Looking back in this AAR, the point similarities between our respective games is now striking. This makes MY pending Allied strike on his shipping at Iwo critical to the points differential. It also means that I'll have to sell my remaining IJN surface fleet dearly.
What is the point differential for him taking various islands?? iirc, it is fairly substantial, and if he does manage to seize Saipan and/or Tinian, it might put the game out of reach... [X(]
I think only Guam, Tinian and Saipan are worth more than token points. Saipan is worth a lot, Guam and Tinian are worth more than any other island, except Saipan.
Chicken has taken Guam. Cap has taken none of the 3. Assuming both allied games destroy most of the Japanese fleet, it'll come down to who can take more of the 3 islands. If only one player can take Saipan, he will probably win overall. If Chicken takes Guam and Tinian and Cap fails to take any of the 3 islands, Chicken will win by a large margin.
anyway, that's my take on it. I could be wrong, because I haven't loaded up the scenario to look at the point details.
That's my read too, Bradley7735. The point swing for Saipan's capture for the Allies is about 1200 points. The point swing for the capture of Guam and Tinian together is ~1100 points. Pagan is worth nothing points wise.
If he takes Saipan AND one or more of the other two islands, that will be problematic for my scoring.
There's many more points for liquidation of the holding force (as I'm doing on Guam) and, of course, drowning troops in their assault boats before they can land on the beaches. The former takes considerable time to harvest these points. The 30,000 Japanese troops garrisoning Guam will yield several hundred victory points once they're liquidated-this goes above and beyond the VPs for the capture of the island, per se.
Although he has significant force arrayed at Pagan for the assault, please recall, dear reader that I've managed to significantly reinforce Saipan early in the conflict with the equivalent of another regiment. Saipan is quickly working towards fort level 6 (78% last turn), with formidable coastal artillery, mines, shore defenses and so forth.
Lastly, my points for the Japanese in the mirror campaign are with the foreknowledge of what's been sunk of mine. In my game as Allies, I am subject to FOW regarding sunk Japanese ships. I believe that there are damaged or sunk Japanese ships that I am not privy to, so my Allied score in that case is a worst case scenario.
Still, much remains to be determined. Saipan will be a key battle, no question. It will be an increasingly hard nut for the Allies to crack-it is not a given that it will fall, particularly given this late juncture in the campaign. If he takes it, there are still many variables that will affect the final outcome.
Just got back from a camping trip with the kids. It was fun to get out for a few days with the kids, but the mosquitos ate us alive. It was a good warmup for this turn-death from above...
Just missed: During the night, the main Allied CVTF moves West. It must be at full speed settings-in a hurry. In the morning, the Yamato TF is two hexes distant from the Allied carriers. Unfortunately, the Yamato TF doesn't react (it is set for react of 4 with a hyper-aggressive admiral with high naval skill) and is severely beaten by large numbers of Allied aircraft. Although they're bludgeoned most ruthlessly, the Nagato, Mushashi and Yamato do not sink. Remnants will attempt to make Ulithi and disband in port there.
Missed again: The swipe at the retreating Allied carriers to the East (NE of Truk) fares poorly too. Kongo is savaged, but alive. CA Tone, Myoko, Suzaya, CL Oyodo and 3 DDs aren't so fortunate and they go down.
Unhindered: Also to the North of Truk, BB Haruna, CA Atago, CA Chokai and CL Agano and 3 DD escorts are spotted, but unattacked. I order them at full speed to a patrol zone North of Saipan, connecting to Pagan. This will be a one way trip, but I'm cautiously optimistic that I'll find enemy shipping before being beaten to death by Pagan air.
Pagan: Pagan showing some 300+ ships in port. He's moving three TFs (including escort carriers) to the south of Pagan. My guess? They're going to take station the hex N. of Saipan to provide a 'straight shot' for retreating naval craft exiting the landing zone. If I'm right, there should be several of them taking station there tomorrow am. We'll see.
Saipan: Saipan is at fort level 5, 81% of the way to 6. I need another 7 days. Don't know if I'll get it. Naval mines are at 199-some apparent deterioration since the beginning of the scenario. Supply dipped below 10,000 for the first time in this game. It's at 9,966 now. Saipan CDs will be at full strength in three days, as disruption has been mostly repaired.
I order more minisubs to patrol the hex to the north of Saipan-hoping I have a better shot in the ocean at loitering ships than in the Saipan hex. I also order some short range minisubs from Guam to rebase at Saipan.
