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

[tarkalak]

ORIGINAL: Ardi

...

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

No problem. I haven't went further than the small scenarios against AI, so my "advice" might not be spot on. Take with a pinch of salt. [:)]

Yeah, Musashi is a one shot weapon here. You can use it as a CV escort even without main gun ammo, the AA should still fire.

You can bombard his invasion forces with the cruisers. If you can keep his disablements, fatigue and disruption high they should collapse. Your attack on Attu costed him more than you - he has more disabled. That is if you trust the casualies in the AAR of course.

Without the CVE he cannot CAP his planes outside bases and LRCAP is less effective. You have seen that at Attu. Your best bet at sinking his ships at sea.

How is your Naval Search organized? Do you have night search as well?

EDIT: Btw are you replacing your pilots from the reserve pool? You have like 200 "superman" pilots there.

[Bif1961]

Talk about Fog of War by landing on the wrong Island. Makes the mistake at Utah Beach pale in comparison.

[Ardi]

Day 38

The main Japanese fleet is on the way to Attu. it was composed in two task forces. CVTF included carriers, CAs Tone, Chickuma and Maya (plenty of float planes, good AA, good endurance, Maya also has some ASW capability), Agano and Oyodo (I considered them too weak to be in the main combat force) and 5 DDs.
SAG had Musashi and 5 heavy cruisers (Nachi, Kumano, Haguro, Mogami and Myoko) and 4 DDs. Initial plan was to position SAG a bit to the east of Attu and carriers in 5 hex range to the north, so my fleet could cover approaching convoy.

Kumano managed to escape an attack from USS Narwhal just out of Paramushiro. I-7 tried to sneak to Adak, but failed. The lesson for me, not ot expect miracles too often (it was I-7 who sunk CVE Nassau, as well as an AP a day before that). Luckily it survived, but the number of my damaged subs rose to 6 (and one lost, not counting midgets)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 22, 43
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Sub attack near Paramushiro-jima at 139,48

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano
CA Nachi
DD Hatsushima
DD Samidare

Allied Ships
SS Narwhal

SS Narwhal launches 2 torpedoes at CA Kumano
Narwhal diving deep ....
DD Hatsushima attacking submerged sub ....
DD Samidare fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hatsushima fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hatsushima fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hatsushima fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hatsushima fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


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ASW attack near Adak Island at 162,52

Japanese Ships
SS I-7, hits 10

Allied Ships
xAP Perida
DD Bache

SS I-7 is sighted by escort
DD Bache attacking submerged sub ....
DD Bache fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Bache fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Bache fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Bache fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

[Ardi]

ORIGINAL: tarkalak

No problem. I haven't went further than the small scenarios against AI, so my "advice" might not be spot on. Take with a pinch of salt. [:)]

Yeah, Musashi is a one shot weapon here. You can use it as a CV escort even without main gun ammo, the AA should still fire.

You can bombard his invasion forces with the cruisers. If you can keep his disablements, fatigue and disruption high they should collapse. Your attack on Attu costed him more than you - he has more disabled. That is if you trust the casualies in the AAR of course.

Without the CVE he cannot CAP his planes outside bases and LRCAP is less effective. You have seen that at Attu. Your best bet at sinking his ships at sea.

How is your Naval Search organized? Do you have night search as well?

EDIT: Btw are you replacing your pilots from the reserve pool? You have like 200 "superman" pilots there.

Actually about Musashi being one-shot weapon. I believe there is some possibility to withdraw ship offmap (even Japanese in small scenario) to repair and replenish it. Will try that with Musashi later. Since US lack air striking capability in the scenario, I doubt it will be useful as AA platform and I don't want to risk such big bag of VPs if it is unable to fire back.

It's true about the bombardments. My AKE is coming to disband at Attu so it could rearm ships there. Not sure if can save Kiska garrison, but I'll be able to avenge them at least. But first I want be sure that I won't be intercepted by battleship task force. Mybe low threat tolerance will help, since my cruisers aree faster than US BBs. Didn't take it to account before.

Naval search is performed by 2 Jake groups (no arcs, just around Attu). There were also Bettys flying from Paramushiro, but I decided to try and move them to Attu by sea (messed up with that though, wrong transport force composition. Now they are all damaged becaused they were accidently unloaded, and I'll have to return for them later with next convoy). Now carriers and float planes from cruisers also help. Actually I don't fly night search. Are japanese able to spot anything at night? Probably should switch couple of floatplane groups to night search.

I do use reserve pool, but not as much as I should have probably. Mostly I just expanded the pilot number in the groups with it, so pilots would be less fatigued.

