A Solomons Campaign - August 2013, Wellington New Zealand

[paulr]

Seeing Peter mentioned our efforts at last years Call to Arms here is the report I put together on our campaign in the Solomons.

We ran the Solomons Campaign at the Call to Arms convention in Wellington, New Zealand on 3-4 August 2013. We played less than 3km (2 miles) from the quay where the US 1st Marine Division shipped out from in July 1942. Much to our surprise we got through 4 months of the campaign and came to a clear decision over the two days.

The campaign system worked really well and produced some interesting challanges for all the players.

This campaign covers the six month naval campaign during the battle for Guadalcanal. It uses a decision tree approach with each side making a number of 'command decisions' each month of the campaign. Combining the decisions of both sides with some dice rolls leads to a number of on table naval games each month.

I decided to use the older and simpler General Quarters 1&2 rules rather than the more detailed GQ III rules for the table games.  We used 1/3000th scale modes from Navwar and a ground scale of 1cm: 200 yards. We had four Japanese players; Kevin (CinC), David, Steven, and Michail (when not organising the convention). The Allies were Peter (CinC) and Roy.

We started the campaign after the Battle of Savo Island. The Japanese and Allied CinCs made their initial 'command decisions' before the convention and we hoped to get through one to two months in the weekend and finish off the campaign as time was available. Much to our surprise, we managed to get through almost four complete campaign months, four major and three minor battles and the Japanese decided to abandon Guadalcanal, all in one weekend.

August 1942
The US 1st Marine Division has landed on Guadalcanal. Japanese oil supplies are tight and only four Carriers and/or Battleships could sortie. Using the Yamato would count as three ships (this applies for the whole campaign). The Allies successfully ran a supply mission with four APDs (old destroyers converted as fast transports), all survived. The weather forecast for the month was poor.

The Japanese sortied the 3rd Fleet, less 3rd Battle Squadron and 17th Destroyer Division, as a carrier group with 2 carriers, 5 cruisers and 10 destroyers. 2nd Fleet with 2 battleships, 6 cruisers and 10 destroyers headed south from Truk to bombard Henderson Field. 8th Fleet from Rabaul escorted P1 and P2 (two APDs) on a supply mission. Towards the end of the month 2nd Carrier Squadron arrived at Truk to reinforce 3rd Fleet. Allied Intelligence revealed that three major forces were operating at Truk.

The Allies formed two Carrier groups. Enterprise and Wasp with 2 cruisers and 8 destroyers and Saratoga with 2 cruisers and 7 destroyers. North Carolina, 5 cruisers and 8 destroyers patrolled Savo Sound and later in the month acted as escort for a supply mission of two cargo ships and two APDs. Japanese Intelligence indicated that two Allied carrier groups were operating.

Battle of the North Eastern Solomons
Reconnaissance aircraft for both sides found the enemy carriers and both sides were able to launch strikes. The Japanese decided to absorb the initial American attack and then launch an all-out counter attack with the American fighters weakened. They also decided to intercept as many attacking American flights as possible, so used only four aircraft per flight.


Japanese carriers protected by Zeros

The Americans were lucky with both Enterprise's and Wasp's Wildcats arriving on time along with Enterprise's Avengers and Dauntlesses. The Zeroes downed some American planes before running out of ammunition. The remaining Americans pressed home their attack sinking Zuikaku and damaging Shokaku. The Avengers and Dauntlesses from Wasp then arrived and finished off Shokaku.


US Dauntless dive-bombers miss Zuikaku

After suffering reasonably significant losses (22%) to her air group while sinking the Zuikaku, Enterprise went south to Espiritu Santo to make good her aircraft losses. She would potentially be available again by November and Hornet replaced her, arriving in early September.

From the Japanese perspective, this battle demonstrated the importance of aggressiveness in carrier actions. The strategy of sitting back proved fatal. Especially as the Japanese CAP was not particularly deadly, its ships were incapable of mutual AA support, and the US was able to mass a single effective attack that swamped the defences. The Japanese fleet actually would have preferred no engagement and wished only to draw attention from its surface detachments. In this, it was too successful!

The Saratoga's carrier group remained in the area but searched in vain due to the poor weather.

First Battle of Lunga Point
As the 2nd Fleet headed southeast through the darkness towards Henderson Field they were surprised to pick up radar signals. The Allies were there in force to cover their supply convoy anchored northeast of Henderson Field. The Japanese destroyers engaged their American counterparts while launching torpedo attacks on the North Carolina (BB) and the Australia (CA). They also fired star shell to illuminate the Allied heavy ships. This allowed the Nagato (BB) and Mutsu (BB) to concentrate effective fire on the North Carolina while the five Japanese heavy cruisers concentrated on the Australia and Hobart (CL).


