Andy Mac v PZB This time India will Stand !!!!

[Andy Mac]

Just a quick rund down of my fleet strength as of today

Pacific Fleet (PH)

8 CV's (2 of which are RN)
10 CVL's (2 of which are RN)
28 CVE's (4 of which are RN)
6 BB's
14 CA's (5 non USN)
17 CL's (4 non USN)
143 DD's (12 non USN)

On map reinforcements either in drydock or en route

4 x USN CVE's
1 x Free French BB
1 x USN CA
5 x CL (2 non USN)
8 x DD (1 non USN)

Other Fleets which can be drawn on for concentration

1 x CVE
3 x BB (1 USN)
2 x CA (both RN)
5 x CL (1 USN)
33 x DD (7 non USN)

So not a lot of seapower not already with the pac fleet

But thats not the worst of it.

Within 90 days

1 x CV (USN)
18 x CVE (USN)
1 x RN BB
7 Cruisers (2 RN)
19 DD's (3 RN)

Within 90 - 180 days
3 x CV (1 RN)
5 CVE's (2 x RN)
5 x BB (1 x RN)
5 x CL (5 x RN)
51 x DD (20 x RN)

The pipeling while not totally bare is not exactly overflowing give the losses I anticipate taking over the next few months

Basically my 10 current CV's only increase by 4 over the next 6 months - one bad Betty attack and I could be back where I start or worse

[khyberbill]

5. Threaten Timor out of NAustralia

This has been my approach in PBEMs. I also like to grab those islands to the east of Dili. Several have bases which can support large AFs. CV's can now operate with air support from the AFs. As one pushes towards the PIs and or towards Balikpapan, an attack on Java begins to become attractive. There is a string of islands on the flank of Sumatra that also are good targets. They probably wont have any garrisons, or large ones and can support a lvl 7 or 8 airfield within P47 escort range of Palembang and Singapore. One 200+ raid of B-24s against the oil fields at Palembang can ruin a JFBs day.

[Andy Mac]

Been taking a look at my Parachute capable assets

Madras (1 x Indian Para bde and 2 x Airlanding Chindit Bdes - all refitting after burma campaign)
Australia (1 x Cdo Bn and 1 x Para Bn)
SOPAC (3 x USMC Paras Bns)
Fiji (2 x Fiji Cdo Bns - really just half Bns each)
PH (1 x Parachute US Regt)

Reinforcements due

11th Airborne Div (15 Days)

IF I concentrate all my Para capable units I could form the equivalent of a light Para Corps

1 CW Div of 3 Bdes
a composite light ANZAC Bde
1 USMC Regt or 3 Para Bns
11th US Airborne Div
and
an Idpt Para Regt

Now the only question would be where to emply them

[Andy Mac]

Tried a quick bombardment at Moulmien confirms my supposition never going to breakthrough need to sit still for a while

[Andy Mac]

Launching an Invasion of Milne Bay covered by PM based fighters tomorrow just creeping out from my base

[Andy Mac]

According to the forum its my opponents birthday today I hope I aint just given him an unintended present !!!

[Andy Mac]

Amercal Div is marching north out of Buna and will hopefully commence a battle for Lae soon.

If I can take Milne Bay, Lae and a few of the islands then my expansion will be well under way I want to neutralise and secure New Britain as soon as possible so a recon into Rabaul will be required soon.

I want to know whether to bypass or secure.

My preference is to secure as its an op I can run with LBA air support and it then gives me a solid spring board for mopping up the Solomons and driving north

[Andy Mac]

This was Amercal working its way North along the NG coast driving on Lae

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at 99,128 (near Buna)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 10114 troops, 211 guns, 198 vehicles, Assault Value = 335

Defending force 160 troops, 4 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 2

Allied adjusted assault: 153

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 153 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), supply(-)
Attacker: leaders(+), fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
126 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 18 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1
Units destroyed 1



Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
Americal Infantry Division

Defending units:
55th Mountain Gun Regiment
11th JAAF Base Force /1

[Andy Mac]

Even if I could break through when the 2,000 AV on the flank rejoins I would bleed the army dry achieving it.


