All,
1130 local time
13 May 1942
New Guinea
Greetings all, having just wrapped up the Coral Sea battles, I figured it's time to head back to my U.S. Army Air Corps fighter squadron, the 565th Tactical Fighter Squadron, better known as the "Chickenhawks." The last we saw of the Chickenhawks was back in February of 1942; they'd started out fighting the Japanese over the Dutch East Indies before falling back to Australia and becoming embroiled in the fighting over Darwin. After things quieted down there, they ended up moving over to Brisbane, where they had a quiet period of daily patrolling to bring in replacements and get them trained up. But they got word at the end of April that they'd be moving soon, and immediately after the Battle of Coral Sea they packed up and shipped out, heading up to Port Moresby on New Guinea, making Kila Kila Airfield, AKA "3 Mile Drome," their new home on 11 May 1942. They only had a couple days before they were called to action, air raid sirens warning of incoming Japanese aircraft called the Army pilots to their planes, with six of them getting aloft to intercept the enemy.
The Americans are facing Japanese fighters of the Tainan Kokutai based at Lae, New Guinea. I created a table and rolled up the Japanese pilot skills; they have eighteen fighter pilots, ranked as follows:
2 Natural Born Killers
2 Aces
8 Veterans
5 Regulars
1 Rookies
The Americans have:
2 Aces
2 Veterans
7 Regulars
7 Rookies
I plan to play out my (semi-)normal series of seven fights. I've created a table that I roll on to determine if its a fighter sweep, Americans defend, or Japanese defend.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emZJgA6qUEk/XaJ34_e2u-I/AAAAAAAAta4/p3GlPqZuxfsY4vQ2g80sduH9i2DPUKetgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8367.JPG)
The Americans bravely take their P-40 Warhawks into combat, and the Japanese are their usual, bold selves...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ddd5td0KDM/XaJ38rKIPhI/AAAAAAAAtbA/x1Us-nGDtlEJJA2iLv7iwu-_6FBG5nx2gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8368.JPG)
With their usual, bold, results.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_FmNjAdlXUs/XaJ4DMZx1zI/AAAAAAAAtbM/9LVkz-aESzU3Vf9Cn7qvzVGcGjWkos4fACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8371.JPG)
But the Yanks are doing what they can to make it interesting.
To see how the Chickenhawks fared, please check the blog at:
https://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2019/10/chickenhawks-over-new-guinea-1.html
More to come!
V/R,
Jack
Yep, really love your air battles!!! How big of a board do you play on?
Terry
Great AAR Jack and I love the pipe cleaner smoke trails so you can follow the action more easily. I've still no idea on how you can tell which plane relates to which pilot!
What a great way to get started in a new war gaming period with minimal miniatures and minimal fuss.
Terry - Great, thanks, and the actual playing surface is about 33" x 14".
Steve - Thanks man, and yeah, I thought the pipe cleaners to ID who I was talking about and show their maneuver was genius ;) As to how I can tell which plane is which, it's a secret, proprietary method I refer to as "writing a number on the base." ;) If you look at the pictures above, zoom in on the tail end of the base and you'll see small numbers I wrote on there with permanent marker.
Westmarcher - Yeah man, it certainly has been quick and easy, getting tons of games in.
V/R,
Jack
All,
1130 local time
14 May 1942
New Guinea
Greetings all, having just wrapped up the Coral Sea battles, I figured it's time to head back to my U.S. Army Air Corps fighter squadron, the 565th Tactical Fighter Squadron, better known as the "Chickenhawks." The last we saw of the Chickenhawks was back in February of 1942; they'd started out fighting the Japanese over the Dutch East Indies before falling back to Australia and becoming embroiled in the fighting over Darwin. After things quieted down there, they ended up moving over to Brisbane, where they had a quiet period of daily patrolling to bring in replacements and get them trained up. But they got word at the end of April that they'd be moving soon, and immediately after the Battle of Coral Sea they packed up and shipped out, heading up to Port Moresby on New Guinea, making Kila Kila Airfield, AKA "3 Mile Drome," their new home on 11 May 1942. They only had a couple days before they were called to action.
On 13 May, Captain Cotton led six P-40s against four Zeros and six Bettys. One Zero and one Betty were downed at the cost of three P-40s and 25/30 damage points on the New Guinea Harbor Facilities.
