond that...
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CMDRMCTOAST
- Posts: 673
- Joined: Sat May 03, 2003 6:34 am
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RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Welcome aboard Gentlemen and have fun with it as
this is a fantastic game and the AAR'S are great to keep
the interest alive for the new guy's.
this is a fantastic game and the AAR'S are great to keep
the interest alive for the new guy's.
The essence of military genius is to bring under
consideration all of the tendencies of the mind
and soul in combination towards the business of
war..... Karl von Clausewitz
consideration all of the tendencies of the mind
and soul in combination towards the business of
war..... Karl von Clausewitz
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
June 7-8 have passed and everything is VERY quiet along the SE Pacific. My convoy has completed unloading at PM and the South Seas Detachment is about to commence its overland assault of Wau. Convoys are rapidly approaching Irau, Rossel, and Lunga. Have spotted some ships along Australian coast but nothing to intercept. My Zeros have flown several sweeps over PM but noone wants to play...
I have atasked a light Surface TF to cover the landing at Rossel. Several of the old CLs and DDs will provide close cover with Ozawa and 4 Cas hoping to get a chance to rumble if a target appears. We shall see...
I have atasked a light Surface TF to cover the landing at Rossel. Several of the old CLs and DDs will provide close cover with Ozawa and 4 Cas hoping to get a chance to rumble if a target appears. We shall see...
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
June 9th and all is well.
Today the South Seas Detachment started their scenic tour across lovely New Guinea.
I have been thinking about start airfield development at one of the lesser sites. What does anyone think of Nadzab? Are there decent sites within NG that might be better for fighter bases and maybe single-engine bomber bases?
I am emptying Kavieng right now. The BF and AA are headed for Lae and the CD as well as INF is going to GG. This significantly adds strength to both positions and I can always put some replacements into Kavieng whenever needed later. I might make a play for PM later and want these positions strong enough to provide for that and/or resist the inevitable Allied advance.
Convoy with reinforced regiment unloading at Lunga. Should provide enough strength to deter any early mischief from my opponent.
Everything else seems to be going along well.
Today the South Seas Detachment started their scenic tour across lovely New Guinea.
I have been thinking about start airfield development at one of the lesser sites. What does anyone think of Nadzab? Are there decent sites within NG that might be better for fighter bases and maybe single-engine bomber bases?
I am emptying Kavieng right now. The BF and AA are headed for Lae and the CD as well as INF is going to GG. This significantly adds strength to both positions and I can always put some replacements into Kavieng whenever needed later. I might make a play for PM later and want these positions strong enough to provide for that and/or resist the inevitable Allied advance.
Convoy with reinforced regiment unloading at Lunga. Should provide enough strength to deter any early mischief from my opponent.
Everything else seems to be going along well.
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
First blood has been struck! On June 10th, a pesky S-46 stuck its nose into the Rossel Island harbor. Immediate ASW attack put two Japanese ashcans on her and DOWN she goes. RIP American submariners! Ohhhh and along the way she managed to slip a TT into the side of IJN Aoba. Minor damage though (Flot 10) so a quick trip to Rabaul should fix that. Since I hate these damned S-Boats, I am happy for the exchange.
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
June 12th now and things are beginning to heat up. My search planes detected a convoy approaching PM. Ozawa is sent in! We shall see what occurs there. Another S-Boat made an attempt to interfere with my landings at Rossel. Put a TT into one of my CAs but did no damage! That was a pleasant surprise. My DDs dropped several ashcans but missed. We'll try again later.
I have been training my three bomber squadrons since the start of the scenario and they are up from around 18-19 per squadron to 23-25. Since I moved the Kavieng BF into Lae, I moved them there and shifted their orders to naval attack. With two squadrons of rested Zeroes, I have high hopes of inflicting serious damage on the convoy as well.
