Slow Death in the Pacific

[saj42]

I'm still here. I only get the chance to check in every other day or so. I didn't realise this was a joint AAR. Nice to see things are hotting up in the South Pacific.

ADM Halsey - landings on New Caledonia - that took me by surprise [;)]

[ADM Halsey]

Nice to see you back reading Tallyho. Operations in the DEI have taken shape since the last time you checked in. I understand the time zone difference. [:D]

[joliverlay]

Secret: Briefing by "M" for the PM.

Mr. Prime Minister

Today's briefing will be a follow up on recent actions in the Pacific and a little intellegence we have on our friends across the pond and their plans for the Japanease in the South Pacific.

First, it seems the American Forces on Batan and Corrigador surrendered yesterday. Unlike our lads in our Fortress at Singapore, they seem not to have been well supplied or well led. Typical Americans. Well, the good news is that Commenwealth Forces are doing quite well thank you. We have 2CVs a CVL, and 6 BBs in reserve in theater. We have a solid line in Northern Burma, strong postions around Singapore. While the Japanese have landed in Borneo and near Plambang there progress is very slow, and Java is not even threatened. We are even thinking about a relief convoy to Singapore, depending on what KB is up to.

Now regarding our intellegence. We've been rather curious about whether or not the Americans were going to be able to maintain their supply lines to the SW Pacific and Brisbane. After that little disaster at Christmas Island their ineptitude has been exceeded only by their luck and Japanese ineptitude. In the insuing three weeks they have been using a squadron of very large transports to ferry men to Christmass Island by Air directly from Hilo. It seems they airlifted an entire reinforced regimental combat team. Just enough to just thwart the naval landings on the Atoll by the Japanese. No doubt the Japanese have no idea where the troops are comming from. Anway, it seems the Americans have sealifted approximately division sized units and supporting troops to the Society Islands and established two very large bases there with considerable air support. Having completed these bases they are not moving naval assest back north to Christmass Island, South from Pearl and East from the Con US. Some reports suggest capital ships have left Pearl Harbor and San Francisco heading for Christmas Island. If they get there before KB, things may get real hot for the Japanese.

Our Amerian friends really got lucky at Nomea. A two CV task force wondering aimlessly blundered into the Jap CVE/CVL raiding force last week and shadowned the Japs for three days bombing their CAs and CLs after the CVLs. Meanwhile, the Nomea garrison was on the verge of surrender, and now is holding the Japanese at bay.

We estimate the Americans have a CV near Nomea, a CV near Christmas Island, and local superiority, at least for a few more days in both areas. Just enough time to increase their garrisons sufficiently to last another few weeks. Somehow they have managed to delay a relatively simple occupation at Nomea and Christmas Island for a month. If we are lucky, KB will head back east to deal with these forces leaving us free to send a convoy to Singapore!

A situation map is attached for your review.

Best Regards,

M

[joliverlay]

04/02/42

Another confusing day in the South Pacific. While the US is Down by 2CVs to 2CVEs/1CVE it continues causing grief by attacks on Japanese away from KB. Splitting up the Allied CVs allows some serious cat and mouse activity. If Japs have KB leave DEI, maybe 2 British CVs will come out to play!

Today Japs likely lose 3 AVs + 1 DD, Allies lose 3DDs and a AK. KB probably making flank speed from DEI back to South Pacific. This will futher hamper Japanese plans to raid sea lines of communication using light forces.

The Hornet has been hiding south of Christmas Island waiting to cover transports prepared to unload. She dispatches her VF group to the island to cover the lunloading and moves about 200 Miles S.S.E. of the island. (Hopefully out of Palmyra/Betty range.) Much to everyone's suprise the Japanese have moved AVs with float planes to interdict the tranports heading S a SW of here to Bora Bora or Brisbane/Sidney. The result is unmolested attacks by Hornet's dive bombers on the Seaplane raiders.

