Pendraken Miniatures Forum

Wider Wargaming => Batreps => Topic started by: paulr on 16 July 2017, 12:03:26 AM

Title: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 16 July 2017, 12:03:26 AM
To mark the 75th anniversary of the actual campaign we are re-fighting the naval campaign in the Solomons focused on Guadalcanal.

The campaign began with the capture of Henderson airfield on Guadalcanal by US Marines on 8 August 1942 and lasted until 9 February 1943 when the Americans realised the last  Japanese had evacuated Guadalcanal two nights before.

We are using Old Dominion Games "The Solomons Campaign" but are using General Quarters I/II as for the battles as we prefer them to the more complex GQ III.

(http://www.odgw.com/images/StoreFront/GQ_TSC_Front_Cover.png)
http://www.odgw.com/products/generalquarters3/gq3tsc.html (http://www.odgw.com/products/generalquarters3/gq3tsc.html)

We first played this campaign in 2013 http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,10531.0.html (http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,10531.0.html) when I umpired and Pierre the Shy commanded the Allies.

This time around Pierre the Shy is kindly umpiring, I am commanding the Allies and Roy, our regular Saturday host, is commanding the Japanese.

We started the campaign on 10 August 1942 after the battle of Savo Island and made the decisions for the first turn last night. The first game will take place next Saturday

We are now nervously waiting to find out what that battle will be...  :-SS :-SS :-SS
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 16 July 2017, 09:15:44 AM
Pierre the Shy has performed his umpiring duties and the first game will be a night action near Lunga Point deep in Savo Sound (soon to be renamed Iron Bottom Sound if our campaign is anything like history) :-SS :-SS :-SS

Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 16 July 2017, 12:47:28 PM
Sounds a lot of fun! Good luck all!
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: DFlynSqrl on 16 July 2017, 03:25:31 PM
It does sound very cool.
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: sunjester on 16 July 2017, 05:59:29 PM
Have fun!
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Womble67 on 17 July 2017, 10:39:19 AM
Yep have fun

Take care

Andy
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: pierre the shy on 17 July 2017, 12:17:56 PM
Quote from: Womble67 on 17 July 2017, 10:39:19 AM
Yep have fun

Quote from: sunjester on 16 July 2017, 05:59:29 PM
Have fun!

No worries on that score - I am

and its only the first turn  ;)
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 17 July 2017, 08:59:25 PM
Good to know the umpire is having fun ;)

The players are more nervous  :-SS :-SS :-SS
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 22 July 2017, 12:40:01 AM
The umpire dropped a little surprise on me yesterday :o

He pointed out that only some of the US destroyers had radar. I had assumed, WRONGLY, that they all did :-[

This has lead to a historically accurate disregard for radar when assigning roles to the various US Destroyer Squadrons #-o #-o #-o

I hope the two SC surface warning radars in my key destroyer squadron are working tonight :-SS :-SS
The other six destroyers in that squadron have no radar ~X(

All the destroyers in the other Destroyer Squadron that may be involved tonight of course have radar X_X
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 22 July 2017, 07:25:28 AM
Good luck!
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 22 July 2017, 09:23:13 PM
Thanks Lemmey, both radars worked :o :D

It was an 'interesting' game, a very calm night with heavy fog and visibility of 3-5,000 yards

The Americans with good radar detected 3 large and 7 small Japanese ships approaching Lunga Point from the north west and warned the remaining ships by TBS

This was about the maximum number the American force was willing to engage but the limited visibility would mean any engagements would be at almost suicidal ranges :-\

Some of the American ships moved west towards Lunga Point while the remainder continued to patrol between Lunga Point and Koli Point (to the east), visibility if anything worsened

The Japanese were aware of the presence of American ships, hearing the TBS radio transmissions. They opened fire at long range in the general direction of Henderson Field and after 20 minutes or so withdrew to the north west
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 22 July 2017, 09:28:20 PM
That 'engagement' brought the month of August to an end

There had been no actual contact between naval or air forces during the month :o

Both the Allies and the Japanese had bombarded the enemy on Guadalcanal twice during the month and may have also managed to deliver some supplies, can't say too much ;)

So we made our decisions for next month and Pierre the Shy will work out what we are fighting next week :-SS :-SS
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 22 July 2017, 10:35:24 PM
Sounds like fun.
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Ithoriel on 22 July 2017, 11:09:28 PM
I look forward to the progress of the campaign.

As an erstwhile "admiral in the Imperial Japanese fleet" who lost the battlecruisers Kirishima and Hiei, the heavy cruiser Takao, the light cruiser Nagara and the destroyer Yayoi in exchange for a single US destroyer in the opening battle of our Guadalcanal campaign I commend the caution of both sides!
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 23 July 2017, 04:03:08 AM
Quote from: mad lemmey on 22 July 2017, 10:35:24 PM
Sounds like fun.
It actually was quite tense wondering:
It is interesting how different a campaign feels from a one off game :-\

Quote from: Ithoriel on 22 July 2017, 11:09:28 PM
I look forward to the progress of the campaign.

As an erstwhile "admiral in the Imperial Japanese fleet" who lost the battlecruisers Kirishima and Hiei, the heavy cruiser Takao, the light cruiser Nagara and the destroyer Yayoi in exchange for a single US destroyer in the opening battle of our Guadalcanal campaign I commend the caution of both sides!
Ouch, that didn't go well for the IJN X_X

It looks like September might be a more active month...  :-SS :-SS
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 24 July 2017, 10:28:15 PM
Definitely a more active month, a carrier action this Saturday :-SS :-SS :-SS

Based on our experience last time we ran the campaign this could get very messy very quickly X_X X_X X_X
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 24 July 2017, 11:30:00 PM
Ohhh... good luck
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: kipt on 28 July 2017, 06:16:22 PM
We played this campaign at the beginning of the year. Allied win as the Japanese could not get a Henderson assault to go in. The weather never let the Japanese use their superior spotting to launch the Long Lance torps.

We called it quits in month 5 I think.   Frustrating weather conditions; fog and squalls passing through all the time.

Losses were:
BB - Allied 2 sunk, 1 damaged; IJN 1 sunk, 1 crippled, 1 damaged
CV - Allied 1 sunk; IJN 1 sunk, 1 damaged
AVP - Allied 1 crippled; IJN 1 sunk
CA - Allied 2 sunk, 3 crippled, 8 damaged; IJN 11 sunk, 1 damaged
CL - Allied 2 sunk, 3 damaged; IJN 6 sunk, 1 crippled, 3 damaged
DD - Allied 21 sunk, 2 crippled, 7 damaged; IJN 29 sunk, 6 crippled, 2 damaged
Subs - Allied 1 sunk; IJN 1 sunk, 1 damaged
AP's - Allied 5 sunk, 1 crippled; IJN 3 sunk
PT's - Allied 6 sunk
Aircraft - Allied 26 flights lost; IJN 20 flights lost.

We used GQIII.
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 28 July 2017, 10:35:16 PM
Shame about the weather :(

Pretty heavy loses, lots of short range actions I guess :o

It will be interesting to see how tonight's carrier battle goes :-SS :-SS :-SS
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 30 July 2017, 02:26:59 AM
Earlier this week I received the following from Pierre the Shy, who is kindly umpiring our Solomons campaign.

0830 Somewhere just North of the Solomons XX September 1942

The weather is Mostly Clear (50%) with 2 could layers from 8000' upwards Moderate wind (Force 4) from S.

