43 - The Mouse bites back. Rob vs Littlejoe 43+

[Rob Brennan UK]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/25/43

christmas day 1943 and what a day for the allies !

I will keep this as brief as possible as my PC is playing up (to put it mildly)
and keeps locking up unexplicably [&:][:@][:@].

In brief , the carriers round Iwo Jima found and sank two troop transport convoys.
One at Iwo unloading an HQ and base force (at least). the second was 120 miles away
from Iwo and definately took a LOT of men to the bottom (identity unknown).

also several 'empty' AK's and AP's sank in individual attacks , heres the combat reports
on the major attacks .

Day Air attack on TF, near Iwo Jima at 63,53


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 22
SB2C Helldiver x 66
TBM Avenger x 51


Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Tamashima Maru, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PC Takunan Maru #2
AP Keizan Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Minryo Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kitano Maru
AP Tientsin Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tofuku Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tama Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Imizu Maru, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kaedesan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Hokumyo Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kamishima Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hokutatsu Maru, Bomb hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
1050 casualties reported [X(]
Guns lost 2

Day Air attack on TF, near Iwo Jima at 63,53


Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 3
F6F Hellcat x 33
SBD Dauntless x 60
SB2C Helldiver x 95
TBM Avenger x 85


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 1 damaged
TBM Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Amakasu Maru #1, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Sunten Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Urashio Maru, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shinai Maru, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kenkon Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Goyo Maru
AK Natsukawa Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kensyo Maru, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AP Marsue Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Minowa Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Noborikawa Maru
AP Ryotaku Maru

Japanese ground losses:
1323 casualties reported [X(]
Guns lost 6

The last of the transports get clobbered , doubt there is much left unloading at Iwo anymore.

Day Air attack on TF, near Iwo Jima at 63,53


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 31
SBD Dauntless x 31
SB2C Helldiver x 30
TBM Avenger x 50


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Minowa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Sunten Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kenkon Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Noborikawa Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Marsue Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AK Goyo Maru
AK Kensyo Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shinai Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
364 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Task force at sea next up

Day Air attack on TF at 61,53


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 18
SB2C Helldiver x 62
TBM Avenger x 27


Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Higane Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Katuragi Maru, Bomb hits 1
AK Turuga Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Shinyo Maru #5
AK Muroran Maru, Bomb hits 1
AK Kurogane Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Reikai Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Toyama Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Takasan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Nansin Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Yasushima Maru
AK Naruo Maru
AK Shino Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
428 casualties reported

Day Air attack on TF at 61,53


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 17
TBM Avenger x 27


Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Yasushima Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Nansin Maru, on fire
AK Eiwa Maru
AK Arimasan Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Shinyo Maru #5, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Muroran Maru
AK Reikai Maru, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
75 casualties reported


Day Air attack on TF, near Iwo Jima at 63,53


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 29
SBD Dauntless x 62
SB2C Helldiver x 33
TBM Avenger x 31


Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Kaedesan Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tofuku Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kitano Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Hokutatsu Maru
PC Showa Maru #5, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Imizu Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Keizan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tama Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PC Takunan Maru #2, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tientsin Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kamishima Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
21 casualties reported

Day Air attack on TF at 61,53


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 33
SB2C Helldiver x 60
TBM Avenger x 49


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Eiwa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Turuga Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Yamabuki Maru
AK Muroran Maru
AK Takasan Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AK Shino Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Shinyo Maru #5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Argun Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Rokkosan Maru, Bomb hits 1
AK Kenryu Maru
AK Arimasan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Reikai Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AK Yasushima Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Naruo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Koho Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Nansin Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Taikei Maru

Japanese ground losses:
277 casualties reported

Day Air attack on TF at 61,53


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 31
SBD Dauntless x 58
SB2C Helldiver x 66
TBM Avenger x 61


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Koho Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Rokkosan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Yamabuki Maru, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kurogane Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Yasushima Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Naruo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Nansin Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Katuragi Maru, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AK Argun Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Bujun Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kenryu Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Eiwa Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Toyama Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Taikei Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Muroran Maru
AK Reikai Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Takasan Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
551 casualties reported

Day Air attack on TF at 61,53


Allied aircraft
SB2C Helldiver x 30
TBM Avenger x 11


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Argun Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Higane Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Taikei Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Reikai Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kenryu Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported

Phew ! .. got lucky there i think ..

Less lucky was the TK and re-inforcement convoy holding 60 miles off Teklbatong (sumatra)
spitfire CAP wasnt enough to stop japanese bombers .

Day Air attack on TF at 18,58

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 4
A6M3a Zero x 3
G4M1 Betty x 34
G4M2 Betty x 17

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 1 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged
G4M2 Betty: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged


Allied Ships
TK Empire Steel
TK Empire Heritage
TK Empire Norse, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
TK Mindanao
DD Fortune
TK British Motorist
AK Duymaer van Twist, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
TK Empire Coral
TK Francol, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
MSW Rampur
AK Gran, Torpedo hits 1
TK Empire Beresford, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

However I was expecting a visit from the musashi and co and had sent down some land based
torpedo planes to act as a deterrant .. they did a lot better than that however and Musashi
was last seen listing and limping south !

Day Air attack on TF at 21,61


Allied aircraft
Avenger II x 7
Thunderbolt II x 26


Allied aircraft losses
Avenger II: 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage [:D]

As i said it's brief and a lot more happened that rather seconday but in brief singapore
based japanese shipping was again hurt and subs all over the map sink c 10 + merchants
and an oiler and a DD in S Borneo .. 2 allied subs were hit bu jap ASW a/c as the price ..

bye for now

[Rob Brennan UK]

Been a long time coming back to this game, much has been going on irl , but i wont bore any of you with the details [;)]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/27/43

the war continues and opposed to the last 2 days its been a bad'un for the USN at marcus island. Japan sent in some fast CL and DD
combat task forces and the CL one did a real job on the ASW screen .

Night Time Surface Combat, near Marcus Island at 75,56

Japanese Ships
CL Natori
CL Yura, Shell hits 1
CL Kinu
CL Abukuma
CL Kiso
CL Tenryu
DD Takanami
DD Akebono
DD Asakaze
DD Hatakaze
DD Hokaze
DD Sagi

Allied Ships
DE Wileman, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
SC SC-742, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
SC SC-743, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
SC SC-1063, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
SC SC-1065, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
SC SC-1066, Shell hits 3, and is sunk


Then it attcked the (fortunately empty) transport TF awaiting fuel before picking up the troops for the iwo jima invasion .
Long lance torpedoes and some super secret japanese stealth technology had the following results.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Marcus Island at 75,56


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
OS2U-3 Kingfisher: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Natori
CL Yura, Shell hits 5, on fire
CL Kinu
CL Abukuma, Shell hits 1
CL Kiso, Shell hits 3
CL Tenryu, Shell hits 1
DD Takanami
DD Akebono, Shell hits 1
DD Asakaze
DD Hatakaze, Shell hits 1
DD Hokaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Sagi, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
BB Pennsylvania, Shell hits 36, Torpedo hits 5, and is sunk[:(]
CA San Francisco, Shell hits 19
DD Drayton, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Lamson, Shell hits 1
DD Smith
MSW Requisite
MSW Heed, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Impeccable, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-16
LST LST-21
LST LST-22
LST LST-23
LST LST-24
LST LST-25
LST LST-34
LST LST-39
LST LST-40
LST LST-41, Shell hits 1
LST LST-42
LST LST-43
LST LST-44
LST LST-45
LST LST-119
LST LST-120
LST LST-121
LST LST-122
LST LST-123
LST LST-335
LST LST-338
LST LST-342
LST LST-343
LST LST-344
LST LST-354
LST LST-452
LST LST-454
LST LST-456
LST LST-457
LST LST-459
LST LST-460
LST LST-461, Shell hits 1
LST LST-465
LST LST-467
LST LST-469
LST LST-470
LST LST-472
LST LST-474

Allied return fire bounced off the japanese armour and the navy has urgently requested that the secondary 5inch gun mounts get
replaced ASAP as the shells bounced off ! even at 2000 yards.