Allied aircraft attack SBD Dauntless x 33

DD Shiratsuyu
AV Kiyokawa Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AV Kinagawa Maru
AV Kimikawa Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shigure

Meanwhile the float planes looking for transports attack Hornet, which has no cap. Good thing these are float planes!

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 2
E13A1 Jake x 5

Allied Ships
CV Hornet


Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 2
E13A1 Jake x 3

Allied Ships
CV Hornet


Meanwhile the Japanease must have a CVL left near Nomea that strike to DDs interdicting transport landings directly at Nomea.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A2 Val x 14
B5N2 Kate x 6


Allied Ships
DD Cassin, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Evertsen, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


The last thing of the morning is a strike by Japanese LBA from Palmyra which gets its licks in, tangling with Hornets Fighters.

Day Air attack on TF, near Christmas Island
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
G3M Nell x 8
G4M1 Betty x 9

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Explorer
AK Excelsior
DD Farragut, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage



After lunch it all starts again. Hornet reloads her Dive bombers for another go at the AVs

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 29


Japanese Ships
DD Shiratsuyu, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AV Kinagawa Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AV Kimikawa Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shigure

PM attacks by Japanese LBA against ships at Christmas

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
G4M1 Betty x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Lillian Luckenbach, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Lena Luckenbach

Repeat Air attack by unseen Jap CVL on TF, near Noumea

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A2 Val x 9
B5N2 Kate x 2

Allied Ships
DD Cassin, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Evertsen, on fire, heavy damage

[ADM Halsey]

Naval General Staff Meeting Tokyo Japan

Briefing by Captain Sadatoshi Tomioka:

Gentlemen I begin with our Operations currently underway in the Southeast Pacific. Currently Palmyra is under our control and operating at full capacity. Christmas Island is still under American control and they are putting up a desperate fight to hold the island. They have shipped in some supplies and additional troops after our battleship force moved off for rearmament and refueling. We are currently controlling the skies over the island and will be reinforcing with two additional units.

Our scout ships operating from Canton Island signaled it has located a American carrier operating to the south of Christmas Island. We are waiting for further details. Do to this discovery additional air assets have been moved to the area.

In the South Pacific we have secured most of New Caledonia. There are two brigades currently trapped on the island. Reports have been confirmed from Southeast Fleet Headquarters that Commander Obayashi went down with the Zuiho. Both of our carriers were sunk in this battle and reports have determined that the carriers Lexington and Enterprise under the Command of Admiral Halsey where damaged.

Admiral Yamamoto “ Captain Tomioka, has the 4th and 5th Carrier Division been dispatched to replaced those lost in that battle?”

Yes sir they have been dispatched and are under way.

Admiral Yamamoto “What is the status of Nagumo and his forces?”

Sir they are rearming and preparing for phase two of their current operational orders.

Admiral Yamamoto “Please finish with your report Captain Tomioka.”

Yes Sir. As you are aware the Philippines require just a few more island to be taken. These are the lesser important islands. Bataan has fallen and General Tojo has ordered the majority of the ground forces and air forces to be deployed to Malaya and Burma. Forces will remain behind that are to continue operation in the Philippines, Borneo, and Java. Malaya has been heavily fortified are Singapore is still under British control for now. With the fall of the Philippines Malaya should be no problem to finish off within two to three weeks.

(Below, the death of the Shoho. Film was taken from a downed American dive bomber pilot.)

[saj42]

ORIGINAL: joliverlay

04/02/42

Meanwhile the Japanease must have a CVL left near Nomea that strike to DDs interdicting transport landings directly at Nomea.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A2 Val x 14
B5N2 Kate x 6

Allied Ships
DD Cassin, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Evertsen, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Is the strike coming from an ocean or land hex?
If from ocean then - yes - a CVL is still in area
If from land then they could be orphaned aircraft from the CVLs you sank earlier (perhaps at Koumac).