Now, Captain Goode is leading a depleted flight of only four P-40s up against four Zeros and six Bettys.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2kv50hwFQM/XaJ7RTEInLI/AAAAAAAAtfA/JRsMLbQouq4LGQBuFnI8gqOWSL5WXqkxACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8410.JPG)
The US interceptor group, from top:
2nd Lt Lageman, a Rookie on his first combat mission
Captain Goode, an Ace with five kills on two sorties
2nd Lt Becht, a Regular with one kill, on his second ever mission
2nd Lt O'Brien, a Regular with no kills, on his second mission, too
Wow, what a pisser! Talk about bad rolls; I've broken the fighters into pairs, then roll to see which pairs are in the fight, rolling for three pairs. Well, two of the 'pairs' I rolled up fought yesterday, with the Rookie becoming a Regular, but each having lost his more experienced partner, so I'm down two fighters, and the ones I have are less experienced.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pQTQYmXiM0/XaJ7brufICI/AAAAAAAAtfQ/P2xDoCy_lTYXM140moxrE-j8cUay1gCIQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8414.JPG)
Things are not looking good for Captain Goode, as a Japanese 'Natural Born Killer' swoops in on his starboard side and a Japanese 'Ace' swoops in on his port side.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxQdbiRcx5g/XaJ8RR9G-dI/AAAAAAAAthI/UExpmcuLlIojJNlGRbA-Qj9vY8M2dZhbACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8436.JPG)
It's a full on melee as Lt Lageman, looking for revenge, lines up a perfect no deflection shot on the Japanese NBK.
To see how the fight went, please check the blog at:
https://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2019/10/chickenhawks-over-new-guinea-2.html
More to come!
V/R,
Jack
All,
1130 local time
16 May 1942
New Guinea
Greetings all, having just wrapped up the Coral Sea battles, I figured it's time to head back to my U.S. Army Air Corps fighter squadron, the 565th Tactical Fighter Squadron, better known as the "Chickenhawks." The last we saw of the Chickenhawks was back in February of 1942; they'd started out fighting the Japanese over the Dutch East Indies before falling back to Australia and becoming embroiled in the fighting over Darwin. After things quieted down there, they ended up moving over to Brisbane, where they had a quiet period of daily patrolling to bring in replacements and get them trained up. But they got word at the end of April that they'd be moving soon, and immediately after the Battle of Coral Sea they packed up and shipped out, heading up to Port Moresby on New Guinea, making Kila Kila Airfield, AKA "3 Mile Drome," their new home on 11 May 1942. They only had a couple days before they were called to action.
On 13 May, Captain Cotton led six P-40s against four Zeros and six Bettys. One Zero and one Betty were downed at the cost of three P-40s and 25/30 damage points on the New Guinea Harbor Facilities.
On 14 May, Captain Goode led a depleted flight of only four P-40s up against four Zeros and six Bettys, and it was an unmitigated disaster. All four US fighters were shot down, with Captain Goode and Lt O'Brien killed in action, while the enemy didn't lose a single aircraft! The Japanese bombers quickly finished off the Harbor Facilities, and pounded the Marshalling Area (22/30 damage points).
Now, it's 16 May. The weather was bad yesterday so the Chickenhawks had a bit of a reprieve, but this morning the skies were clear and the Japanese were at it again, filling the skies with twin-engine bombers. Major Jordan, the Squadron Leader, leads six P-40s aloft to face six Bettys escorted by four Zeros.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JlCjFo0q0Go/Xb84DsQSt0I/AAAAAAAAukc/ufNF_2V4kZAgn-vRsfJF_WeR3tB49-VNwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9102.JPG)
This is my arena for aerial combat; simple, yet durable and, to me, beautiful (in a simple, durable way). I'm using tiny aircraft designed by my buddy Thomaston; not sure what size they are, just that they are much smaller than 1/600. They're 3D printed models that I mounted on cut-down bases from Litko, and I'm using a very simple rules system called "Battle of Britain," which I found for free over on The Miniatures Page (I've already played a good 20 or so fights with them). Left is north, with the Japanese strike group there, and the American interceptors at right.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBEwyJUJDng/Xb84P7HY9HI/AAAAAAAAuks/xKSsvUdb1qAJirzJtYegLiNXos7_BbptgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9106.JPG)
The US Army Air Corps pilots are being much more aggressive in this fight.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i5APEbgS0EU/Xb842Ob3C0I/AAAAAAAAumA/meVfZfun0dAc0uGAHxCg5-6N2r0K4TamQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9121.JPG)
And the foxes get in amongst the chickens quick.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTryclQ1hVM/Xb847uHqmxI/AAAAAAAAumQ/DDlOiZindFk8ErMbFrgKz1YI0-d_XLbXACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9124.JPG)
Gotta tip the hat to Thomaston and Kyote, not 100%, but a bit more focus on getting to the bombers, along with a little luck with the shootin' dice, paid off.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTATN4BpwDk/Xb85mTtCGtI/AAAAAAAAuno/E8vvvaxxjRUmT8LE9aRejw7LqFhpDKbUACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9139.JPG)
And it's a straight up melee in the sky, with one of the Chickenhawks winning the Distinguished Flying Cross!