Adm Fletcher receives 2 messages:

1. sighting report from a SBD search flight:
"Japanese Carriers sighted......100nm East of your position Speed 24 Course SE.
Estimate force to contain 3 CV, 1 CVL, 6 CA, 12 DD. CAP flying overhead"

2. "CIC reports lone bogey detected to East of our position, contact faded before interception possible"

You can either launch a strike with up to 80% of your available flights or wait till the next "round".

You cannot use your assigned CAP in the first strike or launch additional CAP unless an inbound enemy strike is detected.

Orders please.


This lead to the carrier battle we fought last night. As both the Japanese and Americans had decided to launch immediate strikes we diced and the Americans got to play out their attack first. The Japanese reply will happen in a couple of weeks.

The lead aircraft of the American strike arrived to find that the initial report had been inaccurate. The Japanese force consisted of 2 CV, 2 BB, 4 CA and about 8 DD with almost 40 Zeros circling overhead.

The strike had become somewhat disorganised and the initial wave consisted of 6 Wildcats, 14 Dauntless and 12 Avengers from one carrier and another 12 Avengers from the other carrier.

The Wildcats were immediately engaged by one flight of Zeros while the remaining Zeros attacked the Dauntless and Avengers. The remaining 12 Dauntless from the first carrier then arrived and were set upon by those Zeros that still had ammunition.

Four Avengers, that had survived the Zeros, attacked the lead Japanese carrier from the port and starboard bows. The Japanese AA gunners managed to bring down the two on the port side but one of the torpedoes from the starboard side struck home. The two surviving Avengers flew at wave top height avoiding AA fire from the supporting Japanese destroyers as they made good their escape.

At the same time the two Avengers that had managed to get through from the other carrier launched an attack from astern the second Japanese carrier, both torpedoes ... missed.

Of the 26 Dauntless that attacked only six got past the Zeros and four of those were shot down or damaged by AA fire. The two survivors managed to hit the second Japanese carrier with a 1,000lb bomb forward.

As the Japanese were sorting themselves out another wave of Americans arrived, 8 Wildcats and 28 Dauntless from the second US carrier. With the Zeros all out of ammunition the Wildcats moved in to suppress the AA guns on the lead Japanese carrier while half the Dauntless attacked scoring 2 hits with 1,000lb bombs. The remaining Dauntless attacked the second Japanese carrier but without support from Wildcats suffered more casualties and managed only near misses.

Overall the lead Japanese carrier had suffered one torpedo and two 1,000lb bomb hits while the second had suffered one 1,000lb bomb hit. About 20 out of the 40 Zeros had been destroyed or damaged. The lead carrier is probably crippled and will be out of action for at least two months

The cost in American aircraft and crews had been high. The first carrier had 24 aircraft destroyed and 16 damaged out of a strike of 44 aircraft. Only 4 returned undamaged.

The second carrier had fared better as most of its aircraft had arrived after the Zeros had run out of ammunition. They still had 14 aircraft destroyed and 6 damaged out of a strike of 48 aircraft. 28 returned undamaged.

We will find out what the American aircraft return to in a couple of weeks when we fight out the Japanese strike on the American carriers.
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: pierre the shy on 30 July 2017, 04:54:44 AM
Well thats the USN official version of last nights events...the IJN dont subscribe to this board but as umpire l can't comment further on the accuracy of the claims made... ;)
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 30 July 2017, 06:18:51 AM
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 12 August 2017, 03:22:03 AM
Quote from: paulr on 30 July 2017, 02:26:59 AM
We will find out what the American aircraft return to in a couple of weeks when we fight out the Japanese strike on the American carriers.

Tonight is the night, have the Americans got a large enough CAP (Combat Air Patrol), how effective will the AA fire be, just how big is the Japanese strike and how well coordinated will it be :-SS :-SS :-SS :-SS :-SS
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Ace of Spades on 12 August 2017, 09:41:35 AM
I don't know if anybody has read 'Neptune's Inferno' by James D. Hornfischer, but on the naval campaigns around Guadalcanal I would thouroughly recommend it!
From the strategic level right down to the blood and guts covered decks gets covered and written in a very comprehensable and exciting way.

Cheers,
Rob
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 12 August 2017, 11:48:17 PM
Thanks for the recommendation AoS
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 13 August 2017, 12:05:48 AM
Have the Americans got a large enough CAP (Combat Air Patrol)
NO!!!
Four Wildcats managed to break through the first wave of Zeros and attack a flight of Vals. They were promptly shot down or driven off damaged by the Vals' defensive fire
The rest of the Wildcats were shot down or driven off damaged by the Zeros

How effective will the AA fire be
Initially very effective but fell of quickly as the American dice rolls turned bad :( and the Japanese coordination improved X_X

Just how big is the Japanese strike
Huge :o :o :o

How well coordinated will it be
Initial attacks on the carriers were not coordinated with other attacks and so were shot down by concentrated fire from the carriers and supporting cruisers and destroyers

The middle waves were supported by strafing zeros and dive bombed the supporting cruisers while Kates made their torpedo runs on the carriers
None of the cruisers were hit but both American carriers took multiple torpedo hits :o X_X

The final wave with only a few Kates and Vals and no supporting Zeros (the survivors were out of ammo) had limited success #:-S
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 13 August 2017, 08:34:26 AM
Still sounds like a painful night for the Yanks!!!
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 19 August 2017, 08:47:19 PM
The carrier clash was the only engagement for September, one Japanese bombardment force managed to fire on Henderson Field

We have started the October turn and the US Marines have conducted a reconnaissance in force, the Japanese are better prepared than the Marines had hoped :-S
Will the Japanese assault Henderson Field this month :-\ :-SS :-SS
The US had to make some difficult command decisions this month :-SS :-SS :-SS

Peter will let us know the first engagement we need to fight soon :-SS :-w

That engagement will have to wait until we finish the May 1940 game we started last night
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 19 August 2017, 10:39:46 PM
Sounding tense, what fun! :)
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 22 August 2017, 08:46:31 PM
The first engagement of the October turn has been revealed

US forces to the southeast of Savo Island have detected ships close to Tassafaronga, they are too far away to determine numbers or types as yet. It looks like the Tokyo Express might have arrived

We will fight this night action once we have finished our current May 1940 game
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 22 August 2017, 08:50:23 PM
Good luck
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Ace of Spades on 30 August 2017, 12:51:05 PM
Just make sure you fire at them as soon as they are in reach and with whatever you can hit them!

Cheers,
Rob
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 08 September 2017, 12:02:14 AM
That is broadly the plan ;)

My fellow American commander and I have settled on an aggressive approach, hopefully the Japanese force doesn't include the Yamato  :-SS :-SS :-SS

We'll see tomorrow night
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Ace of Spades on 08 September 2017, 07:36:00 AM
All the more reason to hit them as soon as you can! Trust your radar; it's really the only advantage you'll have...
Keep us updated please.

Hit 'em where it hurts!
Rob

Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 09 September 2017, 12:48:13 AM
It is October 1942 so most of the US ships still have fairly rudimentary radar #-o

Hopefully it will be working on those ships that do have good radar :-SS :-SS :-SS
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 09 September 2017, 10:34:47 PM
US forces to the southeast of Savo Island detected ships close to Tassafaronga, they were too far away to determine numbers or types as yet. It looks like the Tokyo Express might have arrived.