[joliverlay]

Flash Message: ANZAC Naval HQ 04/04/42

Australian, New Zeland, Free French Naval forces engaged forces of the Japanese Empire while covering the landing of two Australian Brigades and a U.S. engineers at 0100 hours local time near Noumea. CA Australia leading 4 CLs and 2 DDs engaged the CAs and 5 DDs. Our forces managed to suprise the enemy with stunning results in several rounds of combat.

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 2, on fire
CA Kako, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Hatsukaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Hatsuharu, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Oboro
DD Kikuzuki, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Mikazuki, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Australia
CL Leander
CL Achilles
CL Perth, Shell hits 1
CL Hobart
DD Porter
DD Le Triomphant, Shell hits 1, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Noumea at 66,117

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 1, on fire
CA Kako, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Hatsukaze, on fire
DD Oboro
DD Mikazuki, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Australia
CL Leander
CL Achilles
CL Perth
CL Hobart
DD Porter
DD Le Triomphant, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Noumea at 66,117

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi, Shell hits 3
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 7, on fire
CA Kako, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Hatsukaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Oboro, Shell hits 1
DD Mikazuki, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Australia, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Leander
CL Achilles, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Perth, Shell hits 1
CL Hobart, Shell hits 2
DD Porter, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Le Triomphant, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While this was going on the Americans also attempted and ambush of Japanease forces at Christmas Island. BB Idaho and escorts only managed to find a very small landing force.

Japanese Ships
PG Kaiun Maru, Shell hits 21, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AP Mitsu Maru #3, Shell hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Idaho
CA Minneapolis
CL Richmond
CL Raleigh
CL Detroit
CL Concord
DD Philip
DD Renshaw
DD Sampson
DD Warrington

Japanese ground losses:
86 casualties reported



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hornet managed to catch some of the transports that broke away before Idaho could close:


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2
SBD Dauntless x 33
TBD Devastator x 15


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Kinryu Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hokumyo Maru, on fire
AP Takuei Maru
AP Chojun Maru
AP Tsuruga Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Sakido Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Tientsin Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kongo Maru
PG Nagata Maru
AP Tanba Maru
AP Yamakuni Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire
AP Otori Maru, Bomb hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
152 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The stealth Japanese CV strikes again! Punishing our naval forces shortly after their night time victory at Nomea. Several repeat air strikes follow later in the afternoon.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A2 Val x 13
B5N2 Kate x 5

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 10 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged


Allied Ships
CA Australia, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Hobart
DD Le Triomphant, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Leander, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 115,96


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2
SBD Dauntless x 29
TBD Devastator x 15


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Tientsin Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Tama Maru #5, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Chojun Maru
AP Yamakuni Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PG Toyotsu Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
PG Nagata Maru
AP Kensyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hokutatsu Maru
AP Kanayamasan Maru
AP Haaburu Maru
PG Kantori Maru

Japanese ground losses:
56 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 66,117

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A2 Val x 5

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 1 damaged


Allied Ships
DMS Long

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
-

[joliverlay]

Tallyho

Good point. Unless my Map View is incorrect the only airfield nearby (Komac) is still level 0, so I suspect it is a CVL. I've been focusing solely on text reports rather than replays to speed things up, I'll watch a couple of replays and see if that gives it away.

I'm going to have to check, but I think the higher average training/experience of the ANZAC forces made a big difference in the naval battle. They really rocked....

[ADM Halsey]

In another game when I was playing the allies I used that same force to jump the battleship Mutsu. There were 2 days of surface engagements. They have a good TF leader and are a bear to deal with.

I did not enjoy seeing them and knew I was in for a but kicking. [&o]

(Below, American carrier Lexington ptoto taken by torpedo bomber crew from Zuiho)

[joliverlay]

Transcript

Navy Department: 04/17/42

Operation Valient Few

Admiral Lay Speaking-The current situation is much more favorable that we expected a month ago. We are still holding Christmas Island and Nomea. Moreover, we are starting to get some of our major assets into action. While KB has damaged some surface warfare assets in the South Pacific near Nomea, this only includes CAs, and smaller warships. On the other hand we have managed to get the Pacific Battle Fleet into Action at Christmass Island. We have three old BBs itching to get into action against a much larger force of Japanese BBs at Christmas Island.

