AAR: An Ammo Dump Somewhere in the PTO
Following our Belgium expedition, we traveled over to PTO. Needing something for 5 players...
From recent intelligence, a USN ammo dump was discovered on a small uncharted island just north of Guadalcanal. The IJN ordered the Zuikaku to launch dive bombers at it to ensure its destruction, and cripple USN logistics. Unfortunately, most of Zuikaku's assets were inflight towards the USS Hornet. Strapping on drop tanks, a Val with a pair of Zero escorts headed southwest.
To add a bit of surprise, the target island is not on the table at the beginning of the game; it is uncharted after all. At the beginning of every turn a d6 is added to the turn number. On the result of a 7 or more, the Val pilot places the target island at least two range rulers from his base. The USN gets to the roll a d6 and move the target that many inches in any direction.
A pair of USN pilots admiring their mighty machines on a sunny Sunday morning patrol (over green waters...)
The Val leads with his escorts up high and tailing.
On turn 1, the young Zero pilot rolls! Luck is on my side. I took some heat for having the youngest player roll first, us old guys never roll that lucky.
The island is placed slightly askew towards the west. This should be a milk (saki) run!
Holding formation. Come on dive bomber, pedal faster!
USN coming at us high out of the morning sun. We were using d6s for altitude marking.
Prepare the Statue of Liberty play. If it worked for Hannibal...
First engagement. Zeroes peel off to cover the Val's run.
The leading Wildcat slips through the fighter screen after receiving some fresh holes in its airframe.
Zeroes turning to give chase.
While the `cats meet up on the IJN rear, the bombs are released from level flight. "You're all clear kid..."
Minor destruction, but enough to light off the ammo reserves. Time to high tail it back to the carrier.
Turning...
Still turning, pedaling as fast as he can go...while the escorts turn back in to cover his escape.
F4Fs too close for comfort and in a great position. Good thing the sun is in their eyes.
Guns, guns, guns.
Splash my Zero. Two pilot hits from the same pull. Ouch!
Val turns in for a high speed pass to avoid future entanglements. Its sole wingman sweeps the outside.
This is going to hurt...
Punched through and running.
A friendly pass as the young wingman covers the Val's escape.
Wildcat in his sights.
Splash one USN pilot.
...but that let one F4F through...
...and the Val goes down.
The young Zero pilot, in a fit of rage, seeks revenge.
And redemption from failing to safely escort the bomber.
In his sights.
Getting warmer...
The lone Zero pilot heads back to the Zuikaku to file the report of his daring exploits.
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