Guam: I manage to unload some supply at Guam-it's back above 16,000 now. Last turn the xAKL and xAKs sent to unload were destroyed, but they had managed to dump most of their supplies onto the island.
Getting ahead of ourselves: Curiously, this aspect of the mirror campaign-which is much more work for the Cap'n-is five turns ahead of the other now (other at July 3). I'm at least considering the idea that this may be intentional. He may be using information from this game to dictate his aggressiveness, tactics and ideas in the other. In other words, it's at least possible that he's using his status in this game to set his pace with the other.
I inform the Cap'n that I'd like to set this game aside for a few turns-until the other mirror game is at July 8. That oughta get things back into perspective for myself. I'll next 'flip' this game after flipping the (me as Allies) July 8 turn.
Why I'm going to lose this match: I'm faced with the creeping realization that the Captain's position is unassailable in the mirror game. My IJN fleet will shortly be a non-factor and then he will be free to invade any and all islands in the Marianas at his leisure. His base of operations at Pagan will soon be unassailable with my available forces.
Furthermore, I don't have enough time or strength to delay.
I've made some tactical errors too. Having my DDs ambushed en masse by a superior IJN fleet, losing the CVEs due to an inappropriate follow order through a combat zone-these are a few of my errors and lapses in attention to detail. These will cost me points in the long run.
I also spent some time reviewing this AAR from the beginning. I have stepped away from my strategic goals of preserving points on the Japanese side by safeguarding my fleet for example. I could have and should have kept KB in port and landed their strike aircraft en masse on one of the islands. I have not done what I said I wanted to do.
But nothing compares to this...[:(]
Why I'm entirely unfit to command: As I'm loading up on the Tinian assault forces at Pearl, I decide to check ground reinforcements (below).
I realize, with dawning horror, that I haven't checked my reinforcements cue since the beginning of this game. I've three divisions (!) arriving in theater soon. This strength allows me to reconsider-entirely-my assumptions about what can be accomplished in this game.
The 98th ID is 100% prepped for Saipan. The Marine ID is prepped for Tinian and the other USA Div. 100% prepped for Pearl Harbor.
If judiciously planned, I do-or did at least-have sufficient force on hand to take all of the Marianas. If. Judiciously. Planned.
Captain Dunderhead, reporting for duty, sir: I plead guilty to gross dereliction of duty. This is not the quality of gameplay to which I aspire. I think I've been too busy focusing on throughput and flipping turns to rethink my erroneous initial assumptions about the limitations of my forces as the game has progressed.
There are now 29 days in the campaign and I find myself in a major strategic and tactical hole, from which I may not be able to climb.
Everything changes now. See below for the initial grabasstic adjustments underway.
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Well, now that I've donned my hair shirt, struck my breast and muttered mea culpa thrice, I suppose that I can get on with the updates.
Change in orders: All assault forces at Guam are ordered to begin preparations for Saipan assault.
All assault HQ units at Guam are ordered to begin preparations for Saipan assault. They will be relocated to Tinian following its fall, that their command radius will fall over Saipan.
Landing craft and assault troops for Tinian are away from Pearl now. Immediately after taking Tinian, the latter will be ordered to begin preparations for Saipan.
Newly arriving assault forces at Pearl will immediately begin preparations for Saipan. I have sufficient amphibious capacity (intentionally left) at Pearl to haul the 98th ID into the Marianas now. The 77th and the 3rd Mar Div will require a 'reload' from the Marianas.
Movements from Pearl: Everything is away now. Rota should get a big slug of base forces and needed supplies to live up to its expectations of a large support base.
Tinian assault forces are away, as is a small force scheduled to take Yap. This latter force may have to be repurposed, pending my court-martial-eligible patchwork offensive.
In hindsight: While I'm thinking about it, I would like to strongly encourage those (both of you) reading this AAR to consider a recommendation for playing this scenario. First, take Tinian. From Tinian, begin your simultaneous invasion plans for Saipan and Guam. A fast and efficient Tinian takeover is key to not only getting ahold of a great airfield in the middle of the action, but to having the flexibility to repurpose your assault troops for the other destinations. Plus it's worth a chunk of points and it's lightly (comparatively) defended. Alright, 'nuff said-moving on.
Oh yeah, that carrier thing: Oh, them...
Allied carriers move NW from their rally point. They should be in a position 2 hexes NNE of Pagan tomorrow.
Intel shows approximately 30 IJN ships in port at Iwo Jima. These ships must die. All of them.