Ground combat at Moulmein (55,55)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2792 troops, 251 guns, 103 vehicles, Assault Value = 5485

Defending force 124929 troops, 1432 guns, 1812 vehicles, Assault Value = 4061

Japanese ground losses:
27 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 21 (4 destroyed, 17 disabled)


Assaulting units:
17th Indian Division
25th Indian Division
641st Towed Tank Destroyer Battalion
3rd Carabiniers Regiment
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
11th PAVO Regiment
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
8th KGV Light Cav Regiment
45th Indian Brigade
Provisionl Tank Brigade
81st (West African) Division
23rd Indian Division
18th British Division
84th Indian Brigade
7th Indian Division
267th Armoured Brigade
16th Chindit Brigade
31st Infantry Regiment
16th Canadian Brigade
32nd Infantry Division
14th Chindit Brigade
Merrills Marauders Regiment
36th Indian Division
75th IAC Regiment
Gardner's Horse Regiment
5th Indian Division
23rd Chindit Brigade
Guides Cavalry Regiment
158th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
268th Motorised Brigade
4th Marine Regiment
3rd Cavalry Regiment
9th Australian Division
134th Field Artillery Battalion
XV Indian Corps
23rd AA Bde
26th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
156th USA Base Force
20th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
97th Field Artillery Battalion
159th USA Base Force
IV Corps RIASC Base Force
23rd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
29th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
XV Corps RIASC Base Force
21st Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Indian AA Bde
14th Army
6th Mixed A/T Mtr Regiment
24th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Indian Heavy AA Regiment
6th Medium Regiment
IV Indian Corps
30th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
22nd Light AA Regiment
II/14th Army RIASC Base Force

Defending units:
1st Ind.Mixed Regiment
3rd Raiding Regiment
33rd Division
56th Engineer Regiment
11th Division
60th Division
4th Guards Division
Guards Tank Division
9th Division
2nd Guards Division
32nd Division
3rd Tank Division
7th RTA/B Division
4th Shipping Engineer Regiment
28th Army
51st Ind.AA Gun Co
Burma Area Army
40th JNAF AF Unit
39th Road Const Co
26th Special Base Force
3rd Mortar Battalion
16th AA Regiment
51st Field AA Battalion
1st Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st JAAF Base Force
69th Field AA Battalion
41st Air Defense AA Regiment
48th Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
55th Field AA Battalion
21st Army
15th Army
12th Mortar Battalion
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
8th JAAF AF Bn
2nd Medium Mortar Battalion
1st Provisional Base Force

[Andy Mac]

SWPAC

Black lines

Amercal Div and a couple of Tank Bns moving on Lae by different axis of advance

Paratroopers will be prepared to assist

Orange Lines

All bases to be siezed and built up in preparation for assault on New Britain

I Aus Corps to capture all bases inside Orange Perimeter
7th Div
8th Div
12th NZ Bde
and a couple of US Army Regts

[Andy Mac]

The overall strategic plan for the remainder of 44 is to advance to the yellow perimeter

This means short LBA covered hooks across NG
Siezing the Andaman Islands
Taking the Gilbers/Marshalls and cleaning up rear areas acorss the Pacific

If I do all that I will still be a year behind but at least I will be in positon for the 1945 crazy risk attack at a yet to be identified location !!!!

[Andy Mac]

Obviously the key being not to suffer any more losses to my Fleet while hopefully attriting PZB's

[traskott]

The key move is at gilbert/marshalls. You must success at that strike. The others are easy cake...

[Crackaces]

AndyMac:

Are you one year behind your strategic plan or the Real Life Plan? Because as you well know the RF plan is vs. Scenario #1 and really arrogant IJ leaders that threw away their assest. My take is you are on schedule for a minor victory Is that your thoughts at this point?

[Andy Mac]

not sure behind where I should be after the great 1st year I had in this game probably.

