Australian Milne Bay, New Guinea Counterattack

New Guinea Campaign From The Studio of General Pettygree
Mission: Link air, naval and land action in a campaign and story context
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"The currency of friendship is time."   Dr. Mark Miravale.
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Game #8

February 1, 1942/2020

Australians Counterattack 
The Japanese Foothold at Milne Bay, New Guinea

Prelude Concludes (See previous story)

Joey Flight searching for the Japanese now gone to ground. 

Joey 1: Flight Officer Horne in the left-hand Gloster Gladiator.

Joey 2: Lt. Riley is to his right.

"Joey 2, this is Joey 1. We'll turn to the right passing along the hedgerow."

"Right Sir. --- Hell-loooh. --- I've spotted the enemy below at one o'clock."

I see them Joey 2. Well done. More are popping up like toast."

"Tracers com'n in." 

"Sir my engine and tail section are hit. Fire and smoke erupting forward."

Joey 2. Head for home immediately. These crates can't take much punishment.

"I'm too low to bail out, Sir."

"Joey 2, I know. I'll follow along and also radio mum."

"Mama Roo. This is Joey Flight. Are you there?"

Static.

"Repeat. --- Joey Flight for Mama Roo!"

"This is mum Joey Flight. What's your situation?"

"Mum, we're returning for breakfast. Joey 2 is smoking but able to fly.

"We spotted a few of  the enemy east of the village bush line. Send regards to dad."

"Well done Joey Flight. I will. Mum out."

Morning Attack Commenced Soon Thereafter

Australian Left Flank 

Colonel Ballard's regulars advanced out of  the village toward the same hedge line.

Resistance was light and overcome.

The right of the line was "refused" in case of trouble from that quarter and....

It came almost immediately. (Photo courtesy of Bill K.)

Mortar fire, infantry and the sole surviving Ha-Go tank....

Pushed into the refused wing which.... 

Initially stood its ground but withdrew before the onslaught.

To the left at the hedge, Ballard's regulars stood their ground but were soon fired upon by soldiers from the beach. The Australians pulled back deeper into cover and halted to trade fire. 

The Japanese attack was next supported by an ineffectual air attack.

The two Ha-Go tanks shown were destroyed in the battle of 25 January.

Ballard then counterattacked with three Stuart tanks.

This with stiffened resistance from the regulars stopped the enemy attack.

The front was restored but reorganizing would be needed.

Rule: The Australian called a halt or reset. Both sides were allowed to redeploy in logically controlled areas, recover stragglers, return lightly wounded comrades to their units and bring up reinforcements for our afternoon session. 

Afternoon Attack
Left Flank

This time Colonel Ballard led with three Stuart tanks preceded by smoke to obscure enemy fire.
The rear-most Stuart bogged down as a light rain started.

The leading tanks stopped on either side of the road covered by the hedge. 

Awaiting two universal carriers, a 37mm anti-tank gun in tow and the still bogged down Stuart.
The IJA Ha-Go tank was knocked out days ago.

Then Ballard ordered his regulars forward again.

When time was right....

 They crossed into the open area....

Toward the foe.

Awaiting them behind log breastworks....

Captured earlier on invasion day.

Farther back more of the foe patiently waited.

Right Flank --- Jepson's Bar

Australian militiamen advanced out of the bush toward the hedge.
Hidden Japanese held this flank near and within Jepson's Bar.

The Australians pushed through
out onto the beach under continuous rifle and mortar fire.

They secured the bar having influenced defenders to hastily leave.

The Japanese reestablished a line to the east on the beach.

The Australians reacted by bringing up Stuart tanks and a universal carrier.

Which deployed onto the beach firing upon the enemy.

 The Japanese Special Naval Landing Force rushed to counter the Australian thrust.

Some even charged out onto the beach causing a serious bother.

The Australians shown would pull back due to losses.

No photo of this.

Back To The Left Flank

Newly arrived Japanese infantry banzai charged the Australian Left Flank.

It did not work. After two turns of hand to hand combat the charge failed.
Something was up.

The End

"Crikey. Nothing backed up that banzai charge Collin."

 "Captain, I don't see anyone to our front now. --- Wait!"

They are boarding a landing barge and...

Setting up a blocking force to....