[Ardi]

Day 39

Trying to sweep Adak to test out defences. Tomorrow carrier fighters will join. The idea si to deplete the number of Allied fighters so my strike planes will be able to comfortably operate on Adak or near it.
Results were abut equal at the end of the day.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 23, 43
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Morning Air attack on Adak Island , at 162,52

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 14
P-40E Warhawk x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 5 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.111 Sqd RCAF with Kittyhawk III (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 2000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
18th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
344th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes



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Morning Air attack on Adak Island , at 162,52

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 154 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 51 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 11
P-40E Warhawk x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
No.111 Sqd RCAF with Kittyhawk III (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 2000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 64 minutes
344th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
18th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

Day 40

Battle over Adak continued. Allies reinforced their CAP with Lightnings, while Japanese sweeps were joined by carrier fighters. Again we traded almost 1:1.
At Kiska lack of supply from planes started to show itself. Negative supply modifier came into effect. This was because I tried to move my Air HQ and all planes by the sea to Attu, thus cancelling resupply operations. Bad idea, but I'll remember how useful are transport planes at supplying bases like these. Especially float transports.
Naval search spotted small group of ships near Adak. I was considering bombardment of the island, but decided not to risk it since I had no info about Allied Navy. So I decided to probe into waters near Adak with my SAG with the cover of the carriers, probably to catch something there. Wasn't sure what to expect, but with depleted Allied CAP this would be the best position for me to fight at the moment, even against whole Allied fleet. Even if it dismantles my SAG, carriers will strike them from above. And so Tanaka turned his ships south-east...

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 24, 43
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Morning Air attack on Adak Island , at 162,52

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 12 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 12
P-38G Lightning x 16
P-40E Warhawk x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.111 Sqd RCAF with Kittyhawk III (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 1 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 2000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
18th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
54th FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 5 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
344th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes



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Morning Air attack on Adak Island , at 162,52

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 17

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 6
P-38G Lightning x 16
P-40E Warhawk x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 15000 feet

CAP engaged:
18th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
54th FS with P-38G Lightning (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
No.111 Sqd RCAF with Kittyhawk III (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 2000 , scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
344th FS with P-40E Warhawk (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 7000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes



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Morning Air attack on Adak Island , at 162,52

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 157 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 52 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 2
P-38G Lightning x 11
P-40E Warhawk x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
18th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
54th FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 11 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
No.111 Sqd RCAF with Kittyhawk III (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 2000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes



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Morning Air attack on Adak Island , at 162,52

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 99 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 17

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 2
P-38G Lightning x 10
P-40E Warhawk x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 15000 feet

CAP engaged:
18th FS with P-40E Warhawk (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 5000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
54th FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
No.111 Sqd RCAF with Kittyhawk III (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 2000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes



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Ground combat at Kiska Island (157,51)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7629 troops, 123 guns, 47 vehicles, Assault Value = 225

Defending force 3812 troops, 127 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 54

Allied adjusted assault: 80

Japanese adjusted defense: 91

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
381 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 11 (2 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
248 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

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

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

[Ardi]

Day 41 - Battle of Adak part 1

Two Japanese task forces were steaming south-east in darkness, fighting waves and rain. Suddenly carrier group was attacked by lonely US destroyer, probably on patrol duty. Two shells hit Zuikaku, but caused no significant damage. Agano returned fire, and US destroyer disappeared in darkness.
Though alerted about it's presence, Tanaka's force couldn't spot the enemy ship in this weather, before musashi was hit by its shell. After engaging in brief contact, destroyer dissapeared again, retreating to Adak.
But since they were on the same course, it couldn't escape its fate. After a brief encounter in the early morning, it was caught by Japanese forces. Two 46cm shells were enough to turn it into the wreck.

Since there wasn't any report about heavy activity near Adak, the news about Allied task force present became a surprise for Japanese. But they were prepared for surprises like these and were not caught offguard, despite the fact that they had been spotted long before they saw the enemy, due to Allies having radar.
Ships from both sides started to form columns to engage the enemy with all their guns. Allies had only three cruisers against Japanese battleship and five cruisers, but they had ten destroyers against four, so there was still a chance to put few good torpedoes and equalize the odds, especially in the weather like this. Due to the continuing thunderstorm visibility was low and opposing forces were only six kilometers apart at the start of the battle, gradually closing the distance...


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Night Time Surface Combat, near Kiska Island at 158,49, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku
CV Zuikaku, Shell hits 2
CVL Zuiho
CA Tone
CA Chikuma
CA Maya
CL Oyodo
CL Agano
DD Naganami
DD Usugumo
DD Kamikaze
DD Namikaze
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
DD Bache, Shell hits 1

Poor visibility due to Thunderstorms with 50% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 50% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
Adler, T.E. crosses the 'T'
DD Bache engages CV Zuikaku at 2,000 yards
CL Agano engages DD Bache at 2,000 yards
DD Numakaze engages DD Bache at 2,000 yards
CL Agano engages DD Bache at 2,000 yards
DD Bache engages DD Numakaze at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
CL Agano engages DD Bache at 4,000 yards
CL Agano engages DD Bache at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
DD Numakaze engages DD Bache at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
DD Numakaze engages DD Bache at 7,000 yards
Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...