The US Task Force deployed in two task groups of four destroyers, 3 cruisers and one battleship each. The plan was for TG34.1 to move around the north of the Japanese forces and cut off their escape route. TG34.2 would remain to the east and close with the Japanese once TG34.1 engaged.

The weather was good, too good. The cloudless sky revealed a full moon and visibility was 20,000 yards reducing the Allied radar advantage.

As both task groups headed west at 22 knots initial radar reports indicated three 'large' Japanese ships with more ships further west. TG34.1 began accelerating. The lead destroyers of TG34.2 sighted three cruisers of the Takao class withdrawing to the northwest. Two more 'large' radar contacts were confirmed to behind the Takao class cruisers.

TG34.2 turned north in succession and the two radar contacts came into sight, two battleships of the Nagato class. TG34.1 continued accelerating to the west well placed to cut off the withdrawing Japanese cruisers.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4440/36987607601_1d4c45e2fe_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ymta7r)

At this point the Japanese could see the destroyers and leading cruiser of TG34.2 and the destroyers and cruisers of TG34.1. The US plan was working and HMAS Australia opened fire at 17,000 yards under radar fire control scoring some hits.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4389/36987607001_7df0c8b042_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ymt9W6)

The Japanese cruisers responded with stunningly accurate salvoes slamming into the Australia forcing her to quit the line.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4401/36987607291_2b7648969f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ymta26)

TG34.2 turned west and closed with the Japanese firing in support of the TG34.1. The Washington fired on the rearmost Japanese battleship while the New Orleans fired on the third Japanese cruiser. The three cruisers of TG34.1 engaged the three Japanese cruisers and the North Carolina engaged the leading Japanese battleships all scoring some hits.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4333/36987606681_cff810b959_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ymt9Qz)

The last Japanese battleship was unable to fire its forward turrets at the Washington and so concentrated its whole main battery on the cruisers of TG34.2. The New Orleans was stopped dead in the water as 16" shells slammed into the engine room. The Minneapolis and San Francisco were force to turn to starboard, the Minneapolis narrowly avoiding a collision before being hit herself.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4351/36987606071_e332dd07a1_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ymt9E4)

The Japanese fire continued to be stunningly accurate (the Japanese dice were hot all night). One destroyer of TG34.1 was forced to withdraw with all its weapons out of action. All three cruisers and the battleship suffered damage, both Australia and North Carolina were set on fire.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4350/36987606831_0596011afe_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ymt9Ta)

The US destroyers of TG34.1 launched torpedoes at maximum range before the entire TG turned away and the destroyers made smoke. The Japanese cruisers also fired torpedoes.

Much to the Americans surprise one of the torpedoes from the leading US destroyer, Selfridge, struck the leading Japanese cruiser. It failed to explode. As the US withdrew the already badly damaged Phoenix was struck by two torpedoes, the  and sank. Another Japanese torpedo struck and damaged the North Carolina.

TG34.2 also turned away with the destroyers making smoke to cover the slow withdrawal of the cruisers. The Japanese continued their withdrawal to the northwest.

A disastrous night for the US:

All three Japanese cruisers and both battleships were damaged with one of the battleships appearing to be slowed. The Japanese supply ships had withdrawn and had not been engaged.
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 09 September 2017, 11:54:04 PM
Ouch! Bad night for the US Navy!
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: pierre the shy on 10 September 2017, 03:08:09 AM
I thought the USN plan was pretty good, but without knowing exactly what Japanese ships were out there they couldn't cover every eventuality.

The Japanese force was pretty powerful as well and their covering operation ultimately meant that their transport group and escorting DD division were able to exit without being spotted.

The game breaker for the Japanese was their gunnery die rolls, which for most part were not far from incredible on several occasions, allowing them to inflict significant damage on multiple USN ships (I wasn't rolling these  ;D ). Though it should be noted that the USN did manage to inflict varying amounts of damage on the Japanese battleships and cruisers.

Now to see what happens in the rest of the October 1942 turn.....


Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: DFlynSqrl on 10 September 2017, 01:58:04 PM
Bad night for the USN.  Great looking game though!
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Roy on 10 September 2017, 02:58:22 PM
nice read. cheers  :)
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Steve J on 10 September 2017, 05:42:36 PM
The die Gods seemed to have favoured the Japanese somewhat :o. Nice looking game BTW.
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Ace of Spades on 10 September 2017, 10:02:15 PM
A very authentic strategic victory for the USN!
The Japanese supply ships turned tail so no reinforcements or supplies for the troops on Guadalcanal. The US Marines will hold the island and the Japanese ground forces will be weakend further reducing the danger for the unsinkable US carrier 'USS Henderson'. The Japanese will loose in the end, the USN learned another lesson (expensive as it is) while the Japanese wasted a lot of valuable fuel. Damaged ships might be picked off by the Cactus Air Force at first light.
Well done commander!

Cheers,
Rob
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 11 September 2017, 01:51:07 AM
If only ~X(

The Japanese supply ships will return and continue unloading after a couples of hours interruption  :(

Henderson Feild is recovering from being recently bombarded and it is unlikely the Cactus Air Force will be able to catch the withdrawing Japanese :(

We'll find out later in the monthly turn if the Japanese assault Henderson Field :-SS
And if the Marines hold :-SS :-SS :-SS
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Ace of Spades on 11 September 2017, 09:45:53 AM
As long as the Cactus Air Force can put up a show by first light the supply ships wouldn't dare to venture near nor would the Japanse risk their big ships in daylight. The Japanese won't know what damage they did to the airfield so any US demonstration in the air should really put them off.

Cheers,
Rob
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: pierre the shy on 11 September 2017, 12:17:07 PM
Quote from: Ace of Spades on 11 September 2017, 09:45:53 AM
As long as the Cactus Air Force can put up a show by first light the supply ships wouldn't dare to venture near nor would the Japanese risk their big ships in daylight. The Japanese won't know what damage they did to the airfield so any US demonstration in the air should really put them off.

Historically quite correct Ace, however we are using ODGW's The Solomons Campaign rules to run the campaign. Each side gets 4 - 5 command decisions per monthly turn that can be - Carriers Sortie, Patrol, bombardment, supply run etc. The mechanics of the campaign mean that the Japanese groups may be attacked by Cactus Air Force SBD's etc  as they retreat back up "The Slot" but only if Henderson was not bombarded successfully by the Japanese in a particular turn.

In the October turn the Japanese did manage to bombard Henderson with a cruiser force so no air strikes took place. In the other direction the USN did manage to bombard Japanese troop concentrations in the northern part of Guadalcanal without encountering any  Japanese opposition.     
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 12 September 2017, 12:32:02 AM
And I think the Japanese noticed some particularly big bangs during the bombardment  ;) :D
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: bigjackmac on 12 September 2017, 02:10:30 AM
Wow, what a fight, thanks for posting!  I L-O-V-E the pics; I enjoyed the previous write-ups, but I'm a simple man and absolutely need the pics.

So the USN got roughed up a bit; I agree with Ace regarding the strategic victory: the US Navy losses will quickly be made good (at least once we get into late '42 and '43), while any Japanese ships out of the line for repairs should prove quite costly.

"And if the Marines hold"
How dare you!  Is not and never was in doubt! ;)

V/R,
Jack


Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Ace of Spades on 12 September 2017, 03:42:37 PM
Thanks for the explanation on the rules Pierre; that does make quite a difference indeed. Still; nothing too bad I'd say; the USN took far worse beatings during those battles in '42. You'll live!