Cover....

A general retreat!


"Ballard. We did it!"
"The two last attacks by the Japanese on both our flanks covered a retreat."

While a lone Zero flew air cover.

Slowing the advance toward the embarkation area.

A new artillery position was established
with newly arrived Papuan New Guinea allies in reserve.

Closing Remarks

In our four sessions these companions participated:

Japanese: Dan E., Jim H., Dave G., Kurt D. and Todd B. 

Australians: Morgan E, Greg B., Bill K.,  and yours truly Bill P. 

Well-played by all participants. Japanese players were particularly startling in aggressiveness.

We used miniatures we like and have though some were not present historically. It works.

Thank you for looking in.

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Australian Counterattack Prelude at Milne Bay, New Guinea

New Guinea Campaign From The Studio of General Pettygree
Mission: Link air, naval and land action in a campaign and story context
----------
"The currency of friendship is time."   Dr. Mark Miravale.
----------

Game #8

February 1, 1942/2020

Australians Counterattack 
The Japanese Foothold at Milne Bay, New Guinea

Prelude

"Colonel Ballard, Sir, Major Duncan just checked in. He reports, the Japanese remain under cover east of the native village and behind the beaches north of Milne Bay. They're waiting for us sure."

"That's why we need more information before we attack in the morning. I hope Flight Officer Horne and his two Gloster Gladiators will scare 'em up."

 "Tell Major Duncan...."

"The Glosters are on the way to look for the enemy and to not shoot at them!
Repeat it twice!" 

 "Joey Flight to Mama Roo. We have the village in sight and are going in."

"Joey Flight. This is mum. Acknowledged and good hunting."

"We'll find out what you want so you can turn them into shark biscuits.

Joey Flight out." 

"Alright Riley, follow me down and stay with me.

Look to your front and right. 

I'll look to my front and to the left."

"No enemy fighters in sight Sir. I wish we were flying Kitthawks though."

"Don't worry mate, she'll be right.
Now cut the chatter. Down we go."

CLOSING REMARKS

Wish 'em luck boys! --- at Remarks below.

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Invasion of Milne Bay, New Guinea

New Guinea Campaign From The Studio of General Pettygree
Mission: Link air, naval and land action in a campaign and story context
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"The currency of friendship is time."   Dr. Mark Miravale.
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Game #7
January 25, 1942/2020

Japanese Invasion at Milne Bay, New Guinea

Merchant seamen patrons at Jepson's Bar flung their chairs aside when they saw what the dogs were barking about. Grabbing their weapons, all rushed outside to get a better look.

"Look at that!"
"This is a dog's breakfast for sure. Good dogs lett'n us know."
Pulp Figures sailors by Bob Murch.

A Japanese maru....

Began to heave to off the point.

While a small warship did the same nearby. Others farther out were coming in too.

MORNING MISSION

Within hours the Japanese Special Naval Landing Force

commenced landings on the southern edge of the peninsula.
Australian militia rushed forward to oppose them.

Half the Japanese went into the coastal underbrush (off to the left)
while others turned west on the beach facing Jepson's Bar.

This caused the seamen to abandon the tavern for nearby cover.

Additional Special Naval Landing Force combatants arrived nearby on the tip of the peninsula.

Soon supported by Ha-Go tanks.

Time for the militia to retreat.

Casualties were so heavy, they withdrew from the battle.

Rule: Our Reaction Test allows for several kinds of circumstances for units sustaining casualties. In this case modifiers were so heavily negative that the militia abandoned the battle. We do not call this a rout. We simply lift survivors off of the combat area and place them in the rear out of commission for the current game session.

Fortunately Australian regulars manned a log breastwork to slow the enemy.

However, they began taking heavy casualties too and would soon withdraw.
Eureka Miniatures Australia - lovely sculpts.

At this point, Greg B. our Australian commander, declared the morning mission over. This allows both sides to advance or withdraw to logical controlled areas, recover stragglers, recover lightly wounded men and reset for a second mission. Greg essentially instituted a game reset without going through all the motions of movement, retreat and so on. This saves an enormous amount of time. 

This is based on the 1945 experience of USA forces assaulting the Shuri Line on Okinawa eleven times before finally taking it. They would advance, fight, withdraw and reset to attack again later.