And just to add insult to injury jap sub nabbed an LST too and escaped 2 days of ASW searches to boot

Sub attack near Marcus Island at 75,56

Japanese Ships
SS I-11

Allied Ships
LST LST-120, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-45
LST LST-43
LST LST-24
LST LST-21
MSW Requisite
DD Smith
DD Lamson

Come day break the japanese CL's were still proudly holding position around the island (brave move). but the land based air
at marcus is a bit feeble as the runways are rubbish. seems the pilots were too [:D]


Day Air attack on TF, near Marcus Island at 75,56


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 22
TBM Avenger x 16
P-40E Warhawk x 6


Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Kiso
CL Natori
DD Hatakaze
CL Yura

Humm , some what of a dilemma and definately a resounding defeat for the USN and the plans to surge forward. As luck would have it
though the allied Surface combat TF (arriving from Wake ) turned up the following night

With the allied radar allowing suprise the tables turned:-


Night Time Surface Combat, near Marcus Island at 75,56

Japanese Ships
CL Natori, Shell hits 8, on fire
CL Yura
CL Kinu, Shell hits 10, on fire
CL Abukuma, Shell hits 35, on fire, heavy damage
CL Kiso, Shell hits 3, on fire
CL Tenryu, Shell hits 19, on fire
DD Takanami, Shell hits 1
DD Akebono, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Asakaze
DD Hatakaze
DD Hokaze, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Sagi, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB California, Shell hits 4
CA Boise, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, on fire He still had torps ! eek .(she's ok though)
CA Houston
CA Pensacola, Shell hits 3
MSW Castlemaine
MSW Kapunda, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Katoomba
MSW Launceton, Shell hits 1, on fire
MSW Lismore, Shell hits 2, on fire

Just as i was feeling better though the second DD TF suprised the CVE manilla bay. 3 escorts sacrificed themselves to allow the CVE
to escape with a lone escort into the night :-

apanese Ships
DD Makinami, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Oyashio, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yamagumo, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatsuharu, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Isonami, Shell hits 1
DD Sazanami, Shell hits 2
DD Okikaze, Shell hits 1
DD Yukaze
DD Nokaze, Shell hits 2
DD Kuretake

Allied Ships
CVE Manila Bay
DD Spence, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Sproston, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Stembel, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Stevens, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage LATER SANK

2 Japanese DD's remained on station while the CL's and damaged DD's legged it SW toward percieved safety. very long
range gunnery forced another retirement :-


Day Time Surface Combat, near Marcus Island at 75,56

Japanese Ships
DD Kasumi
DD Shigure, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
BB California
CA Boise
CA Houston
CA Pensacola
MSW Castlemaine
MSW Kapunda, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Katoomba
MSW Launceton, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Lismore, on fire

Looks good for japan still ? yes . Well i guess he wasnt expecting the CV's Essex, Bunker hill and Yorktown to be in the area.
(they had retire orders after pasting the transports yesterday while 2 more CV TF's remaind on station near Iwo Jima ).
Many attacks from experienced USN air crew utterly destroyed the japanese formations into a running (and sinking ) rabble.

Day Air attack on TF, near Marcus Island at 75,56


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 34
SBD Dauntless x 30
SB2C Helldiver x 33
TBM Avenger x 35


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 damaged
SB2C Helldiver: 1 damaged
TBM Avenger: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Kuretake, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Nokaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Sazanami, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Okikaze, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatsuharu, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yukaze, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Isonami, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Day Air attack on TF at 72,58


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 31
TBM Avenger x 18


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Kiso, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CL Natori, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akebono, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

There were quite a few more attacks on the other japanese CL's. The Essex will steam south while the Franklin CV TF steams SE from
Iwo to cut any retreats. also attacked unexpectedly was a large Jap DD group about 300 miles away from wake island. I'd set the
local Thunderbolts on naval attack the riddled the group with bullets.

Day Air attack on TF at 78,62


Allied aircraft
P-47C Thunderbolt x 47
PB4Y Liberator x 9


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Numakaze, Shell hits 4
DD Kamikaze, Shell hits 4
DD Yunagi, Shell hits 4
DD Oite, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akikaze, Shell hits 8
DD Namikaze, Shell hits 4

I think they'll run tomorrow but if he doesn't then the essex group will have them for lunch.

The long awaited fuel convoy is almost at Marcus but the USN desperately needs more ! I never realised how much of a fuel
hog the CV TF's were, bit of a nasty suprise that one.

Also in the news over near java , 2 heavy japanese carriers sighted by a sub between java and borneo. It' not much of a threat
to the british base in sumatra in all honesty. but nice to have tabs on thier where abouts. Finally got a repair ship to
Teclobang (sumatran) base too. the prince of wales is still leaking badly at port. Destroyer tender heading here too as i plan
to use this place as a forward RN Depot and as it cannot grow into a large port the auxillary ships are a must.

After lord knows how long away i need a good long sit down and study for this game. Maybe the rush IWO invasion was a step too
many too fast for allies (still probably do it though ) . althought marcus really should have been developed better before i
started this one out [8|]


Well im happy to be back .. piccie brought tears to my eyes .. poor old battlewagon

[Rob Brennan UK]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/31/43

The Year finally ends ( and with it the kamikazi threat becomes a reality !). US and dutch subs sink more merchants and a couple of tankers (kebdari). The USN and aussies find several enemy TF's at kendari and multiple attacks hit several merchants and even better tankers. also 2 damaged DD's sink from a lucky B24 Strike.

e.g

Day Air attack on TF, near Kendari at 33,71


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 7


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Tusima Maru
AK Ryuto Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet

Meanwhile beaufighters on strafe shipping orders find a small 6 ship merchant TF and with mulriple strikes over 2 days sink the lot of them [;)]


Day Air attack on TF at 23,53


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 14
P-40N Warhawk x 12


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Shinrei Maru
AK Kinugawa Maru, Shell hits 16, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Kamogawa Maru, Shell hits 16, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Malta Maru, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Speculative airfield attacks on the malay coast reveal nothing and cost 3 vengence dive bombers (no point continuing). while the 4E bomber fleet based in Sabang kill off another 80 resource points at the kuala lumpur rubber plantations


Day Air attack on Kuala Lumpur , at 23,46


Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 3
Liberator VI x 107
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 12
B-24J Liberator x 55


Allied aircraft losses
Liberator VI: 1 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged

Resources hits 80


Bouncing back to the central pacific the two remaining CV TF's besiegeing iwo jima kill off the last merchant then hit the sirfields at bonin is, for good measure. not unsuprisingly transport a/c reported destroved and on day 2 a few zeros burned on the ground. I strongly suspect these zeros will be used as high altitude Kamis come 44 (i.e next turn). Allied CV's will withdraw for fuel while the large sub presence takes over siege duty for a few days.

Day Air attack on Bonin , at 65,52

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 12
SB2C Helldiver x 75
TBM Avenger x 49

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-57-II Topsy: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
120 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 33

Marcus is. is almost at port 3 size and AF 4 .. at long last and hopefully in time to save the pensylvania as FOW (i.e sync bug) incorrectly showed her sinking. Iwo and bonin are looking a lot tougher than before and marcus was useless as a staging point with its undeveloped harbours and runways. We will conduct a more conventional approach to the jima's and bomb them mercilessly for a few weeks while keeping the blockade going, then attack. else i fear defeat might loom with a rushed operation.

