Defending the empire 1943, the allies attack - a Jap AAR

[Hortlund]

Situation report

[Hortlund]

Time for some between-turns-analysis.

1) The results of the aerial fighting has been quite absurd. I have lost 70-80-90% of my fighters and bombers. And that is with 80+ experience pilots flying A6M2s. Against Wildcats with equal pilots and slightly higher numbers. Its ludicrous. Look at the kill ratios today. 3-1 in favor of the Wildcats..or is it 4-1? Look at the kill ratios yesterday...10-1 to the Wildcats.

2) I have been able to penetrate the CAP today, with horrendous losses. The flak has killed off 70% of the bombers who got through. All for two torpedo hits on an old british BB. Not really impressive hit results by my 80 exp Bettys.

3) Some upsides. I have sunk 2 BBs and one CA today. Together with an AS, AR and AD that must be in sinking condition.
I have also inflicted 45-50 kills on his CV fighters. He has no losses to his bomber units on the CVs, but his fighters must be in poor condition now. If I assume that I have at least damaged one fighter for every one shot down, then he should have less than 50 in fighting condition for tomorrow. From the looks of the AAR, he has them on 90% CAP, and he has been able to put ~130 fighters into the air. 50 shot down, 50 damaged should leave max 50 in fighting condition. THAT is the state of his airwings BEFORE he goes into combat with my CVs.

4) Some downsides. My CVs off Australia are not in good condition. They are almost out of fuel. Im splitting up the Akagi TF into one with Akagi+DD and one with 2xCVL. Both will retire north along different routes. The idea is to avoid suffering the full might of an alpha strike from his CVs in case he ventures after them. The other CV force is in good shape, but not good enough to make me want to take on 3 US CVs and 2 British ones. I have 3CV and one CVL in that force. They are also running north. They should be able to clear the area, or at least meet up with the Yamato TF tomorrow.

I have reinforced the bases at Port Moresby (to force him to attack it again), Gilli Gilli, Lae and Thursday Island. I have 80 fighters and 20 Vals at Thursday, and I just want to get my fighters to tangle with his defensive CAP really. Im hoping for strikes from Gilli Gilli and Lae with my Bettys.

I seriously doubt he dares to venture further into the north coast of Australia now that he has seen that I have more CVs in the area. If he does, he will have the upper hand in number of ships, he also has an unbelievable edge in that my ships are almost out of fuel. He cant know that though...

[jwilkerson]

ORIGINAL: Panzerjaeger Hortlund

ORIGINAL: jwilkerson

I still suggest occupying all the little islands/bases near Northern Oz to increase diversion and delay upon the Allies attempt to return. That remains your most vulnerable sector IMHO.

But I cant see how I would ever be able to defend those islands. They are too close to Darwin. Im having enough trouble trying to defend Timor and Ambonia. To defend those 00-islands would be a nightmare..

Hey, in the long run you can't defend anything (except maybe Honshu) if the Allies want to take it. But giving the Allied player more targets will slow him down. You can supply them with barges and Mav/Ems. If you ever finish a L-1 AF then regular transports can join in. Not a huge deal probably, but against some players it might create weeks or even months of additional delay. And "Kai" is definitely worth it IMHO.

[tlkiilerich]

But is it worth giving him a place to train his pilots for free, no chance of defending it against air attacks.

[Hortlund]

Big day for the airforce...



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/09/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 25,63

Japanese Ships
AK Taiko Maru #3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS KXIV

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 24,60

Japanese Ships
AK Yahiko Maru, Torpedo hits 1
PG Kamitsu Maru
MSW W.18

Allied Ships
SS S-36

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Gili Gili , at 56,94

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 8
B-17E Fortress x 70

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 destroyed
H6K4 Mavis: 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
66 casualties reported

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 48

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet

He was smart enough to attack Gilli Gilli instead of Port Moresby. However he was surprisingly ineffective.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Thursday Island at 49,90


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 16


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Isokaze
DD Maikaze

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 50,96

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 55
A6M3 Zero x 13
G4M1 Betty x 26

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2
F4F-4 Wildcat x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed, 4 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed, 22 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 11 destroyed, 16 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CV Yorktown, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
BB Idaho, Torpedo hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet




YES. The previous days fighting has worn down his CAP. Now my Bettys get through, we manage to score hits in Yorktown and Enterprise...they will probably make it to port, but they should be out of the action for at least 6 months. The ammo storage explosion looks interesting...imagine if it sinks...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 50,96

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed


Allied Ships
CV Saratoga, Torpedo hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

I dont know if this is fog of war or not. Its a hit but not on fire?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 50,96

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
G4M1 Betty x 12

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

[jwilkerson]

ORIGINAL: tlkiilerich

But is it worth giving him a place to train his pilots for free, no chance of defending it against air attacks.