However, my opponent has based >150 fighters-the remnants of the IJNAF-at this base, along with 50 bombers and 'auxiliary' aircraft. It won't be easy. I need to sweep these fighters aside in order to port attack Iwo. Of course, he may elect to take the opportunity to charge forth with all available naval forces, hoping for a surface engagement if I get in too close.
I am considering options at this point. I may LRCAP two of my three heavy SCTFs, place them in range of Iwo bomber aircraft and enact a CAP trap, finishing remaining aircraft off thereafter. 150 IJNAF escort fighters are likely sufficient to see an attack through and penetrate my CAP, thus exposing any underlying ships to his strike aircraft.
In the meantime: I'm taking advantage of the pending battle near Iwo Jima to move in some replenishment (particularly fuel) into Guam and Rota. Two large replenishment TFs, complete with heavy ASW escort leave Eniwetok today. They are ordered to take a circuitous journey to the Marianas in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises from Truk en route.
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If you can take Tinian and prevent him from taking Saipan, you might still win on points. You still have to sink his remaining Japanese capital ships, though. Assuming both Japanese fleets sunk, the winner will be determined by who takes the most (or Saipan) of the 3 islands.
You fortified Saipan a lot. There's your ace in the hole. He might not be able to take it. If he tries for Guam and Tinian first, and neither of you take Saipan, then it'll be close on points.
CB is off camping with his kids and insects, and then going to the get-together in Nebraska. I'd expect light turn activity this week.
April 2, 1945. The USS Henrico, supporting the invasion of Okinawa, is struck by a Francis operating as a Kamikaze, killing 51. Among the wounded was the father of this poster.
The last few days have been light on the action. Today picked up a bit. For those of you who say that you can't coordinate a sweep, read 'em and weep:
Morning Air attack on Iwo-jima , at 108,77
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 29,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M2 Sen Baku x 42
A6M5 Zero x 64
E8N2 Dave x 1
Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 117
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Sen Baku: 8 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 9 destroyed
Aircraft Attacking:
19 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 25000 feet *
19 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 25000 feet *
13 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 25000 feet *
12 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 25000 feet *
16 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 25000 feet *
22 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 25000 feet *
CAP engaged:
Suzuya-2 with E8N2 Dave (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
261 Ku S-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 7 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 25000 and 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
265 Ku S-7 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
265 Ku S-8 with A6M2 Sen Baku (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 21000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
301 Ku S-601 with A6M5 Zero (6 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 23000 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
501 Ku K-351 with A6M2 Sen Baku (1 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
Yokosuka Ku S-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 13 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 25000 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
Zuiho-3 with A6M2 Sen Baku (4 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 25000 and 28000.
Raid is overhead
See map for enemy fleet dispositions, probable actions tomorrow and Allied counters.
Allied carriers will stay on station, sweep again and refuel the CVTF DDs this turn. BBs Iowa and New Jersey and company will move to intercept any raids on Guam.
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Right where we left it: Oh, yeah. I remember now. This is what it feels like to get strangled with one's own intestine. [:(]
Mr. Haruna's wild ride:
BB Haruna and company find some small quarry immediately North of Saipan.
Round 1: Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
CA Atago
CA Chokai
CL Agano
DD Hayanami
DD Michishio
DD Hatsushima
Allied Ships
DE Austin, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AM Ararat, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AM Bundaberg, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AM Dubbo, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
Round 2:
Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
CA Atago
CA Chokai
CL Agano
DD Hayanami
DD Michishio
DD Hatsushima
Allied Ships
LCT-129, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
and Round 3:
Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
CA Atago
CA Chokai
CL Agano
DD Hayanami
DD Michishio
DD Hatsushima
Allied Ships
LCT-59, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
Rounds 4-ad nauseum go to the Allies, as the morning breaks with clear weather. Many ships are pummeled by CV-based air and the CA Atago sinks. BB Haruna and the others are beaten, but will be able to make Saipan.
I didn't happen upon larger prey, as they withdrew one hex to the NW out of range. There are several large TFs there (hex 109, 90), two hexes SW of Pagan.
Beatdown at Ulithi: The BBs at Ulithi get another beatdown before they can disband. BB Yamato goes down, but the others will survive for now. I'm going to leave them disbanded next turn instead of making a run for it. He'll have to keep the CVs out another day banging on Ulithi's port facilities to get the kills if he wants them. BBs are very difficult to sink in port by bombs alone.
