Round Two

[Wirraway_Ace]

Great fight!  Without being able to see the individual bomb/torp BDA, I reckon:  Junyo and Hiryu will be scuttled and/or never fight again (repaired only in time to face allied carriers with Corsairs or Hellcats).  Zuikako and Shoho crippled.  Saratoga and Enterprise sunk.  Hornet will be scuttled.  Lexington crippled.
 
One of the real challenges with the early fight for the allies without TBF Avengers:  risk setting your CV TFs to "react to enemy" so you have a chance to get your torp bombers in range while essentially sacrificing your carrier force, or set to "do not react" and accept that you a fighting without torpedo bombers and hope to be able to save some of your carriers for the future while damaging enough Jap carriers to halt his advance.
 
The next turn I suppose will give some hint as to whether Ike will be able to save Lex and maybe Hornet.  Only Borner will know initially whether the KB has been sufficiently crippled to slow his advance.

[borner]

Yet to see what has a chance to make it back to base. I am thinking I will end up loosing 3 CV's in this fight, in exchange for 4 US if I can catch the Lexington as I expect to. She will be well within Betty range next turn. An exchange I am very happy to make. This turn the LEX took 2 more torps SW of Irau from Bettys and is finally showing fires and heavy damage. Hornet took considerable again and is finished. No sign of Enterprise, I expect Ike scuttled her. Yorktown is operating SW of Irau as well, launching strikes against the landing force there.
 
Combat file below
 
 
 
 
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/15/42
Weather: Overcast
Sub attack at 43,40
 
Japanese Ships
APD 36
 
Allied Ships
SS S-43
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Irau  at 42,43
 
Japanese Ships
AP Goyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire
 
Allied Ships
SS S-40
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Irau, at 42,43
 
 
Allied aircraft
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 1 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
 
Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 25
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Irau, at 42,43
 
 
Allied aircraft
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged
 
Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 65
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
 
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
AP Unkai Maru #6, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14
SBD Dauntless x 8
TBD Devastator x 10
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged
TBD Devastator x 3 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
CS Nisshin
CS Chiyoda, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
AP Kyushu Maru
AP Kenryu Maru
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 51,46
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
A6M3 Zero x 11
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
Hudson x 7
P-39D Airacobra x 24
B-25D Mitchell x 6
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
Hudson x 2 destroyed
Hudson x 6 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 4 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged
B-25D Mitchell x 1 destroyed
B-25D Mitchell x 6 damaged
 
LTJG O.Kondo of BI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3
 
LT E. Conant of VF-6 bails out WOUNDED and is RESCUED
 
Japanese Ships
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CVL Zuiho
CV Soryu
CVL Ryujo
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
 1 x Hudson at 6000 feet
 1 x Hudson at 6000 feet
 1 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
 4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14
SBD Dauntless x 15
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 5 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 2,  on fire
DD Michishio, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 2,  on fire
DD Nowaki, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
 
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
CL Jintsu
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 50,50
 
Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 26
 
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 7 destroyed
B5N Kate x 14 damaged
 
Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire
CA Chester, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire
DD Grayson, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 50,50
 
Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 7
 
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 3 damaged
 
LTJG M.Kawamura of EI-3 Daitai is KILLED
 
Allied Ships
CA Canberra
CA Pensacola, Torpedo hits 1
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 48,49
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
A6M3 Zero x 6
D3A Val x 18
B5N Kate x 15
 
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 5 destroyed
B5N Kate x 4 damaged
 
Allied Ships
CV Hornet, Bomb hits 17, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 41,50
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
A6M3 Zero x 5
G4M1 Betty x 12
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
 
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 6 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 5 damaged
 
 
Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
CLAA Atlanta, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
 1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
 2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
 
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
AP Akibasan Maru, Bomb hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
 
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
AP Hokuhi Maru, Bomb hits 3,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
 