I got serious reinforcements this turn in Truk. I sent a fast TF of 3 Seaplane Carriers and 4 APDs to Irau with supplies and two small Naval Garrisions. They will then stay at Tulagi. Additional fast TF comprised of 4 CAs and DDs taking the large Truk NG to Rossel. They will then base at Shortlands.
Next turn could rock!
I have been training my three bomber squadrons since the start of the scenario and they are up from around 18-19 per squadron to 23-25. Since I moved the Kavieng BF into Lae, I moved them there and shifted their orders to naval attack. With two squadrons of rested Zeroes, I have high hopes of inflicting serious damage on the convoy as well.
I got serious reinforcements this turn in Truk. I sent a fast TF of 3 Seaplane Carriers and 4 APDs to Irau with supplies and two small Naval Garrisions. They will then stay at Tulagi. Additional fast TF comprised of 4 CAs and DDs taking the large Truk NG to Rossel. They will then base at Shortlands.
Next turn could rock!
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
So you did start an AAR afterall![:D][:-]
Good luck!
Good luck!
To quote from Evans/Peattie`s {Kaigun}
"Mistakes in operations and tactics can be corrected, but
political and strategic mistakes live forever". The authors were refering to Japan but the same could be said of the US misadventure in Iraq
"Mistakes in operations and tactics can be corrected, but
political and strategic mistakes live forever". The authors were refering to Japan but the same could be said of the US misadventure in Iraq
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
June 13, 1942
Action has been joined at last!
As promised, the Japanese Sea Eagles struck at a double convoy of Transports and Escorts. Results, with air-to-air, were quite impressive. In a series of four seperate raids from Rabaul and Lae, three Squadrons of Zeroes hammered a large number of P-39 and P-40. Starting with nearly 50 fighters, my Zeroes managed to shoot down 18 P-39 and 14 P-40! This was done at the cost of 7 Zeroes. 32-7! Very impressive.
My torpedo squadrons did not do as well. I managed to sink the TR Esterance Bay, damage 3 more TR, and a DD. This was for the cost of 3 Nell and 2 Betty. Pretty light losses but not as good of TT work as I had hoped. There is always tomorrow!
Speaking of tomorrow...my planes plan to attack again and Ozawa will hit PM with 3 CA, 3 CL, and 4 DD. I will bet on a glorious brawl there! That is if Dan doesn't flee from my wrath! We shall see...
Everything else is rolling along. Irau and Rossel TF are fully unloaded and deading home. Work has begun on airfields and harbors.
Nothing else to report for the meantime.
Action has been joined at last!
As promised, the Japanese Sea Eagles struck at a double convoy of Transports and Escorts. Results, with air-to-air, were quite impressive. In a series of four seperate raids from Rabaul and Lae, three Squadrons of Zeroes hammered a large number of P-39 and P-40. Starting with nearly 50 fighters, my Zeroes managed to shoot down 18 P-39 and 14 P-40! This was done at the cost of 7 Zeroes. 32-7! Very impressive.
My torpedo squadrons did not do as well. I managed to sink the TR Esterance Bay, damage 3 more TR, and a DD. This was for the cost of 3 Nell and 2 Betty. Pretty light losses but not as good of TT work as I had hoped. There is always tomorrow!
Speaking of tomorrow...my planes plan to attack again and Ozawa will hit PM with 3 CA, 3 CL, and 4 DD. I will bet on a glorious brawl there! That is if Dan doesn't flee from my wrath! We shall see...
Everything else is rolling along. Irau and Rossel TF are fully unloaded and deading home. Work has begun on airfields and harbors.
Nothing else to report for the meantime.
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Jeff,
You weren't interested in starting one of these and I REALLY enjoy reading the other scenarios as they unfold. For readers--Jeff and I are playing the great 'what if' scenario where Japan sends everything South instead of Midway. Jeff is kicking my enture %&$_*^% in that one. Though plans are afoot...