Truk wars: DD Kishinani is torpedoed by an Allied sub just North of Truk. She goes down, but serves as exemplary escort to Kongo, which makes port and disbands. She'll survive.
Saipan status check: 3 more sub minelaying TFs head to Saipan to drop off the goods. Should be >240 on hand for the (pending) invasion.
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I've ordered the IJNAF (previously recuperating at Truk) back to the Marianas, giving them orders to strike 3 hexes from Saipan. That should range to the SCTFs I noted above. I suspect that these are protected by CVEs alone, so there's a weak(er) link that I may be able to exploit.
During the day, Pagan LBA focused on banging on Saipan's airfield. Hopefully, his LBA will continue this another day, allowing me to get off a full strike from aircraft at Guam, Saipan and Tinian. My forces have been much reduced, so I don't have any great hopes for this strike-I'm pretty debilitated, but I'll take every opportunity to spit in his eye as he runs the lance through me.
His main CV fleet will have to choose between banging on the Ulithi BBs or supporting the other SCTFs at hex 109,90. We'll see how it works out.
Back at Iwo: The Allied carriers move nearer Iwo and destroy some Japanese shipping. Japanese aircraft are moved away from Iwo, in an effort to preserve them. Attacking groups are split between port and antishipping attack roles:
Round 1:
Morning Air attack on Iwo-jima , at 108,77
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes
Japanese aircraft
E8N2 Dave x 1
Allied aircraft
FM-1 Wildcat x 9
FM-2 Wildcat x 9
F6F-3 Hellcat x 52
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 21
SBD-5 Dauntless x 24
TBF-1 Avenger x 32
TBM-1C Avenger x 16
Japanese Ships
CVL Chitose, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Noshiro, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Hatsushima, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Macassar Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Port hits 3
Round 2:
Morning Air attack on Iwo-jima , at 108,77
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid detected at 13 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Japanese aircraft
E8N2 Dave x 1
Allied aircraft
FM-1 Wildcat x 9
FM-2 Wildcat x 9
F6F-3 Hellcat x 50
SB2C-3 Helldiver x 26
Japanese Ships
xAKL Turusima Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Noshiro, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVL Chitose, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Macassar Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Taifuku Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Chile Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Port hits 1
Rounds 3 and 4: Are directed towards a solo xAKL. It's demolished.
All CVTFs (and escorts) are ordered to move towards Guam. I have them slated to stand off Guam 1 hex to the NE while awaiting next orders. Here, they'll be able to threaten any IJN efforts against the replenishment ships of Guam which are arriving this turn.
CVL Chitose goes down along with CL Noshiro and DD Hatsushima. The Chitose loss is confirmed by 3 Jills and 3 A6M Sen Baku being destroyed 'on ground' in the absence of any airfield strikes. A half dozen transport ships also accompany them down.
Guam: The reduction continues. Two Japanese units are liquidated, including the 48th Ind Mixed Brigade. Combat OPS reports "Japanese Units Surrounded on Guam". The end is nigh for the IJA 29th Division.
Other moves: I've smelled a rat at Truk for a couple turns now. He's moving some of his remnant fleet there and now heavily reinforced it with fighter and bomber aircraft.
To reduce the risk of SCTF sweep of Eniwetok, I order the CV Wasp and a CVE to a point between Truk and the new rendevous point of my Tinian invasion TFs.
I still have a couple CVs in the yards at Eniwetok, repairing damage. They'll be out in two days, but it may be touch and go before then. I'm not worried about the Tinian invasion forces, but Eniwetok is a bit exposed to an IJN suicide run.
Adventures of the Haruna: After being pummeled by Allied air yesterday, I ordered Haruna back to Saipan to affect an escape in whatever way she may tomorrow. Fate intervenes.
More specifically, a bunch of AMs pick an inauspicious time to show up in the hex:
Night Time Surface Combat, near Saipan at 109,92, Range 6,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
CA Chokai, Shell hits 1
DD Michishio
DD Hatsushima
Allied Ships
AM Oracle, Shell hits 1
AM Prevail, Shell hits 2
AM Salute, Shell hits 4, on fire
AM Penguin, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
The AMs weren't liquidated en masse because of the damage to Haruna and Chokai. Too much system damage for maximum effectiveness.
Then, the Arried cavarry shows up. In a close range brawl at night, BB New Mexico and escorts fight the battered remnants of the IJN TF. New Mexico scores multiple times on Haruna with 14 inch guns and the matter is settled.