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Night Time Surface Combat, near Kiska Island at 159,50, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi, Shell hits 2
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi, Shell hits 1
CA Mogami
CA Kumano
DD Hatsuzuki
DD Wakazuki
DD Samidare
DD Hatsushima

Allied Ships
DD Bache

Poor visibility due to Thunderstorms with 50% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 50% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
BB Musashi engages DD Bache at 2,000 yards
CA Nachi engages DD Bache at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
BB Musashi engages DD Bache at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
BB Musashi engages DD Bache at 5,000 yards
CA Haguro engages DD Bache at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
BB Musashi engages DD Bache at 6,000 yards
CA Mogami engages DD Bache at 6,000 yards
Task forces break off...



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Day Time Surface Combat, near Adak Island at 160,51, Range 29,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CA Mogami
CA Kumano
DD Hatsuzuki
DD Wakazuki
DD Samidare
DD Hatsushima

Allied Ships
DD Bache

Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms: 7,000 yards
Range closes to 27,000 yards...
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 19,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
Allied TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 13,000 yards...
Range increases to 18,000 yards...
Range increases to 23,000 yards...
Range increases to 28,000 yards...
Range increases to 30,000 yards...
Allied Surface Combat TF evades combat


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Day Time Surface Combat, near Adak Island at 161,51, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi, Shell hits 1
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CA Mogami
CA Kumano
DD Hatsuzuki
DD Wakazuki
DD Samidare
DD Hatsushima

Allied Ships
DD Bache, Shell hits 2, and is sunk

Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms: 7,000 yards
Range closes to 27,000 yards...
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 25,000 yards
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 7,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 7,000 yards
Tanaka, R. crosses the 'T'
BB Musashi engages DD Bache at 7,000 yards
DD Bache sunk by BB Musashi at 7,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...

Disposition at the start of the battle

[Ardi]

Day 41 - Battle of Adak part 2

The firefight escalated quickly. Capital ships mostly concentrated on trading blows between themselves, while destroyers were fighting among each other. Such situation became very unfavorable for amertican cruisers, as they started to take pounding from 20cm cruiser guns, and, much more dangerously, the 46cm monsters from Musashi. DM Pruitt kept closer to heavy ships, since it lacked torpedoes to operate together with destroyers, and that became her demise. She caught attention from Kumano, and first torpedo salvo launched by the cruiser was the ultimate blow for Pruitt. She broke up in two and sunk in mere minutes.
On the edges of the battle line Japanese and American destroyers were entangled in the dance of death. Rapid fire guns were blowing up water everywhere, ocassionaly hitting enemy ships, which were actively manuevering, escaping torpedo salvoes. And despite fewer numbers, Japanese destroyers drew first blood. US destroyer Dale, actively engaging her Japanese counterparts Hatsushima and Samidare, missed the torpedo attack from Hatsuzuki. One fish was enough.

After that fight winded down a bit as American forces started to move away. However their cruisers had already suffered a beating and were slowed down by the damage. Seeing them burning, Tanaka ordered to close the distance. In the raging thunderstorm ships went to fight almost at point blank range, closing distance to 2000 metres...

[Ardi]

Day 41 - Battle of Adak part 3

It quickly turned into slugfest. Damaged Allied cruisers were unable to properly answer, and destroyers had already spent most of their torpedoes. San Francisco was hit by more than fifteen 20 cm shells in a span of few minutes, and after another salvo from Kumano, she finally went under. Kumano then transfered her attention at an already crippled Raleigh, and after couple of salvoes US ship exploded.
In the destroyer shootout US forces started to come out on top. Hatsuzuki and Hatsushima were turned into burning wrecks, two other destroyers were also badly damaged. But now the Allied small ships started to get attention from the big boys. Myoko concentrated her fire on the DD Hull, and after a few precise shots American ship started to sink.
Of the capital ships only Detroit was still afloat, torn apart by Musashi, Nachi and Kumano. The latter managed to lay down the finishing blow here as well and burning cruiser disappeared under the waves.
After that Tanaka ordered his task force to disengage. They were running low on ammo and a lot of ships sustained heavy damage, especially destroyers. But even while desingaging, Japanese managed to deliver a final blow. Myoko, spending the remnants of her ammunition, was able to put couple of 20 cm shells in DD Phelps. Phelps had already been barely afloat after suffering a torpedo hit from Hatsushima, so this damage became fatal.
And with that, the battle was over. Japanese emerged victorious, but befor celebrating, they had to return first. Tanaka set a course to Attu...