To see how the fight went, please check the blog at:
https://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2019/11/chickenhawks-over-new-guinea-3.html
The Americans, feeling their oats, have something a bit more offensive in mind. Coming right up.
V/R,
Jack
Again, more good stuff. Must get around to sorting out my Battle of Britain stuff.
Quote from: bigjackmac on 24 October 2019, 01:20:01 AM
The Americans, feeling their oats, have something a bit more offensive in mind.
There's probably a good joke to made here . . . ;)
Thanks Raider, I appreciate it, and I look forward to seeing your Battle of Britain stuff. Mine is painted up and ready to go, just not sure when I'll have (make?) time to get it on the table.
"There's probably a good joke to made here . . . "
Plenty ;)
Anyway, thanks for the post; I gather these batreps aren't the most popular, but I'm playing them and writing them up, so I figure I might as well post them here.
V/R,
Jack
All,
1130 local time
18 May 1942
New Guinea
Greetings all, having just wrapped up the Coral Sea battles, I figured it's time to head back to my U.S. Army Air Corps fighter squadron, the 565th Tactical Fighter Squadron, better known as the "Chickenhawks." The last we saw of the Chickenhawks was back in February of 1942; they'd started out fighting the Japanese over the Dutch East Indies before falling back to Australia and becoming embroiled in the fighting over Darwin. After things quieted down there, they ended up moving over to Brisbane, where they had a quiet period of daily patrolling to bring in replacements and get them trained up. But they got word at the end of April that they'd be moving soon, and immediately after the Battle of Coral Sea they packed up and shipped out, heading up to Port Moresby on New Guinea, making Kila Kila Airfield, AKA "3 Mile Drome," their new home on 11 May 1942. They only had a couple days before they were called to action.
On 13 May, Captain Cotton led six P-40s against four Zeros and six Bettys. One Zero and one Betty were downed at the cost of three P-40s and 25/30 damage points on the New Guinea Harbor Facilities.
On 14 May, Captain Goode led a depleted flight of only four P-40s up against four Zeros and six Bettys, and it was an unmitigated disaster. All four US fighters were shot down, with Captain Goode and Lt O'Brien killed in action, while the enemy didn't lose a single aircraft! The Japanese bombers quickly finished off the Harbor Facilities, and pounded the Marshalling Area (22/30 damage points).
On 16 May, Major Jordan led the squadron aloft to intercept six Bettys escorted by four Zeros, but Lt Daniel was the star of the show. The Americans lost a single P-40, but they knocked down two Zeros and four Bettys, with Lt Daniel knocking down four of those aircraft and winning the Distinguished Flying Cross. The remaining two Japanese bombers jettisoned their bombs and returned to base, so no bombs fell on the Allied Marshalling Area (still 22/30).
Now it's 18 May, with bad weather yesterday putting a stop to flight operations, but today is sunny and so the Americans are not only flying, but they're playing offense! 1st Lt Pace is leading a flight of four P-40s, which are escorting six B-25 Mitchells. They're plan is to cross the spine of the island and strike enemy installations on the northern coast of New Guinea. First up are the Japanese POL storage areas, then the Warehouse Yard, and finally the airfield at Wewak.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OM9JkLfTxc/Xb88tyVlgWI/AAAAAAAAuqA/nO870knjjCo4UTVAcg6NBH3_dH2WsZA9ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9166.JPG)
How 'bout them Mitchells? First time I've had them on the table. Let's hope they're a good omen.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hR-mWq-rfxc/Xb882PWqixI/AAAAAAAAuqM/9x_8Wtm8Eu4pVpnTbKyOXQR0GsK5wTlNQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9167.JPG)
"Heads up, Chickenhawks, five Zekes inbound. Tally Ho!"
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gq5k82Jnvcs/Xb89KxNKoUI/AAAAAAAAuq4/T-WhkTxyZp0t-vii7ROLjdKtgY6uBMXugCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9174.JPG)
A P-40 goes down (bottom left), and the Japanese fighters are swarming into the bomber formation.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGkpfSNEBGI/Xb8911JFE5I/AAAAAAAAusg/kMVy4sq_scwwhcdcei7uah4JrYrzFzLbgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9190.JPG)
And the foxes are definitely in amongst the hens...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tBZQyqSU15Q/Xb8-5vpH0mI/AAAAAAAAuvI/QKwvl2ia-QI33g82naHYecqTPBYFV_c6wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9219.JPG)
But the Yank escorts aren't completely worthless.