You weren't interested in starting one of these and I REALLY enjoy reading the other scenarios as they unfold. For readers--Jeff and I are playing the great 'what if' scenario where Japan sends everything South instead of Midway. Jeff is kicking my enture %&$_*^% in that one. Though plans are afoot...
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
June 14th was a terrible disappointment for the IJN. As feared, Dan fled the approach of my surface TF. No action--DAMN! This being said, the USS Farragut discovered the hard way how to find a minefield at Townsville! The day wasn't a complete waste.
Surface TF headed to Rabaul and another Fast Transport group is now approaching Rossel to drop off Truk NG. Am restarting fighter sweeps of PM. If he doesn't want to play, I will shift to bombardments...
Don't have any real, substantial reinforcements arriving for about 10 days so we'll sit back and jab at each other 'til then.
Surface TF headed to Rabaul and another Fast Transport group is now approaching Rossel to drop off Truk NG. Am restarting fighter sweeps of PM. If he doesn't want to play, I will shift to bombardments...
Don't have any real, substantial reinforcements arriving for about 10 days so we'll sit back and jab at each other 'til then.
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
June 15th--weare half way through and our first month and I am a frustrated Japanese player! Dan refuses to engage. This may be because of how I ravaged his shipping in our previous scenario. Though I lost damned near EVERY Japanese carrier in a horrific CV engagement, I had sunk nearly 70 Allied merchant ships.
Action for the last two days:
1. I disbanded one of my squardons of Nells so I get them back at a good time. They raised the strength of the other squadron to well-boynd normal complement. I like this method and it works fairly well for getting a bomber squardon back at a VERY useful time later in the sceranio.
2. I have engineers at Nadzab building a fighter strip for my future squadrons of Zeroes.
3. The South Seas Detachment is now at Salamaua and headed for Wau.
4. Irau and Rossel are building up nicely and are well supplied.
5. I have sent in my first bombardment TF to PM and (using it as a distraction) have split off a Surface TF to try to catch his shipping at Townsville. We'll see...
Action for the last two days:
1. I disbanded one of my squardons of Nells so I get them back at a good time. They raised the strength of the other squadron to well-boynd normal complement. I like this method and it works fairly well for getting a bomber squardon back at a VERY useful time later in the sceranio.
2. I have engineers at Nadzab building a fighter strip for my future squadrons of Zeroes.
3. The South Seas Detachment is now at Salamaua and headed for Wau.
4. Irau and Rossel are building up nicely and are well supplied.
5. I have sent in my first bombardment TF to PM and (using it as a distraction) have split off a Surface TF to try to catch his shipping at Townsville. We'll see...
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
June 17-18, 1942 pass into the mists of history. I have commenced strafing and bombing runs on PM since Dan won't come up and fight air-to-air. He has bombers there; however, since they mangled one of my APD runs to GG. Lost two APDs (34 & 35) to Beaufort's TT off Dobadura.
Have now taken Nevea and am setting up shop there.
I have heavy reinforcements arriving at the end of the month. Once that occurs, I will begin some real operational planning. The goal will be to lure his CVs into battle. I have found out the rough way in our other scenario that once they are gone...the other side can do whatever it wants. [:@]
Additionally, my other goal will to cripple his shipping capablity. By sinking those AP and AK, I can make my life easier in the long run. If I can seriously dent this area of his campaign then that will make him more careful in launching operations and going after the Japasese bases.
The taking of these outer bases, Irau, Rossel, and Nevea, will also serve as an attritional step in keeping him from the real prizes. No commander will leave operational bases within striking distance, air and naval, directly behind him. If so, he leaves himself open to coutner-attack and raids along his supply line. I believe that was the entire point of Colonel Travis at the Alamo. This is a similar mentality...
Have now taken Nevea and am setting up shop there.