Anyway paratroopers siezed ony of the dot bases sout of Milne bay and the bulk of 8th Aus Div landed on Milne bay yesterday

7th Div is afloat and will go in if required

Beyond that future ops will depend on PZB to some extent

[Andy Mac]

Interesting turn today KB arrived un announced in the SWPAC and spanked a few ships I lost about 10 total only one that matters was the Devonshire

Annoying but cest la vie.

I had landed most of 7th and 8th Divs and milne bay almost fell and will fall tomorrow.

That will give me Buna, Milne Bay, PM, Terapo and soon Salamaua as large air bases and will allow total dominatikon of thwe islands tot he south of Milne Bay.

So the plan is working - shoestriing is going ahead

KB was a surprise LR search missed them and my intel had them at Manila whwere in about 2 days 100 B29's were going to bomb the port to try and nail them - no point now although I may still go ahead and mine the bataan channel just out out of spite...

Looks like they sprinted in because half the carriers were behind and only the Jills launched so it was out of Judy range because I had pulled my TF's back towards PM

Its a fairly large strategic diversion given my Pac Fleet is about to sortie on its next set of objectives - why would PZB commit KB so far away fromt he main theatre just to sink a few ships please please keep doing it one time my LBA will slaughter KB of all the theatres to bring KB to this is NOT the one !!!!

I am mildly annoyed about the lost ships but as long as PZB keeps taking these risks with KB one time he will get unlucky and it will crippple KB giving my fleet a free hand !!!

[Andy Mac]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 06, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Milne Bay at 101,133, Range 30,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-228

Allied Ships
CL Adelaide
CL Dauntless
DD Sims
DE Hotspur
DE Austin
DE Crouter
AM Arnidale
AK Ascella
AK Cheleb
AK Pavo
AK Livingston
AK Indus
AK Alamosa
AK Amador
AK Antrim
AK Beaverhead
LST-39
LST-40
LST-41
LST-122
LST-335
LST-350
LST-446
LST-479
LST-484
LCI-435
PC Jackson



Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms with 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 100% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 3,000 yards
Allied TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 8,000 yards...
Range increases to 13,000 yards...
Range increases to 18,000 yards...
Range increases to 23,000 yards...
Range increases to 30,000 yards...
Allied Amphibious TF evades combat


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Milne Bay at 101,133, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-228, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CVE Corregidor
CA Sussex
CL Sumatra
CL Mauritius
CL Birmingham
CL Glasgow
CL Mobile
DD Bache
DD Monssen
DD Panther
DD Crane
DD Kilty
DD Humphreys



Low visibility due to Thunderstorms with 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 100% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
MTB G-228 sunk by DD Monssen at 1,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Milne Bay at 101,133, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-221
MTB G-232
MTB G-234, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-10, Shell hits 15, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Dauntless
DD Sims
DE Hotspur
DE Crouter, Shell hits 1
AM Arnidale
AK Ascella
AK Livingston
AK Indus
AK Amador
AK Antrim
LST-39
LST-40
LST-41
LST-122
LST-335, Shell hits 1
LST-350
LST-446
LST-479, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
LST-484
LCI-435
PC Jackson



Poor visibility due to Thunderstorms with 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 100% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
MTB G-10 sunk by LST-479 at 1,000 yards
LST-479 sunk by MTB G-234 at 1,000 yards
MTB G-232 engages DE Crouter at 1,000 yards
DE Crouter engages MTB G-221 at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
AK Antrim , AK Amador , AK Indus ,
AK Livingston , AK Ascella , LST-484 ,
LST-446 , LST-350 screened from combat
- escorted by DD Sims , DE Crouter , DE Hotspur ,
PC Jackson , AM Arnidale
MTB G-234 sunk by CL Dauntless at 2,000 yards
MTB G-232 engages LST-335 at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
AK Antrim , AK Amador , AK Indus ,
AK Livingston , AK Ascella , LST-484 ,
LST-446 , LST-350 screened from combat
- escorted by DD Sims , DE Crouter , DE Hotspur ,
PC Jackson , AM Arnidale
Range increases to 5,000 yards
DE Crouter engages MTB G-221 at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
AK Antrim , AK Amador , AK Indus screened from combat
- escorted by DD Sims , DE Crouter , DE Hotspur ,
PC Jackson , AM Arnidale
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Milne Bay at 101,133, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-541
MTB G-839
MTB G-840
MTB G-841
MTB G-842, Shell hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CVE Corregidor
CA Sussex
CL Sumatra
CL Mauritius
CL Birmingham
CL Glasgow
CL Mobile, Shell hits 2
DD Bache
DD Monssen
DD Panther
DD Crane
DD Kilty
DD Humphreys