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Day Time Surface Combat, near Adak Island at 162,52, Range 6,000 Yards

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
SOC-1 Seagull: 4 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi, Shell hits 2
CA Myoko, Shell hits 4, heavy fires
CA Haguro, Shell hits 4
CA Nachi, Shell hits 5, on fire
CA Mogami
CA Kumano, Shell hits 7
DD Hatsuzuki, Shell hits 16, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Wakazuki, Shell hits 9, heavy fires
DD Samidare, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Hatsushima, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA San Francisco, Shell hits 27, and is sunk
CL Raleigh, Shell hits 27, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CL Detroit, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
DD Coghlan, Shell hits 4
DD Gansevoort, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Thompson, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Mustin, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Phelps, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Balch
DD Hull, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
DD Dale, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Monaghan, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Kane, Shell hits 3, on fire
DM Pruitt, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 23,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CA San Francisco at 6,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CA Kumano at 6,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Raleigh at 6,000 yards
CA Nachi engages CA San Francisco at 6,000 yards
CA Kumano engages DD Monaghan at 6,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages DD Hatsushima at 6,000 yards
DD Hatsushima engages DD Balch at 6,000 yards
DD Wakazuki engages DD Balch at 6,000 yards
DD Mustin engages DD Wakazuki at 6,000 yards
DD Hatsushima engages DD Gansevoort at 6,000 yards
CA Myoko engages DM Pruitt at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
BB Musashi engages CA San Francisco at 4,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Detroit at 4,000 yards
CL Raleigh engages CA Mogami at 4,000 yards
DD Kane engages DD Wakazuki at 4,000 yards
CA Haguro engages CL Raleigh at 4,000 yards
DD Dale engages DD Hatsushima at 4,000 yards
DD Mustin engages DD Hatsushima at 4,000 yards
DD Dale engages DD Samidare at 4,000 yards
DD Dale sunk by DD Hatsuzuki at 4,000 yards
DD Thompson engages DD Wakazuki at 4,000 yards
DD Gansevoort engages DD Samidare at 4,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Coghlan at 4,000 yards
DM Pruitt sunk by CA Kumano at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CA San Francisco at 8,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Raleigh at 8,000 yards
DD Kane engages DD Hatsushima at 8,000 yards
CL Raleigh engages CA Haguro at 8,000 yards
DD Wakazuki engages DD Balch at 8,000 yards
DD Hatsushima engages DD Phelps at 8,000 yards
DD Mustin engages DD Wakazuki at 8,000 yards
DD Wakazuki engages DD Thompson at 8,000 yards
DD Wakazuki engages DD Coghlan at 8,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CA Myoko at 8,000 yards
CL Detroit engages CA Kumano at 8,000 yards
CL Raleigh engages CA Kumano at 8,000 yards
DD Hatsuzuki engages DD Kane at 8,000 yards
DD Wakazuki engages DD Monaghan at 8,000 yards
CA Myoko engages CA San Francisco at 8,000 yards
DD Hatsushima engages DD Balch at 8,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Gansevoort at 8,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Wakazuki at 8,000 yards
DD Coghlan engages DD Samidare at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
BB Musashi engages CA San Francisco at 6,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Detroit at 6,000 yards
CA Mogami engages CA San Francisco at 6,000 yards
DD Hatsuzuki engages DD Kane at 6,000 yards
CL Detroit engages CA Haguro at 6,000 yards
CA Myoko engages DD Hull at 6,000 yards
DD Wakazuki engages DD Balch at 6,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Phelps at 6,000 yards
DD Wakazuki engages DD Mustin at 6,000 yards
DD Hatsushima engages DD Thompson at 6,000 yards
DD Hatsushima engages DD Gansevoort at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
CA Myoko engages CA San Francisco at 4,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Raleigh at 4,000 yards
CA Mogami engages CL Raleigh at 4,000 yards
CA Nachi engages DD Kane at 4,000 yards
CL Detroit engages CA Haguro at 4,000 yards