Cheers,
Rob
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 13 September 2017, 06:00:53 AM
Thanks for the comments guys :)

Jack, This was the first game worth taking pictures of. Fog and air attacks with counters are not particularly photogenic  ;)

I've just heard from Peter, as I feared the Japanese launched a major assault on Henderson Field :-SS :-SS :-SS

...
...
...

The Marines held #:-S :) :) :)

Now I need to work out what ships aren't heading for the repair yards and plan my moves for November  :-\
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Ace of Spades on 13 September 2017, 10:34:25 AM
Make sure you get Henderson airfield sorted out and send some surplus Navy squadrons over there if the CV's are being kept at a safe distance or when they are under repair...

Cheers,
Rob
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 13 September 2017, 10:37:26 AM
Oi, no coaching!  ;D
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Ace of Spades on 13 September 2017, 10:46:09 AM
Quote from: mad lemmey on 13 September 2017, 10:37:26 AM
Oi, no coaching!  ;D
Would it be okay if I gave the Japanese some advice too...? :-[

Cheers,
Rob  ;)
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 13 September 2017, 11:39:45 AM
Yes, but don't coach them!  ;D
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: bigjackmac on 13 September 2017, 02:38:10 PM
"The Marines held"

What is with you guys?  It could be no other way.  The US Army might run, the US Navy might sunk, but the Marines ain't goin' nowhere!

V/R,
Jack
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 13 September 2017, 04:46:40 PM
Only coz you've been left behind, again!  ;D
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: bigjackmac on 13 September 2017, 06:12:50 PM
Either way, the Marines hold!  :P
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 13 September 2017, 06:17:48 PM
Quote from: Ace of Spades on 13 September 2017, 10:46:09 AM
Would it be okay if I gave the Japanese some advice too...? :-[

Cheers,
Rob  ;)

I'm only jealous because I would have no idea  what to do Rob!
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 13 September 2017, 10:15:27 PM
Quote from: Ace of Spades on 13 September 2017, 10:46:09 AM
Would it be okay if I gave the Japanese some advice too...? :-[

Cheers,
Rob  ;)

The Japanese commander isn't a member of this forum ;)

I'll still being a little circumspect about what I say in case he finds the thread  ;)
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: pierre the shy on 14 September 2017, 03:47:41 AM
The assault is resolved via a single diceroll using a D12. I visited Roy (the Japanese commander) and got him to make the roll. From the result I would presume the Marines counterattacked strongly rather than just holding off the Japanese attack.
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Ace of Spades on 14 September 2017, 06:43:00 AM
That sounds as if the die roll was pretty disastrous for the Japanese! :-

Cheers,
Rob
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 14 September 2017, 08:21:04 PM
That's fairly typical of Roy's dice rolling  ;) ;D ;D

Note, Roy didn't get to roll a single die in last weeks game. He was commanding the supply ships and their close escort that the Americans didn't get to see
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 28 September 2017, 07:23:06 PM
Tomorrow night we are back in the Solomons, another carrier action :-SS :-SS

The American sighting report claims 3 CV, 2 BB, 4 CA, 8 DD :o :o :o
I suspect the spotter has got a little over excited or there has been some miscommunication  ;)

If there really are 3 CV the US carriers could be in real trouble  X_X
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 28 September 2017, 11:22:34 PM
Oh heck!
Remember, every ship is a carrier, every ripple a periscope...
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Ace of Spades on 29 September 2017, 12:10:35 PM
Hmmmm, any support from Henderson Field to be expected by now or a chance of landing/refuelling your Airgroups there if you need to pull the carriers out?
Or is this coaching again...? :D

Cheers,
Rob
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Ithoriel on 29 September 2017, 03:45:25 PM
As mentioned, I played in a campaign with the same setting.

Having had an unfortunate encounter in Ironbottom Sound (Ooh! Titter ye not! Oooh Noo!) and lost my naval command I had taken over command of land based aircraft.

Scouting aircraft reported contact with an American force of 3 carriers, 2 battleships and 3 cruisers. Known American vessels in the area - Yorktown, Lexington, Wasp, South Dakota, Washington and a collection of cruisers and escorts.

OMG - I've found the main American Fleet! I scramble every land based aircraft that can make it to the position.

Catching the Americans unprepared, not even CAP aloft, my onslaught sinks every one of the enemy vessels! Where's your super crypto analysis now Yanks?? :)

Meanwhile, lacking the expected air cover from land based aircraft the Tokyo Express is savaged by carrier and land based American planes.

The Japanese have lost a Battleship, a Battlecruiser and 2 Heavy Cruisers but the Americans have lost their only carriers and Battleships!! Yay me!

End of round summaries come in.

I have sunk an empty oiler, two empty transports, two destroyer escorts and 3 MTBs -  :o :o :'(

The Emperor has sent me a razor sharp katana and a note that says "Honourable Death Is A Noble Thing"  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Steve J on 29 September 2017, 06:31:19 PM
Ouch! That must have come as a bit of a surprise...
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 30 September 2017, 08:20:46 PM
0945 5 November 1942

A sighting report from an SBD of Scouting 7 is received by the Wasp and relayed to the Task Force commander on Hornet
3CV, 2 BB, 4 CA, 8 DD 130nm NW of carriers Course 090 speed 25

The SBD reported 6 tenths cloud at 8,000ft and appeared to have not been spotted by the Japanese CAP

No bogies on radar so the Americans may have the chance to strike first. An all-out strike to the North West is rapidly organised, "Pilots man your planes"

A flight of 10 Wildcats from Fighting 8 in company with 28 SBD Dauntless from Bombing and Scouting 8 approach the Japanese fleet from the South East. There look to be 2 carriers, 2 battleships, 4 cruisers and about 8 destroyers.

Fighting 8 is attacked by a dozen Zeros and manages to inflict some initial casualties. Eventually both sides break off out of ammunition. Fighting 8 has lost 6 Wildcats destroyed and 4 are damaged.

Another dozen Zeros attacked Bombing and Scouting 8 but their initial attacks are not pressed home (the Japanese rolled poorly). Unfortunately for the Dauntless the Zeros attacks improved and 10 were destroyed and 10 were badly damaged before they reached their targets. The leading flights approached the Japanese carriers at 20,000ft and managed to avoid the majority of the AA fire from the supporting ships. They couldn't avoid the fire from the carriers as they dived to the attack. Another 2 Dauntless were shot down and 2 badly damaged before they could release their bombs.

The 4 remaining Dauntless scored two hits on the rear carrier and one on the lead carrier.

As these attacks went in Fighting 7 (6 Wildcats), Bombing and Scouting 7 (22 Dauntless) arrived from the South East. With all the Zeros out of ammunition Fighting 7 was able to watch the efforts of Bombing and Scouting 7. Bombing 7 attacked the lead carrier diving from 20,000ft and scored 2 or 3 hits with only one Dauntless damaged (the Japanese rolled badly for their AA). Scouting 7 attacked the rear carrier which appeared to be slowing rapidly and putting up limited AA fire. They scored at least 2 hits leaving the carrier sinking with no Dauntless lost.