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
 
 
no losses
 
Japanese Ships
AP Aiyo Maru, Bomb hits 3,  on fire,  heavy damage
AP Tama Maru, Bomb hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15
SBD Dauntless x 6
TBD Devastator x 7
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged
TBD Devastator x 1 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
AP Hakozaki Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Tatsuta Maru
CS Chiyoda,  on fire
DD Asanagi
 
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 38
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
 
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 2
 
 
no losses
 
Japanese Ships
AP Kinugasa Maru
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 2 x Hudson at 6000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
 
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
AP Hokkai Maru
CS Chiyoda, Bomb hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
 
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
AP Kinryu Maru
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Irau, at 42,43
 
 
Allied aircraft
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
P-400 Airacobra x 2 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 5 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged
 
Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 34
Port supply hits 1
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Irau, at 42,43
 
 
Allied aircraft
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
no losses
 
Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 56
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[vonCommander]

What a battle!! Did any of your planes survied this slugfest and made it home to one of your bases?   I`m looking forward to Ike99`s comment about these dramatic events.........

[borner]

sometimes it pays to be lucky! Caught the LEX on teh way back to port in the open water.
 
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/16/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Sub attack near Irau  at 42,43
 
Japanese Ships
AP Hirokawa Maru, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
Allied Ships
SS S-39
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43
 
Japanese Ships
CL Sendai, Shell hits 2
CL Naka, Shell hits 4
CL Jintsu, Shell hits 5,  on fire
CL Nagara, Shell hits 3
CL Tenryu, Shell hits 3,  on fire
CL Tatsuta, Shell hits 9,  on fire,  heavy damage
CL Yubari, Shell hits 3,  on fire
DD Yugumo
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 1
DD Kagero
DD Oyashio, Shell hits 1,  on fire
DD Hatsukaze, Shell hits 1,  on fire
DD Yukikaze
DD Hayashio
DD Isokaze, Shell hits 1,  on fire
DD Yugiri, Shell hits 3
 
Allied Ships
CL Leander, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1
CL Achillies, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire
DD Ellet, Shell hits 6,  on fire
DD Lang, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Irau, at 42,43
 
 
Allied aircraft
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4 damaged
 
Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 31
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 43,44
 
Japanese Ships
SS I-28
 
Allied Ships
DD Selfridge
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Irau  at 42,43
 
Japanese Ships
DD Yukaze
 
Allied Ships
SS S-39, Shell hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 5
 
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3
 
no losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
AP Hakozaki Maru
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 5
 
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 15
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
AP Hokkai Maru, Bomb hits 2,  on fire
AP Nagara Maru
AP Nankai Maru
CS Chiyoda, Bomb hits 1,  heavy damage
DD Yukaze, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 3
 
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
 
no losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
CS Chiyoda,  heavy damage
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,48
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
A6M3 Zero x 11
 
Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 4
 
no losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
 
LCDR D.Stewart of VS-5 is KILLED
 
Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 37,42
 
 
Allied aircraft
TBD Devastator x 7
 
 
no losses
 
Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 37,47
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
A6M3 Zero x 6
D3A Val x 18
B5N Kate x 28
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 24
 
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 5 destroyed
D3A Val x 8 damaged
B5N Kate x 7 destroyed
B5N Kate x 9 damaged
 
 
1LT I.Norton of VMF-212 is credited with kill number 2
 
Allied Ships
CA Vincennes
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 9,  on fire
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 42,44
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
G3M Nell x 3
G4M1 Betty x 3
 
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 2 damaged
 
Allied Ships
CA San Francisco
CA Salt Lake City, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
 3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 5
 
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 1
 
no losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
AP Kyushu Maru
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 1 x Hudson at 6000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 5
 
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
AP Hakusan Maru, Bomb hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
AP Hokuriku Maru
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 37,47
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 5
D3A Val x 7
B5N Kate x 8
 
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 6 damaged
 
Allied Ships
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 37,47
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29
B5N Kate x 4
 