DD Hull engages DD Samidare at 4,000 yards
DD Hatsuzuki engages DD Balch at 4,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Hatsushima at 4,000 yards
DD Wakazuki engages DD Mustin at 4,000 yards
DD Thompson engages DD Samidare at 4,000 yards
DD Hatsuzuki engages DD Gansevoort at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
CL Detroit engages CA Mogami at 3,000 yards
DD Wakazuki engages DD Kane at 3,000 yards
CL Detroit engages CA Haguro at 3,000 yards
CA Myoko engages CA San Francisco at 3,000 yards
DD Hatsushima engages DD Hull at 3,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Phelps at 3,000 yards
DD Mustin engages DD Wakazuki at 3,000 yards
DD Hatsuzuki engages DD Thompson at 3,000 yards
DD Gansevoort engages DD Hatsushima at 3,000 yards
DD Hatsuzuki engages DD Coghlan at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
CA San Francisco sunk by CA Kumano at 2,000 yards
CL Raleigh sunk by CA Kumano at 2,000 yards
DD Hatsuzuki engages DD Kane at 2,000 yards
DD Hatsuzuki engages DD Monaghan at 2,000 yards
DD Hull sunk by CA Myoko at 2,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Gansevoort at 2,000 yards
DD Wakazuki engages DD Mustin at 2,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Thompson at 2,000 yards
DD Coghlan engages DD Hatsuzuki at 2,000 yards
BB Musashi engages CL Detroit at 2,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Detroit at 2,000 yards
DD Hatsushima engages DD Monaghan at 2,000 yards
CL Detroit engages CA Nachi at 2,000 yards
DD Hatsushima engages DD Phelps at 2,000 yards
DD Mustin engages DD Hatsushima at 2,000 yards
DD Hatsuzuki engages DD Thompson at 2,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Monaghan at 2,000 yards
DD Mustin engages DD Wakazuki at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
BB Musashi engages DD Monaghan at 5,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Detroit at 5,000 yards
DD Monaghan engages DD Hatsuzuki at 5,000 yards
CA Nachi engages CL Detroit at 5,000 yards
DD Hatsuzuki engages DD Phelps at 5,000 yards
CL Detroit engages CA Myoko at 5,000 yards
DD Hatsushima engages DD Thompson at 5,000 yards
DD Gansevoort engages DD Hatsuzuki at 5,000 yards
DD Hatsushima engages DD Coghlan at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
BB Musashi engages CL Detroit at 7,000 yards
CL Detroit sunk by CA Kumano at 7,000 yards
CA Haguro engages DD Phelps at 7,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Thompson at 7,000 yards
DD Hatsushima engages DD Gansevoort at 7,000 yards
DD Wakazuki engages DD Monaghan at 7,000 yards
Tanaka, R. orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range increases to 10,000 yards
DD Hatsuzuki engages DD Kane at 10,000 yards
CA Kumano engages DD Gansevoort at 10,000 yards
CA Mogami engages DD Monaghan at 10,000 yards
CA Nachi engages DD Balch at 10,000 yards
DD Hatsuzuki engages DD Mustin at 10,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Thompson at 10,000 yards
DD Hatsushima engages DD Coghlan at 10,000 yards
DD Hatsuzuki engages DD Coghlan at 10,000 yards
DD Hatsuzuki engages DD Mustin at 10,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
CA Mogami engages DD Thompson at 12,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Hatsushima at 12,000 yards
DD Mustin engages DD Hatsuzuki at 12,000 yards
DD Phelps sunk by CA Myoko at 12,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Gansevoort at 12,000 yards
DD Wakazuki engages DD Coghlan at 12,000 yards
DD Monaghan engages DD Wakazuki at 12,000 yards
Range increases to 14,000 yards
BB Musashi engages DD Coghlan at 14,000 yards
DD Hatsuzuki engages DD Monaghan at 14,000 yards
DD Balch engages DD Wakazuki at 14,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Mustin at 14,000 yards
DD Thompson engages DD Samidare at 14,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Gansevoort at 14,000 yards
DD Coghlan engages DD Hatsushima at 14,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Thompson at 14,000 yards
DD Balch engages DD Hatsuzuki at 14,000 yards
Range increases to 16,000 yards
BB Musashi engages DD Monaghan at 16,000 yards
CA Kumano engages DD Kane at 16,000 yards
DD Mustin engages DD Hatsuzuki at 16,000 yards
DD Thompson engages DD Wakazuki at 16,000 yards
CA Myoko engages DD Gansevoort at 16,000 yards
DD Coghlan engages DD Samidare at 16,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Kane at 16,000 yards
DD Hatsuzuki engages DD Kane at 16,000 yards
Task forces break off...