On land the japanese 48th division at Buna will soon surrender to the brave aussies. Had a message stating that they have been surrounded after this combat (no idea what that means mind you )

Ground combat at Dobodura

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12335 troops, 111 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 289

Defending force 3261 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 47

Allied max assault: 268 - adjusted assault: 61

Japanese max defense: 30 - adjusted defense: 3

Allied assault odds: 20 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
595 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported

In the very first report for 1944, we saw an unbelieveable sight. SS Capelin had the CV Zuikaku in the periscope sights. !
She fired off a spread and one torp connected with a loud bang. Secondary explosions (believed to be ammo) were felt as shockwaves
by the evading sub. I suspect he'll have to get to a decent sized port pronto. and the only one near is manilla. that route will
be a sub magnet !

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/01/44


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 37,60

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Mikazuki
DD Kuroshio
DD Kiyonami
DD Hayanami
DD Suzunami
DD Tamanami

Allied Ships
SS Capelin, hits 4, on fire

That just about concluedes this wee update, more soon (i hope)

[aztez]

Nice job on the IJN fleet!!! [:D][:D][:-] 
 
Joe really doesn't much to left now does he? [8|]

[Rob Brennan UK]

ORIGINAL: aztez

Nice job on the IJN fleet!!! [:D][:D][:-]

Joe really doesn't much to left now does he? [8|]

Sadly he's still got a LOT of carriers . havnt sunk one yet [:(]

Still today he's lost a LOT of tankers all over the map. from java to sulawesi and upto palau the silent service and aussie bombers
have shown that there isn't anywhere safe ( almost).

Heres a complete cut and paste of the combat report as its been a 'quiet' 2 days .

Only ironic event was the BB Pennsylvania sinks just as the engineers finish the dry dock [:(]. Conclusively proving that
AR's don't work at sea. oh well c'est la guerre.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/02/44

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 68,53

Japanese Ships
SS I-4, hits 2, on fire, heavy damage EAST of iwo jima

Allied Ships
DD McKee
DD Kimberly
DD Kidd
DD Hazelwood
DD Harrison
DD Brownson
DD Beale
CLAA San Diego

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 23,65

Japanese Ships
AO Shioya

Allied Ships
SS Bonefish

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Woleai at 57,72

Japanese Ships
AP Jinshu Maru, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage still finding unescorted AKs in mid ocean

Allied Ships
SS S-41

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Saipan at 63,64 Interesting .. japanese new surface threat or survivors from the marcus raid ?

Japanese Ships
CL Kinu
DD Takanami

Allied Ships
SS Picuda

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kendari at 33,71

Japanese Ships
AK Yosida Maru #3
PC Shonan Maru #7
PC Shonan Maru #6
PG Saga
PG Hashidate

Allied Ships
SS KXIII

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wuhan , at 48,35 No japanese a/c even flying in china these days

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
P-40N Warhawk x 18
B-25J Mitchell x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 2 destroyed
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
38 casualties reported

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 24

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Bangkok , at 29,40 Random raiding air fields bags a few transports

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Thunderbolt II x 26
P-40N Warhawk x 39
B-25J Mitchell x 117

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-57-II Topsy: 7 destroyed
L2D2 Tabby: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 17
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 63

Aircraft Attacking:
48 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
20 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
13 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
8 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
17 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
5 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kuala Lumpur , at 23,46


Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 6
Vengeance I x 30
P-40E Warhawk x 27


Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
56 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 13

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
10 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
8 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
1 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Palembang , at 20,55 T-Bolts really are wonder weapons with pilot exp in the late 80's

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 21
A6M3a Zero x 6
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 8

Allied aircraft
Thunderbolt II x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 21 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 5 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Thunderbolt II: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Makale , at 32,67

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 10
B5N Kate x 53

No Japanese losses

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x B5N Kate bombing at 7000 feet
6 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
13 x B5N Kate bombing at 7000 feet
2 x B5N Kate bombing at 7000 feet
1 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
1 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 18th Naval Guard Unit, at 55,91


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 22
Spitfire Vb x 6
F-5A Lightning x 1


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
50 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
11 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Batavia , at 19,59


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 16
Spitfire VIII x 18


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AR Akashi, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wewak , at 52,81 SW Pacific action. i'm trying to re-organise down here . its a complete mess

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 20

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 11
P-38J Lightning x 44
P-47D Thunderbolt x 27
B-25J Mitchell x 57

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 21 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 5 destroyed
P-38J Lightning: 1 destroyed
B-25J Mitchell: 9 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
57 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Kendari at 33,71


Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 2


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
PG Hashidate

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Soerabaja at 22,65

Japanese Ships
DD Kisaragi

Allied Ships
SS Bonefish

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tarakan at 33,61

Japanese Ships
AK Dori Maru, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS KXIV


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Yenen

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1300 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 5938

Defending force 184256 troops, 1118 guns, 77 vehicles, Assault Value = 5357



Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Medan

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 26168 troops, 109 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 164

Defending force 5507 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 66

Allied max assault: 152 - adjusted assault: 202

Japanese max defense: 56 - adjusted defense: 19

Allied assault odds: 10 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
115 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
148 casualties reported
Guns lost 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dobodura

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12327 troops, 111 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 340

Defending force 146 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3

Allied max assault: 267 - adjusted assault: 62

Japanese max defense: 1 - adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 62 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
852 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Finschafen

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 14289 troops, 202 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 342

Defending force 1749 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 47

Allied max assault: 546 - adjusted assault: 522

Japanese max defense: 36 - adjusted defense: 18

Allied assault odds: 29 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Finschafen base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
1093 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
42 casualties reported
Guns lost 3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Salamaua

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 12245 troops, 109 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 309

Defending force 198 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 7

Allied max assault: 504 - adjusted assault: 254

Japanese max defense: 5 - adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 254 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Salamaua base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
297 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/03/44


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Sabang , at 19,41

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 5

Allied aircraft
P-70A Havoc x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged


Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-45 KAIa Nick bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Palau at 52,67

Japanese Ships
TK Tatekawa Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Hackleback

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese Ships
CL Kinu
DD Takanami

Allied Ships
SS Picuda

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kendari at 33,71

Japanese Ships
TK Tennan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage SINKS

Allied Ships
SS KXIII

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 84,89

Japanese Ships
AP Taiyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS Grayling

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Soerabaja at 22,65

Japanese Ships
TK Isshin Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Bonefish

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 75,77

Japanese Ships
AK Venice Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Herring

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Soerabaja at 22,65

Japanese Ships
DD Kisaragi, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage Hunter becomes hunted !

