[Consim-l] Op Shoestring/Henderson Field

[Pat Collins]

Turn 3:

IJN 38

USN 18

A disaster for the USN as the Japanese Carriers come into play, and the IJN 
makes it's release roll for everyone.

In the "search phase" the USN FOUND the IJN ships making the GC run, but 
MISSED the CV strike group in the Eastern Solomons. The Japanese did NOT 
miss the two CVs to the South of GC.

Even with the USN holding back a decent CAP, the stike broke through, and 
the US AA rolled poorly, while the "sons of concubines*" rolled extemely 
well.

End result was USS Saratoga and WASP sunk, one lost IJN CA. The US subs got 
a fish into Haruna, but only damaged her.

However, all the transports arrived, so the US got full supplies and a few 
more ground units, while the IJA got two more units.

In two turns of land combat the reduced  USMC PARA and RDR units were lost 
as was an IJA unit. The US now have better than 2:1 combat units on the 
Canal, not including the Eng and CB units that have made Henderson ALMOST 
operational. Too bad the carreirs lost their air groups when they went 
under.

The next few turns will be tough at sea as the Japanese have a huge air 
superiority, and the USN must decide if they want to risk another battle, or 
wait for USS Hornet to arrive. On land, the USMC should be able to chase the 
IJA deeper into the jungle.

Henderson field has combat results of "step loss" OR hex retreat. So, the 
unit poor IJA will go deep into jungle whenever they can, and the USMC will 
go back also, as long as the field is protected.  If the IJA declare a 
banzai, they double their power, but all losses at steps.

That should wait for some more units, I think.

* In "Shattered Sword" the IJN carrier pilots of Kaga, et. al. react to the 
news of Coral Sea (where they thought they sunk a CVs, but took little 
damage) by saying "If the sons of concubines can do that, how much better 
will the sons of legitimate wives do!".  The two CVs at Coral Sea were 
newer, and so considered less than the A team by the other pilots.

Regards, Pat
Last Played: Here Come the Rebels, Elsenborn Ridge, Ardennes