Japanese destroyers (right) engage American destroyers and Australian cruisers (foreground)

Hampered by their limited night fighting training the Allies initially moved to protect their anchored transport from the approaching Japanese. As radar reports mounted and the size of the Japanese force became apparent, they considered withdrawing the transports. Once two Nagato class battleships opened fire the transports were ordered to leave immediately and the American destroyers made smoke in an attempt to cover North Carolina.


Japanese cruisers and destroyers cover the damaged Atago as Americans make smoke

Both sides eventually withdrew. The Allies had two destroyers sunk; North Carolina (BB), Australia (CA) and one destroyer crippled; Hobart (CL) and one destroyer disabled.

The Japanese had two destroyers sunk; Atago (CA), Maya (CA), Yura (CL) and two destroyers crippled; Haguro (CA) and one destroyer damaged.

The Japanese had not been able to bombard Henderson Field but the Allies had not had enough time to offload the supplies.

While this battle was a tactical success for the Japanese, they felt an opportunity to inflict a crushing victory had slipped away. Their heavy cruisers were less effective than expected and the Americans conducted an effective fighting withdrawal. The Japanese where heartened to see their edge in night fighting and the aggressiveness and skill of their destroyer captains (Steven).

Cactus Air Force Strikes
The Japanese supply mission had more success and delivered its supplies undetected. Unfortunately for the Japanese, as they withdrew aircraft from Henderson Field attacked and sank P1 (APD) and Mutsuki (DD). P2 (APD) was crippled and it was decision was made to scuttle her. The Cactus air force had further success as they struck at the damaged ships of 2nd Fleet as they withdrew, sinking Maya (CA).

August had seen two major battles and significant damage for both sides, particularly the Japanese. The tactical index, which reflects the ground situation on Guadalcanal was slightly in favour of the Allies at +2.

[Techno]

Does that look fun...Or what ?
Thanks for posting, Paul.
Cheers - Phil

[paulr]

September 1942
For the Allies the Hornet (CV), two cruisers and two cargo ships (AP) arrived. While the Japanese were reinforced by two seaplane carriers that could act as heavy supply ships. The Japanese were allowed an additional command decision while the Marines sacked some incompetent Marine commanders improving the Tactical index. The weather forecast was more settled this month.

The Japanese decided to consolidate and aim for a major effort in October. The 11th Battle Squadron (Hiei, Kirishima) arrived in Truk and Takao (CA) was transferred to 5th Cruiser Squadron. The US Marines launched a reconnaissance in force and were advised of the Tactical index, +2.

The Allies formed a carrier group with Saratoga and Hornet, 2 cruisers and 8 destroyers. The light cruisers Boise and Phoenix were requested as reinforcements. A task group with 5 heavy cruisers and 4 destroyers nervously patrolled Iron Bottom sound and later in the month escorted a supply mission of 4 APs.

The limited Japanese activity left the Allies searching an empty sea. No bombardment of Henderson Field and the successful Allied supply mission raised the Tactical index to +15.

Historians may debate whether the Japanese were correct to ease off all efforts for a month. However, the decision was taken that it was necessary to re-gather all forces for the decisive action in October.

October 1942
The Washington (BB) arrived, much to the relief of the US cruisers. The Helena (CL) and two transports joined her.

Henderson Field Air Raid
A strike of ten flights of Betty bombers on Henderson Field escorted by seven flights of Zeros was launched from Rabaul.  Seven flights of Wildcats of the Cactus Air Force got enough warning to intercept the incoming raid. Luckily for the Americans only one stick of bombs found the runway.

The US Marines were in desperate need of supplies and demanded a supply mission. The weather forecast was again settled this month.

The Japanese sortied the 3rd Fleet, less 3rd Battle Squadron and 17th Destroyer Division, as a carrier group with 2 carriers, 2 light carriers, 2 cruisers and 7 destroyers. 2nd Fleet with Yamato (BB), Nagato (BB), Mutsu (BB), Taiyo (CVE), 3 cruisers and 9 destroyers headed south from Truk to bombard Henderson Field. (The umpire had decided to allow Taiyo to accompany Yamato given the success of the unopposed American aircraft.)

8th Fleet from Rabaul escorted Nisshin (a Seaplane carrier with heavy artillery aboard), two APs and two APDs on a supply mission. They also carried orders for an all-out assault on Henderson Field. The Allies placed Admiral Scott in charge of their patrol forces improving their ability to intercept or avoid Japanese supply or bombardment missions.

The Allies formed a carrier group with Saratoga and Hornet, 2 cruisers and 8 destroyers. The newly arrived Washington (BB), 5 cruisers and 8 destroyers patrolled Iron Bottom Sound and later in the month acted as escort for a supply mission of four cargo ships. Japanese Intelligence indicated that one Allied carrier group was operating.