Allies don't really need training spots as much as Japanese - it could help his fighters a bit - the bombers already have training spots!

[jwilkerson]

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2
F4F-4 Wildcat x 38

Wonder what happened to the Uber Cap over his carriers this time!?

[Hortlund]

ORIGINAL: jwilkerson

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2
F4F-4 Wildcat x 38

Wonder what happened to the Uber Cap over his carriers this time!?

Im also wondering where his Martlets went...

But like I said, the constant attacks must have wore it down. It cost me over 100 Zeros and 60 Bettys though...

[Hortlund]

Things slow down...like two punch-drunk fighters were are both staggering to our own corner. I walk out of this fight with 3-400 aircraft losses, together with a handful of DDs. He walks out of this fight with 200 aircraft lost and 2BBs, 1CA, 1CL, 3AS, 2AR, 2AD and a handful of AKs lost. Clearly this round went to me..

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/10/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 51,48

Japanese Ships
MSW Atsu Maru

Allied Ships
SS Gar

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 51,48

Japanese Ships
MSW Atsu Maru

Allied Ships
SS Gar

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 49,100

Japanese Ships
SS I-172

Allied Ships
DD Stuart
DD Tjerk Hiddes
DD Arunta
DD Walke
DD Morris

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 47,114

Japanese Ships
SS I-23

Allied Ships
AK Electra

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lashio , at 35,30


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 101
P-40E Warhawk x 3
Hurricane IIc x 18


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 17

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Hurricane IIc bombing at 2000 feet
13 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIc bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIc bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lashio , at 35,30


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 44
P-40E Warhawk x 3


No Allied losses

Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
16 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
13 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 27
Ki-49 Helen x 82

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed, 12 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 3 destroyed, 31 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 1 destroyed
A-20B Boston: 2 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
22 casualties reported

Airbase hits 29
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 67

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet
14 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 11000 feet
19 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet
5 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 11000 feet
7 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet
7 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 11000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 47,114

Japanese Ships
SS I-23

Allied Ships
CA Portland, Torpedo hits 1
DD Mustin
DD Hammann
DD Hughes
DD Cushing
DD Fanning
CL Detroit

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Port Moresby at 53,91

Japanese Ships
DD Isokaze
DD Maikaze

Allied Ships
SS Halibut

[Hortlund]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/12/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1028 encounters mine field at Akyab (30,29)

Allied Ships
MSW Agra
MSW Cochin

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 29,29

Japanese Ships
AK Tetsuzan Maru, Shell hits 26, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AG AG-101
AG AG-104
AG AG-117
AG AG-358
AG AG-362
AG AG-367, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AG AG-374, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
AG AG-375

Allied Ships
DD Alden
DD Barker
DD John D. Edwards

A resupply convoy of barges heading to Akyab was intercepted and suffers for it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lashio , at 35,30


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 86
P-40E Warhawk x 19


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
8 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
13 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
16 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 29,28


Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 31
P-40B Tomahawk x 20
P-40E Warhawk x 21


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AG AG-358, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AG AG-104, Bomb hits 3, heavy damage
AG AG-117, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
1 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet

Yeah...no supplies for Akyab today.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 14

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Maikaze, Bomb hits 1
DD Isokaze

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
1 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 14

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Penang Maru, Bomb hits 1
AK Sanyo Maru
AK Saigon Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
1 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet

B17s are on naval attack apparently. Well, Id rather have them on naval attack than on airfield attack.

[Hortlund]

By a submarine!!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/13/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 47,113

Japanese Ships
SS I-10, hits 11, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Porter
DD Perkins
DD Maury
DD McCall
DD Jarvis
DD Patterson
DD Henley

Off Brisbane. I had positioned my subs off his major ports to intercept the returning taskforces. I-10 manages to score two torpedo hits, another magazine explosion and Yorktown is sunk. The destroyers took I-10 in the aftermath, so the both ships founder together. All aircraft on bord were listed as losses, I suppose that means all the pilots went down with the ships aswell.

Thus, we add the CV Yorktown to the casualty tally for the Darwin offensive, which by any standard must be held as an astonishing success now. One CV, two BB, one CA, one CL and a handful of destroyers and AS,AR,AD...