This is a convenient expedient for tabletop battles.

We next ate lunch.

AFTERNOON MISSION

Our lunch break provided time to reflect on what happened and about what to do next. While talking companionably about this and that, everyone looked at the table pondering plans. Relaxing.

The Japanese reset within the log breastworks.
Their facing indicates the location of their foe; now all re-hidden.

Ditto for the beach area facing Jepson's Bar off the photo's bottom left.
A Japanese Army Platoon (IJA) arrived to reinforce the next push and.... 

Soon advanced towards Jepson's Bar.

And beyond supported by a spotter plane.

Opposing them were the seamen reinforced by a body of 
newly arrived Papua New Guinea natives armed with modern weapons.

Eureka Miniatures Australia Papua New Guinea natives.

The IJA confidently advanced into the bush.

The sailors and natives could not withstand enemy firepower.

Both retreated to their rear deeper into the bush never to reappear.

Meanwhile the Special Naval Landing Force supported by tanks also pushed resolutely forward.

Just at that moment two Stuart tanks arrived and opened fire.

The leading Ha-Go tanks exploded.

Whilst newly arrived militia advanced and fired decimating the SNLF.
Steve Barber (UK) 28mm early war USA infantry. Finally someone produces them!

Right flank of the militia.

Off image to the right is where the seamen and natives engaged the IJA.

SNLF perspective with the militia to their left and front.

There was no way for this Japanese flank to defeat the Australians not even with the victorious IJA nearby. Defenders had tank superiority, an anti-tank gun, artillery and mortars booming away from the rear and an amazing run of firepower luck. Plus, everyone knew there were substantial Australian green-clad regulars in reserve someplace. "Quitting Time" after 3:00 pm was upon us too. So the Japanese commanders declared a reset.

The Japanese withdrew to their afternoon starting positions, collected stragglers and bandaged the lightly wounded. The Australians did the same recovering lost ground and would redeploy for the next mission. 

All casualties recover on a D6 throw of 5-6. At this stage of the war here with these fresh soldiers, poor health was not yet a grave issue. Otherwise a 6 would have been needed.

FINAL REMARKS

Resumption is scheduled for February 1, 2020 with a different crew of our local wargame pards. In this fashion a medium-sized game by USA standards can be played on different days by more friends. We are so very blessed to have a lot of space for gaming here.

Some uniforms and equipment are out of time and place. We use what we have  and like because the game is the thing. For example, Steve Barber's USA infantry are imagining themselves as khaki-clad Australian militia. It works.

Historically the Japanese had a very hard time at Milne Bay. However, at this point each side has won one session.

Rain besotted the entire area historically. Our vehicles were often bogged down though not as badly as historically. In the photo of the two Ha-Go tanks exploding, a third tank is farther back because it had been bogged down. All soldiers suffered a movement penalty simulating more difficult movement.

Japanese: Dan E. and Jim H.
Australians: Morgan E, Greg B. and yours truly Bill P.

Thank you for looking in. 

Your comments are welcome below where you see the yellow bar.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Coral Sea Battle Results

New Guinea Campaign

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Mission: Link air, naval and land action in a campaign and story context
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Photos: Courtesy of Nick K.
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December 7, 1942/2019 Games

Thirteen players flew six air operations.

Coral Sea Afternoon Mission: USN Aircraft Attack CV Zuikaku

USN Torpedoes Away

Raiden 1/285 Devastator Torpedo Bombers Launch Litko Torpedoes

Note Torpedoes missing in the upper left while two more drive forward

Location:
   The Coral Sea, Southwest Pacific Ocean and Milne Bay, New Guinea

Strategic Mission:
   Japanese Want to Occupy Southern New Guinea

Tactical Situation:
   (a) Each side engaged the others main Carrier Task Force with aircraft.
   (b) Soften up Milne Bay to assist the IJA Invasion Force eventually passing by bound for a landing
         at Port Moresby.