[Ardi]

Day 41 - Battle for Adak part 4

But this wasn't the end of the day for Americans. While destroyer crews were trying to repair the critical damage, save the wounded and rescue those who were hanging for their lives in the cold waters of Bering Sea, they heard a roaring sound of plane engines from above. While surface forces were trading blows, Japanese carriers turned into the wind and started to launch their aircraft. And while a few planes from Adak tried to intercept the attack, most of the strike planes easily went through and dashed down form the sky on the burning vessels.
It was hell of an hour for the ships of the US Navy. They were moving and turning as fast as possible, and most of them managed to avoid being hit. Of the fifty planes only one found the target and DD Gansevoort wend down in flames.
But this first attack drew the attention of the destroyer crews, and a small package of nine torpedo bombers that came from the different angle, used this for their advantage. Another two torpedoes found their targets, with one destroyer sunk and other crippled.
Some planes that were fit to fly from the morning strike flew again later in the afternoon, but to no result.

In the aftermath of the battle, destroyers Hatsuzuki and Hatsushima sunk. Nachi and Myoko, on fire and with no ammunition were accompanied by even more damaged Wakazuki and Samidare and send to Attu to pump out water. Musashi and other three cruisers were moving fifty miles behind, without any anti-submarine coverage. Carrier group was also movet to the west, to cover their retreat.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Adak Island at 162,52

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M3a Zero x 10
B5N2 Kate x 23
D3A2 Val x 26

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 8
P-38G Lightning x 6
P-40E Warhawk x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
DD Gansevoort, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Balch
DD Kane, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x D3A2 Val bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
13 x D3A2 Val bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
15 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
5 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
No.111 Sqd RCAF with Kittyhawk III (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 2000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
No.118 Sqd RCAF with Kittyhawk III (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
18th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
54th FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
344th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Kane


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Adak Island at 162,51

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 32 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 11
B5N2 Kate x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
DD Mustin, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Coghlan, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Thompson, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

Magazine explodes on DD Mustin


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Adak Island at 162,51

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
A6M3a Zero x 17
B5N2 Kate x 17
D3A2 Val x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Thompson
DD Coghlan, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x D3A2 Val bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
17 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

[Ardi]

Day 42

Balch, the only DD left unscratched from the battle went into pursue, knowing that Japanese ships are out of ammo. His chase was successfull. Japs barely answered on his fire. Balch damaged Muoko and both DDs. Samidare sunk later at night.
Carriers withdrew to the west of Kiska and I tried ground bombing of the Allid troops there in desperate attempt to prevent inevitable fall of the island.
Allies at Kiska and Japanese at Attu made sucessfull deliberate attacks.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 26, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Adak Island at 160,51, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko, Shell hits 9
CA Nachi
DD Wakazuki, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Samidare, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Balch

Low visibility due to Thunderstorms with 39% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 39% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 27,000 yards...
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
DD Balch engages DD Samidare at 2,000 yards
CA Nachi engages DD Balch at 2,000 yards
CA Myoko engages DD Balch at 2,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Balch at 2,000 yards
DD Balch engages DD Wakazuki at 2,000 yards
DD Balch engages DD Wakazuki at 2,000 yards
Tiemroth, H. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range increases to 3,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Balch at 3,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Balch at 3,000 yards
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 18th Combat Engineer Regiment, at 157,51 (Kiska Island)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
A6M3a Zero x 18
B5N2 Kate x 42
D3A2 Val x 50

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
102 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x D3A2 Val bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
17 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
25 x D3A2 Val bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
17 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
8 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 4000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 7th Div Prov Battalion ...
Also attacking 32nd USA Regiment ...
Also attacking 18th Combat Engineer Regiment ...
Also attacking 7th Div Prov Battalion ...
Also attacking 18th Combat Engineer Regiment ...
Also attacking 7th Div Prov Battalion ...
Also attacking 18th Combat Engineer Regiment ...
Also attacking 7th Div Prov Battalion ...
Also attacking 32nd USA Regiment ...
Also attacking 18th Combat Engineer Regiment ...
Also attacking 7th Div Prov Battalion ...
Also attacking 18th Combat Engineer Regiment ...
Also attacking 7th Div Prov Battalion ...

Day 43

Again tried bombing. Damaged ships made it to Attu, and those remained intact joined carrier group. Battle on the island continued.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 27, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 32nd USA Regiment, at 157,51 (Kiska Island)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
A6M3a Zero x 19
B5N2 Kate x 43
D3A2 Val x 50

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
126 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x D3A2 Val bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
17 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
25 x D3A2 Val bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
17 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
9 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 4000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 4th (Sep) Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 17th USA Regiment ...
Also attacking 18th Combat Engineer Regiment ...
Also attacking 32nd USA Regiment ...
Also attacking 4th (Sep) Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 17th USA Regiment ...
Also attacking 18th Combat Engineer Regiment ...
Also attacking 32nd USA Regiment ...
Also attacking 4th (Sep) Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 17th USA Regiment ...
Also attacking 32nd USA Regiment ...
Also attacking 4th (Sep) Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 17th USA Regiment ...
Also attacking 32nd USA Regiment ...
Also attacking 17th USA Regiment ...
Also attacking 18th Combat Engineer Regiment ...
Also attacking 32nd USA Regiment ...
Also attacking 4th (Sep) Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 17th USA Regiment ...

Day 44-45

Uneventful. Carriers moved closer to Attu to cover resupply convoy. On Attu Allied unints are close to surrender, same for Japs on Kiska.