DD Bennion takes a 36cm hit from Haruna, so it's hurt badly. Chokai scored against one of them with her 20cm guns, and the balance of the hits on the Allies are smaller caliber:
Night Time Surface Combat, near Saipan at 108,93, Range 6,000 Yards
Japanese aircraft
no flights
Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses
Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Shell hits 24, and is sunk
CA Chokai, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Michishio, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Hatsushima, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
Allied Ships
BB New Mexico, Shell hits 2
DD Bell
DD Bennett
DD Bennion, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Boyd, Shell hits 1
DD Franks
DD Guest
DD Haggard, Shell hits 1
DD Ingersoll
Spitting in the eye:Hayanami picks an inopportune moment to happen upon the scene. She gets off a successful 61cm Long Lance torpedo attack on the BB New Mexico before being stricken. BANZAI! BANZAI!
Night Time Surface Combat, near Saipan at 108,93, Range 6,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
DD Hayanami, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
Allied carriers / buzz saw redux: The Allies move their carriers 1 hex due West of Saipan. All Marianas-based IJNAF groups sortie for a naval attack against them, as they are now the closest ranged Allied ships within the 3 hex attack range.
No IJNAF groups threaten the uber-capped Allied fleet. All attackers are destroyed or forced back. On the day, I lose 95 aircraft, the Allies 5.
IJNAF Return to Truk: Remnant IJNAF forces return to truk for reordering. There may be 80-90 in total remaining. They will be here for a few turns, until they can be fashioned into a credible threat instead of the rabble they currently are.
This is easy to keep track of now: IJN combatants in theatre include 3 heavily damaged BBs (Ulithi x 2, Truk x 1), a heavily damaged CV (Zuikaku at Babeldoap), some support craft at Babeldoap and Pelileu, and a mixture of damaged combatants at Babeldoap.
Three remaining (damaged) fleet boats are shuttling mines into Saipan still, but those missions will end shortly, as the pools are now empty.
Two destroyers (formerly with Mushashi) are moving towards Truk to regroup with two destroyers there. Additionally, I have the CL Oi and "Northern" raiders (3 DDs) returning to Iwo Jima tomorrow. They should be suitable for another sortie. So, I have 2 'striking' forces still available.
Long live the emperor! Pass me a grenade, will ya?
Patience on Pagan: Still no loading of enemy forces here. [&:]
Pre-bombardment attacks drop extra supplies at Saipan precipitously. All Japanese units ashore still fully supplied at the unit level. CDs with minor disruption-still fully functional with supply on hand for more counter landing fire.
July 10-12 sees no additional landings, nor additional Allied ground troop attacks at Saipan, but does involve further aerial pounding.
Air losses to date: Allies: 519; Japanese 1058. IIRC, these are substantially heavier air losses borne by the Allies than IRL.
IJNAF air Recombining at Truk and Babeldoap. Reforming air fragments, adding or subtracting pilots, etc. etc. I will be able to field one more air offensive-probably based from Guam-within a week or so. I will certainly redeploy there if signs of invasion are imminent.
Pagan: Over 400 ships in harbor now. No signs of re-invasion or other reinforcement of Saipan.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jul 10, 44
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Pre-Invasion action off Saipan - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
1184 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
BB California, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Sproston, Shell hits 2
DD Spence, Shell hits 2
DD John Rodgers, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
DD Melvin, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Haraden, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Beale, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Anthony, Shell hits 1
LSD Carter Hall, Shell hits 3, on fire
LSD Epping Forest, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
LSD Belle Grove
LSD Lindenwald
APA Windsor
Saipan Naval Fortress firing at BB California
BB California firing at Saipan Naval Fortress
Saipan Naval Fortress firing at DD Sproston
DD Spence firing at Saipan Naval Fortress
Saipan Naval Fortress firing at DD Spence
DD John Rodgers firing at Saipan Naval Fortress
Saipan Naval Fortress firing at DD John Rodgers
DD Melvin firing at Saipan Naval Fortress
Saipan Naval Fortress firing at DD Melvin
DD Haraden firing at Saipan Naval Fortress
Saipan Naval Fortress firing at DD Haraden
Saipan Naval Fortress firing at DD Beale
DD Beale firing at Saipan Naval Fortress
Saipan Naval Fortress firing at DD Anthony
DD Anthony firing at Saipan Naval Fortress
15cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging LSD Carter Hall at 14,000 yards
15cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging LSD Epping Forest at 14,000 yards
12cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging LSD Lindenwald at 14,000 yards
DD Sproston fired at enemy troops
20cm Short Gun Coastal Battery engaging DD Sproston at 3,000 yards
DD Spence fired at enemy troops
20cm Short Gun Coastal Battery engaging DD Spence at 3,000 yards
DD Anthony fired at enemy troops
20cm Short Gun Coastal Battery engaging DD Anthony at 3,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 4,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards
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Amphibious Assault at Saipan
TF 85 troops unloading over beach at Saipan, 108,93
10 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of V US Amphib Corps
Motorized Support lost in surf during unload of 27th Infantry Div /3
Motorized Support lost in surf during unload of 24th Marine Rgt
10 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 2nd Marine Engr Rgt
10 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 6th Marine Rgt /1
13 troops of a USMC Rifle Squad 44 lost from landing craft during unload of 2nd Marine Rgt
LVT(A)1 Amphib Tank lost overboard during unload of 708th Amphib Tank Bn /2
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Invasion Support action off Saipan - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
390 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Knapp, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Beale, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Anthony, Shell hits 5, on fire
APA Windsor
DD John Rodgers
DD Sproston
DD Knapp firing at Saipan Naval Fortress
Saipan Naval Fortress firing at DD Knapp
DD Beale firing at Saipan Naval Fortress
Saipan Naval Fortress firing at DD Beale
Saipan Naval Fortress firing at DD Anthony
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards
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Morning Air attack on Saipan , at 108,93
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes
Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 22
F6F-3 Hellcat x 11
TBF-1 Avenger x 20
TBM-1C Avenger x 117
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 4000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
1 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 3000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 4000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 4000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 4000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 4000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 3000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 4000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 4000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 3000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 3000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 4000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Saipan Naval Fortress, at 108,93 (Saipan)
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 16
B-25G Mitchell x 31
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 7
F4U-1 Corsair x 22
Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-25G Mitchell bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-25G Mitchell bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
Also attacking 43rd Division ...
Also attacking Saipan Naval Fortress ...
Also attacking 43rd Division ...
Also attacking Saipan Naval Fortress ...
Also attacking 43rd Division ...
Also attacking Saipan Naval Fortress ...
Also attacking 43rd Division ...
Also attacking Saipan Naval Fortress ...
Also attacking 43rd Division ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Saipan , at 108,93
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes
Allied aircraft
FM-1 Wildcat x 4
F4U-1 Corsair x 34
F4U-1A Corsair x 11
F6F-3 Hellcat x 29
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 60
SB2C-3 Helldiver x 51
SBD-5 Dauntless x 17
TBM-1C Avenger x 33
Aircraft Attacking:
22 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
5 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
7 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 4000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x SB2C-3 Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
14 x SB2C-3 Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
13 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 3000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
8 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
9 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
14 x SB2C-3 Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
7 x SB2C-3 Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
6 x SB2C-3 Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
17 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SB2C-3 Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Yap at 96,98
Japanese Ships
SC Ch 18, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
Allied Ships
SS Darter
SS Darter launches 2 torpedoes
Darter diving deep ....
Sub escapes detection
Assaulting units:
150th Infantry Regiment
Saipan Naval Fortress
9th Tank Regiment
3/4th Indpt Tank Co
55th Naval Guard Unit
47th Ind.Mixed Brigade
Yokosuka 1st SNLF
14th Division
41st Naval Guard Unit
III./9th Infantry Battalion
43rd Division
32nd Nav Gsn Unit
25th Field AA Machinecannon Company
5th Special Base Force
10th JNAF AF Unit
16th Shipping Engineer Regiment
14th Mortar Battalion
7th Ind. Engineer Regiment
31st Army
11th Ind. Engineer Regiment
Defending units:
305th RCT /2
1st USMC Tank Bn /1
24th Marine Rgt /1
27th Infantry Div /1
708th Amphib Tank Bn /1
25th Marine Rgt /3
23rd Marine Rgt /2
6th Marine Rgt /3
706th Tank Bn /1
2nd Marine Engr Rgt /1
111th RCT /2
8th Marine Rgt /1
2nd Marine Rgt /1
640th TD Bn /1
V US Amphib Corps /1
225th Artillery Grp /1
July 13 screenshot below including Saipan hex information. Saipan supplies very low, but individual unit supplies are all full. Don't know how long that will hold.
Attachments
JapaneseJ..Marianas.jpg (505.09 KiB) Viewed 279 times