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 4 damaged
 
Allied Ships
CV Yorktown, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 37,47
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 46
A6M3 Zero x 6
G3M Nell x 3
 
no losses
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat at 43,50
 
 
CPO W.Nagano of DII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2
Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
CA Tone
CA Atago
CA Myoko
CA Ashigara
CA Kumano
DD Takanami
DD Akebono
DD Sazanami
DD Mutsuki
DD Uzuki
DD Fumizuki
DD Mikazuki
DD Mochizuki
DD Yuzuki
DD Akikaze
DD Namikaze
 
Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Shell hits 5,  on fire,  heavy damage
DD Meredith, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Irau
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 22061 troops, 253 guns, 32 vehicles
 
Defending force 18831 troops, 166 guns, 43 vehicles
 
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)
 
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1
 
 
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 414
Guns lost 1
 
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 227

[borner]

My BB group decided to leave Irau, so Ike got a free shot at my AP groups. However, overal I gave as good as  got for the turn, and Irau has fallen! Hey IKE, I thought that was not going to happen!?!?
 
all but one of my cripples have made port, sadly that port is Lugna, and well in B-17 range. However, I was able to save the airgroups from the two that have. Hiryu is close, but at one hex per turn, I am not sure if she will make it. It looks as if Several of the F4F carrier wings went to IRAU, as a nearly 100 more fighters are shown being lost by the US this turn.
 
Overall I am very happy with the operation, loosing at most  Cv's/CVL's, for probably 4 of Ike's. The number of CV's I have damaged will prevent me from much more offensive actions for some time, but I never really intended to go past the current ring of bases I have anyway.
 
 
 
 
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/17/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Sub attack near Truk  at 20,2
 
Japanese Ships
AP Kyokusei Maru
 
Allied Ships
SS S-42
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43
 
Japanese Ships
MSW Wa 1, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
MSW Wa 2
PC Tama Maru #8, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
PC Ch 10, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
PC Ch 11, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
AP Asahisan Maru, Shell hits 46, and is sunk
AP Chihaya Maru
AP Enju Maru
AP Heiwa Maru
AP Katsuragisan Maru
AP Keizan Maru
AP Meiten Maru
AP Meiyo Maru
AP Mikage Maru #20
AP Montevideo Maru
AP Nagisan Maru
AP Nana Maru, Shell hits 13,  on fire,  heavy damage
AP Oigawa Maru
AP Otori Maru
AP Sakido Maru
AP Sanko Maru
AP Shoan Maru, Shell hits 29,  on fire,  heavy damage
AP Tarushima Maru
AP Unkai Maru #3
AP Yamagiri Maru
 
Allied Ships
CA Portland,  on fire,  heavy damage
CA Northampton, Shell hits 1
CA San Francisco, Shell hits 1
CLAA Atlanta
CLAA San Diego
DD Swanson
DD Gwin
DD Hughes
DD Mustin
DD O'Brien
DD Porter
DD Dewey
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
A6M3 Zero x 6
 
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
 
no losses
 
no losses
 
Japanese Ships
AP Nichibi Maru
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
A6M3 Zero x 6
 
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
 
 
Japanese Ships
MSW W15
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
A6M3 Zero x 6
 
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
AP Tatsuho Maru, Bomb hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
AP Akashisan Maru
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
A6M3 Zero x 6
 
Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 3
 
no losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 3 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
CA Ashigara, Bomb hits 1
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
 
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged
 
 
Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku,  heavy damage
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
A6M3 Zero x 6
 
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3
 
no losses
 
no losses
 
Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 39
G3M Nell x 3
G4M1 Betty x 5
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
P-400 Airacobra x 3
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 5 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
P-400 Airacobra x 1 destroyed
 
PO2 B.Fujita of F2/1st Daitai is credited with kill number 3
 
Allied Ships
DD Cushing
DD Helm
CA Vincennes
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
 1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
 3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 50,48
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 4
D3A Val x 12
B5N Kate x 12
 
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 6 damaged
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 3 damaged
 
Allied Ships
DD Hughes, Bomb hits 3,  on fire
CLAA San Diego, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
CA San Francisco, Torpedo hits 4,  on fire
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 50,48
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
B5N Kate x 4
 