Allied Ships
SS Bonefish

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wuhan , at 48,35

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
P-40N Warhawk x 16
B-25J Mitchell x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 4 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 28

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
8 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Songkhia , at 24,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 37

Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 3
P-40N Warhawk x 12
P-38J Lightning x 89
B-24J Liberator x 51

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 28 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38J Lightning: 1 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged

Resources hits 15

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
20 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Alor Star , at 24,44


Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 5
Liberator VI x 112
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 9


Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina: 1 damaged

Resources hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
5 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Palembang , at 20,55

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 12
A6M3a Zero x 3
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
Thunderbolt II x 37

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 9 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 2 destroyed


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Makale , at 32,67

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 9
B5N Kate x 52

No Japanese losses

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 15

Aircraft Attacking:
38 x B5N Kate bombing at 7000 feet
6 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 7000 feet
1 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Kendari at 33,71


Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 10
PB4Y Liberator x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Yoko Maru
PG Saga
PG Hashidate
AK Tokyo Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
1 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Batavia , at 19,59


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 16
Spitfire VIII x 16


No Allied losses

Port hits 4
Port supply hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wewak , at 52,81

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 48

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 6
P-38J Lightning x 44
P-47D Thunderbolt x 29
B-25J Mitchell x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 38 destroyed
A6M5 Zeke: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 3 destroyed
P-38J Lightning: 1 damaged
B-25J Mitchell: 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 33

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
11 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Kendari at 33,71


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 23


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
PG Seisho Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
TK Tarakan Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
TK Bokuei Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
TK Yamazuru Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
TK Ogurasan Maru, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Kendari at 33,71


Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 7


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Tusima Maru
AK Ryuzan Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Kendari at 33,71


Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 5
PB4Y Liberator x 7


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Yosida Maru #3, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PG Saga, Bomb hits 1
AK Tokyo Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 75,77

Japanese Ships
AK Tsuneshima Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Herring


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Yenen

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1300 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 5930

Defending force 184302 troops, 1119 guns, 77 vehicles, Assault Value = 5355



Allied ground losses:
67 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Medan Just cannot get these Buggers to surrender ! been months and months since i took here

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 25858 troops, 102 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 147

Defending force 5311 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 60

Allied max assault: 136 - adjusted assault: 178

Japanese max defense: 50 - adjusted defense: 19

Allied assault odds: 9 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
71 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
113 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Finschafen

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 14203 troops, 199 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 337

Defending force 1471 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 45

Allied max assault: 550 - adjusted assault: 64

Japanese max defense: 36 - adjusted defense: 9

Allied assault odds: 7 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
34 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


Sorry no piccie as i was expecting the game file to open ( still asking for Joes PW) so sent it back and hopefully will carry on sooner rather than later.


Thoughts by theatre :-

North Pacific - 1 div and 3 RCT's prepped 100% for paramushiro jima .. will attack after the iwo jima operation.


Central Pacific - Iwo jima with 60000 men or bonin jima with 30000 men .. noy sure of the comporition of either atoll but the men
and HQ's have been prepping for iwo .. humm need more intel and have decided that a rush attak here is probably doomed.


S Pacific - for once i'm planning an invasion of (that island top NW of the marshalls) units been prepping since the west coast
with amphib armour and ambip HQ support being assembled in wake , still a way off mind you


SW Pacific - in the solomons munda looks heavily defended but shortlands looks almost empty. once im organised here.
also the continued shuffle along the coast of new guinea is progressing and japan seems not to want to commit CV's here
so the 3 yes just 3 CVE's are doing a sterling job with LRCAP from land bases.

N Australia - we'll bypass timor and head straight for north new guinea as LBA seems to be doing fine and i havnt seen
a japanese plane in ages down here.

SEAC inc DEI - humm stalling badly here . but im happy with progress to date anyway. Joe seems to have used way too many troops
here and lost wake and marcus because of it , however that said the brits and friends are stuck on the burmese border. and
palembang seems to have been reinforced heavily. however the army will besiege it if we can withstand jap counter attacks
to prevent any oil production (no need to bomb it ). I'm steadily wiping out resources and HI in malaya and indo china so he's
presumably having to send in valuable supply from the Home islands.

China - REcoverd 1 of the 2 cities lost already. just need to re-take one more . no intention of invading indo china with the
chinese . do not want 4 more vietnamese divs to deal with (pointless). china needs massive forces as they are dreadfully
short on combat engineers. circa 2-300 transports are hauling supply over the hump and directy to canton and chungking. Dont
intend to base B17/29/24 units here as i feel its gamey.


Bye for now ..

PS quick question .. IF i para drop on the same turn as a land shock attack will the forts be counted ? i seem to remember
that forts are nullified on the turn of landing ... this is for palembang as i have 2 para units (one indian and one larger
american one) 100% prepped for the place.

[Rob Brennan UK]

Kamikazi

That one word sums up the action for the 4th and 5th January 1944.

Finally having pumped out the POWales and CL concord at pakleobatong they set sail with escort and under fighter cover from the
nearby allied airfields. dawn 4th January :-

Day Air attack on TF at 17,58

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 25

Allied aircraft
Thunderbolt II x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 16 destroyed


Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales, Kamikaze hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CL Concord, Kamikaze hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Both are sunk and not a single intercept .. bah humbug [;)]

That said however other auicide attacks did not go according to the evil japanese planners ..
2 raids on the light allied SC group at teklobatong and some small barges at medan were targetted but all
japanese planes were intercepted and shot down.

Day Air attack on TF, near Teloekbetoeng at 19,58

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 12

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 26
Thunderbolt II x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 12 destroyed
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Thunderbolt II: 6 damaged

Day Air attack on TF, near Medan at 20,45

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 12

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vb x 13
Spitfire VIII x 7
P-40E Warhawk x 53

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 12 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vb: 2 damaged
Spitfire VIII: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
LCM 532D

Other than that its all business as usual, bar the allied liberator attack on palembang failed miserably out of
30 bombers (40 got lost), no escort (weather) and poor morale allies lost 4 planes to japans 2 and only 9 hit the
target with predictably bad results. No biggie but the boys need rest badly.

Soem great news though as engineers get both Marcus island and Teklobatong upto size 4 airfield and can handle allied
2E and 4E(limited range etc.) now.. so thats a great help. will try and bomb iwo jima into the pacific now [:D]



OK time for a losses tally (i'd forgotten id got the junyo [;)])

Allies Japan

CV/L 4/1 1/1
CVE 0 1
BB 6 3
CA/CL/CS 4/10/0 3/6/1
DD 39 64 ![X(]
DE 1 0
APD 2 9 (hope thats all of them ..)
TK 21 54 (is that a substantial % ?)
SS 36 70 (lots of older allied S boats and what appears the entire IJN sub fleet)


The attackj on iwo jima is being assembled at Marcus now .. only 2 CV's covering the jimas (bit dicey) but 4E bombers tasked to hit
bonin jimas air field tomorrow (diversion and stops forts and might catch a few a/c too) P38J's eagerly awaiting in wake have
been sent to marcu as LR escorts. It' still be a couple of weeks before we sail as a lot of shipping needs to be re-allocated
and way too many AK's were lurking at wake (c.160!) .. most sent bak to the USA.

bye for now

[Rob Brennan UK]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/06/44

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tarakan at 33,61

Japanese Ships
AK Teibo Maru, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
SS KXIV, hits 6, on fire

This Sub attack went badly wrong, the SS KXIV was shot in the engine room and lost the rear torpedo tubes to very accurate
japanese merchant gunnery, she may not even make it back to Darwin (lets keep fingers crossed).

However SS Swordfish over the course of 2 days sank 2 merechantmen and one tanker off Kendari and japan also lost
anpther AP at eniwetok (lots of jap shipping seen here) and another AP at palau.

The chinese aiorforce continues to harass the seemingly grounded japanese in central china.

Day Air attack on Wuhan , at 48,35

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
P-40N Warhawk x 30
B-25J Mitchell x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 2 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 5

And the first bombing raid on bonin jima went ahead with clear skies for 2 days and did put a few holes in the runway.
More importantly the recon a/c were sent out in force 5-6 on each raid and so i am bit more trusting to the recon results
now. looks like 30000 men in only 6 units at bonin jima and 30000 men in 19 units[&:] an iwo jima. I'm guessing the 19
could well be fragments from the destruction of some convoys earlier on. However i expect one japanese division is
at bonin for now. The CV coverage has been beefed up with 2 more CV and 2CVL as japanese AP/K spotted at iwo jima.
Secondary target the sirfields as i'd like to keep the kamis as well away from my CV's as possible.


In the SW Pacific its still reorganising time. But the clearing of the stay behind japanese defenders was aided by large
and well timed aeriel assults on the main culprits. Finchafen is now clear but a lot of japanese remain at lunga.