Question from Presidental Staff-Are you risking losing ships to easily?

Admiral Lay-While this may seem somewhat foolish, our forces are close to Pearl, we have better damage control, and Hornet is Nearby to finish criples. So its a calculated risk. Moreover, I have committed to the Army and Marine commanders that we wont land units on islands we won't make a considerable effort to defend. I'm even willing to bet that if we can get our Battle Line into action will give as good as we get even if outnumbered. I also cannot over emphesize the moral effects on our troops. After a month on Christmas Island fighting outnumbered, and having beating off at least 10 attacks and 5 invasions, the arrival of a large fleet of Japanese Transports resulted in a pessemestic report from several batallion commanders. However, within the hour, when the Navy starting swatting the Japanese with 16 inch shells moral peaked and another Japanese landing on the atoll took massive casulties.

Details are given in the hand out below:

In the first pre dusk attack we had about 131 Coastal gun shots fired in defense but to no avail. However after dark we had the aforementioned naval engagement at Christmas Island. The following ships were engaged and the damages is given below.

Japanese Ships
PG Chokai Maru, Shell hits 26, and is sunk
PG Kaikei Maru, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
PG Kantori Maru, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
PG Nagata Maru, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
PG Toyotsu Maru, Shell hits 103, and is sunk
AP Kongo Maru, Shell hits 1
AP Haaburu Maru, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
AP Sakido Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tanba Maru, Shell hits 1
AP Chojun Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hokutatsu Maru, Shell hits 1
AP Kaedesan Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kamishima Maru, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AP Kanayamasan Maru, on fire
AP Kyosei Maru, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
AP Otori Maru
AP Sumiyoshi Maru
AP Takuei Maru

Allied Ships
BB Maryland, Shell hits 1
BB Colorado
BB Idaho
CA Minneapolis
CL Richmond
DD Fox
DD Kennison
DD Crane
DD Kilty
DD Brooks

Meanwhile LB-30s attacked Japanese Supporting Postions at Palymeria

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8

Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
LB-30 Liberator: 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported

Runway hits 6

And Hornet went after Japanese BBs. It seems the BBs abandoned the transports to attempt a nighttime engagement with the Hornet Group, not knowing our BBs would engage their transports. No doubt their invasion commanders are wounding were their navy support is! Anway, Hornet punished the Japs at dawn.


Day Air attack on Jap BB TF near Christmas Island

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
SBD Dauntless x 34
TBD Devastator x 15


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 9 damaged
TBD Devastator: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu, Bomb hits 2
BB Hyuga, Bomb hits 2
BB Ise, Bomb hits 2
BB Fuso
CL Kitakami, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Yamashiro
CA Kinugasa
CL Kinu
Day Air attack on TF at 116,98


Allied aircraft
TBD Devastator x 12


Allied aircraft losses
TBD Devastator: 2 destroyed, 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
BB Ise
BB Fuso

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 12

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Kitakami, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damageDay Air attack on TF at 115,95

Hornet also made a strike against straggeling transports at Christmass

F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
SBD Dauntless x 9


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Sumiyoshi Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Kaedesan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
56 casualties reported

A long range attack on Hornet herself was thwarted.

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Before we get to far it should be noted that this is one of two garrisons we are defending. We have landed three brigades, a marine batallion, and supporting units on Nomea. We also have three squadrons of P-40 a group of P-39s and the surviving air groups from Lexington flying on the island with considerable maintenance and support. These units managed to score two bomb hits and start fires on a Japanese carriers. The president has already recieved a recommendation for a medal of honor for one of the SBD pilots who scored a direct hit on the carrier dispite very long odds and a flak wound.