As Bombing and Scouting 7 withdrew Torpedo 7 (8 Avengers) arrived and linked up with Fighting 7. Torpedo 7 dived to wave top level and as they approached the leading carrier Fighting 7 strafed the supporting battleship. Fighting 7 had one Wildcat destroyed and one badly damaged but they were drawing fire away from the Avengers. Torpedo 7 still took some fire from the battleship as well as a cruiser and destroyer on their approach and then fire from the carrier. 4 Avengers were destroyed and 2 badly damaged before they could release their torpedoes and the remaining 2 were badly damaged as they withdrew. One of the torpedoes struck the lead Japanese carrier (the US player rolled the required 0 on a D10) which was seen to slow dramatically.

As the damaged survivors of Torpedo 7 withdrew Torpedo 8 (12 Avengers) arrived. As they approached the Japanese ships the squadron commander weighed his options. Both carriers looked to be badly damaged, one appeared to be sinking. The nearest battleship was protected by two cruisers and two destroyers. He led the squadron towards the front of the Japanese force and dived from 20,000ft down to wave top height.

His decision to attack one of the supporting cruisers was vindicated as all 12 Avengers launched their torpedoes and only two were damaged as they withdrew. One torpedo struck the cruiser causing what looked to be significant damage.

The Japanese had been caught unaware and in a one sided action had lost one carrier and another badly damaged. There was much debate among the returning crews over which carriers they were; Shōkaku and Zuikaku or the smaller Junyo and Ryujo. A heavy cruiser had also been damaged.

The Americans had 8 Wildcats, 12 Dauntless and 4 Avengers destroyed. The similar number of damaged aircraft were rapidly repaired.  
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 30 September 2017, 08:27:03 PM
That's a major blow for the Japanese
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Ace of Spades on 30 September 2017, 09:38:43 PM
Excellent results for the USN, congrats!

Cheers,
Rob
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 30 September 2017, 09:42:14 PM
Getting first strike definitely helped :) :D :-[
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: bigjackmac on 01 October 2017, 12:38:13 AM
Wow, things are looking up!  Did the Japanese get any aircraft (other than CAP) off?

V/R,
Jack
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 01 October 2017, 04:31:44 AM
No, the whole attack only took about 30 minutes ...

I'm pretty sure the surviving CAP had nowhere to land, some of the pilots would have been picked up by the mostly untouched cruisers and destroyers
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Steve J on 01 October 2017, 07:50:26 AM
Great result for the Americans.
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Norm on 01 October 2017, 08:30:28 AM
Paul, thanks for the continuing narrative, the best ongoing topic posting that I have followed in a long time.
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: pierre the shy on 01 October 2017, 12:20:51 PM
Quote from: bigjackmac on 01 October 2017, 12:38:13 AM
Wow, things are looking up!  Did the Japanese get any aircraft (other than CAP) off?

V/R,
Jack

This time the Japanese did manage to fly off one additional flight of A6M's from each carrier as they sighted the incoming strike some distance away. However their assigned CAP patrols were not numerous enough to hold off the American strike.

As the Americans had strike advantage the Japanese did not get the chance launch a strike themselves. The Japanese decided to withdraw to Truk after their carriers were attacked and even if they wanted to launch a second attack the USN would not have found them again so the carrier action for turn 4 is completed.

The carriers were Junyo class.....but we used Shokaku class models since no Junyo class ones were available, hence the confusion.

The campaign supplement is written for use with GQ3 rules but we are using GQ2 which has a fundamentally different air and AA system to GQ3. The Japanese were understandably not happy with the result, though they choose to have a small initial CAP. While GQ1/2 is a very good set for surface actions last night showed that the air and AA systems have their limits shall we say  :-

There will be at least one more action in the October 1942 phase.....






     
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: pierre the shy on 01 October 2017, 12:25:24 PM
Opps - time to go  ;)
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: d_Guy on 01 October 2017, 07:06:20 PM
Just getting caught up. Great thread! (and battle reports from multiple angles with many joining in - nice!)  I second what Norm said.

Read Morrison's "Two Ocean War" some forty years ago and could sooooo get into this! But alas, etc, etc...  :)
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 01 October 2017, 07:58:23 PM
Navwar 1/3,000 ships are nice models and inexpensive, the ordering system is old school but he is very prompt and reasonably accommodating :) :d

Quote from: pierre the shy on 01 October 2017, 12:20:51 PM
This time the Japanese did manage to fly off one additional flight of A6M's from each carrier as they sighted the incoming strike some distance away. However their assigned CAP patrols were not numerous enough to hold off the American strike.

I did wonder why he had a couple of flights at lower altitude

Quote
The carriers were Junyo class.....but we used Shokaku class models since no Junyo class ones were available, hence the confusion.

I thought the confusion added a realistic touch :) And no I'm not planning on buying anymore ships at the moment  ;)

Quote
The campaign supplement is written for use with GQ3 rules but we are using GQ2 which has a fundamentally different air and AA system to GQ3. The Japanese were understandably not happy with the result, though they choose to have a small initial CAP. While GQ1/2 is a very good set for surface actions last night showed that the air and AA systems have their limits shall we say  :-\

There is a fairly high level of abstraction in the air and AA system but I think they give reasonably historic results, sometimes for the wrong reasons.

QuoteThere will be at least one more action in the October 1942 phase.....
:-SS :-SS :-SS

Quote from: Norm on 01 October 2017, 08:30:28 AM
Paul, thanks for the continuing narrative, the best ongoing topic posting that I have followed in a long time.

Thanks Norm & d_Guy
The campaign system generates some really interesting, if sometimes one sided, battles. It confronts the commanders with stark choices and has very limited paper work :)
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 03 October 2017, 08:14:21 AM
2345 12 November 1942, a US patrol in Iron Bottom Sound has detected multiple radar contacts to NNW  :-SS :-SS :-SS

Our umpire has other commitments this week so it will probably be next week before we can fight this one out
We'll keep busy with an Ancients game, Romans v Britons
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 12 October 2017, 08:16:48 AM
Ancients game only half way through so another week of suspense :-SS :-SS

Romans currently leading 1-0 but their left wing is looking a bit dodgy
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 15 October 2017, 01:57:37 AM
Ancients game finished, one of the tightest ancients games we have had :)

The dodgy Roman left became demoralised but with a bit of help from the center managed to kill enough warband to break the British right.
Romans 2 Britians 1 for a Roman home win, a couple more Roman loses and it would have been 2-1 the otherway  #:-S

Another Baroque test game next week so the US patrol will have to wait nervously a little longer :-w :-SS
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: pierre the shy on 04 November 2017, 08:23:14 PM
We finally played the next campaign encounter last night......another night action around Savo Island between a Japanese bombardment force made up of 5 heavy cruisers plus 3 destroyer divisions and a US patrol force with 2 battleships, 4 heavy cruisers and a destroyer flotilla. 

Looked rather one sided for most of the game but ended up as a somewhat Phyrric victory to the Americans after the Japanese managed to hit the Washington with two Long Lance torpedoes with one of their final torpedo salvos. Washington is heading back to port for major repairs that will take some months to complete which means she is out of the campaign. To balance this out the Japanese had 3 heavy cruisers sunk outright by 16" fire from the Washington and South Dakota.

I'm sure the USN press release will be available soon with a more detailed report  ;)       
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 04 November 2017, 08:31:37 PM
Sounds like one hell of a scrap!
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 04 November 2017, 11:12:05 PM
It was a hell of a scrap, great fun for the Americans  :)
Until the end  :o X_X :'(

The US Battleships thought they were fairly safe as they were over 8,000 yards from the Japanese destroyers and maneuvering fairly radically...
More to come in the USN press release ;)
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 05 November 2017, 01:36:03 AM
United States Navy Press Release - November 4, 1942

US forces to the south south east of Savo Island detected ships approaching between Savo and Cape Esperance. They were too far away to determine numbers or types as yet. It looks like the Tokyo Express might have arrived.