Ground combat at Lunga

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 62131 troops, 436 guns, 133 vehicles, Assault Value = 1024

Defending force 16673 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 122

Allied max assault: 970 - adjusted assault: 729

Japanese max defense: 89 - adjusted defense: 37

Allied assault odds: 19 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
1137 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
260 casualties reported
Guns lost 12


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tulagi

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 11141 troops, 148 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 193

Defending force 3109 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 27

Allied max assault: 177 - adjusted assault: 181

Japanese max defense: 16 - adjusted defense: 5

Allied assault odds: 36 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
471 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
36 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Finschafen

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 14301 troops, 195 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 693

Defending force 1407 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 43

Allied max assault: 556 - adjusted assault: 502

Japanese max defense: 30 - adjusted defense: 2

Allied assault odds: 251 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
2993 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Allied ground losses:
19 casualties reported

Back round to SEAC the ONLY allies submarine tender was making its way to sumatra when more japanese kamikakie bettie bombers
appeared. Fortunately the LR CAP - spitfires set to 30000 ft altitude did actually intercept and downed one and disrupted
the others. no japanese hits were scored and about 18 betties shot down or crashed into the sea. AS and AD now safely at
Teklobatong <sp> . As a game issue i have a small SC TF also here that attracts small easily killed betty raids (unescorted)
into the devastating spit and jug CAP. I'd like to avid this seemingly gamey action and disband it but the threat of heavy
japanese units shelling the AF is too high. Have to think on that one.

As a finale to these 2 days a seemingly unescorted troop convoy 120 miles east of singapore was torn up by low level
strafing beaufighters. nice haul.

Day Air attack on TF at 24,51


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 16
P-40N Warhawk x 15


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Tamahoko Maru, Bomb hits 1
AK Kagu Maru, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK England Maru, Shell hits 24, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Hakubasan Maru, Shell hits 36, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
487 casualties reported

Day Air attack on TF at 24,51


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 15
P-40N Warhawk x 14


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Yuki Maru, Shell hits 20, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kagu Maru, Shell hits 12, on fire
AK Heiei Maru #7, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
543 casualties reported

No idea what they are or where heading but the subs will be stalking them unles they run into singapore for safety.

bye all







PS .. my top ace with 49 ! kills went MIA today over south sumatra.Lets pray that search and rescue get him back safe and sound.
FYI British P47 Pilot. I'll post the aces list next turn, lots of british and commonwealth multiple aces. the USA has a lot of
catching up to do in this war [;)]

[Rob Brennan UK]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/08/44

Another very interesting turn from the allied perspective. Lets continue with the story of the mystery troop transport convoy the
beaufighters hit last turn. They didn't as expected run into singapore but continued onto Jambi( coastal base 2 hexes north of palembang). many many air attacks consistting of beaufighters and vengence dive bombers from north sumatra and some torpedo planes
from south sumatra. eg.


Day Air attack on TF at 23,53

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 9
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 16
P-40N Warhawk x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIC: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Yoneyama Maru, Shell hits 24, Bomb hits 3, on fire
AK England Maru, Shell hits 16, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Tokiwa Maru, Shell hits 8
AK Kagu Maru, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
356 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Beaufighter VIC attacking at 100 feet
4 x Beaufighter Mk 21 attacking at 100 feet
4 x Beaufighter VIC attacking at 100 feet
4 x Beaufighter Mk 21 attacking at 100 feet
4 x Beaufighter VIC attacking at 100 feet
4 x Beaufighter Mk 21 attacking at 100 feet
4 x Beaufighter Mk 21 attacking at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 21,52

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 8

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 5
Vengeance I x 22
Beaufighter VIC x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 2 destroyed
Beaufighter VIC: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
AK Kotoku Maru
AK Daiten Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Chikuzan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Tairyu Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Jinbu Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Zogen Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
246 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Beaufighter VIC attacking at 100 feet
4 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet

Day Air attack on TF at 21,53

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 6

Allied aircraft
Barracuda x 12
Avenger II x 8
Spitfire VIII x 46
Thunderbolt II x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Barracuda: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Shinki Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Cheribon Maru
AK Thames Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Roko Maru
AK Joshu Go
AK Kinkai Maru

Japanese ground losses:
44 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Avenger II bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Barracuda launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Barracuda launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Avenger II bombing at 15000 feet
2 x Barracuda launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Barracuda launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 21,53


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 2


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Yasukawa Maru, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire not bad for just 2 planes

Japanese ground losses:
63 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Beaufighter Mk 21 attacking at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Jambi at 20,53

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 5

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 8
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 14
P-40N Warhawk x 12

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Hiyama Maru
AK Chikuzan Maru, Shell hits 16, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kotoku Maru, Shell hits 16, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Shingo Maru, Shell hits 36, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
348 casualties reported

one group has reached jambi already and the other will certainly arrive next night turn, so i can't stop it completely. however the
port is only size 1 so i might get a few more cracks at it next turn. with 64 newly arrived (last turn) mitchells at teklobatong, this convoy won't be going home, thats for sure.

Mention should be made of the exploits of SS Jack, one sneaky and agressive boat that sailed into hiroshima/kure port and attacked
what i thought was a DD ASW Group.


Sub attack near Hiroshima/Kure at 60,41

Japanese Ships
DD Tamanami, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Suzunami

Allied Ships
SS Jack

The following day however revealed a much bigger prize !

Sub attack near Hiroshima/Kure at 60,41

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Tamanami
DD Suzunami

Allied Ships
SS Jack

I was dumb-struck. excellent for both intel and damage. SS barb then had a similar experience off balikpapan south borneo.



Sub attack near Balikpapan at 31,64

Japanese Ships
DD Yukikaze, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Asashio
DD Shiranuhi
DD Akigumo
DD Shimakaze

Allied Ships
SS Barb, hits 1

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

Sub attack near Balikpapan at 31,64

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryuho, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
DD Asashio
DD Shiranuhi
DD Akigumo
DD Shimakaze

Allied Ships
SS Barb

Cor Blimey Guv'nor ! although both subs are damaged i hope they come home to a heroes welcome. (SS Jack was hit by a jap ALF
floatplane on ASW ).

Those 2 spotted AK's unloading at iwo jima were found heading back to japan and promptly sunk by planes from the UA CV force.
However bad weather did not allow an attack on a MUCH larger convoy one hex south of iwo jima. I'm going to split off a few ships for SC duty and try and prevent them unloading at all while the carriers move in for the kill. Else I hope to get a few hits
even if they run for it.


This picture is worth a thousand words !

[Rob Brennan UK]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/10/44

What a great day to be allied and a terrible day if your an (ex) member of the imperial 9th ind.mix regiment.
OK Bang by bang off of iwo jima

CL brooklyn with 2 fletcher DD's and an obsolete Dutch destroyer were patrolling the waters off iwo jima.
they spotted 2 small radar contacts about midnight and closed for the kill.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Iwo Jima at 63,53

Japanese Ships
ML Sokuten, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
ML Nuwashima, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Phoenix
DD Phelps
DD Clark
DD Witte de With

Thats a good start (i was expecting these to hear to bonin rather than iwo), where the CA quincy was waiting for them.

Submarine radio report of a huge japanese convoy nearing iwo jima prompted the commander of the small SC task force to
steam at full speed to the glow on the horizon that was AK suruga Maru.