Day Air attack on TF at 68,121

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 53

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 23
P-40E Warhawk x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 5 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 9 destroyed, 5 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku
CV Akagi
BB Kirishima
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Unfortunately because we elected to continue unloading transports in spite of a risk of air and naval attack we were vulunerable to the attentions of KB

Day Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 66,117

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 51
B5N2 Kate x 101

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
P-39D Airacobra x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 11 destroyed, 1 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 15 destroyed, 39 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CA San Francisco, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Astoria, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA Salt Lake City, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
DD Voyager

Day Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 66,117

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 39
B5N2 Kate x 35

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed

Allied Ships
AK Mormaclark, Torpedo hits 1
AK American Press, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PG Dundas, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK American Builder
AK Murada, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK American Leader, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Day Air attack on TF at 67,123

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 11

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AV Pocomoke, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

I had mentioned the moral effects on our troops, and wanted to report the specifics of last nights attacks. The newly landed units launched a shock attack as they attempted to link up with japanese isolated on a corner of the Atoll. They lost about 10 percent of their force just getting ashore, but it does add consideraby to their numbers. They outnumber is greately. I just can see how they can pack so many men on a small atoll.

Ground combat at Christmas Island

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 9762 troops, 100 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 11830 troops, 120 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0)


Japanese ground losses:
845 casualties reported
Guns lost 41

Allied ground losses:
53 casualties reported
Guns lost 3


Ground combat at Christmas Island

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 11232 troops, 111 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 22607 troops, 161 guns, 3 vehicles

NOTE THIS IS ONE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THE GAME. JAPANESE HAVE FAILED SO MANY SHOCK ATTACKS ON LANDING ON THE ATOLL THAT THEY HAVE 22, 607 TROUPS PRESENT. THEY SHOULD HAVE TO SHOCK ATTACK EVERY TURN UNTIL THEY TAKE THE ISLAND OR DIE. MANY OF THEM HAVE BEEN HERE SIX WEEKS. THEY ONLY SEEM TO FIGHT WHEN A NEW LANDING IS MADE OR WHEN THE WANT TO! OUR BOMBARDMENT OF 22,607 STRAGLERS ON THE CORNER OF AN ATOLL WE CONTROL SHOULD HAVE KILLED SOMEBODY!

[joliverlay]

On 4/28/42 Japanese forces are spotted heading for Christmas Island.

The Allied task forces are dispatched as follows.

CV Force 2CV move 180 miles east of the island to hit bombardment task force with 1000 lb bombs. 3 Squadrons of TBDs join three Marine VFs (2 From CVs in area and one from CV transiting to SF for repairs.) This will discourage KB or baby KB from moving directly towards the CVs. The BB TF is ordered to patrol the island at night, and the CA TF is ordered to escort a Seabee unit scheduled to start docking in within 1 day. The transports continue unloading with promised support from the BBs.

The only concerns are:

1) They have more BBs
2) They have KB

Perhaps we have the advantage of suprise and the unsinkable base on the island.

The situation map is printed below.

[joliverlay]

4/29/42 Indecisive Action

4/30/42 All heck breaks lose.

Six months of desire for revenge let lose. Maryland, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Idaho score its on Jap BBs. A 3 16 inch shells rip into Natato and she explodes. The presence of the old US BBs must have been a suprise, it appears the Jap BBs were armed with HE for attacks against the airfield.

The Japs recover, change to AP and manage hits on Oklahoma and Idaho (with only 14 inch guns). Maryland and Colorado continue droping 16 inchers into the Jap BBs. DD Kelty take a torpedo inshore and lights up the night sky.

The japs turn torwards the Americans at flank speed. Finally a heavy shell hits Maryland and Oklahoma and Idaho are ablaze. However, the Americans score four times as many heavy caliber hits on the Jap BBs. Now Hyuga, and Fuso are burning.

This may be the greatest naval battle since Jutland.

When Dawn Beaks 24 LB-30s light up Palmyra, trying to damage Jap Strikes on Christmas and the American Defenders. At least one Betty is seen buring next to a hanger.