To see how the fight went, please check the blog at:
https://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2019/11/chickenhawks-over-new-guinea-4.html
Next up, a couple two-ship patrols run into each other over No Man's Land, coming right up.
V/R,
Jack
Can I assume that you have let the USS Langley arrive and have her cargo (40 + P40's) be assembled ?
IanS
Ian,
Not really; regarding the Dutch East Indies, those aircraft would have come into Java on 27 Feb 1942. My (fictional 565th TFS) Chickenhawks arrived in DEI further north (the southern tip of Celebes) on 15 Jan 1942.
In any case, that was awhile back! With the fall of DEI, the 'Hawks retired to Australia, fought in the defense of Darwin, and now have forward deployed to Port Moresby.
V/R,
Jack
Just demoing my vast historical knowledge Jack :D
No sweat man, and sorry if I came off harsh, certainly not my intent. I didn't know much about the very early part of the war in the Pacific until I had to read up for this campaign, guess I was showing off, sorry! ;)
V/R,
Jack
All,
1130 local time
19 May 1942
New Guinea
Greetings all, having just wrapped up the Coral Sea battles, I figured it's time to head back to my U.S. Army Air Corps fighter squadron, the 565th Tactical Fighter Squadron, better known as the "Chickenhawks." The last we saw of the Chickenhawks was back in February of 1942; they'd started out fighting the Japanese over the Dutch East Indies before falling back to Australia and becoming embroiled in the fighting over Darwin. After things quieted down there, they ended up moving over to Brisbane, where they had a quiet period of daily patrolling to bring in replacements and get them trained up. But they got word at the end of April that they'd be moving soon, and immediately after the Battle of Coral Sea they packed up and shipped out, heading up to Port Moresby on New Guinea, making Kila Kila Airfield, AKA "3 Mile Drome," their new home on 11 May 1942. They only had a couple days before they were called to action.
On 13 May, Captain Cotton led six P-40s against four Zeros and six Bettys. One Zero and one Betty were downed at the cost of three P-40s and 25/30 damage points on the New Guinea Harbor Facilities.
On 14 May, Captain Goode led a depleted flight of only four P-40s up against four Zeros and six Bettys, and it was an unmitigated disaster. All four US fighters were shot down, with Captain Goode and Lt O'Brien killed in action, while the enemy didn't lose a single aircraft! The Japanese bombers quickly finished off the Harbor Facilities, and pounded the Marshalling Area (22/30 damage points).
On 16 May, Major Jordan led the squadron aloft to intercept six Bettys escorted by four Zeros, but Lt Daniel was the star of the show. The Americans lost a single P-40, but they knocked down two Zeros and four Bettys, with Lt Daniel knocking down four of those aircraft and winning the Distinguished Flying Cross. The remaining two Japanese bombers jettisoned their bombs and returned to base, so no bombs fell on the Allied Marshalling Area (st ill 22/30).
On 18 May, 1st Lt Pace led a flight of four P-40s on escort duty for six B-25 Mitchells detailed to pound Wewak's POL storage tanks. They met five Zeros over the target, with all five being shot down, though two of those were actually by the bomber crews, who took heavy losses. While the Chickenhawks only lost one P-40, four of the six bombers were shot down, and they barely scratched the POL target (6/30 damage points).
Now it's 19 May and two patrols have run into each other over No Man's Land. Captain Cotton is leading a two-ship section when a Japanese two-ship section is spotted.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki7zJjUrLro/Xb9ChLvvZwI/AAAAAAAAux8/oARl7jSTd4cD9WLSp3mZdfu12HsdZ3GbACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9250.JPG)
The US patrol, from top:
2nd Lt Lageman, a Regular
Captain Cotton, a Veteran
Versus:
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QG454Y5Ysbo/Xb9ChRVHVjI/AAAAAAAAuyA/jNdmn033Z0gYAkXX88dNrVN6RmaYrgOaQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9251.JPG)
The Japanese patrol, from top:
Zero 01, a Veteran
Zero 02, a Regular
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci5my9iVL9o/Xb9C-63ytEI/AAAAAAAAuzI/yFD6ky_nLCgZAHsswgS3ZGfMvPNAXDU4wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9265.JPG)
A quick and dirty fight. Swing by the blog and check it out at:
https://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2019/11/chickenhawks-over-new-guinea-5.html?m=1
Next up on the docket is another US bomber escort mission, coming right up.