Sub attack near Iwo Jima at 63,53

Japanese Ships
AK Suruga Maru, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Narwhal

Japanese ground losses:
46 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Humm no escorts reported as the sub attacked on the surface, odd. CL Brooklyn and escorts then tore into the convoy:-

Night Time Surface Combat, near Iwo Jima at 63,53

Japanese Ships
AP Azuchi Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
AP Banshu Maru #21
AP Ceylon Maru, Shell hits 30, and is sunk
AP Daijukyo Maru
AK Hakonesan Maru
AP Kensho Maru
AK Kongo Maru
AP Kunimitsu Maru
AP Mitsu Maru #3
AP Nichiai Maru
AP Nichiren Maru, Shell hits 6, on fire
AP Nihonkai Maru
AP Nissen Maru #3, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
AP Otori Maru, Shell hits 30, and is sunk
AP Taian Maru
AP Tatumiya Maru
AP Teia Maru
AP Teizui Maru
AK Eizan Maru
AK Suruga Maru, and is sunk
AP Tonei Maru
AK Taichu Maru, Shell hits 1
AP Fukkai Maru
AP Ronsan Maru
AP Tenpei Maru
AK Risen Maru
AK Junpo Maru

Allied Ships
CL Phoenix, Shell hits 1
DD Phelps
DD Clark
DD Witte de With

Japanese ground losses:
504 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

It was later apparent that the AP's are carrying the 9th Ind mixed regiment. Ak's appear to be carrying supplies.

Then dawn broke over a cloudless sky(not what the japanese captains really wanted as 2 US carrier groups were between
60 and 30 miles away.

Day Air attack on TF at 64,54


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 29
SB2C Helldiver x 33
TBM Avenger x 18


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Kurama Maru, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Showa Maru
AK Hachimanzan Maru, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


no men lost .. so im assuming supply ships.

many small attacks on already damaged ships and a few large raids agains the main convoy itself.

Day Air attack on TF at 63,52


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 30
SB2C Helldiver x 54
TBM Avenger x 72


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Eizan Maru
AK Hakonesan Maru
AK Kongo Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kunimitsu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nichiren Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Azuchi Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Taian Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Tatumiya Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Tonei Maru, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Fukkai Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kensho Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Banshu Maru #21, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Teizui Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Teia Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Tenpei Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Nihonkai Maru
AK Taichu Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Risen Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Nichiai Maru
AP Daijukyo Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
660 casualties reported
Guns lost 9

This carried on for the best part of 2 days. not much coherence left to that convoy now and i do not think anyone or anything
managed to get ashore as the majority of the remaining cripples are between iwo and bonin for tomorrows mop up operations.

Over in sumatra that other troop convoy was again hit badly but did manage to unload (something) at Jambi.


Day Air attack on TF, near Jambi at 20,53

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
Barracuda x 6
Avenger II x 7
Spitfire VIII x 11
Thunderbolt II x 14
B-25J Mitchell x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 9 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Barracuda: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Kinkai Maru
AK Nako Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Tokiwa Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Cheribon Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Shinki Maru
AK Joshu Go, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Roko Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AK Thames Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Yasukawa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Bandoeng Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
360 casualties reported [:D]

Day 2 was a bit worse for weather and the b25's refused to fly, however the torpedo bombers still went in and damaged
a couple more (no loss of men though so i asume its unloaded), I wonder how much supply he managed to land as AK's heading
back to Hanoi didnt stick around to unload any (as far as i can tell).

Day Air attack on TF at 23,51

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 5
Vengeance I x 26
Beaufighter VIC x 9
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 14
P-40N Warhawk x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIC: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Hiyama Maru, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Takaoka Maru, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AK Fuyukawa Maru, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Higari Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Akashi Maru, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK San Francisco Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Beaufughters make excellent low level anti shipping planes.

Palembang is now under siege:-


Ground combat at Palembang

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2512 troops, 92 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1081

Defending force 61970 troops, 544 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 1057


Japanese ground losses:
33 casualties reported

He has about 3 brigades here with a lot of support units. We have one american division 2 brigades and 3 tank units
(the Provisionsl ones so not very big)and 3-4 srty regiments. He'll never run out of supply unfortunately so i think i'll need more men to actuially take it. With that in mind a large convoy is has been sent to rangoon ( a while ago) to collect some
extra men who cant dent the japs in thailand but could really help in the liberation of the DEI.


Operation IWO-Kill is being launched today.

4 divisions will storm the beaches from landing craft and AP's ( i'd really prefer to unload all in one go but not
enough lift capacity).
3 CV's will cover the main landing force
3 CVE's will cover the supplies (should they lag a bit)
3 CV's to protect the bombardment group of 2 fast battleships and 4 heavy cruisers (with DMS mine sweepers)
follow on TF carrying base forces and seebees to loiter till needed.
AO and AE support sailing from wake to the rendesvous point.
the current carriers will remain on station near iwo jima (fuel is ok as they have been cruising slowly)

Time to switch the bombers to iwo now, don't think the ruse worked anyway [;)]

lets keep fingers crossed

[Rob Brennan UK]

Operation mop up went rather well (as expected to be honest). total japanese losses were as follows

day 1 AK sub kills 2 ship kills 3 air kills 13
AP sub kills 3 Ship kills 6 air kills 4

Day 2 AK sub kills 1 ship kills 0 air kills 7
AP sub kills 1
TK sub kills 1

Nice haul as thats only the 'definately' sunk ships that pop up during the turn. the entire jap convoy has vanished (like an old oak table [;)]).

I looked up the allied sig int (as i do periodically) to see if any useful info is supplied ( not often to understate the utter uselessness of it). and spoted this wee gem ..

24th Division is planning for an attack on Anchorage. [X(].. thats a tad optomistic , must be an old forgotten division planning
for an operation long long ago.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/12/44

As Suspected the japaenese tired to reach refuge on bonin and found the CA Quincy waiting.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Bonin at 65,52

Japanese Ships
AK Hakonesan Maru, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
AK Kongo Maru, and is sunk
AP Kunimitsu Maru, and is sunk
AP Mitsu Maru #3, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
AP Nichiai Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nichiren Maru, and is sunk
AP Nihonkai Maru, and is sunk
AP Taian Maru, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
AP Tatumiya Maru, and is sunk
AP Teia Maru
AP Teizui Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tenpei Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AK Risen Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AK Junpo Maru, Shell hits 11, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Quincy, Shell hits 1
DD Harrison
DD Hazelwood

Japanese ground losses:
367 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

Japanese kamikazi (i suspect) betties tried to hit the quincy come dawn but the local CV's provided adequate CAP and all were shot
down before reaching the target.

Day Air attack on TF, near Bonin at 65,52

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 12
G4M2 Betty x 9

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 12 destroyed
G4M2 Betty: 9 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 6 damaged

American subs have been spotting D3A VAL's in the air off the japanese coast in much greater numbers, humm. I would expect Japan
to try and interdict the upcoming invasion of iwo jima, looks like we may be having some large scale battles here soon.

The japanese ships fleeing sumatra got a "right good kicking" again. doubt many/any will make it home.



Day Air attack on TF at 21,53


Allied aircraft
Barracuda x 9
Avenger II x 8
Spitfire VIII x 45
Thunderbolt II x 32
B-25J Mitchell x 45


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Shinki Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Joshu Go, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Yoneyama Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Tokiwa Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kagu Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Nako Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Heiei Maru #7, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Tamahoko Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Thames Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Yuki Maru, heavy damage

there were several more like it too, the java sea is not a healthy place for merchants right now.

Other than that .. still loading men for IWO-KILL . bombardment group should hit in 2 days and have time to get back to for ammo
and a second run before we hit the beaches.

piccie laments the best allied ace of the war , still MIA does not bode well. just for info china has 10 ace pilots now [8D]

[aztez]

[:D]&nbsp;...That was some turn!!! I never had such a luck with my submarines!
&nbsp;
Everything seems to go smoothly. I do almost start feeling bad for Joe "again"! [:)]

Good job!