Battle of Santa Isabel
American reconnaissance aircraft located the Japanese carriers early in the morning and both Saratoga (CV) and Hornet (CV) launched a strike. They failed to find their target (1-11 on a D12 would have found them, the roll was 12) and a major opportunity was lost. The second Japanese reconnaissance sweep failed to find the American carriers while the American reconnaissance was again successful.

Early in the afternoon, Saratoga and Hornet launched a second strike. This time they found the target and much to the Americans relief both squadrons of Wildcats arrived with the Dauntlesses and Avengers from Saratoga. The Japanese had reserved half their Zeros to escort their potential strike so the combat air patrol was hard pressed.


Japanese carriers after the first American attack

The Junyo (CV) and Ryujo (CVL) sank and the Zuiho (CVL) was ablaze as the first wave of American aircraft withdrew. While the remaining Zeros watched helplessly without ammunition, the Dauntlesses and Avengers from the Hornet arrived. They crippled the damaged Hiyo (CV).

This was obviously a devastating result for the IJN, their carrier force had still been capable of striking back and the intent was to fight much more aggressively. It is unlikely that the previous strategy of a maximum strength CAP would have made any difference however, and the decisive factor was that the US was able to find the Japanese first, and again marshal a large strike.

The Yamato and 2nd Fleet avoided the Allied patrol in Iron Bottom Sound and successfully bombarded Henderson Field. The Nisshin and the other transports managed to off load their supplies successfully but so did the Allied supply mission.

The successful bombardment and supply mission had tipped the Tactical index significantly in the Japanese's favour, -15. The Allied supply mission restored some balance bringing it back to -5. The Japanese assault on Henderson Field needed 1-4 on a D12 to succeed, unfortunately for the Japanese they rolled an 11 and the assault failed.

For the Japanese this was the climax of the campaign and demonstrated the IJN had delivered on its mission to a degree but not enough to be decisive. Considering the catastrophes with the carrier battles however, it was interesting to observe that the Japanese forces had a fighting chance of taking Henderson Field at this point. There was some dismay that Yamato and her consorts were not engaged, it must be admitted.

[paulr]

November 1942
The South Dakota (BB) arrived along with two destroyers. A small allied force bombarded Japanese positions near Henderson Field, unfortunately to no effect. The US Marines desperately needed more ammunition after beating off the Japanese assault and demanded a supply mission. The weather forecast was again settled this month.

The Japanese sent supply and bombardment missions from both Truk and Rabaul. Allied Intelligence revealed there were two missions from Truk.

The Americans formed two carrier groups, patrolled Iron bottom Sound and sent in the demanded supply mission with a heavy escort. Japanese Intelligence revealed that a supply mission had been sent.

Battle of Dai Island
The American reconnaissance aircraft located the bombardment force from Truk and the Hornet launched a strike. There was some debate over the need to provide Wildcats to escort this strike as only one battleship, two cruisers and a handful of destroyers were reported. It was decided to maintain a strong CAP and conserve the Wildcats. (The Americans didn't roll high enough to overrule the campaign rule that didn't include fighters.)

As the Avengers and Dauntlesses approached the Japanese ships they were surprised by Zeros and suffered heavily. They pressed home their attack on the biggest battleship they had ever seen but scored only one torpedo hit that did not even slow the mighty Yamato.

Of interest was that unescorted US bombers were extremely vulnerable to a small CAP. Possibly the decision to operate the CAP in two large groups contributes to this, as did some good fortune. The fighter concentrations were able to maul the incoming US groups quickly, then switch to another target.

There was major concern at exposing the battleships to further air attack with only the few fighters from the escort carrier Taiyo for support. Vice Admiral Kondo proposed withdrawing but was overruled by Admiral Yamamoto. They would press on and follow up the likely success of the bombardment force from Rabaul. (The Umpire decided the Japanese needed to roll high to press on, they rolled a 1, their re-roll was a 6.)

Second Battle of Lunga Point
The bombardment force from Rabaul: 4 heavy cruisers, 3 light cruisers and 10 destroyers entered Iron Bottom Sound aiming to bombard Henderson Field and then withdraw. They detected enemy radar transmissions and pressed forward to investigate. Unknowingly they had stumbled on the powerful escort of an Allied supply convoy. The escort consisted of 2 battleships, 5 heavy cruisers, 1 light cruiser and 7 destroyers.

The Japanese advanced to the southeast with their cruisers in line ahead screened by the three destroyer divisions in line abreast. On detecting radar signals the wing destroyer divisions were sent wide to try and get around the expected Allied destroyers and into a position to launch torpedo attacks on the Allied heavy ships or supply convoy.