V/R,
Jack
No need to apologise at all mate ;)
Neeeeeeeyoooooowwwdakkadakkadakka
Quote from: mad lemmey on 06 November 2019, 06:15:58 PM
Neeeeeeeyoooooowwwdakkadakkadakka
;D ;D ;D ;D - damn you, I had a mouthful of oats when I read that!
Thanks Ian, and apparently Lemmey has a recording device in my game room ;)
V/R,
Jack
Very nice, Jack.
Thank you, Sir!
V/R,
Jack
All,
1130 local time
21 May 1942
New Guinea
Greetings all, having just wrapped up the Coral Sea battles, I figured it's time to head back to my U.S. Army Air Corps fighter squadron, the 565th Tactical Fighter Squadron, better known as the "Chickenhawks." The last we saw of the Chickenhawks was back in February of 1942; they'd started out fighting the Japanese over the Dutch East Indies before falling back to Australia and becoming embroiled in the fighting over Darwin. After things quieted down there, they ended up moving over to Brisbane, where they had a quiet period of daily patrolling to bring in replacements and get them trained up. But they got word at the end of April that they'd be moving soon, and immediately after the Battle of Coral Sea they packed up and shipped out, heading up to Port Moresby on New Guinea, making Kila Kila Airfield, AKA "3 Mile Drome," their new home on 11 May 1942. They only had a couple days before they were called to action.
On 13 May, Captain Cotton led six P-40s against four Zeros and six Bettys. One Zero and one Betty were downed at the cost of three P-40s and 25/30 damage points on the New Guinea Harbor Facilities.
On 14 May, Captain Goode led a depleted flight of only four P-40s up against four Zeros and six Bettys, and it was an unmitigated disaster. All four US fighters were shot down, with Captain Goode and Lt O'Brien killed in action, while the enemy didn't lose a single aircraft! The Japanese bombers quickly finished off the Harbor Facilities, and pounded the Marshalling Area (22/30 damage points).
On 16 May, Major Jordan led the squadron aloft to intercept six Bettys escorted by four Zeros, but Lt Daniel was the star of the show. The Americans lost a single P-40, but they knocked down two Zeros and four Bettys, with Lt Daniel knocking down four of those aircraft and winning the Distinguished Flying Cross. The remaining two Japanese bombers jettisoned their bombs and returned to base, so no bombs fell on the Allied Marshalling Area (still 22/30).
On 18 May, 1st Lt Pace led a flight of four P-40s on escort duty for six B-25 Mitchells detailed to pound Wewak's POL storage tanks. They met five Zeros over the target, with all five being shot down, though two of those were actually by the bomber crews, who took heavy losses. While the Chickenhawks only lost one P-40, four of the six bombers were shot down, and they barely scratched the POL target (6/30 damage points).
On 19 May, two patrols ran into each other over No Man's Land, ending with each side losing a single fighter.
Now it's 21 May, and after another day of bad weather, two young Lieutenants find themselves escorting a flight of five B-25 Mitchells over to Wewak again, where a pair of Zeros rise up to meet them.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0XHOfXJYd88/Xb9F3dPmVuI/AAAAAAAAu1c/FYr-hLwIuCstCFwWGrSNO1HYffVBnL59gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9291.JPG)
Another relatively small game, with two P-40s escorting five B-25s, versus two Zeros. Attrition during the campaign is taking its toll.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2m6BkxAjCbI/Xb9F_Z8WqpI/AAAAAAAAu1o/Ll5HAL2cggw-sexFJYNY4O6GomjDruGqgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9295.JPG)
Lt Lewis taking the fight to the enemy!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPbYE1_zGFg/Xb9GVOTHyqI/AAAAAAAAu2c/1MghA6_BcWkgPs2IIKx8ri1ZHOP3uJBnQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9304.JPG)
One of the Zeke's (bottom left) has gotten in amongst the bombers, causing some havoc, managing to damage three of them so far (red beads, which show that he is damaged, as well).
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qlv5zCLD_o0/Xb9GYq4NvbI/AAAAAAAAu2o/a1VRF7dYfEgj5VAbVRa4P705Y--u-vTlwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9306.JPG)
The escorts are finally working as a team (right, bottom right) to corral the marauder.
To see how the fight went, please check the blog at:
https://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2019/11/chickenhawks-over-new-guinea-6.html?m=1
Next up, once again Japanese bombers are inbound.