[Rob Brennan UK]

ORIGINAL: aztez

[:D] ...That was some turn!!! I never had such a luck with my submarines!

Everything seems to go smoothly. I do almost start feeling bad for Joe "again"! [:)]

Good job!

My subs have been doing great this game, i tend to park them at strategic ports. Kwajelien/eniwetok basicall all over the place
and japan does not have enough ASW assets to hit everywhere. the PI ar off limits for me for now as some very accurate sallies
are based there. Jou still sends out a lot of 1-2 ship AK's or AP's with no escort (so i'm lucky there).

Speaking of subs I got 2 more british ones today (hurrah), then had a mental 'burp' and checked the other brit subs and not a single
one had been refitted with radar, they have been at the front all the time [X(], even found one US sub waiting for its 10/42! upgrade. Whoops [>:], must have been napping on that one, no idea why its upgrade was turned off. Theres a stream of british Subs heading to colombo now [8|].

I do feel sorry for Joe, he's losing the will (a bit) to carry on. I'm doing all i can to make it more fun for him by not luring
kamis into kill zones with barges etc. I have a feeling that IWO will be a massive slaughter on both sides as KB is mostly intact
BUT he's got crummy airfields on iwo and bonin (v v bad for him), wel will see. Allies have plenty of light SC groups to try
and prevent what happened at marcus (vs the jap CL's ) from happening at IWO. American night naval experience is still useless
and seeming stuck in the 50's so a night surface raid will be his best bet. However he'll need luck with the weather gods and
they always prove fickle one way or another. Actually one huge benefit of only 4 CV/Hex is the allies are a lot less vulnerable
to being rained in all in one hex.

anyhoo thx for your comments, I know folk read this but not many 'vocal' ones [;)]

[Rob Brennan UK]

New Day new turn , Nothing of note at all

half dozen sub attacks on merchies
the troops left marcus bound for IWO (see later)
I FINALLY got rid of the jap stay behind units at medan. new recipie for killing off there annoying things is BOMB BOMB BOMB then
bomb more then attack .. seems to work well as these have been there for MONTHS !

Only real event was the sinking of CL Phoenix by kamikazi Betties (these HURT)

Anyhoo .. IWO JIMA .. MAJOR PROBLEM

Recent recon (by multiple F5's ) have the troops numbers jumping to 64,000 !!!! from a hard enough 30,000. Whats does that work out as ? 5-6 divs ! holy s%$% i have only 4 loaded for assault .. so the BIG question is .. shall we divert to Bonin gp. ? 3 turns till
D-day so we can if we must. BUT not prepped at all (50% for iwo). Worth a gamble with 30,000 men and only 9 units on bonin as opposed
to 64000 men and 19 units on iwo (maybe these arent the fragments i tought earlier). No idea on fort levels ..

anyone HELP [&:][;)]





OR Go home and bomb it a LOT (not prepped re bombing as much as i would like to be honest)then come back in 2 months ?

[pauk]

hm... i would choose #3... i know, i know, not a bravest decision[:D] but it seems to me that 4 divisions are not enough for Iwo - if the enemy has there 1 div and one bde you will be unable to capture Iwo...

as for the Bonins, well... do you have more intel on Bonin defence? PP are very important IMO and I'm sure that this would be a "greatest" idea since Andy said "Ok, lets take Iwo"[:D][;)]

[aztez]

Ouch! You might want to wait another turn to get additional recon information.
&nbsp;
Those troops strenghts reported at Iwo and Bonin are bad new IF they are correct. Either way you go you definately want start loading the 2nd wave already since 4 divions might not be enough if he has ground combat units, adequate supplies and level 9 fortifications.
&nbsp;
Fingers crossed though! [:)]

[Rob Brennan UK]

ORIGINAL: pauk



hm... i would choose #3... i know, i know, not a bravest decision[:D] but it seems to me that 4 divisions are not enough for Iwo - if the enemy has there 1 div and one bde you will be unable to capture Iwo...

as for the Bonins, well... do you have more intel on Bonin defence? PP are very important IMO and I'm sure that this would be a "greatest" idea since Andy said "Ok, lets take Iwo"[:D][;)]

Yes Pauk Andys IWO sends shivers through me , BUT we have stacking levels so no more than 200 a/c at marcus bar float planes IF AV support is present .. not sure that'll help much to be honest

I'll recon bonin heavily next turn but thats atable and has been bombed for a few weeks ( very much doubt its at lvl 9) Joe had bugger all there a few months back BUT could have had engineers building for all i know , i wish recon gave more info [;)]. like "multiple bunkers" "possible tunnel system" etc. also is he prepped too ? most of the troops arriving on both places have been recent ( within 2 months at most) .

just can't decide to be honest .. it's real nail biting time here

[Rob Brennan UK]

ORIGINAL: aztez

Ouch! You might want to wait another turn to get additional recon information.

Those troops strenghts reported at Iwo and Bonin are bad new IF they are correct. Either way you go you definately want start loading the 2nd wave already since 4 divions might not be enough if he has ground combat units, adequate supplies and level 9 fortifications.

Fingers crossed though! [:)]

another turn yes i can do that .

2nd wave ? [&:]. don't have one bar a few left out tank and arty units . the newer arrivals i.e 4th marine div and after have been prepping for eniwetok , and i really don't want to change that. Also i've mis-managed my shipping a tad, kept too much up-front and not enough to haul men from the continental usa (has been rectified) . I am dubious as to his supply and fort levels. he's only started "emergency shipping" after i took marcus (good suggestion that ) and i know i've heavily damaged/prevented several convoys to both places. he seems to be concentrating on building iwo from the last convoy (which is now dead to the last ship and never landed), given that both iwo and marcus only have level 1 and 2 AF's respectively suggest crummy fort levels.

It's my dilemma .. does he have supply ? what are the forts ? how much is combat troops ? If i didn't already chew my fingernails i'd start right about yesterday [;)]

so i'm 40/40/20 on decision time , howvever i can always re-load the men (unlike andy) and send them for refit to pearl while i strangle the gilberts /marshalls by hitting eniwetok from the north and shortlands/green island from the south. not to mention i'm
100% prepped for paramushira and the place next door (forget name)

OH and i've pulled 3 divs 2 bds and 2 hq's from rangoon to colombo .. JAVA next

[Rob Brennan UK]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/16/44


Both the 16th and the 17th were quiet again (before the storm), i'm leaning more toward an iwo attack (at least i am prepped).
and over 2 days we hit something like 25 supply hits on iwo (must hurt). Bonin got a good supply wallop too from several BB's

Naval bombardment of Bonin, at 65,52 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

2 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
CA Vincennes
CA Minneapolis
CA Pensacola
CA Louisville, Shell hits 2
CA Chester
BB Alabama
BB Massachusetts

Japanese ground losses:
376 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Vehicles lost 1

Runway hits 14
Port supply hits 18

Naval bombardment of Iwo Jima, at 63,53

Allied Ships
CA Quincy

Japanese ground losses:
194 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Airbase supply hits 1
Port hits 2

The group that hit bonin was meant for IWO but due to some oddness with the following air cover TF stayed resolutely at 6 hexes away
so i dropped the air cover and hit the closer island. they 'might' make it again before the landings, else they'll bombard on day
2. I'll also cobble a few more bombardment groups from the carrier escorts ( as long as kb never shows up) as each CV TF has a fast
battleship escort and good CA's.

The best attck on iwo so far. The CV's airgroups have been taking a few losses (but nothing to worry about) and have been hitting
the port mostly getting the ODD CD gun as a bonus.