Coral Sea Morning Mission
IJN CV Shokaku and USN CV Lexington Task Forces engaged each other by air.
Both fleet carriers sunk.
Each Task Force had:
   1x CV, 2x CAs and 4x DDs.
   8x Fighters, 8x Dive Bombers, 4x Torpedo Bombers and 1x Observation Plane

Coral Sea Afternoon Mission
IJN CV Zuikaku and USN CV Yorktown Task Forces engaged each other by air.
Both fleet carriers were heavily damaged and are headed home to a dry dock.
Each Task Force had:
   1x CV, 2x CAs and 4x DDs.
   8x Fighters, 8x Dive Bombers, 4x Torpedo Bombers and 1x Observation Plane

Milne Bay Morning Air Raid
IJA 4x Betty Bombers from Rabaul and 3x Zeros from Salamaua raided Milne Bay.
Allies defended with 2x Australian Hurricanes and 2x USAAF P-40s.

Milne Bay Afternoon Air Raid
IJA 3x Betty Bombers from Rabaul and 3x Zeros from Salamaua raided Milne Bay.
Allies defended with 2x Australian Hurricanes and 2x USAAF P-40s.


Our Tactical Results Mirrored History Closely Enough 
   The loss of CV Shokaku and the return of Zuikaku to Japan for repair removed IJN naval air cover for the Port Moresby Invasion Task Force. The Army General Staff must next decide to attempt a landing at Milne Bay or go over the Owen Stanley Mountains as was the historical case to capture Port Moresby.
   Lexington was lost and Yorktown suffered heavy damage as was the historical case. Their battle helped stop Japanese from occupying southern New Guinea and hence protected Allied supply lanes to Australia.

Next Things
   (1) The Allies will attack Salamaua by air on the northeast coast of New Guinea.
   (2) Adapt the Battle of Midway to the tabletop. (Tentatively June 6, 2020)

Campaign Score From Eight Battles:

Japanese:

27: Port Moresby Air Raid #1

07: Port Moresby Air Raid #2

12: Lae Air Raid #1

18: Lae Air Raid #2
30: Coral Sea Mission #1 (CV Lexington sunk)
25: Coral Sea Mission #2 (CV Yorktown crippled)
04: Milne Bay Air Raid #1
06: Milne Bay Air Raid #2
129 points

Allies:

07: Port Moresby #1

16: Port Moresby #2

18: Lae #1

16: Lae #2
30: Coral Sea Mission #1 (CV Shokaku sunk)
25: Coral Sea Mission #2 (CV Zuikaku crippled)
14: Milne Bay Air Raid #1
05: Milne Bay Air Raid #2
131 points

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Coral Sea Naval Battle Pre-Game Briefing 2

New Guinea Campaign

Mission: Link air, naval and land action in a campaign and story context
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Game Date: December 7, 1942/2019
Arrival: 9:00-10:00 am
Flight School: 9:15-9:30 am (New pilots + refresher for others if needed)
Lunch: Noonish
Game End: 4:00 pm Turn In Progress or sooner
If anyone needs to be excused, please let us know asap
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RECONNAISSANCE

Okay Mac, we've spotted 'em. Radio the Lexington.

Right Everett. That's one fleet carrier, two cruisers and four destroyers southbound 150 miles east of Rossel Island. I wonder where the second reported carrier is though.

Get that message sent Mac before we have company. We're getting out of here pronto.

Meanwhile, a float plane from one of the IJN Crusiers spotted the Lexington's Task Force.

Far to the westward a Japanese Army observation plane poked into Milne Bay on the extreme eastern tip of New Guinea.

The Japanese will be sending Bettys to Milne Bay to prevent Allied aircraft there interdicting the invasion force when it rounds the bottom of New Guinea to land troops at Port Moresby.
Reason: We have thirteen participants needing more ergonomic space to reduce people crowding.
Two Japanese and one Allied pilot are needed for Milne Bay.

That is all.

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Coral Sea Naval Battle Pre-Game Briefing 1

Douglas TBD-1 Devastators

New Guinea Campaign

Mission: Link air, naval and land action in a campaign and story context
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Game Date: December 7, 1942/2019
Arrival: 9:00-10:00 am
Flight School: 9:15-9:30 am (New pilots + refresher for others if needed)
Lunch: Noonish
Game End: 4:00 pm Turn In Progress or sooner

Bring: Tape measure and one small snack or beverage to share

Location: The Coral Sea, Southwest Pacific Ocean
Strategic Mission: Japanese Want to Occupy Southern New Guinea
Tactical Situation:
   (a) Each side engages the others main Carrier Task Force with aircraft
   (b) Survivors return to a friendly carrier to rearm/refuel and launch Mission #2

Recommendation: See the new MIDWAY movie before game day.