V/R,
Jack
All,
1130 local time
22 May 1942
New Guinea
Greetings all, having just wrapped up the Coral Sea battles, I figured it's time to head back to my U.S. Army Air Corps fighter squadron, the 565th Tactical Fighter Squadron, better known as the "Chickenhawks." The last we saw of the Chickenhawks was back in February of 1942; they'd started out fighting the Japanese over the Dutch East Indies before falling back to Australia and becoming embroiled in the fighting over Darwin. After things quieted down there, they ended up moving over to Brisbane, where they had a quiet period of daily patrolling to bring in replacements and get them trained up. But they got word at the end of April that they'd be moving soon, and immediately after the Battle of Coral Sea they packed up and shipped out, heading up to Port Moresby on New Guinea, making Kila Kila Airfield, AKA "3 Mile Drome," their new home on 11 May 1942. They only had a couple days before they were called to action.
On 13 May, Captain Cotton led six P-40s against four Zeros and six Bettys. One Zero and one Betty were downed at the cost of three P-40s and 25/30 damage points on the New Guinea Harbor Facilities.
On 14 May, Captain Goode led a depleted flight of only four P-40s up against four Zeros and six Bettys, and it was an unmitigated disaster. All four US fighters were shot down, with Captain Goode and Lt O'Brien killed in action, while the enemy didn't lose a single aircraft! The Japanese bombers quickly finished off the Harbor Facilities, and pounded the Marshalling Area (22/30 damage points).
On 16 May, Major Jordan led the squadron aloft to intercept six Bettys escorted by four Zeros, but Lt Daniel was the star of the show. The Americans lost a single P-40, but they knocked down two Zeros and four Bettys, with Lt Daniel knocking down four of those aircraft and winning the Distinguished Flying Cross. The remaining two Japanese bombers jettisoned their bombs and returned to base, so no bombs fell on the Allied Marshalling Area (still 22/30).
On 18 May, 1st Lt Pace led a flight of four P-40s on escort duty for six B-25 Mitchells detailed to pound Wewak's POL storage tanks. They met five Zeros over the target, with all five being shot down, though two of those were actually by the bomber crews, who took heavy losses. While the Chickenhawks only lost one P-40, four of the six bombers were shot down, and they barely scratched the POL target (6/30 damage points).
On 19 May, two patrols ran into each other over No Man's Land, ending with each side losing a single fighter.
On 21 May, two young Lieutenants found themselves escorting a flight of five B-25 Mitchells over to Wewak again, where a pair of Zeros rise up to meet them. Both Zeros were downed, for the loss of a single P-40s, and all five bombers made it, though they didn't score very well (only 12 more damage points, so 18/30 on the POL target).
Now it's 22 May, and five Bettys are inbound, escorted by a single Zero! 1st Lt Daniel, now an Ace, leads aloft a pack of four P-40s, and their pilots are hungry!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qcO5ENmZ7co/Xb9HrkpbzXI/AAAAAAAAu3Q/Y5pZQ0qxn00_oz31D0B2Cip1cYDPl-qfwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9312.JPG)
Some lucky dice-rollin' sees five Bettys inbound, escorted by a single Zeke. Meat!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GPlj5uHeIbM/Xb9Hzvc0bGI/AAAAAAAAu3c/cYfx3p2o2GUimEXXLLA_oyC7LYCx88g_QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9314.JPG)
The lone Japanese fighter pilot makes a run on Lt Daniel.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndd-0ukDJlU/Xb9ICLgty_I/AAAAAAAAu4A/RETuwHl0_Hc6fkMk84PaHjqHRHEWLZyAACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9321.JPG)
But there are just too many P-40s for the Zero to fend off.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08Qb7hUHbXI/Xb9IXSTeqQI/AAAAAAAAu44/gu-cVEQhKkIrNuvVWAXNKOGZutaYyw7oACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9329.JPG)
It's another aerial scrum!
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But the Americans are relentless, like a pack o'piranhas.
To get all the details, please check the blog at:
https://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2019/11/chickenhawks-over-new-guinea-7.html?m=1
The Americans are going back on the offensive, B-25s are loading up, hoping to not only get to the target area, but maybe actually hit something, too! Coming your way, either Sunday or Monday.
V/R,
Jack
All,
1130 local time
25 May 1942
New Guinea
Greetings all, having just wrapped up the Coral Sea battles, I figured it's time to head back to my U.S. Army Air Corps fighter squadron, the 565th Tactical Fighter Squadron, better known as the "Chickenhawks." The last we saw of the Chickenhawks was back in February of 1942; they'd started out fighting the Japanese over the Dutch East Indies before falling back to Australia and becoming embroiled in the fighting over Darwin. After things quieted down there, they ended up moving over to Brisbane, where they had a quiet period of daily patrolling to bring in replacements and get them trained up. But they got word at the end of April that they'd be moving soon, and immediately after the Battle of Coral Sea they packed up and shipped out, heading up to Port Moresby on New Guinea, making Kila Kila Airfield, AKA "3 Mile Drome," their new home on 11 May 1942. They only had a couple days before they were called to action.