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 3 damaged
 
LT K. Matsuo of CII-3 Daitai bails out and is CAPTURED
 
Allied Ships
DD Dewey, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3 Zero x 6
 
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 2
 
no losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 48
G3M Nell x 2
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
P-400 Airacobra x 3
 
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 2 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 1 destroyed
 
LTJG R.Minobe of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2
 
Allied Ships
DD Cushing
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 2 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 50,48
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
D3A Val x 6
 
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged
 
Allied Ships
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 3,  on fire
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43
 
 
PO2 E. Kakimoto of F2/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 2
 
LTJG R. Robinson of VF-2 is KILLED
Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 1
CA Tone, Shell hits 2
CA Atago, Shell hits 1
CA Myoko
CA Ashigara
CA Kumano
DD Takanami
DD Akebono
DD Sazanami
DD Mutsuki, Shell hits 1
DD Uzuki
DD Fumizuki
DD Mikazuki
DD Mochizuki, Shell hits 1,  on fire
DD Yuzuki
DD Akikaze
DD Namikaze
 
Allied Ships
CA Vincennes, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Helm, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
DD Cushing, Shell hits 9,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43
 
Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
CA Tone
CA Atago
CA Myoko
CA Ashigara
CA Kumano
DD Takanami
DD Akebono
DD Sazanami
DD Mutsuki
DD Uzuki
DD Fumizuki
DD Mikazuki
DD Mochizuki,  on fire
DD Yuzuki
DD Akikaze
DD Namikaze
 
Allied Ships
DD Helm, and is sunk
DD Cushing, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Irau, at 42,43
 
 
Allied aircraft
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
P-400 Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 1 damaged
 
Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 28
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Irau, at 42,43
 
 
Allied aircraft
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
no losses
 
Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 23
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Irau
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 39068 troops, 491 guns, 40 vehicles
 
Defending force 18602 troops, 166 guns, 43 vehicles
 
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0
 
Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 0)
 
Japanese forces CAPTURE Irau base !!!
 
 
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 695
 
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 888
Guns lost 2

[Ike99]

Borner has made almost a clean sweep of the Allied Carrier force.

The equation is easy.

Japanese Only Carrier Force -vs- Allied Only Carrier Force

In 42´

Japanese are going to win the battle.

Should have stayed closer to my landbased cover but I got greedy to hit his invasion force.

But I´m in good shape as I still have WASP and 5 other fleet carriers coming, mostly sturdy Essex Class, outfitted with Corsair and Hellcat . A lot of other CVE´s and CVL´s too. So as far as fighter cover for future landings in 43´ I should have plenty. But I´m not waiting till 43´anyways.

Borner brought 40,000+ men to take Irau. I certainly don´t think he´ll leave them all there. That´s too many that could be bypassed later in the game protecting a low point base.

Despite losing Irau (for the present) I´ve actually gained ground fast. Gavigamana is now an established Allied base with Allied bombers attacking Japanese ships from it routinely all the way up to Lunga. As well Nevea is now an Allied base. I do not believe Borner now has enough firepower left to threaten these bases.

Especially as many of the Dauntless Dive Bombers from my carriers have found refuge on these bases or are within striking distance of them and being guarded by Australians.

I view this past battle as a good tactical victory for Japan but a very good strategic victory for the Allies. The waters around the Lower Eastern Solomons have become very dangerous to Japanese shipping. As well the Lower Eastern Solomon Japanese bases have been brought into easy bombing range. All very early in the
game.

My surface losses have been amazingly light. Just 1 Cruiser and 4 Destroyers.

Two Subs.

My transport losses are good. Ten lost. All but one being of the small type. This is another reason I think I´m in good shape. My transport losses reflect my Allied doctrine, or how I´m playing them. I haven´t, and won´t risk my lift capability with the Allies. In my opinion this is their one and only weakness. The Allies have lots of everything... except lift, it is limited.