Poor visibility due to Thunderstorms with 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 100% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
MTB G-842 engages CVE Corregidor at 1,000 yards
CA Sussex engages MTB G-842 at 1,000 yards
CL Mobile engages MTB G-842 at 1,000 yards
MTB G-541 engages CA Sussex at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
CL Birmingham engages MTB G-842 at 2,000 yards
CVE Corregidor screened from combat
- escorted by DD Humphreys , DD Kilty , DD Crane ,
DD Panther , DD Monssen , DD Bache
CVE Corregidor screened from combat
- escorted by DD Humphreys , DD Kilty , DD Crane ,
DD Panther , DD Monssen , DD Bache
CL Mauritius engages MTB G-842 at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
CVE Corregidor screened from combat
- escorted by DD Humphreys , DD Kilty , DD Crane ,
DD Panther , DD Monssen , DD Bache
CA Sussex engages MTB G-842 at 3,000 yards
CL Sumatra engages MTB G-541 at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
CVE Corregidor screened from combat
- escorted by DD Humphreys , DD Kilty , DD Crane ,
DD Panther , DD Monssen , DD Bache
MTB G-842 sunk by CL Mauritius at 2,000 yards
CVE Corregidor screened from combat
- escorted by DD Humphreys , DD Kilty , DD Crane ,
DD Panther , DD Monssen , DD Bache
Range increases to 3,000 yards
CA Sussex engages MTB G-541 at 3,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
CVE Corregidor screened from combat
- escorted by DD Humphreys , DD Kilty , DD Crane ,
DD Panther , DD Monssen , DD Bache
Range increases to 5,000 yards
CVE Corregidor screened from combat
- escorted by DD Humphreys , DD Kilty , DD Crane ,
DD Panther , DD Monssen , DD Bache
CA Sussex engages MTB G-841 at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
DD Humphreys engages MTB G-839 at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
CVE Corregidor screened from combat
- escorted by DD Humphreys , DD Kilty , DD Crane ,
DD Panther , DD Monssen , DD Bache
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Milne Bay at 101,134, Range 28,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CL Isuzu
CL Kitakami
DD Shikinami
DD Oboro
DD Mutsuki
DD Asakaze
DD Hayate

Allied Ships
CL Adelaide
DE Austin
AK Cheleb
AK Pavo
AK Alamosa
AK Beaverhead



Poor visibility due to Thunderstorms
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms: 7,000 yards
Range closes to 26,000 yards...
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 7,000 yards
Allied TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 8,000 yards...
Range increases to 9,000 yards...
Range increases to 10,000 yards...
Range increases to 11,000 yards...
Range increases to 12,000 yards...
Range increases to 13,000 yards...
Range increases to 14,000 yards...
Range increases to 15,000 yards...
Range increases to 16,000 yards...
Range increases to 17,000 yards...
Range increases to 18,000 yards...
Range increases to 19,000 yards...
Range increases to 20,000 yards...
Range increases to 21,000 yards...
Range increases to 22,000 yards...
Range increases to 23,000 yards...
Range increases to 24,000 yards...
Range increases to 25,000 yards...
Range increases to 26,000 yards...
Range increases to 27,000 yards...
Range increases to 28,000 yards...
Range increases to 29,000 yards...
Range increases to 30,000 yards...
Range increases to 30,000 yards...
Allied Escort TF evades combat