Coral Sea Naval Battle --- Pre-Game Briefing

Mission #1

Starts 10:30 am or sooner.

IJN Task Force (Back Table)

1x Fleet Carrier Shokaku + (CV Zuikaku off table)

2x Cruisers

4x Destroyers

8x Zero Fighters
9x VAL Dive Bombers
4x KATE Torpedo Bombers
1x Float Plane

CHUCK S. Duties
Assign players and flight plan(s)
Unavailable on Mission 1 only: 1x Zero, 1x Val
CAP: 1x Zero up 1xD4/fuel consumed, 1-2 Zeros ready on deck
Place float plane bogey in vicinity of US Task Force at 10,000'
Form one or two Attack Groups from aircraft remaining
Steer CV into the wind/D4: 1= 45° port, 2-3 = No Change, 4= 45° starboard
Mission #1: Throw 2D6 vs USN. High score launches first.
Chuck S. CinC
Dave G. Attack Group Commander
Keith J.
Tom
Dale F.
John B.

USN Task Force  (Main Table)

1x Fleet Carrier Lexington + (CV Yorktown off table)
CVs are radar equipped

2x Cruisers

4x Destroyers

8x Wildcat Fighters
9x Dauntless Dive Bombers
4x Devastator Torpedo Bombers
1x PBY

Bill P. Duties
Assign players and flight plan(s)
Unavailable on Mission 1 only: 1x Wildcat, 1x Dauntless
CAP: 1x Wildcat up 1xD4/fuel consumed, 1-2 Wildcats ready on deck
PBY Mission: Rescue downed pilots
Form two Attack Groups from aircraft remaining
Steer CV into the wind/D4: 1= 45° port, 2-3 = No Change, 4= 45° starboard
Mission #1: Throw 2D6 vs IJN. High score launches first.
Bill P. CinC
Nick K. Attack Group Commander
Greg B
Dan E.
Morgan E.
Bob M.
Todd C.

Mission #2

Starts after Mission #1 when rearmed/refueled.

Order of Battle:
Lightly or undamaged aircraft returning from Mission #1

1x Fighter, 1x Dive Bomber unavailable earlier
Assign Aircraft to CAP and Attack Group(s) after rearming/refueling.

IJN 
More skilled pilots

Better torpedoes and longer range
USN aircraft shooting at Zeros add +1D6
Turning Template A is available only for Zeros
Mission 1 Attack Group aircraft may launch all planes on the same turn
If Shokaku is out of action, bring on Zuikaku
Bonus Card A/A Fire unavailable
Pilots may attempt to crash land on a friendly beach or near friendly ships in the water

USN
Good pilots but with less experience
Poorer torpedoes and shorter range
Radar aboard carriers
Yorktown has side armor belt
Mission 1 Attack Group aircraft launches on two consecutive turns
If Lexington is out of action, bring on Yorktown
Pilots may attempt to crash land/bail out on the water, on a friendly beach or near friendly ships

FRIENDLY ANTI-AIRCRAFT FRIE
Fighters within 20cms of the enemy receiving A/A must throw for A/A friendly fire too.

ALTITUDE EXPERIMENT
Low 100' or less: Torpedoes may only be dropped on the deck
Medium: 5,000'
High: 10,000'
Aircraft must be at the same level to engage each other
Climbing costs -5cm per level
Descending costs nothing
Shell splash plumes are only at Low Level. Contacting aircraft destroyed

Perspective

CV Lexington Task Force

We are using what we have.

Ships are 1/2400 scale as viewed from aircraft far away.

Aircraft are 1/285 or 1/300 scale. You are in the planes.
Newest pilots will fly bombers.

Fighters have 12 turns of fuel. No fuel consumed until 2nd. turn aloft.

Losses and points will be tracked.

Play turns speedily.

Caveat: Scenario might need adjusting to make a good game.

Main Reference: The Coral Sea 1942, The first carrier battle, Mark Stille

Lady Lex in our adaptation sailing to The Coral Sea