The Allies will get control of the sea and they will get control of the air, it´s just a matter of time. The Corsair and Hellcat will cut anything the Japanese have flying to shreds. But all this will mean nothing if he has wiped out half my lift capability or does so in my first few counter offensive landings. I won´t have time to close the points lead on him if that happens.

Unless of course he gives me 1,000´s of points in aircraft losses, starts throwing Battleships and other high value surface units around. I don´t think he´ll do this. He saw how stingy I was as the Japanese when we played before when it came to giving the Allies points.

But overall, as of now, unless Borner can kick me off Nevea and Gavigamana I believe the Allies are ahead of schedule.

[borner]

Ike makes several good points. However, I muse say I am very happy with my current situation. one of my CV's have been sunk, although 3 are quite crippled, and far enough forward he may yet get them. However, I will gladly trade "Z", Hiryu, and Junyo for the damage I have inflicted. Especially given that all the air-groups, and high vaule pilots, have lived to fight another day. If IKE comes forward too fast, my CV's and land based air will pound him. If he waits too long, I don't think he will be able to take enough ground.

[Wirraway_Ace]

This is likely to only make Ike a more dangerous Japanese player...

[Ike99]

This is likely to only make Ike a more dangerous Japanese player...

Hopefully I´m good as the Japanese. To say I have studied the side wouldn´t be an understatement considering I´ve played and practiced with them almost everyday for 8 months. [:D]

Playing the Allied side here is on the job training.

[borner]

At least you have a plan. [X(] 
 

[Ike99]

At least you have a plan.

Yeah I have a plan.

[borner]

yet another CV battle off Irau. Soryu hit but will make port, Zuiho hit but operationa. Wasp takes one bomb and 2 torps. Hopefully my land based air can find and finish her next turn. increadable game, one JAP CVL will be the only carrier - I do not count the long Island, operational in the whole game!

[Marc gto]

this is great stuff guys what blood shed

[borner]

gets evn better, Jap bomers found and sunk the Wasp. Japan has one operational CVL in the fleet. Junyo officially is sunk. Big Z Hiryu more badly damaged than my others and probably will not make it back to Japan unil the New year as slow as they can travel. Once the remaining flattops return, I will have enough of a fleet to contest IKE, and more importantly, all my airgroups lived to fight another day!
 

[tocaff]

Your airgroups will be lower in experience due to attrition and flying obsolete planes soon.  That's why it's good to have a CV battle before Lightnings, Corsairs, Hellcats and TBFs arrive.  

[borner]

well, we had the largest one I have ever seen in 1942.

[Ike99]

Well I think it´s safe to say Japanese expansion in the South Pacific has been checked considering the Japanese have one operational baby carrier left.

I also think it´s safe to say the Japanese cannot float a rubber duck south of Shortlands safely as the Allies now have excellent recon over the area and bombers are attacking and hitting everything floating on a daily basis.

This early start to Allied air supremacy will prove significant over the next few months and indeed, turn the conquest of the Japanese bases in the Solomons into a swift campaign.

[tocaff]

Amazing to read an AAR that Ike posts as the Japanese and then as the Allies. He does truly try to play with his opponents heads. Please do not take this as a negative.

[borner]

yes, he does try [:-] ......Once Ike runs out of cripples to bomb, we will see. I am not nearly as afraid to run convoys to Irau as he thinks... and I always thought that was my barge units were for anyway. As for myexpansion, I already have gone as far out as I ever planned. The bonus is I have 6 sunk US carriers as a bonus. How Ike thinks this is a good thing is beyond me[&:][&:]

[tocaff]

He'll get a few CVEs and then Essex so his condition isn't as bad as one might think.  As long as the Allied lift capabilities exist there's trouble.  If he hits PM and expands by land from there it's possible to get a victory that way.  What shape is the Japanee LBA in is the question that I'm wondering about.  As long as ships can base out of Shortlands safely the SAGs can cause trouble for the Allies.  Once Irau falls Guadalcanal is in trouble and the same for NG concerning PM.  We all know that Allied LBA in PM and/or Lunga makes life very dangerous for Japanese shipping.