Shorlty thereafter 37 devastators and 11 marine wildcats tangle with Jap Zeros, over the damaged BBs. The TBDs manage 6 torpedo hits on the damaged BBs (2 on Hyuga and 4 on Fuso). With serious losses to Jap AA.

Jap Bettys and Nells (22 and 14) from Palymara reach the island around 11 am. They are unescorted. The Zeros were stripped off to fight the LB-30s. Between the wildcats, smoke, and confusion, the Japs manage a torpedo into a DMS, but AP President Monroe is able to unload Seabees without interruption. About that time the Jap CV based aircraft hith the AKs unloading supplies. 4 AKs and a DD take torpedoes. Supplies are being hastily retreived from the buring and sinking hulks. Other CV based strikes find a damaged DD scoring a hit and drop one bomb each on fleeing Idaho and Oklahoma, now some 100 miles south of the island heading out to sea at flank speed.

Lather than afternoon everyone is exhausted but 17 TBDs manage to put two torpedoes into Hyuga while 39 Vals and Kates put 4 bombs into Oklahoma and 1 into Idaho as they flee.

Navy officials have assured the president that NO us BBs or CVs are in danger of sinking, however we are quite certin to have sunk two Jap BBs. Rumors abound that the Combined Army/Marine garrison may attempt to throw the 20,000 Japanese off the atoll soon. Surely without resupply and low on food and ammunition they should be vulnerable.

A complete report follows.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/30/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Christmas Island at 116,96

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 3, heavy damage
BB Mutsu
BB Ise
BB Hyuga, Shell hits 1
BB Fuso, Shell hits 1
BB Yamashiro
CA Myoko, Shell hits 1
CA Haguro
CA Kinugasa, Shell hits 1
CL Kinu
DD Kisaragi
DD Oite

Allied Ships
BB Maryland
BB Colorado
BB Oklahoma
BB Idaho
CA Pensacola
CA Vincennes
CL Boise, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Laffey, Shell hits 1
DD Cushing
DD Kilty
DD Brooks
DD Kane

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Christmas Island at 116,96

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, and is sunk
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 2
BB Ise, Shell hits 1
BB Hyuga, Shell hits 1, on fire
BB Fuso, Shell hits 1
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 1
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Kinugasa
CL Kinu
DD Kisaragi
DD Oite, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
BB Maryland
BB Colorado
BB Oklahoma, Shell hits 1
BB Idaho, Shell hits 2
CA Pensacola
CA Vincennes
CL Boise, on fire, heavy damage
DD Laffey
DD Cushing
DD Kilty, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Brooks
DD Kane, Shell hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Christmas Island at 116,96

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 2
BB Ise, Shell hits 1
BB Hyuga, Shell hits 5, on fire
BB Fuso, Shell hits 4, on fire
BB Yamashiro
CA Myoko, Shell hits 6, on fire
CA Haguro, Shell hits 1
CA Kinugasa, Shell hits 4
CL Kinu
DD Kisaragi
DD Oite

Allied Ships
BB Maryland, Shell hits 1
BB Colorado
BB Oklahoma, Shell hits 2, on fire
BB Idaho, Shell hits 1, on fire
CA Pensacola
CA Vincennes
CL Boise, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Laffey
DD Cushing
DD Kilty, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Brooks, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Kane

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Balikpapan , at 31,64


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 17


No Allied losses

Oil hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Palmyra , at 110,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed
H6K2-L Mavis: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
LB-30 Liberator: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
4 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
2 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
2 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 21st Mixed Brigade, at 34,30

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 13

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27 Nate: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 114,97

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
TBD Devastator x 37

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged
TBD Devastator: 3 destroyed, 17 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
BB Fuso, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Christmas Island at 116,96

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 14
G4M1 Betty x 22

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Monaghan
DMS Boggs, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Monroe

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Christmas Island at 116,96

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A2 Val x 6
B5N2 Kate x 30

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
AK Tuscaloosa City, Torpedo hits 1
DD Preston, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Smith
AK Ensley City, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Mauna Ala, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Susana, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Christmas Island at 116,96