The US task force learning from the lessons of the last engagement with the Tokyo Express deployed in one task group of seven destroyers, two battleships and four heavy cruisers. The plan was for the superior radar of the battleships to detect the enemy and allow the task force to deploy favourably.

The weather was good. The cloudless sky revealed the moon and visibility was 16,000 yards reducing the Allied radar advantage.

As the task force headed south west at 15 knots initial radar reports indicated that two initial contacts were ghosts, then three 'small' Japanese ships were detected with more probable ships further north west. As the task force began accelerating radar reports of individual 'large' Japanese ships started to come in.

Out of the darkness the US battleships and lead destroyers spotted two Japanese heavy cruisers. The Washington immediately opened fire on the leading Japanese heavy cruiser. The Japanese reacted slowly not aware of the American approach.

The US battleships turned north towards Savo Island to open their firing arcs. As the second US destroyer division fell into line astern with the leading division the first two US destroyers were caught in the glare of Japanese star shells. Both destroyers were hit hard by 8" shells and the Balch was stopped by a critical hit to steam line. Washington shifted fire to the second Japanese heavy cruiser, scoring 16" hits, as the South Dakota opened fire on the lead cruiser.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4502/26398938179_5a00482a13_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GdMsAx)

The Washington scored more 16" hits on the second Japanese cruiser causing what appeared to be a magazine explosion. The South Dakota continued to range in on the lead Japanese cruiser. Two more Japanese heavy cruisers came into sight as the US destroyers attempted to close the range. The entire Japanese force was turning away while firing more star shells to illuminate the US destroyers. This aided the shooting of the Japanese 8" guns and more US destroyers took damage. Two of the Japanese destroyers near Savo Island fired torpedoes at the US battleships at over 9,000 yards. The leading two Japanese cruisers also fired torpedoes.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4518/26398937999_8e4ed5e7fc_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GdMsxr)

Both US battleships turned south west away from Savo Island and to stop the range opening to rapidly. The Washington shifted fire to the furthest Japanese cruiser with the aim of slowing her before she escaped. The South Dakota got some 16" hits on the leading Japanese cruiser. The US destroyers all withdrew to avoid further fire from the Japanese heavy cruisers. The US heavy cruisers picked a path through the withdrawing and damaged US destroyers and the San Francisco opened fire on the fourth Japanese cruiser. The Japanese cruisers continued to inflict damage on the withdrawing US destroyers. The Japanese destroyers near Savo Island fired a second salvo of torpedoes, the rear destroyer who hadn't been able to fire in the first salvo fired all eight torpedoes.

Despite the radical course changes by the US battleships the Japanese had successfully predicted the course of their targets. The Washington narrowly avoided two spreads of four torpedoes from the destroyers and the South Dakota the same from the cruisers, both at over 8,000 yards.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4452/26398937839_3c9c378729_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GdMsuF)

The US battleships turned north west to close the range and hopefully avoid more Japanese torpedoes. The US destroyers continued to withdraw while the US heavy cruisers continued to deploy. The Washington scored more 16" hits on the slowing Japanese cruiser and sank her as she was passed by her withdrawing companion who managed to disappear into the darkness.   The South Dakota, San Francisco and Portland concentrated on the now limping lead Japanese cruiser. Unable to escape her commander ordered her scuttled as the Emperor's picture was taken to safety.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4486/38119409246_d2349fc58f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/215tWiU)

As the surviving Japanese ships withdrew to the north west and the US ships regrouped the South Dakota avoided two more spreads of four torpedoes at over 8,000 yards. The Washington was not so lucky, she was the target for the last desperate salvo of eight torpedoes by the last Japanese destroyer able to fire.

Two torpedoes found their target causing significant damage. What had been an overwhelming US victory was suddenly a costly victory.
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 05 November 2017, 10:41:26 AM
Wow!
Love be the starshells idea too, will be stealing that!
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: pierre the shy on 05 November 2017, 05:36:48 PM
Quote from: mad lemmey on 05 November 2017, 10:41:26 AM
Love be the starshells idea too, will be stealing that!

They are from "The Fights on!" range Leemey. The 10cm circles are cut out of a transparent yellow/orange file cover I got from a local stationery shop.
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Ace of Spades on 06 November 2017, 10:56:03 AM
A great read as always! These LL torpedoes really should be forbidden by law...
What were the sunken IJN CA's names if I may ask?

Cheers,
Rob
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: pierre the shy on 06 November 2017, 05:12:10 PM
They were Myoko, Haguro and Kinugasa.

The GQ2 torpedo system is the most elegant one I have used in a set of C20 naval rules. The Japanese torpedoes have long range (90cm over two turns) but the launching player has to guess the correct arc that the target ship will be in each turn at the time the torpedoes are launched. Roy, our Japanese player, seems to have mastered this skill well  :)   
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 06 November 2017, 05:16:03 PM
Thank you
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 06 November 2017, 08:42:57 PM
Quote from: pierre the shy on 06 November 2017, 05:12:10 PM
They were Myoko, Haguro and Kinugasa.

The GQ2 torpedo system is the most elegant one I have used in a set of C20 naval rules. The Japanese torpedoes have long range (90cm over two turns) but the launching player has to guess the correct arc that the target ship will be in each turn at the time the torpedoes are launched. Roy, our Japanese player, seems to have mastered this skill well  :)   

I also really like the torpedo system, a good balance of skill and luck. It also forces the commander fired at to make some tough decisions on how to react to the torpedoes

It was definitely a very impressive bit of second guessing my course changes by Roy. He managed to guess two lots of my course changes seven times :o

Fortunately with only four torpedoes per spread he couldn't manage to roll the 1 he needed to get a hit (at long range and my battleships doing 28 knots). Unfortunately the last spread was 8 torpedoes which improved his odds and a roll of 2 was good enough to get the two hits :( X_X
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Ace of Spades on 07 November 2017, 07:26:56 AM
So you didn't get it for free but a damaged BB against those three IJN CA's is a very good deal strategically! IJN fuel supplies are so minimal at this point in history that it will be hard for them to ge their BB's into action while the much more economic CA's are being sunk. Hats off to the USN again...

Cheers,
Rob
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: pierre the shy on 07 November 2017, 09:15:56 AM
Quote from: Ace of Spades on 07 November 2017, 07:26:56 AM
So you didn't get it for free but a damaged BB against those three IJN CA's is a very good deal strategically! IJN fuel supplies are so minimal at this point in history that it will be hard for them to ge their BB's into action while the much more economic CA's are being sunk. Hats off to the USN again...

Cheers,
Rob

Quite correct Rob about the fuel, TSC campaign book limits the number of Japanese capital ships that can sortie to 5 or 6 each monthly turn. If Yamato sorties it counts as 3 sorties!! She has not been sighted by the Americans.......so far  :-SS

Points wise the loss of the Washington is about equal to the 3 CA's.
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 07 November 2017, 06:36:10 PM
She's not lost, only resting ;)

Not even damaged enough to count half towards Victory Points... or so I'll tell the other American commander when I see him next ;D
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Ace of Spades on 08 November 2017, 11:27:14 AM
Interesting with the fuel points and all that! Don't worry about the Yamato too much; Henderson wasn't bombed this month apparently so should be able to get some good air cover back up and running. If she comes at night on a bombing mission I would avoid surface action and take the losses on the Cactus AF. She won't be back soon with that amount of fuel consumption. Then again; if she uses up that much fuel there won't be many escorts... maybe you should oppose her?