On 13 May, Captain Cotton led six P-40s against four Zeros and six Bettys. One Zero and one Betty were downed at the cost of three P-40s and 25/30 damage points on the New Guinea Harbor Facilities.
On 14 May, Captain Goode led a depleted flight of only four P-40s up against four Zeros and six Bettys, and it was an unmitigated disaster. All four US fighters were shot down, with Captain Goode and Lt O'Brien killed in action, while the enemy didn't lose a single aircraft! The Japanese bombers quickly finished off the Harbor Facilities, and pounded the Marshalling Area (22/30 damage points).
On 16 May, Major Jordan led the squadron aloft to intercept six Bettys escorted by four Zeros, but Lt Daniel was the star of the show. The Americans lost a single P-40, but they knocked down two Zeros and four Bettys, with Lt Daniel knocking down four of those aircraft and winning the Distinguished Flying Cross. The remaining two Japanese bombers jettisoned their bombs and returned to base, so no bombs fell on the Allied Marshalling Area (still 22/30).
On 18 May, 1st Lt Pace led a flight of four P-40s on escort duty for six B-25 Mitchells detailed to pound Wewak's POL storage tanks. They met five Zeros over the target, with all five being shot down, though two of those were actually by the bomber crews, who took heavy losses. While the Chickenhawks only lost one P-40, four of the six bombers were shot down, and they barely scratched the POL target (6/30 damage points).
On 19 May, two patrols ran into each other over No Man's Land, ending with each side losing a single fighter.
On 21 May, two young Lieutenants found themselves escorting a flight of five B-25 Mitchells over to Wewak again, where a pair of Zeros rise up to meet them. Both Zeros were downed, for the loss of a single P-40s, and all five bombers made it, though they didn't score very well (only 12 more damage points, so 18/30 on the POL target).
On 22 May, five Bettys escorted by a single Zero were met by 1st Lt Daniel and three other P-40s. The Chickenhawks knocked down the lone Zero and three of the Bettys, turning back the last two, but they lost two of their own to defensive fire from the enemy bombers.
It's now 25 May, after a couple of days of bad weather, the Americans are going on the offensive again. 1st Lt Daniel is again the flight leader, leading an escort of four P-40s with six B-25s against the Japanese Combat Air Patrol of four Zeros.
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Zero 03 makes a run on the Mitchells, scoring a few hits before breaking right.
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More Zeros enter the fray, splashing two bombers (white puffs) and damaging one badly enough he needs to return to base (bottom right).
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Better late than never, the escorts finally engage, with three of them boxing in a line Zero.
To see how the fight went, please check the blog at:
https://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2019/11/chickenhawks-over-new-guinea-8.html?m=1
Next up is the last fight of this mini-campaign, the Japanese making one last-ditch effort to bomb Port Moresby, with two Zeros escorting six Bettys against five P-40 Warhawks. Coming soon!
V/R,
Jack
Wouch!
Nasty.
Yeah, with their numbers advantage, I thought the Army would be able to get a few more bombers to the target area. Of course, with the way their bombing has been going, I'm not sure it would have mattered...
V/R,
Jack
All,
1130 local time
26 May 1942
New Guinea
Greetings all, having just wrapped up the Coral Sea battles, I figured it's time to head back to my U.S. Army Air Corps fighter squadron, the 565th Tactical Fighter Squadron, better known as the "Chickenhawks." The last we saw of the Chickenhawks was back in February of 1942; they'd started out fighting the Japanese over the Dutch East Indies before falling back to Australia and becoming embroiled in the fighting over Darwin. After things quieted down there, they ended up moving over to Brisbane, where they had a quiet period of daily patrolling to bring in replacements and get them trained up. But they got word at the end of April that they'd be moving soon, and immediately after the Battle of Coral Sea they packed up and shipped out, heading up to Port Moresby on New Guinea, making Kila Kila Airfield, AKA "3 Mile Drome," their new home on 11 May 1942. They only had a couple days before they were called to action.
On 13 May, Captain Cotton led six P-40s against four Zeros and six Bettys. One Zero and one Betty were downed at the cost of three P-40s and 25/30 damage points on the New Guinea Harbor Facilities.
On 14 May, Captain Goode led a depleted flight of only four P-40s up against four Zeros and six Bettys, and it was an unmitigated disaster. All four US fighters were shot down, with Captain Goode and Lt O'Brien killed in action, while the enemy didn't lose a single aircraft! The Japanese bombers quickly finished off the Harbor Facilities, and pounded the Marshalling Area (22/30 damage points).