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged


Allied Ships
AK Susana, on fire
AK Ensley City, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 118,98

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
B5N2 Kate x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Dunlap, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 118,98

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
D3A2 Val x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 5 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Idaho, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pontianak , at 24,57


Allied aircraft
CW-21B Demon x 3
Martin 139 x 17


Allied aircraft losses
Martin 139: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Martin 139 bombing at 15000 feet
4 x Martin 139 bombing at 15000 feet
5 x Martin 139 bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Koumac , at 65,114

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
SBD Dauntless x 6
P-40E Warhawk x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 4 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 114,97

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7
TBD Devastator x 17

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged
TBD Devastator: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Christmas Island at 116,96

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3
G4M1 Betty x 4

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged


Allied Ships
DD Monaghan
DMS Boggs, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 118,98

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
D3A2 Val x 13
B5N2 Kate x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 1 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 4, on fire
BB Idaho, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 5000 feet
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 5000 feet
2 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 5000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 5000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Christmas Island at 116,96

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
AK Tuscaloosa City
DD Preston, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 10,25

Japanese Ships
SS I-123, hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Fortune
DD Express
DD Encounter
DD Electra
DD Decoy


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 47,36

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 99277 troops, 924 guns, 44 vehicles

Defending force 26716 troops, 123 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wuchow

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4780 troops, 122 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 27822 troops, 152 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 49,38

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 22658 troops, 182 guns, 16 vehicles

Defending force 14921 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
37 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Pakhoi

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 9479 troops, 67 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 10354 troops, 54 guns, 0 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Christmas Island

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 962 troops, 19 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 19072 troops, 236 guns, 10 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wuchow

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 24713 troops, 136 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 40292 troops, 249 guns, 1 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Noumea

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 15668 troops, 114 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 10664 troops, 50 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Christmas Island

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 15690 troops, 185 guns, 3 vehicles

Defending force 20208 troops, 93 guns, 2 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
107 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

[Nikademus]

is this the game where you were worried about autovictory?

[joliverlay]

Nik,

No, even when I was down 2BBs/2CVs to nothing it never looked like I would lose this game to an autovictory. It is another game where most of the losses are army units and bases. Points from my net losses in ships here have been "protected" by the air losses in this game, and maybe by the 30 odd extra bases on the map.

I plan on winning this game with atom bombs!

[joliverlay]

The Naval Action at Christmas Island Goes On and On.

A group of IJN 5 CV/CVLs (second string) took on Hornet and Enterprise. Both sides took damage, nothing sunk for certain.

Meanwhile, the CAP at Christmass was strong enought to protect the transports as they continued to unload supplies and the 1st Seabees.

The long awaited Allied counterattack against 20,000 japanese stuck on the atoll did no good over two consective days. 20,000 supplied Allied forces (three reinforced regements + support) managed to get 1:1 against an equal number of starving Japanese somewere between the base and the surf on the tiny atoll?? Twice. Allies lost more.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/02/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Christmas Island , at 116,96

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Balikpapan , at 31,64


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 35


No Allied losses

Oil hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Koumac , at 65,114

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
P-40E Warhawk x 19
B-26B Marauder x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 damaged
B-26B Marauder: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 5000 feet
5 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 5000 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 5000 feet
1 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Palmyra , at 110,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31

Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
LB-30 Liberator: 4 destroyed, 4 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
2 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 1st Tank Regiment, at 34,30


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 5


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 119,97

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 33

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
SBD Dauntless x 34
TBD Devastator x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 13 destroyed, 8 damaged
TBD Devastator: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 1
CVE Hosho, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CVL Ryujo
CVE Unyo
CV Hiyo, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 119,97

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2
SBD Dauntless x 34

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 15 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 2
CVE Hosho, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Hiyo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CVE Unyo

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 120,94

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36
D3A2 Val x 15
B5N2 Kate x 24