Cheers,
Rob
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 08 November 2017, 06:46:23 PM
You've nicely captured just one of the many dilemmas this campaign throws up ~X(

It manages to do so with very little book keeping and generates a wide array of battles all with different challenges

All of which is why I am enjoying it so much :) :) :)

I wonder who is winning :-\
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Poggle on 09 November 2017, 01:35:52 AM
I'm enjoying these campaign accounts a lot. Thanks for sharing.  :-bd
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 11 November 2017, 07:10:12 PM
The rest of the November turn was less eventful


Then, on Thursday Pierre the Shy, our umpire, asked if Vandegrift was feeling confident :-SS :-SS :-SS

Before our Dunkirk themed game last night Pierre and the Japanese players spent some time in a huddle :-SS :-SS :-SS



The Japanese did indeed launch a major assault on the Marine positions around Henderson Field  X_X



The Marines held  #:-S

The land part of the campaign is resolved by dice rolls, the odds are impacted by the value of the Tactical Index

The Tactical Index is influenced by the arrival (or not) of supplies and bombardments (results of which are known only by the recipient and umpire)
Neither side knows what the index is unless they use one of their limited 'missions' to launch a 'reconnaissance in force'
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: lowlylowlycook on 11 November 2017, 10:32:03 PM
This whole thing sounds very interesting and very fun.

Jelly.
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 11 November 2017, 10:56:21 PM
Yes and yes :) :) :)

But you missed out a few:

But most of a whole lot of fun :) :) :)

We are using Old Dominion GameWorks, "The Solomons Campaign" and I would highly recommend it to any group with an interest in WW II naval
We are using General Quarters I/II for the battles rather than GQ III
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: pierre the shy on 19 November 2017, 09:12:00 AM
On to turn 5  - December 1942 and another potential night surface action in off Cape Esperance is first up this month - we will play this next out next Saturday.

Certain conditions need to be met for it to count as an engagement - visual sighting and 3 turns of combat or damage inflicted.

I know whats out there but you'll have to wait till next week to find out what happens  :-X  ;)

 
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Dr Dave on 19 November 2017, 02:52:24 PM
I'm wary of gaming WW2 Pacific naval due to the carrier dominance, but I find all of these reports gripping!

Thanks for keeping us informed.
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 19 November 2017, 06:27:19 PM
The carrier actions can end up very one sided and don't make for the best games

There were plenty of surface actions, particularly at night, and these give very good games
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: pierre the shy on 25 November 2017, 09:03:58 AM
Did all the Turn 5 (December 1942) actions tonight:

Firstly we played out a very brief surface action, the USN patrol force with only one operational battleship took a cautious approach and retired without attempting to engage a Japanese supply mission after they sighted two Japanese Kongo class battlecruisers at long range. The Japanese fired once and attempted to close but the Americans turned away under cover of smoke and the action ended there.  

As Henderson Field was not bombarded however SBD's of the Cactus Air Force were able to launch attacks against the retiring Japanese transports, sinking the Kinryu Maru, two converted old destroyer transports and a escorting destroyer, much to the disgust of the Japanese commanders who question if the older GQ1/2 air rules really make the grade - we need to discuss this further as the TSC campaign we are using is actually written for the newer GQ3 rules which have a completely different set of air rules.

Despite the USN being able to deliver significant supplies to the Marines holding Guadacanal the Japanese final ground attack against the airfield was successful (they rolled a 1!!)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4546/26855685659_64260224dc_b.jpg)

So Henderson Field has been retaken by the Japanese on the penultimate turn of the campaign.

that should make the last turn interesting  ;)        
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 25 November 2017, 10:54:24 AM
Last turn, throw in the Yamato!
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 25 November 2017, 09:21:55 PM
It was important to limit supplies for the Japanese forces threatening Henderson Field but four months of fighting had left a number of ships damaged

As the US Patrol headed for Cape Esperance at least four large radar contacts were reported. The weather was clear and calm and the moon was still up

The two leading US destroyers sighted two of the large ships that their supporting ship had warned them of at 24,000 yards

Battleships :o Two Battleships :o :o

Huge columns of water leaped skyward around the lead destroyer as the Japanese ships opened fire

As the urgent report went out over the TBS radio the destroyers turned hard to starboard and retired behind smoke

The OOD thumbed through his ship identification book, they look to be Kongo class battlecruisers, still too big for us to handle

The remainder of the US force followed their orders and also withdrew, there was little chance of fighting through the Japanese ships to the supply ships

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4579/38585473876_c608380745_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/21MED5Y)

The US forces will now have to prepare to launch a last ditch counter attack to reclaim Henderson Field
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 25 November 2017, 09:42:25 PM
Ohhh you can hear the tension!
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Poggle on 26 November 2017, 12:21:57 AM
Good grief! Henderson Field lost and all to play for.  :o
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 02 December 2017, 06:11:30 PM
We completed the Solomons Campaign last night

The USN managed to deliver two supply missions without being engaged by the Japanese

This gave the Marines the best possible chance, in the final act of the campaign I needed 1-9 on a D12 to retake Henderson Field :-SS :-SS :-SS

...










I rolled





11 :o X_X ~X(



Pierre the Shy will calculate the losses on both sides and let us know the final result
I think the American might have just managed to eke out a draw :-SS X_X
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Steve J on 02 December 2017, 07:33:31 PM
The tension mounts...
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: pierre the shy on 02 December 2017, 07:47:44 PM
Quote from: Steve J on 02 December 2017, 07:33:31 PM
The tension mounts...

And we'll be back with the result, right after this short break........(the umpire needs his coffee first  ;) )
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 02 December 2017, 07:56:57 PM
 =O =O =D>
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: d_Guy on 02 December 2017, 10:13:23 PM
Paul, I just want say that you have become my personal Rosetta Stone for emoticons. Thanks! :-bd
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: pierre the shy on 03 December 2017, 07:48:29 AM
Okay I hope you enjoyed the break.....maybe I drink a lot of coffee  ;)

Including crippled ships the USN suffered 42 points of "ship victory points" - mainly from damage to Enterprise and Saratoga and North Carolina.

The IJN suffered 60 points of "ship victory points" - they had Junyo, Hiyo, Nachi, Haguro, Kinugasa, Kinryu Maru, P1, P2 and Kazekumo sunk. All Japanese damaged ships were able to return to the fleet for further operations after 1 or 2 months.

Under the victory conditions as the Japanese held on to Henderson Field that gave them a win, however as IJN losses exceed those of the USN the best they can achieve is a marginal victory.

This is modified again by the final tactical index being over +20, so there is one shift in favour of the Allies to a draw....maybe a winning draw to the Japanese since they hold the airfield (though this is not specified in the Victory Conditions).

I think that gives a fairly accurate result as things were very even right through the campaign.

Hope you all enjoyed following the campaign....it was a lot of fun to run it.

Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 03 December 2017, 08:09:12 AM
Sounds fair, thank you for all your hard work. :)
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Ithoriel on 03 December 2017, 11:53:09 AM
Great campaign, lots of fun following it's progress.
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Steve J on 03 December 2017, 12:34:14 PM
Excellent campaign which I enjoyed following, despite having virtually no interest in naval wargaming.
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 03 December 2017, 06:31:45 PM
A fair result, thanks again for running a really enjoyable campaign which had a lot of twists and turns

Sorry Bigjackmac, I couldn't roll low enough for the Marines :-[
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: d_Guy on 03 December 2017, 06:45:43 PM
Really well done campaign, gentlemen! Bravo!  =D>
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: bigjackmac on 03 December 2017, 08:44:04 PM
Obviously this was the worst wargaming campaign I've ever seen.  I mean, absolutely ridiculous, ludicrous, and any other derogatory descptives I may come up with in the future.  But, despite the incredibly ahistorical and utterly unbelievable results associated with the ground portion of the campaign, it was a blast to read and follow.  It was truly inspiring, and I wish I could have personally taken part.  I appreciate all the hardwork it took to play and post for our enjoyment, thank you.

My parting words are thus: since this was a fictional campaign following historical events, it must have been that 1st MarDiv got tabbed for Nee Guinea and the Army's 32nd Infantry Division made the Solomons landings ;)

Thanks again guys!

V/R,
Jack
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: fred. on 03 December 2017, 10:52:14 PM
Quote from: Steve J on 03 December 2017, 12:34:14 PM
Excellent campaign which I enjoyed following, despite having virtually no interest in naval wargaming.

Me too. I've enjoyed reading the reports.

The final twist in the end, when it looked like the Marines would take the airfield back, but no with a 75% chance Paul fluffed it.
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Poggle on 04 December 2017, 12:39:39 AM
A shame about the result, but it was fun to follow the campaign. Thanks for sharing.  :)
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 04 December 2017, 04:45:19 AM
Quote from: bigjackmac on 03 December 2017, 08:44:04 PM
Obviously this was the worst wargaming campaign I've ever seen.  I mean, absolutely ridiculous, ludicrous, and any other derogatory descptives I may come up with in the future.  But, despite the incredibly ahistorical and utterly unbelievable results associated with the ground portion of the campaign, it was a blast to read and follow.  It was truly inspiring, and I wish I could have personally taken part.  I appreciate all the hardwork it took to play and post for our enjoyment, thank you.

My parting words are thus: since this was a fictional campaign following historical events, it must have been that 1st MarDiv got tabbed for Nee Guinea and the Army's 32nd Infantry Division made the Solomons landings ;)

Thanks again guys!

V/R,
Jack


That must have been it Jack ;) ;D ;D

Quote from: fred. on 03 December 2017, 10:52:14 PM
Me too. I've enjoyed reading the reports.

The final twist in the end, when it looked like the Marines would take the airfield back, but no with a 75% chance Paul fluffed it.

Thanks for the sympathy Fred ;)

If the Japanese hadn't rolled that 1 and grabbed the airfield, when they had a 17% chance, the Americans were heading for a Strategic victory X_X :-[
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: d_Guy on 04 December 2017, 05:26:13 AM
Quote from: paulr on 04 December 2017, 04:45:19 AM
If the Japanese hadn't rolled that 1 and grabbed the airfield, when they had a 17% chance, the Americans were heading for a Strategic victory X_X :-[

I am increasingly coming to suspect that a wargamer and his (or her) dice will ultimately prove to be a macro example of quantum entanglement. I believe it is impossible to make a critical roll without thinking of "one".
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: pierre the shy on 04 December 2017, 07:58:10 AM
I think the thing you need to realize about ODGW's The Solomons Campaign is that its almost 100% focused on the naval side of the campaign, the air and land campaigns are deliberately simplified and important air and land outcomes (such as the attacks on Henderson Field) are compacted into a single roll of the dice, albeit influenced by the Tactical Index which is changed by naval events.

The Solomons Campaign does not claim to comprehensively cover all aspects of the campaign, but covers the naval side of things pretty well, as we have discovered both times we have played it through.
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 04 December 2017, 05:20:06 PM
Agreed :)
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: bigjackmac on 04 December 2017, 06:31:21 PM
Pierre,

I assume that's directed me, so I humbly apologize.  I fully understand that the campaign is purely a sea campaign with a bit of air thrown in and some die rolls for the ground piece, I was just joking and I apologize as I certainly wasn't trying to denigrate the fun and hard work by the guys that put the campaign on.  My whole line of joking revolves around the fact I am a former US Marine and much steeped in Corps' history, of which the fight for Guadalcanal surpasses legendary status.  So I was just being over the top/facetious about the fact the Marines lost the airfield and then were unable to retake it, against long odds both times.

Sorry guys, I was just playing around.

V/R,
Jack
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 04 December 2017, 07:41:17 PM
That was the way I took your comments Jack and my poor rolling got the banter it deserved  :-[;) ;D
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: bigjackmac on 05 December 2017, 02:33:32 AM
Thanks Paul.

V/R,
Jack
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: pierre the shy on 05 December 2017, 07:46:45 AM
I too fully realize the jocular nature of your post Jack  :)  :-[

All I was trying to point out was that some of key non-naval decisions turn on the result of a single dice roll.  The successful Japanese assault at the end of Turn 5 and the failure of the US attempt to recapture Henderson on the final turn were both a bit "against the odds" results that had a large impact on the outcome of the campaign.

Having done a fair bit of reading/research on the subject I have nothing but respect for the Marines who fought on Guadalcanal and in the later battles of the Pacific campaign.

1st Marine Division was in NZ prior to Operation Watchtower and embarked at Wellington for the invasion of Guadalcanal:

https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/us-marines-corps-memorial-wellington

   
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Ace of Spades on 05 December 2017, 02:36:10 PM
Really enjoyed following this one gentlemen!
Hope you're gonna do something similar soon...

Cheers,
Rob
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: bigjackmac on 06 December 2017, 02:05:10 PM
No sweat Pierre!  So, having researched Operation Watchtower, you understand how utterly ludicrous the campaign was, then?  :P ;) ;D ;D ;D

See, you guys need to quit being so lazy and actually play out the land fights, too!  I think we've found your next project ;)

Anyway, thanks again for all the hardwork.

V/R,
Jack
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: paulr on 06 December 2017, 08:12:52 PM
Sorry my next project has already been shipped from Pendraken, AWI in Virginia http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,16785.0.html (http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,16785.0.html)

If Pendraken did early war US figures I'd definitely be doing the Japanese invasion of the Philippines including 4th Marine Regiment
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: pierre the shy on 06 December 2017, 11:22:02 PM
Yes the campaign certainly was a bit of a dousy from both sides point of view Jack.

We normally use Spearhead for WW2 land stuff, which doesn't "officially" cover the Pacific theatre (the add-on book was never published but there are house rules on line for them in the Yahoo Spearhead group pages). Also neither of us currently has a US Marine or Japanese ground force in 6mm.

I did find that 3W long ago made a combined Naval and Land boardgame called Campaign for Gaudalcanal that could purhaps be used for the land side of things, though the supply missions in TSC module would mean you'd have to modify the historical arrival of actual units. Might be worth tracking down a copy if we ever do it again?

While Paul is off to Virginia with his AWI project next my next naval projects will take me to the Norwegian Sea and the sunnier climes of the Med in 1942....looks like we've got ourselves a convoy  ;) 

   
Title: Re: The Solomons Campaign 2017
Post by: Dr Dave on 11 December 2017, 08:31:46 PM
A draw?... A draw  :(

Thank God for Tube Alloys.