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Merauke , at 89,124

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 44 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 39
N1K1-J George x 24



Allied aircraft
P-39N1 Airacobra x 7


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-39N1 Airacobra: 1 destroyed



Aircraft Attacking:
24 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 30000 feet
17 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet

CAP engaged:
15th FG/46th FS with P-39N1 Airacobra (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 4 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Merauke , at 89,124

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 98 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 36
N1K1-J George x 3



Allied aircraft
P-39N1 Airacobra x 2


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-39N1 Airacobra: 1 destroyed



Aircraft Attacking:
27 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
3 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 30000 feet

CAP engaged:
15th FG/46th FS with P-39N1 Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 148th Infantry Regiment, at 101,133 (Milne Bay)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 56 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes


Allied aircraft
SBD-5 Dauntless x 15


No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
15 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing from 16000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 10th RF Gun Battalion ...
Also attacking 148th Infantry Regiment ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Palmyra , at 170,133

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 52 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 11
F6F-3 Hellcat x 2
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 12
PV-1 Ventura x 12


No Allied losses



Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 66


Japanese aircraft losses
H8K2 Emily: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 48

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd JNAF AF Unit , at 101,133 (Milne Bay)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 8
Kittyhawk IV x 6
Mitchell II x 11
Spitfire VIII x 18
PV-1 Ventura x 14
B-25D1 Mitchell x 32
B-25G Mitchell x 9
B-25H Mitchell x 6
P-38H Lightning x 12
P-40K Warhawk x 13
P-40N5 Warhawk x 7
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 11
P-51B Mustang x 10


Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 10 damaged
B-25G Mitchell: 1 damaged
B-25H Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
7 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 5000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 5000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x Mitchell II bombing from 5000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-25H Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-25G Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25G Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 10th RF Gun Battalion ...
Also attacking 148th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 10th RF Gun Battalion ...
Also attacking 148th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 10th RF Gun Battalion ...
Also attacking 2nd JNAF AF Unit ...
Also attacking 148th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 2nd JNAF AF Unit ...
Also attacking 148th Infantry Regiment ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
Liberator GR.VI x 7
B-24D1 Liberator x 35
B-24J Liberator x 26


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator GR.VI: 2 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged



Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 36

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Liberator GR.VI bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 250 lb GP Bomb
2 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Woodlark Island , at 104,133

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 13



Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 39


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged



Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 36

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Yamada Det S-2 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Zuiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 148th Infantry Regiment, at 101,133 (Milne Bay)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 64 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 3
Hurricane XIIb x 9
A-24 Banshee x 14
A-24B Banshee x 17
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 6


No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x A-24 Banshee bombing from 16000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
12 x A-24 Banshee bombing from 16000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
9 x A-24B Banshee bombing from 16000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
8 x A-24B Banshee bombing from 16000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 2nd JNAF AF Unit ...
Also attacking 148th Infantry Regiment ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Palmyra , at 170,133

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes


Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 12
P-38J Lightning x 15
F6F-3 Hellcat x 2


Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 1 damaged



Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 19


Japanese aircraft losses
H8K2 Emily: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged



Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 15

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 3
B-24J Liberator x 15


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 56 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 3
B-25D1 Mitchell x 35


No Allied losses



Port hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 15000 feet *
Port Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
14 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 15000 feet *
Port Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 15000 feet *
Port Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 15000 feet *
Port Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 3
B-25D1 Mitchell x 11


Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 15000 feet *
Port Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Palmyra , at 170,133

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes


Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 12
F6F-3 Hellcat x 2


No Allied losses



Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 61 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 12
P-38J Lightning x 1


No Allied losses



Port hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 15000 feet *
Port Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6
B-25D1 Mitchell x 8


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses



Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 15000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 7


Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 damaged



Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Woodlark Island , at 104,133

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 26
A6M5b Zero x 1



Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 2


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed



CAP engaged:
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Taiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Shinano-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Unryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Amagi-1 with A6M5b Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Katsuragi-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Taiyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Yamada Det S-2 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 58 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 18