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 11 destroyed
D3A2 Val: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 4 destroyed, 14 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 9 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Hornet, Bomb hits 3
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 2
DD Grayson, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 120,94

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
D3A2 Val x 9

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 7 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Christmas Island at 116,96

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 6
G4M1 Betty x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed


Allied Ships
DD Monaghan

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Christmas Island at 116,96

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 4

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Christmas Island at 116,96

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 7
G4M1 Betty x 5

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 119,97

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
SBD Dauntless x 14
TBD Devastator x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged
TBD Devastator: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVE Unyo
CV Junyo
CV Hiyo, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 120,94

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
D3A2 Val x 7
B5N2 Kate x 9

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
D3A2 Val: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged


Allied Ships
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CV Hornet

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Christmas Island at 116,96

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Smith

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wuchow

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4816 troops, 124 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 28063 troops, 151 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
55 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 49,38

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 22285 troops, 174 guns, 17 vehicles

Defending force 14342 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 13 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Nanning

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 31430 troops, 235 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 14206 troops, 52 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Pakhoi

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 9451 troops, 68 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 10413 troops, 53 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Christmas Island

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2162 troops, 35 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 20236 troops, 229 guns, 18 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Christmas Island

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 18634 troops, 188 guns, 18 vehicles

Defending force 21046 troops, 95 guns, 2 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
213 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

Allied ground losses:
483 casualties reported
Guns lost 40


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wuchow

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 24872 troops, 134 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 40802 troops, 254 guns, 1 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
56 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Noumea

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 15708 troops, 114 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 10711 troops, 49 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported

[Redd]

Awesome read man.[&o]

I like your style of writing. Mostly commentary, but with just enough combat report to see the important engagements. Keep it up, I will be following this one.[8D]

[saj42]

WOW - great BB battle - haven't seen any like that in a looooong time.

Enterprise looks like she took a bit of a beating

[ADM Halsey]

ORIGINAL: Tallyho!

WOW - great BB battle - haven't seen any like that in a looooong time.

Enterprise looks like she took a bit of a beating

I think in the long run he is coming out on top. I was shocked to see that BB go down like it did whith hardly any hits. Gunner must have gotten lucky [:D]

[joliverlay]

Summary of New Reports and Intellegence for Prime Minister Churchill. 5/8/42

RKO Radio news reports MacAuthor has taken command of the Allied forces in Noumea. This signifies the movement of significant assets from SW Pacific into the New Caladonia theater. The famed 7 Australian Infantry Division has completed movement from the Lybian Desert to Noumea. Reports from our agents at coctail parties in Brisbane suggest as many as 40,000 combat troops in three ANZAC brigades and 7th Inf have completely stalled Japanese movement from Komac to Noumea. Also, the USAAF now acknowledges it is conducting daily attacks on Kumac with P-40s and B-26 Mauraders. Army commanders claim the air buildup will keep KB at bay.

Meanwhile are agents at PH report that Enterprise and Hornet docked recently. Enterprise was listing badly, but Hornet appeared slightly damaged. After only a few hours both left port separately. Meanwhile several BBs sailed into Pearl in broad daylight and with much fanfare. Maryland and Colorado escorted by a Cl and several DDs entered port with all hands on deck with a salute from the remaining ships at Pearl. After taking on a superior, perhaps more modern BB force and defeating them, it has been announced that both ships will recieve duplicate pennets reminisant of the navys famed "Dont tread on me" flag. Several damaged BBs reportdly are about one day behind making best steam.

The First Lord of the Admimalty has suggested the accomplishments of the Americans might merit some comment from the Prime Minister. He actually mentioned the victorys of Lord Nelson in his comments about the American victory. It seem the Americans have halted the tide of Japanese conquest.

[joliverlay]

5/9/42

Flash Message: Radio Intercept PBY Christmas Island on Patrol West of Canton Island.

Partial Text of Message "Japanese BB Hyuga sinks after docking Canton Harbor!"