Day 46

Busy day in the air. I tested defences on Adak again, not very favourably. On the other hand, my dive bomber managed to spot two DDs, one to the north, one to the south, presumably trying to sneak by and intercept resupply convoys. Both got heavily damaged.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 30, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Adak Island , at 162,52

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 20
P-38G Lightning x 11
P-40E Warhawk x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.111 Sqd RCAF with Kittyhawk III (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 2000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
No.118 Sqd RCAF with Kittyhawk III (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
18th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
54th FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
344th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Adak Island , at 162,52

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 43 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 17
P-38G Lightning x 11
P-40E Warhawk x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.111 Sqd RCAF with Kittyhawk III (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 2000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
No.118 Sqd RCAF with Kittyhawk III (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
18th FS with P-40E Warhawk (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
54th FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11650 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
344th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Adak Island , at 162,52

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 12
P-38G Lightning x 8
P-40E Warhawk x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.111 Sqd RCAF with Kittyhawk III (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 2000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
No.118 Sqd RCAF with Kittyhawk III (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
18th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
54th FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
344th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 156,45

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 47 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
D3A2 Val x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Thompson, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x D3A2 Val bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Massive explosion on DD Thompson


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Adak Island , at 162,52

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 8
P-38G Lightning x 5
P-40E Warhawk x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 2 destroyed
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.118 Sqd RCAF with Kittyhawk III (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
18th FS with P-40E Warhawk (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
54th FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
344th FS with P-40E Warhawk (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
No.111 Sqd RCAF with Kittyhawk III (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 2000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 153,53

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
D3A2 Val x 25

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Morris, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x D3A2 Val bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Morris


Day 47

Kiska garrison surrendered as well as American forces on Attu. No sign of American fleet, only subs continue to prowl in waters near Attu.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 31, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Maizuru 3rd SNLF, at 157,51 (Kiska Island)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 21 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 12

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
76 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking Kiska Air Defense AA Division ...
Also attacking Maizuru 3rd SNLF ...


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

Ground combat at Attu Island (153,49)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 9410 troops, 119 guns, 16 vehicles, Assault Value = 290

Defending force 2471 troops, 34 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 9

Japanese adjusted assault: 275

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 275 to 1

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

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

Allied ground losses:
2471 casualties reported
Squads: 59 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 276 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 34 (34 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 2

Assaulting units:
1st Engineer Coy
301st Ind.Infantry Battalion
Det/45th Tank Regiment
43rd Engineer Battalion
96th Ind.Mixed Brigade
North Chichijima Naval Guard Unit
Northern Army
15th/16th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
5th Fleet
13th Ind.AA Gun Coy
Attu Air Defense AA Division
5th JNAF AF Unit
27th Air Flotilla
35th RF Gun Battalion
North Chichijima CD Coastal Gun Battalion
12th Naval Construction Battalion
38th Const Coy
57th JNAF AF Unit

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


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

Ground combat at Kiska Island (157,51)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7437 troops, 123 guns, 47 vehicles, Assault Value = 190

Defending force 2606 troops, 117 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 7

Allied adjusted assault: 134

Japanese adjusted defense: 61

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

Allied forces CAPTURE Kiska Island !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
125 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 49 (42 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

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

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


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

Kiska Air Defense AA Division Wiped Out at Kiska Island by attrition!!!

4th Engineer Coy Wiped Out at Kiska Island by attrition!!!

Maizuru 3rd SNLF Wiped Out at Kiska Island by attrition!!!

303rd Ind.Infantry Battalion Wiped Out at Kiska Island by attrition!!!

8th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment Wiped Out at Kiska Island by attrition!!!

51st JNAF AF Unit Wiped Out at Kiska Island by attrition!!!


Sneaky destroyers.

[Ardi]

After that it vas basically over. We both decided to just skip to the end of the line.
This was great and very entertaining experience for me. I'll post some thoughts and screens later.

[mind_messing]

Good game Ardi, and well played!

ORIGINAL: Ardi

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Adak Island at 164,51

Japanese Ships
SS I-7, hits 2

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

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

Yeah, that turn was what really killed my chances to score a victory.

Your subs were exceptionally potent in this scenario, put a lot of USN warships into repairs as a result.

Day 25

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

Yup, that was big brainfart territory that cost me the game.

Double check your geography folks.

That I doubling down on invading Attu afterwards was a big mistake. I hadn't banked on the Brigade from Paramushiro being their, and it was bad juju for me. IMO it might have made the difference between a draw for me.

Lesson learned!

Two Japanese task forces were steaming south-east in darkness, fighting waves and rain. Suddenly carrier group was attacked by lonely US destroyer, probably on patrol duty. Two shells hit Zuikaku, but caused no significant damage. Agano returned fire, and US destroyer disappeared in darkness.

I was exceptionally frustrated at the Bache for spraying the Zuikaku with 40mm fire and not bothering to put a couple of 5 inch holes or some torps towards her.