Day Air attack on Iwo Jima , at 63,53


Allied aircraft
PB2Y Coronado x 2
PB4Y Liberator x 27
B-24D Liberator x 44


Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
128 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 9
Runway hits 25
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
44 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
9 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
6 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
8 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
1 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet

Rabaul lies in smoking ruins, IF Joe don't want to fight in the air then the 4E will eat the runways for dinner:-

Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 50
B-24J Liberator x 144

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 3 destroyed
H8K Emily: 1 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily: 3 destroyed
A6M5 Zeke: 3 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
185 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 16
Runway hits 240

Palembang gets hurt too, now that the b25's have scared off the japanese shipping its airfield time .. then resource time [;)]

Day Air attack on Palembang , at 20,55

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 8

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 24
Thunderbolt II x 24
F-5A Lightning x 2
B-25J Mitchell x 46

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 8 destroyed
G4M2 Betty: 9 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 6 destroyed
H8K Emily: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
56 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 55

Closeing this place would be a huge boon for allied shipping transiting to sumatra ( fortunately i have about 15 fully laden
7000 AK's disbanded in port just in case joe was able to cut me off).

FYI IWO recon now showing at 74,000 men ! ah C%$p .. I'll have to finally decide next turn. Bonin steady at 30,000 BUT Bonin
seems unable to repair the damamge i'm causing (low supply - lack of engineers -- means lack of forts ) [&:]

Heres the score ... note the highlighted bits .. japan may auto surrender jan 45 from this

[Rob Brennan UK]

ok for better or more probaly worse we asault iwo jima tomorrow , recon has nailed 74.730 men lets se if they have supply
today we hit another 20% port and airfield supply levels (it nmust hurt)

SS grunion hit 3 AP's in tokyo bay and sank 2 :-

Sub attack near Tokyo at 66,43

Japanese Ships
AP Amagi Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Grunion

and it appears that japan has been repairing the resources at bangkok .. bad idea [;)]

Day Air attack on Bangkok , at 29,40


Allied aircraft
Catalina I x 3
Thunderbolt II x 21
Liberator VI x 80
P-40N Warhawk x 34
B-25J Mitchell x 58


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 4 damaged

Resources hits 83


also finishing off the last resources in malaysia

Day Air attack on Kuala Lumpur , at 23,46


Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 3
Liberator VI x 20
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 9
B-24J Liberator x 54


Allied aircraft losses
Liberator VI: 1 damaged

Resources hits 51

and palembang AF is a pile of rubble .. time to set loose the 4E on the resources next turn

Day Air attack on Palembang , at 20,55

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 4

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 34
Thunderbolt II x 26
F-5A Lightning x 2
B-25J Mitchell x 57

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 6 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed
B5N Kate: 1 destroyed
G4M2 Betty: 1 destroyed


Japanese ground losses:
132 casualties reported

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 59

Japan also seeme to send 2 AK's to iwo jima . the CV's hammered them to bits . also a supply convoy to cina was suprised by
bombers operating from wuuchow

Day Air attack on TF, near Amoy at 47,42


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 56
P-40N Warhawk x 34
B-25J Mitchell x 8


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Fukuyo Maru, Shell hits 48, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hachirogata Maru, Shell hits 24, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Azuchisan Maru, Shell hits 28, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Syunko Maru, Shell hits 44, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Shinsei Maru, Shell hits 32, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Yagi Maru, Shell hits 16, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Akagane Maru, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Toyo Maru, Shell hits 8

Down in North aussie territory we are due to invade Bulla ( island in north new guinea) troops loaded supplies loaded and the enemy have had a horrible few days getting multiple heavy/medium bomber strikes . no carriers in the area (allied) so KB could be a problem but it's short ranged and therefore LBA is adequate.

thats it till next turn,, when we hit the beaches on IWO EEEEK

[Rob Brennan UK]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/20/44

20th January 1944, Washington Post "Finally our brave troops have made it onto Japanese soil in revenge for the despicable
and underhanded attack on Pearl Harbour"

OK It's not entirely true, Okinawa is a loooong way away but who's to argue with the propaganda effect.

Now the reality is somewhat differant , there ARE 3 1/2 named japanese divisions on iwo-lima (bad news). all but one
is pathetic (good news) , most of 43rd division and the entire 6th division failed to load at marcus (bad news).
However a very large merchant convoy recently unloaded here and the empty AK's will haul the troops over the water
to Iwo , inc 2 tank units (one amphib capable), escort is DD's and DMS (for mine sweeping).(gopd news)






The local CV's kept away several small kamikazi raids over the course of 2 days, however some japanese a/c have remote controlled
rear gunners. :-

Day Air attack on TF, near Iwo Jima at 63,53

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3
G4M2 Betty x 2

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 19
F6F Hellcat x 59

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed
G4M2 Betty: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 2 damaged
F6F Hellcat: 22 damaged [X(]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Iwo Jima at 63,53

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 2

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 19
F6F Hellcat x 64

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 9 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Iwo Jima at 63,53

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 4
G4M2 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 19
F6F Hellcat x 76

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 destroyed
G4M2 Betty: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 1 damaged
F6F Hellcat: 29 damaged [X(]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Iwo Jima at 63,53

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6
G4M2 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 19
F6F Hellcat x 86

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 6 destroyed
G4M2 Betty: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 3 damaged
F6F Hellcat: 23 damaged [X(]

Allied Ships
DD Kidd

Jeepers creepers ! the CVE's on replenishment duty seem to be replacing the losses promptly and no real readiness loss
has been noticed on the CV's. One CV Group needs fuel badly and the Auxillary oilers can only refuel 2-3 CV Groups afaik
so some US CV's are heading back to Marcus and escorting the empty but undamaged landing craft (not many).

FYI heres the initial landing screen :- losses look bad but they always do for initial landings.

TF 1022 encounters mine field at Iwo Jima (63,53) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

TF 1022 troops unloading over beach at Iwo Jima, 63,53


107 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
MSW Nipigon
MSW Velocity
MSW Champion, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Chief, Shell hits 31, on fire, heavy damage
DMS Palmer, Shell hits 29, on fire, heavy damage
APD Overton
APD Herbert
DE Deede
DE Canfield
DE Bebas
AP Harry Lee, Mine hits 1


Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported

Coastal Guns at Iwo Jima, 63,53, firing at TF 1022
2057 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DE Austin, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-472, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
DE Bebas, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-470, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-469, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DE Deede, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-461, Shell hits 1, on fire
LST LST-460, Shell hits 4, on fire
LST LST-459, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DE Greiner, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Nipigon, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-452, Shell hits 18, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-354, Shell hits 4, on fire
BB Arizona, Shell hits 2
SC SC-632, Shell hits 55, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-122, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-45, Shell hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
DE Canfield, Shell hits 20, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-641
DE Charles R. Greer, Shell hits 4
APD Noa, Shell hits 3

Japanese ground losses:
493 casualties reported
Guns lost 11

Allied ground losses:
3703 casualties reported
Guns lost 41

Total allied losses so far are 4 LST , 2MSW , 1SC and 1 DMS, 2 LST's were to mines rest to gunfire. there are a lot of damaged
smaller shipping wallowing off of IWO so the losses will rise but they did thier job and the mines i was expecting worse. seems
like the month or so interdiction really paid off.

Subs again had a good day, hitting 4 APs and 3 AK's mostly in the gilbert islands. SS Bone took a hit from a sally off south
Borneo so back to Darwin for repairs.


Bulla invasion went v v well , not a single casualty on landing (bodes well for tomorrows assault) , As i suspect that some jap
CV's could well intervene here a minimal presence is left ( few aks unloading supply and a few old DD's on ASW duty) the valuable
landing ships have been withdrawn under friendly Air cover.

I'm developing a cunning plan for Java that wont involve an amphibious invasion [;)], more later on that score