Author Topic: What If - Wake Island  (Read 835 times)

Offline Saxman

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 9155
What If - Wake Island
« on: August 23, 2009, 10:53:55 AM »
A "What If Scenario" Proposal for FSO

In December, 1941 the US military was still reeling from the attack on Pearl Harbor. Taking advantage of the situation, Japan pressed its offensive by assaulting the small, lightly defended garrison at Wake Island. However despite their numerical advantage, the Japanese encountered determined resistance by American Marine, Navy and civilian personnel based on the island, including a detachment of F4F Wildcats of VMF-211.

Admiral Husband E. Kimmell, seeking both to reverse American fortunes in the Pacific before Japan could fully settle in to their offensive, as well to relieve the plight of the defenders of Wake Island dispatched two carriers to Wake Island. One task group, led by USS Saratoga and carrying Brewster F2As of VMF-221 was dispatched directly to Wake Island to relieve the garrison, while USS Lexington was to engage Japanese forces in the Marshalls to force the Japanese to divert their attention away. However with his reputation permanently, and unfairly, damaged by the Pearl Harbor disaster, Kimmell was replaced, and fearing losses of their two carriers after intelligence placed two Japanese carriers in the vicinity, the task groups were recalled.

This scenario would address what might have happened had Kimmell retained command and the relief forces continued towards their objectives.

Axis Forces (60%)

Marshall Islands
Carrier Group 1
Carrier Group 2
Invasion Group (TG with no carrier)

Aircraft Disposition:

A6M2 Zero - Max 80 total. Max of 15 may launch from each carrier (Shokaku-class)
D3A - Max 27 from each carrier
B5N - Max 27 from each carrier

Allied Forces (40%)

Wake Island
USS Saratoga
USS Lexington
Relief Convoy (TG without carrier)

Aircraft Disposition:

F4F-3 Wildcat - May use four-gun package ONLY. Max 36 from each carrier, Max 12 from Wake Island.
B-239 (substitute for F2A-3) - Max 14, may launch from Saratoga only
SBD Dauntless - Max 36 from each carrier
TBM (substitute for TBD) - Max 18 from each carrier. May not carry rockets.

Axis forces must defend:

Invasion Fleet
Carrier Groups 1 and 2
Targets in Marshall Islands

Allied forces must defend:

Wake Island
USS Saratoga
USS Lexington
Relief Convoy

The numbers split between Axis and Allied forces may be adjusted as needed for the needs of FSO. I've set rough numbers for each force based on what information I can find on the carrying capacity of a given aircraft carrier, and the disposition of forces at the time. Of Wake Island's 12 Wildcats, eight had been destroyed on the ground on December 7, so allowing 12 active F4Fs is a bit of a liberty on my part. The number of F2As assigned to Saratoga is based on the number of aircraft the squadron would ultimately land at Midway on December 25, 1941 after the historical relief campaign was canceled. I couldn't find the aircraft disposition of the Lexington-class carrier, but as the total number (90 aircraft) matched I used the Essex-class's instead. The Japanese carrier air wings are based on the historical complement of the Shokaku-class carrier. The aircraft restrictions may be modified depending actual numbers breakdowns, however I think allowing the Allies a higher percentage of fighters compared to the Axis will help balance the Axis' greater numbers overall.
« Last Edit: August 23, 2009, 10:57:17 AM by Saxman »
Ron White says you can't fix stupid. I beg to differ. Stupid will usually sort itself out, it's just a matter of making sure you're not close enough to become collateral damage.

Offline texastc316

  • Silver Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1774
      • Mighty 316th
Re: What If - Wake Island
« Reply #1 on: August 23, 2009, 11:19:04 AM »
I like. Have we ever done Wake Island in Special Events? I dont remember hearing about it if we have.
TexsTC-CO/Court Jester-Mighty 316th FS "CREEPING DEATH"  in MA/FSO

The eager pilots are not experienced. And the experienced not eager.

S.A.P.P.- Secret Association Of P-38 Pilots (Lightning In A Bottle)

Offline Anaxogoras

  • Platinum Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 7072
Re: What If - Wake Island
« Reply #2 on: August 23, 2009, 11:57:01 AM »
Brewsters would be restricted to the 1x.303 + 3x.50cal armament, right?
gavagai
334th FS


RPS for Aces High!

Offline Saxman

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 9155
Re: What If - Wake Island
« Reply #3 on: August 23, 2009, 12:24:09 PM »
That I'm not as sure on, as I've read the 4x.50cal were also used by some US birds.

Also, one thing that might be considered is that after operating from Saratoga in Frame 1, in Frames 2 and 3 the Brewsters would be based from Wake Island to represent their delivery.
« Last Edit: August 23, 2009, 12:28:53 PM by Saxman »
Ron White says you can't fix stupid. I beg to differ. Stupid will usually sort itself out, it's just a matter of making sure you're not close enough to become collateral damage.

Offline Masherbrum

  • Radioactive Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 22408
Re: What If - Wake Island
« Reply #4 on: August 23, 2009, 02:21:14 PM »
May I suggest holding off on this one?   Greebo made a skin at my request.   Henry Elrod's skin of the VMF-211.

http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,267158.0.html

I would think it only fitting to use this Scenario with a skin to match.   
-=Most Wanted=-

FSO Squad 412th FNVG
http://worldfamousfridaynighters.com/
Co-Founder of DFC

Offline Saxman

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 9155
Re: What If - Wake Island
« Reply #5 on: August 23, 2009, 03:04:06 PM »
There's also a USMC skin by Greebo for the Brewster. If we could get both skins in time for such a setup it would be perfect.