The Allies advanced to the northwest to intercept the radar contacts before they could threaten the anchored convoy. They advanced in three columns of line ahead. In the port column were 3 destroyers followed by 3 heavy cruisers (San Francisco, Portland, Salt Lake City). The starboard column was 4 destroyers, 2 heavy and 1 light cruisers (Minneapolis, Helena, New Orleans). In the centre were the battleships Washington and South Dakota.

Using radar the American destroyers moved to intercept the Japanese destroyers on their wide sweeps where they fought at close quarters in two confused separate battles before withdrawing. The Japanese destroyers escaped major damage except for the Asanagi and Oyashio who were both disabled. In exchange, the Patterson was crippled and Duncan was disabled.


American destroyers from the port column break through Japanese destroyers off Lunga Point

The battle was decided in the centre. The Japanese central destroyer division and the cruisers were heading between the Allied starboard and centre columns expecting to meet American cruisers. The Americans were wondering if the rear most large radar contact was the Yamato.

As the shadows finally took shape the Japanese identified two battleships of the North Carolina or South Dakota class and three large cruisers, probably New Orleans class. The Hamakaze (DD) and Uzakaze (DD) fired torpedoes at the leading American battleship while Isokaze (DD) and Yubari (CL) fired torpedoes at the lead American cruiser. All fired their guns at the American cruisers.


Japanese destroyers and light cruisers fire torpedoes at Washington (BB) and American cruisers

Hampered by their poor night fighting training the Americans struggled to respond to the wall of fire but they did see the torpedoes launched. To the surprise of the Japanese, the American battleships and cruisers all turned TOWARD the torpedoes. This brought both sides even closer and the Washington (BB) fired on the Yubari (CL) at 600 yards with both her main guns and port secondary battery.


Close confused night fighting. American battleships (heading towards camera) pass 600 yards from two Japanese light cruisers closely followed by USS Helena

The Yubari was destroyed and sank rapidly. Following close astern of Yubari the Tenryu (CL) and Tatsuta (CL) fought an uneven battle with the six American cruisers. The Tenryu was left a crippled drifting hulk and the Tatsuta escaped a similar fate when her magazine exploded. Of the three destroyers; Isokaze was sunk by close range fire from the main and secondary batteries of the New Orleans (CA), Uzakaze was crippled by the Helena (CL) while Hamakze was saved by the poor shooting of the starboard secondary batteries of Washington and South Dakota (BB).

The Minneapolis (CA) was sunk by a torpedo and fire from the supporting Japanese heavy cruisers.

At this point, the Call to Arms convention was drawing to a close and it was time to pack up. The Japanese were keen to break off this engagement. The Americans were happy to have successfully defended the convoy and to have inflicted heavy losses at the cost of one heavy cruiser.

Japanese honour was satisfied in this exciting but confused battle despite the disparity in firepower. The Imperial fleet's frustration at being unable to intercept the US battle force on more equal terms was manifest. The Japanese decided to concede the campaign at this point. Yamato shall be heard another day.

Overall campaign losses were:

Japanese

Sunk	Crippled	Disabled
Shokaku   CV	Hiyo       CV	Oyashiro   DD
Zuikaku   CV	Atago   CA
Junyo   CV	Yura      CL
Ryujo   CVL	Uzakaze   DD
Zuiho   CVL	Minegumo   DD
Maya   CA
Yubari   CL
Tenryu   CL
Tatsuta   CL
Mutsuki   DD
Murasame   DD
Samidare      DD
Yudachi   DD
Isokaze   DD
P1      APD
P2      APD

Allied   

Sunk	Crippled	Disabled
Minneapolis   CA	North Carolina   BB	Hobart   CL
Helm      DD	Australia      CA	Bagley   DD
Mugford   DD	Henley      DD	Duncan   DD
	Patterson      DD

[Steve J]

I'm not normally a fan of naval games, but that does look fun. Thanks for sharing.

[Subedai]

looks like a good time was had by all. Good post.

[pierre the shy]

looks like a good time was had by all. Good post.

I'd have to agree with that statement.

[Ithoriel]

Great AAR and an interesting campaign. Thanks.

[Hertsblue]

A great mini-campaign. Makes me want to break out all me US and Japanese ships again. 

[nikharwood]

This is really, really not helping me avoid buying more lead.

Good naval gazing though 

I'll get my...oh, thanks, Phil 

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Great reports, nice one lads!

So tempted by a Japanese fleet...

[paulr]

I think I hear Thecosomata swimming 

[toxicpixie]

Lovely stuff If those losses are the minimum to salvage some honour if hate to see what a victory costs

[Techno]

Terrific again, Paul.
Cheers - Phil

[Poggle]

A classy campaign report, thanks for sharing.