I have heavy reinforcements arriving at the end of the month. Once that occurs, I will begin some real operational planning. The goal will be to lure his CVs into battle. I have found out the rough way in our other scenario that once they are gone...the other side can do whatever it wants. [:@]
Additionally, my other goal will to cripple his shipping capablity. By sinking those AP and AK, I can make my life easier in the long run. If I can seriously dent this area of his campaign then that will make him more careful in launching operations and going after the Japasese bases.
The taking of these outer bases, Irau, Rossel, and Nevea, will also serve as an attritional step in keeping him from the real prizes. No commander will leave operational bases within striking distance, air and naval, directly behind him. If so, he leaves himself open to coutner-attack and raids along his supply line. I believe that was the entire point of Colonel Travis at the Alamo. This is a similar mentality...
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anarchyintheuk
- Posts: 3958
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- Location: Dallas
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
It's been a while since I've played this game (and I've never played this scenario, so I don't know the order of allied air reinforcements which effect most of the following), so ignore this if you want.
As the IJN/IJA el supremo you can either disperse or concentrate your air power. Generally, I like the latter. Nadzab is difficult to support because of the supply rules and malarial effects on your base forces. Its a small base and you will have to rotate your base forces by walking there. One decent bombing run and your base will fall below the level of support needed by a zero squadron. In addition to that, supplying it will require either single ship runs to Findschafen (sp?) or a diversion of support to protect a convoy. Some of those same arguments apply to Rossell Isl. and GG as well. Although it takes a while to build up GG, it does allow for some concentration, the potential for long range betty strikes and it's outside of p-38 range from Cooktown, I think. It's also a good place to try to fight the big CV battle around. Irau and Nevea are a vunerable and a pain to build up, but, unfortunately, vital to the IJN/IJA. I'd only bother building forts in both locations. Can SFTs react to Irau and Nevea from Lunga?
Anyway, looking forward the aar.[:)]
As the IJN/IJA el supremo you can either disperse or concentrate your air power. Generally, I like the latter. Nadzab is difficult to support because of the supply rules and malarial effects on your base forces. Its a small base and you will have to rotate your base forces by walking there. One decent bombing run and your base will fall below the level of support needed by a zero squadron. In addition to that, supplying it will require either single ship runs to Findschafen (sp?) or a diversion of support to protect a convoy. Some of those same arguments apply to Rossell Isl. and GG as well. Although it takes a while to build up GG, it does allow for some concentration, the potential for long range betty strikes and it's outside of p-38 range from Cooktown, I think. It's also a good place to try to fight the big CV battle around. Irau and Nevea are a vunerable and a pain to build up, but, unfortunately, vital to the IJN/IJA. I'd only bother building forts in both locations. Can SFTs react to Irau and Nevea from Lunga?
Anyway, looking forward the aar.[:)]
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
Time has relentlessly marched on and it is now June 26th. I have been taunting Dan to come out and play. He complains about his lack of forces and resources. Little does he know that I am the same way. I have moved EVERYTHING forward and am now hoping to bluff him into NOT doing anything! [:D]
I am just a few days away from real reinforcements. I'll be getting surface forces and then a Carrier TF built around Junyo and the two light Carriers. Have to be careful with them but they will immediately be used for a little commerce raid...
No other real news. Irau is now a Lvl 1 field and port, Rossel is about to be, Lunga will be a Lvl 3 airfield within 2-3 days so I can project some airpower. Convoys running to all points including the above as well as Lae, GG, and Buna. Am stockpiling fuel at Tulagi and Shortlands. One NEVER has TOO much oil...
I am just a few days away from real reinforcements. I'll be getting surface forces and then a Carrier TF built around Junyo and the two light Carriers. Have to be careful with them but they will immediately be used for a little commerce raid...
No other real news. Irau is now a Lvl 1 field and port, Rossel is about to be, Lunga will be a Lvl 3 airfield within 2-3 days so I can project some airpower. Convoys running to all points including the above as well as Lae, GG, and Buna. Am stockpiling fuel at Tulagi and Shortlands. One NEVER has TOO much oil...