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses



Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 13

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 69 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6


Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 damaged



Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Merauke at 89,124

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 112 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 36
P1Y1 Frances x 9



No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAK Coquina, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AM Shepparton
xAK Sagadahoc, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
9 x P1Y1 Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
27 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet

Coquina dead in the water ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 100,136

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 127
A6M5b Zero x 17
B6N1 Jill x 11
B6N2 Jill x 65



Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 1
P-38J Lightning x 2
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 1
F6F-3 Hellcat x 7


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 2 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 11 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
AK Antrim, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CA Canberra, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
APA Harry Lee, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
CA Frobisher, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Devonshire
DD Renshaw
DD Philip
AK Indus
xAK Mahukona, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
AK Bullock
APA Joseph T. Dickman, Torpedo hits 1
LST-39, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Cape May, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAP Le Maire
DD Schroeder
CL Dauntless, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
509 casualties reported
Squads: 24 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 24 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 31 (31 destroyed, 0 disabled)


Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
11 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
13 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
10 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
9 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
9 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
8 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
11 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
8 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
17 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
11 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
14 x A6M5b Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
13 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
8 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
9 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
11 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet

CAP engaged:
No.79 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk III (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
VMF-216 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 2 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
51st FG/16th FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
347th FG/339th FS with P-38J Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38J Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 100,136

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 93 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B6N2 Jill x 9



Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 1
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 1
F6F-3 Hellcat x 1


Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAK Mariso, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
CA Devonshire


Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
51st FG/16th FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
347th FG/339th FS with P-38J Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VMF-216 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 100,136

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 126
A6M5b Zero x 17
B6N2 Jill x 127



Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 1
P-38J Lightning x 2
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 1
F6F-3 Hellcat x 3


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 15 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVE Corregidor, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
LST-41, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Rochussen, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CA Frobisher, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CL Mauritius
CA Devonshire, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CA Sussex
AK Amador
AK Beltrami, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Blount
DD Stanly
DD Humphreys
CL Sumatra, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CL Birmingham, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
DD Philip
xAP Republic, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Glasgow
LSI(L) Empire Pride, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Brevard
DD Monssen
CL Mobile
xAP Van Rees, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
AK Bullock
AK Cabell, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk


Allied ground losses:
1127 casualties reported
Squads: 68 destroyed, 29 disabled
Non Combat: 32 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 26 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 13 (13 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 10 (10 destroyed, 0 disabled)


Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
12 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
15 x B6N2 Jill bombing from 15000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
12 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
27 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
20 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
17 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
17 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
17 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
13 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
5 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
9 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
11 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
9 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
6 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
9 x A6M5b Zero sweeping at 15000 feet

CAP engaged:
No.79 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk III (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
VMF-216 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
51st FG/16th FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
347th FG/339th FS with P-38J Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38J Lightning (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring LST-41


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 100,136

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 3,100 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 4



Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 1


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAK Corinda, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 15 (2 destroyed, 13 disabled)


Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38J Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 100,134

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y1 Judy x 27
D4Y3 Judy x 9



Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1 Judy: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Adelaide, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
AK Pavo, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
AK Cheleb, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Alamosa, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
27 x D4Y1 Judy bombing from 15000 feet *
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
9 x D4Y3 Judy bombing from 15000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Adelaide
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AK Alamosa
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AK Pavo


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 100,136

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 118 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 39 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B6N1 Jill x 10
B6N2 Jill x 18



Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 1


Japanese aircraft losses
B6N1 Jill: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
APA Doyen, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Renshaw
DD Nicholas
APD Herbert, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
LSI(L) Empire Pride, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Philip



Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
9 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38J Lightning (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 100,134

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y1 Judy x 25



No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CL Adelaide, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DE Austin, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Cheleb, on fire, heavy damage
AK Pavo, heavy fires, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
25 x D4Y1 Judy bombing from 15000 feet *
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Adelaide
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DE Austin
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AK Pavo