The Adak battle was a calculated move on my part. Parked the fleet under solid CAP at Adak and waited. I figured that the Musashi was a one-shot weapon so I wanted to wear her down. Without the Nassau I was not going to risk the slow BB's so they ended up sitting the rest of the campaign out at Dutch.

In hindsight I should have sent a couple DD TF's to interfere with the KB's operations and maybe pick off cripples and ships low on ammo, but at this point I was too wary of bleeding extra VP's.

Our air war was pretty stagnat, mostly as a result of the scenario design and the weather. Betty's with torps did put down a USN ship or two, and that really factored in to my decision to go passive. I had planned a hail-mary reinforcement of Attu, but scrubbed it after the Betty's made a showing.

[CaptBeefheart]

Interesting game, gents. Thanks for the AAR. What was the final victory outcome?

Cheers,
CB

[jdsrae]

The big surface battle was brutal!
I’ve read a few posts recently suggesting not to mix BB and CA but they seemed to perform well together there.

[mind_messing]

ORIGINAL: CaptBeefheart

Interesting game, gents. Thanks for the AAR. What was the final victory outcome?

Cheers,
CB

Minor victory for Japan

[tarkalak]

ORIGINAL: Ardi

ORIGINAL: tarkalak

No problem. I haven't went further than the small scenarios against AI, so my "advice" might not be spot on. Take with a pinch of salt. [:)]

Yeah, Musashi is a one shot weapon here. You can use it as a CV escort even without main gun ammo, the AA should still fire.

You can bombard his invasion forces with the cruisers. If you can keep his disablements, fatigue and disruption high they should collapse. Your attack on Attu costed him more than you - he has more disabled. That is if you trust the casualies in the AAR of course.

Without the CVE he cannot CAP his planes outside bases and LRCAP is less effective. You have seen that at Attu. Your best bet at sinking his ships at sea.

How is your Naval Search organized? Do you have night search as well?

EDIT: Btw are you replacing your pilots from the reserve pool? You have like 200 "superman" pilots there.

Actually about Musashi being one-shot weapon. I believe there is some possibility to withdraw ship offmap (even Japanese in small scenario) to repair and replenish it. Will try that with Musashi later. Since US lack air striking capability in the scenario, I doubt it will be useful as AA platform and I don't want to risk such big bag of VPs if it is unable to fire back.

It's true about the bombardments. My AKE is coming to disband at Attu so it could rearm ships there. Not sure if can save Kiska garrison, but I'll be able to avenge them at least. But first I want be sure that I won't be intercepted by battleship task force. Mybe low threat tolerance will help, since my cruisers aree faster than US BBs. Didn't take it to account before.

Naval search is performed by 2 Jake groups (no arcs, just around Attu). There were also Bettys flying from Paramushiro, but I decided to try and move them to Attu by sea (messed up with that though, wrong transport force composition. Now they are all damaged becaused they were accidently unloaded, and I'll have to return for them later with next convoy). Now carriers and float planes from cruisers also help. Actually I don't fly night search. Are japanese able to spot anything at night? Probably should switch couple of floatplane groups to night search.

I do use reserve pool, but not as much as I should have probably. Mostly I just expanded the pilot number in the groups with it, so pilots would be less fatigued.

Check the scenario notes, I don't think that you could withdraw ships for repair in this one. I think only Gualdalcanal has this option.

If you ship planes in a cargo ship they will come out damaged. This simulates putting them in crates and then reassemblying them at the target. You need an AKV, CVE or CV to ship them in ready form. You would have been better off rebasing them, they fly to their destination.

Both day and night search helps. Nights aren't pitch dark with all the stars and the Moon. Well, unless you go into a cave. So Night search does spot ships.

I had one Jake group fly night and the rest fly day. One of the groups was at Kiska. The Betties and the Mavises flew directed search at a low percentage. I was paying attention to not cover Adak, so that I don't loose a lot to CAP. Night search accumulates more pilot fatigue and morale loss, so I rotated the night group.

If you used the "Request Veteran" option you were fine. You have a huge pool of 80-90 XP pilots so there is no need to pull out rookies.

Congratulations. [:)]

[AleRonin]

Thanks for the AAR [:)]

[Ardi]

Here is the final VP screen.

The main benefits surely came from destroying units at Attu and sinking of Nassau. Around 300 VPs in total for those.

[Ardi]

Japanese ship losses. Could be better a bit, but most likely could be much worse. Losing oiler was unpleasant, but its sacrifice saved a bunch of my transport ships delivering troops (that was actually the moment where I could lose the game completely. Wouldn't have any means to deliver brigade to Attu and would lose tone of ground troops there).

[Ardi]

Allied ships lost. Oddly enough, while combat report credited Kumano for sinking all three US cruisers, this report shows two of the cruisers being sunk by 46cm monsters of Musashi.