Another Wake AAR

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OldBoney
Posts: 32
Joined: Wed Jun 13, 2007 8:32 pm

Another Wake AAR

Post by OldBoney »

After playing the USN side in the Historic Wake scenario several times and winning a few times but mostly being battered by the AI, I decided to see if I could fashion a strategy that was more consistent.

Because the Japanese can’t win the scenario unless the are able to land 11 units of supplies (and men) on Wake, my best bet is to locate and destroy the troopships and then retire eastward. This will foil the invasion without engaging the enemy carriers. The invasion force will most likely come from Kwajalein and approach Wake from the south as they did in their first attack. If a carrier has been detailed to support this attempt, it will probably come out of the north. With that in mind I sent all three TFs well to the south of Wake with search planes patrolling the area I expect the invasion force to pass through. The Tangier was ordered to stay east and south of the island. Sending them in unsupported is too risky. The 21st passed uneventfully for the forces at sea but the Marines on Wake were being bombed by planes flying out of the Marshalls.

Our first break came at 0705 on the 22nd when a scout from Saratoga spotted a large formation of cruisers and destroyers heading north. All three carriers continued NW at Flank speed. About ten minutes later a scout from the Lexington reported two troopships and a minelayer escorted by destroyers and cruisers. The Lexington launched a full strike which hit about 0910. The remaining carriers continued to close so as to employ the torpedo bombers. Strikes from the Lexington, Enterprise and Saratoga hit the transports repeatedly and all three vessels were reported sunk several times.

Alternating strikes continued until 1220 on the 22nd when a scout from Lexington radioed that he had contact with two carriers and other ships proceeding south at 30 knots. This was followed by the sighting of a float plane over TF11. Time to withdraw! The damage to the invasion force was probably sufficient, I thought. Then at 0655 on the 23rd Wake radio sent a message “Invasion Begun”. By this time all three TF’s were out of range of the island. In addition our aircraft were somewhat depleted and flight crews tired. Not the time to force a fight with two first line carriers. Another message late on the 24th brought better news! The sub Triton had attacked the Japanese carrier force and badly damaged one carrier. It was late, the range was great and withdrawal still seemed prudent as messages from Wake seemed to indicate the invasion was running out of steam.

The game ended with the Japanese failing to land sufficient troops and supplies for a successful invasion. Only one troop ship was sunk, the Kongo Maru, but apparently that was enough. The other two were only damaged, but a destroyer and a heavy cruiser were sunk. Eleven Japanese ships were damaged with the Hiryu being the most severe. No American ships were lost or damaged, while 29 aircraft were lost mostly to AA fire. Final score was Allies 131 and Axis 172 but because of the failed invasion it was an Allied victory.

Target damage assessment skills were lacking as were target selection abilities. Many bombs and torpedoes were wasted in attacks on secondary targets. Accuracy was spotty and a good number of bombs and torpedoes missed their marks. A bright spot was the Devastator torpedo bombers which actually managed to get some hits.

My only critique of this scenario is the victory level set by the supply condition on the Japanese. Turning back the invasion should be a Tactical Victory. In addition I could have fought it out with the enemy carriers and lost all three of mine and I would still have received a Decisive Victory. (This happened to me in an earlier game.)

Outstanding game! The AI is impressive!



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mavraamides
Posts: 424
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2005 8:25 pm

RE: Another Wake AAR

Post by mavraamides »

Interesting AAR and strategy.

I'll have to try this one.  I've struggled mightily with Wake.  I'm not used to war games that are this hard.
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Marc gto
Posts: 228
Joined: Mon Sep 25, 2000 8:00 am
Location: Batavia,ohio,usa
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RE: Another Wake AAR

Post by Marc gto »

Well documented i enjoyed reading your aar
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