Considering the next four (AAAAARGH) setups are scheduled to be ETO/MTO there's time for those two skins to make it into the game.

Does anyone know if there's even a map OF Wake and the Marshalls area?
Ron White says you can't fix stupid. I beg to differ. Stupid will usually sort itself out, it's just a matter of making sure you're not close enough to become collateral damage.

Offline fudgums

  • Gold Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3954
Re: What If - Wake Island
« Reply #6 on: August 23, 2009, 03:09:04 PM »
Don't think so
"Masters of the Air" Scenario - JG27

Offline Dux

  • Aces High CM Staff (Retired)
  • Platinum Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 7333
Re: What If - Wake Island
« Reply #7 on: August 23, 2009, 03:18:08 PM »
It's under development, Sax.
Rogue Squadron, CO
5th AF, FSO Squadron, Member

We all have a blind date with Destiny... and it looks like she's ordered the lobster.

Offline Saxman

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 9155
Re: What If - Wake Island
« Reply #8 on: August 23, 2009, 03:28:33 PM »
It's under development, Sax.

Sweet deal. Ask and ye shall receive.

:D
Ron White says you can't fix stupid. I beg to differ. Stupid will usually sort itself out, it's just a matter of making sure you're not close enough to become collateral damage.

Offline Stoney

  • Gold Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3482
Re: What If - Wake Island
« Reply #9 on: August 23, 2009, 03:48:36 PM »
Considering the next four (AAAAARGH) setups are scheduled to be ETO/MTO...

mmmm....

"Can we be incorrect at times, absolutely, but I do believe 15 years of experience does deserve a little more credence and respect than you have given from your very first post."

HiTech

Offline Fencer51

  • Aces High CM Staff (Retired)
  • Platinum Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 4679
Re: What If - Wake Island
« Reply #10 on: August 23, 2009, 04:04:52 PM »
Quote
B-239 (substitute for F2A-3) - Max 14, may launch from Saratoga only

Ok boys, we are sending you up in these crates, but don't sweat it, we removed the tail hook to save weight!  :lol



Fencer
The names of the irrelevant have been changed to protect their irrelevance.
The names of the innocent and the guilty have not been changed.
As for the innocent, everyone needs to know they are innocent –
As for the guilty… they can suck it.

Offline Saxman

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 9155
Re: What If - Wake Island
« Reply #11 on: August 23, 2009, 04:37:29 PM »
Ron White says you can't fix stupid. I beg to differ. Stupid will usually sort itself out, it's just a matter of making sure you're not close enough to become collateral damage.

Offline DMBEAR

  • Persona Non Grata
  • Silver Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1044
      • JG2 Richtofen
Re: What If - Wake Island
« Reply #12 on: August 24, 2009, 02:31:39 PM »
I'm sending NoDoze and redbull to Greebo's Garage to help him get those birds painted.  Can someone chip in and send the coffee?  :x

Offline Saxman

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 9155
Re: What If - Wake Island
« Reply #13 on: August 24, 2009, 03:18:33 PM »
Better send them to Stoney, last I heard both skins were done and submitted, just waiting on approval.

Also, another option for Allied forces would be to include a third carrier in addition to the relief convoy, as based on some further reading Enterprise was in the Marshalls at that time. I don't she was there SPECIFCALLY as part of Kimmell's relief plan, but under Halsey's discretion, and would have been included in the relief plan. A second target in the Marshalls can be added to give each side 5 defensive and attack objectives.

So try these numbers on for size:

Axis Forces (60%)

Marshall Islands
Carrier Group 1
Carrier Group 2
Invasion Group (TG with no carrier)

Aircraft Disposition:

A6M2 Zero - Max 100 total. Max of 15 may launch from each carrier (Shokaku-class)
D3A - Max 27 from each carrier
B5N - Max 27 from each carrier

Allied Forces (40%)

Wake Island
USS Saratoga
USS Lexington
USS Enterprise
Relief Convoy (TG without carrier)

Aircraft Disposition:

F4F-3 Wildcat - May use four-gun package ONLY. Max 36 from each carrier, Max 12 from Wake Island.
B-239 (substitute for F2A-3) - May use 3x.50cal and 1x.30cal package only. Max 14, may launch from Saratoga only
SBD Dauntless - Max 36 from each carrier
TBM (substitute for TBD) - Max 18 from each carrier. May not carry rockets.

Axis forces must defend:

Invasion Fleet
Carrier Group 1
Carrier Group 2
2 targets in Marshall Islands

Allied forces must defend:

Wake Island
USS Saratoga
USS Lexington
USS Enterprise
Relief Convoy

This would give Allied 134 fighters (max) vs. 100 for the Japanese, with the Japanese having a larger attack force. Minimum numbers would need to be set for bombers on both sides.
« Last Edit: August 24, 2009, 03:44:57 PM by Saxman »
Ron White says you can't fix stupid. I beg to differ. Stupid will usually sort itself out, it's just a matter of making sure you're not close enough to become collateral damage.