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
June 26th and action might be impending. My search planes picked up a Surface TF that could either be going to GG or Rossel. With a 50-50 chance, I'm betting on Rossel. Ozawa with nearly every Ca (7 total available) with strong escort is sortieing out of Shortlands to meet this TF. Might be too late to catch Dan but it is worth the effort.
My attack in Wau has knocked down his Fortification level but I noticed a new Aussie Bragade appearing out of thin air (and it IS thin at Wau). This can only have been done by Air Transport. If he continues doing it, I now have a squadron of Zeroes on long-ranged CAP there. Might get some east kills... [:D]
Pulled my two bomber squadrons back to Rabaul hoping to catch some cripples from the impending (hoped for) surface fight. There is squadron of Zeroes ready to escort them.
We wait for the return of the turn...
My attack in Wau has knocked down his Fortification level but I noticed a new Aussie Bragade appearing out of thin air (and it IS thin at Wau). This can only have been done by Air Transport. If he continues doing it, I now have a squadron of Zeroes on long-ranged CAP there. Might get some east kills... [:D]
Pulled my two bomber squadrons back to Rabaul hoping to catch some cripples from the impending (hoped for) surface fight. There is squadron of Zeroes ready to escort them.
We wait for the return of the turn...
RE: Colorado vs. Georgia: The Copperas Bowl
It is now the end of June and I haven't posted the last few turns due to my frustration with the AI. I had sent my CA force to PM to bombard the port. The computer decided to have Ozawa show up there during the DAY so he could have the experience of being POUNDED by Allied airpower. While dodging a lot of bombs and bullets, the PM flyboys managed to put 2 TT into Yubari and she sank the next day with another attack.
Have you guys had this sort of issue? Should never have happened...
The only good thing to say is that I shot down and damaged a HUGE number of aircraft.
My serious reinforcements have showed up and I sent a BB (Kongo/Haruna) force to bombard Luganville. Haven't done much over there so I am hoping to surprise Dan in doing this.
The Battle of Wau has just gotten named! Dan is trying to send in Aussie troops with C-47s and I am now shooting them down in decent numbers. Nothing like slow-moving troop-laden targets for the Zeroes to improve their skills on I have dispatched more troops from Lae to the site and am resting the South Seas Detachement before having another try...
Bases are all now well-supplied. GG and Buna are at 20,000+, Irau and Rossel are over that, and Lae/Lunga are sitting around 45,000+. Always good to cram as many supplies as possible into these bases before Allied air makes that impossible.
My first batch of CVs will be here within a day or two and we'll see about tdeploying them. I am hoping for Shokaku/Zuikaku quickly so I can do some serious raiding and try to lure his CVs out for a fight. Would like to do that before he gets ALL 4!
I accidently put this out as a new thread and didn't mean too...
Have you guys had this sort of issue? Should never have happened...
The only good thing to say is that I shot down and damaged a HUGE number of aircraft.
My serious reinforcements have showed up and I sent a BB (Kongo/Haruna) force to bombard Luganville. Haven't done much over there so I am hoping to surprise Dan in doing this.
The Battle of Wau has just gotten named! Dan is trying to send in Aussie troops with C-47s and I am now shooting them down in decent numbers. Nothing like slow-moving troop-laden targets for the Zeroes to improve their skills on I have dispatched more troops from Lae to the site and am resting the South Seas Detachement before having another try...
Bases are all now well-supplied. GG and Buna are at 20,000+, Irau and Rossel are over that, and Lae/Lunga are sitting around 45,000+. Always good to cram as many supplies as possible into these bases before Allied air makes that impossible.
My first batch of CVs will be here within a day or two and we'll see about tdeploying them. I am hoping for Shokaku/Zuikaku quickly so I can do some serious raiding and try to lure his CVs out for a fight. Would like to do that before he gets ALL 4!
I accidently put this out as a new thread and didn't mean too...