On 16 May, Major Jordan led the squadron aloft to intercept six Bettys escorted by four Zeros, but Lt Daniel was the star of the show. The Americans lost a single P-40, but they knocked down two Zeros and four Bettys, with Lt Daniel knocking down four of those aircraft and winning the Distinguished Flying Cross. The remaining two Japanese bombers jettisoned their bombs and returned to base, so no bombs fell on the Allied Marshalling Area (still 22/30).
On 18 May, 1st Lt Pace led a flight of four P-40s on escort duty for six B-25 Mitchells detailed to pound Wewak's POL storage tanks. They met five Zeros over the target, with all five being shot down, though two of those were actually by the bomber crews, who took heavy losses. While the Chickenhawks only lost one P-40, four of the six bombers were shot down, and they barely scratched the POL target (6/30 damage points).
On 19 May, two patrols ran into each other over No Man's Land, ending with each side losing a single fighter.
On 21 May, two young Lieutenants found themselves escorting a flight of five B-25 Mitchells over to Wewak again, where a pair of Zeros rise up to meet them. Both Zeros were downed, for the loss of a single P-40s, and all five bombers made it, though they didn't score very well (only 12 more damage points, so 18/30 on the POL target).
On 22 May, five Bettys escorted by a single Zero were met by 1st Lt Daniel and three other P-40s. The Chickenhawks knocked down the lone Zero and three of the Bettys, turning back the last two, but they lost two of their own to defensive fire from the enemy bombers.
On 25 May, Lt Daniel led an escort of four P-40s with six B-25s against a Japanese Combat Air Patrol of four Zeros. All four Zeros were shot down (two by the bomber crews!), and no P-40s were lost, but two B-25s were shot down and two more were damaged and forced to return to base, so their combat power was seriously reduced and only caused seven points of damage on the Wewak POL storage tanks (25/30 total).
Now it's 26 May, and Major Jordan is leading a five-ship Combat Air Patrol up to intercept six inbound Bettys escorted by two Zeros.
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Those damn Zekes always seem to get the first punch in!
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But the Yanks will not be denied, and push their way straight into the bombers, bringing hell with them!
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Lt Lageman has an historic day!
To see how the fight went, please check the blog at:
https://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2019/11/chickenhawks-over-new-guinea-9.html
Well, that sews up the Chickenhawks first tour in New Guinea, and it was a lot of fun, felt luckier than the Killer Pelicans at Coral Sea. Here's the breakdown:
Chickenhawks sorties: 37
Friendly bomber sorties: 17
Chickenhawks losses: 14 P-40s (two by Betty defensive fire)
Friendly bomber losses: 6 B-25s
Enemy fighter losses: 11 Zeros (though four were to bomber defensive fire)
Enemy bomber losses: 13 Bettys
Awards: 2nd Lt Lageman was awarded the Medal of Honor, 1st Lt Daniel was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
The Chickenhawks lost 14 of their 18 aircraft, had six pilots WIA, three KIA (including an Ace), and one MIA (also an Ace, as well as their Squadron Leader). At this point the 565th Tactical Fighter Squadron, after only 25 days of action, are completely combat ineffective, and thus they are being pulled back to Brisbane, Australia, for some rest and recuperation.
More to come.
V/R,
Jack
If anyone out there is actually reading these, I've posted the campaign plan for the Battle of Midway:
https://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2019/11/battle-of-midway-campaign-plan.html
I'm starting it tomorrow (I'm off work), will see how deep into I can get). If you've got super simple rules for air to ground strike games that actually involve some decision making (not just dice rolling), I'd be much obliged if you'd share.
V/R,
Jack
Good luck with that
Quote from: bigjackmac on 15 November 2019, 01:25:14 AM
If anyone out there is actually reading these . . .
Yes, still reading, still enjoying. Good luck with Midway.
I'm still reading too! :D
Thanks fellas, I'm glad to hear it, getting ready to head upstairs and begin the Battle of Midway!
V/R,
Jack
Reminds me of Captain Oats "I am going out and I may be some time...."
Looking forward to a battle rep Jack - perhaps you could give us one when you get to midway in the battle......
Always an enjoyable and inspiring read with class eye candy :)
Truly love your games!!!! Just FYI, my father was a B-25 pilot in the 12th AF over Italy. 62 missions!
Terry
Thanks guys! Midway at Midway, eh? I see what you did there ;)
And 62 missions??? That's quite amazing, very impressive.
V/R,
Jack