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Milne Bay (101,133)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 10531 troops, 295 guns, 57 vehicles, Assault Value = 652

Defending force 3732 troops, 31 guns, 15 vehicles, Assault Value = 102

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 4

Allied adjusted assault: 453

Japanese adjusted defense: 139

Allied assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 4)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), disruption(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
587 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 48 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 7 (3 destroyed, 4 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
252 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 94 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 21 disabled
Guns lost 9 (1 destroyed, 8 disabled)


Assaulting units:
7th Australian Division
8th Australian Div /10

Defending units:
148th Infantry Regiment
10th RF Gun Battalion
2nd JNAF AF Unit

[Andy Mac]

Oh and Copahee when down as well but she was already crippled from yesterday but would have probablty made it !!!

Shoestring was always going to pay a butchers bill this was probably a little more than I wanted

[traskott]

Sorry, but I don't understand. You have lost a CVE, several cruisers an a good number of precious APAs or such, and u see as an strategic diversion ? It would be if any attack will begin in less than a week....If not, it's only more allied losses. Sure: Allied have A LOT of CVEs...but one every week, and.... xDDDD, and cruisers and AKs and APAs are very scarce...dunno...

PzB won't take any risk with the KB at this pace, and, with the previous outcome of the naval battles we have seen, I would not bet for the yankees :p , I will put my bucks on the yellow card [:'(].

[Andy Mac]

I lost a CVE 1 cruiser and some amphibs and it hurts a little not denying that (actually the CA more than the CVE)

But consider what I have gained. Milne Bay will fall and with it the whole SWPAC theatre opens up. That means the last obstacle between me and New Britain is gone.

I will be abe to fill Milne Bay, Buna and the bases to the SW of Milne Bay with SBD's and TBF's and long range fighters Put Mediums on PM and basically it makes SWPAC attacks possible and keep grinding forward to prep for the 45 offensive.

This may seem like small beer to everyone else but my losses in carriers and BB's means I CANNOT afford to have a large fleet presence in SWPAC - I just dont have the assets my fleet has to be concentrated in CENTPAC to make progress. So I am going to take losses in SWPAC as I cannot afford the fleet presence to avoid it. These losses are acceptable its that simple

So for me the critical part of the operation was capturing Milne Bay the losses hurt yes but ultimately I have far more lift than I will ever need with CENTPAC already and if PZB wants to send the full KB to SWPAC you know what that frees my hands in other theatres

Just so we are clear PZB once again played it really well but he took a risk that was needless to do so

I had a massive CAP trap set at PM wth ships in TF's so had he tried to attack with LBA from anywhere north of Green Island they would be shredded and he doesnt have much air support south of Green Island so I did not expect massive LBA.

The only weapon he could use to hurt me was KB and only from the SW because if they came in from north KB would have gotten shredded by the massed Thuds at PM

PZB played it perfectly but even so he was within one hex of totally missing me and if he was one hex closer than his eventual position (or if he had reacted) I had 200 SBD's and 100 B25D1's ready to hit KB with an escort of Thuds and P38's

I guess what I am saying is the smart play for PZB is to use small SCTF's not KB in this situation - I WANT PZB messing about at the edge of my massed LBA because then all it takes is one mistake or one piece of bad luck and he is toast.

My main offensive has to be CENTPAC - PZB knows it, I know it - SWPAC is a sideshow - losing KB as a fleet in being (his most potent weapon) to squash a realtivelly minor operation strategically is a big deal especially as I achieve the objective which was to take Milne Bay

Once I had 2 Divs ashore he isnt going to hold the base.

I would far far far prefer to have my LBA (my strongest weapon) go toe to toe with KB leaving my carriers free to support my amphibs.

So in conclusion perfect play by PZB hasnt stopped me taking my objective and has committed his carriers to an operation that could have went badly wrong.

Am I annoyed about my losses yes - but not as bothered as if I had failed to take the objective.....this objective was worth that price to me and the objective was definitly worth PZB risking his fleet to ME