[wernerpruckner]

congrats for sinking the beast !!!!
now Chris has a reason for blustering [:D]

[Gen.Hoepner]

YESSS!!!! The allies went a bit overconfident and paid for it[8D]
 
Gotta say that your opponent really made a mistake...to save a couple of BBs he crippled his whole pacific fleet...[:-]

[Hortlund]

ORIGINAL: Gen.Hoepner

YESSS!!!! The allies went a bit overconfident and paid for it[8D]

Gotta say that your opponent really made a mistake...to save a couple of BBs he crippled his whole pacific fleet...[:-]

Yes, exactly. He has practically made any US offensive in the pacific impossible for the next 3-6 months. Enterprise must need some serious dock-time after the magazine explosion, Yorktown is now sunk, that leaves only Saratoga (damaged) and Hornet for any offensive. Together with the british CV...or CVs, I dont know how many he has. But I seriously doubt he dares to put his CVs in the line for a while.

I believe he will only do bomber offensives at Port Moresby and Timor for a while. Until he gets his P-38s...after that, he might try to invade somewhere close...like Timor or Port Moresby. So I have 2 months to fortify those bases.

[Hortlund]

Things are getting much more quiet now. Im starting a pilot school at Kai island...as you can see. He is training his at Lashio. Some day Im going to ambush him there, but for now all my Oscar wings are at Canton to pick up replacement aircraft. My Zeros are at Soerebaja to pick up replacement aircraft, and my bomber wings are picking up replacements at Soerebaja or Kawajelein. All my capital ships are heading for the home islands for dock time to repair all sys damage. Im expecting months of quiet in the frontlines now, and Im intending to use that time to repair all sys damage and upgrade all my CVs, BBs, CAs and DDs.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/14/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lashio , at 35,30


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 105
P-40E Warhawk x 43
Hurricane IIc x 32


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 34

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
13 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
13 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Hurricane IIc bombing at 2000 feet
11 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Hurricane IIc bombing at 2000 feet
13 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
13 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIc bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIc bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lashio , at 35,30


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 96
P-40E Warhawk x 21


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
10 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
16 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
12 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kai Island , at 39,78

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 75

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
10 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kai Island , at 39,78

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 76

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
27 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
7 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet

[Hortlund]

Another quiet day. Most of my BBs have reached port in the home islands now. Half of my carriers are still enroute to their home ports, half are docked already. Im going to repair all ships, rest and refit, and then gather the entire Imperial fleet at Tokyo (capital ships). It will sit there for a while, and then I'll decide how to organize my defences. Right now I have a couple of CLs at Rabaul, a CA at Tarawa, a couple of BBs and CAs at Singapore (undergoing repairs).

My airforce has really suffered over these past months. Im rebuilding my fighter wings at Soerebaja, and then they are moved to the frontline. right now I have ~100 fighters on Timor, ~200 at Rangoon, ~150 on various pacific islands and ~50 at Port Moresby...thats it. All the others are rebuilding.

Bomber wings are doing somewhat better. I have had to downgrade a couple of Betty wings to Nells, I figured it would be better to have the bomber wings filled out instead of sitting empty. Same with Helens/Sallys. The losses have been severe. Especially in Burma, where I have lost the majority of my fighters. I think I've lost over 300 Oscars in Burma. Most were lost on the ground however, so the pilot situation isnt that bad. Most of my fighter wings have experience in the 80s. But I also have perhaps 1/3rd of my fighter wings with experience in the 60s. Once I have stabilized the frontlines, I will start rotating units to pilot school at Ambonia, but I expect it will take a couple of weeks before that happens.

I will do a more detailed run-through of my airforce status once I get my units filled up. In the meantime...

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/15/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Myitkyina , at 36,28


Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 125
P-40B Tomahawk x 18


Allied aircraft losses
Wellington III: 1 destroyed, 18 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
250 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 63

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
9 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
9 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
12 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
9 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
4 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
4 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
4 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
6 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
5 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
5 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
4 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
2 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
2 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
2 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
2 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kai Island , at 39,78

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 75
Ki-49 Helen x 27

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 47

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
15 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
10 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kai Island , at 39,78

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 128

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 35

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
11 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
17 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
16 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 49,48

Japanese Ships
TK Moji Maru
DD Hatsukaze

Allied Ships
SS Gar

[Hortlund]

Today the B-25s returned to Timor. 10 were lost, for 6 japanese aircraft bombed on the ground. Well, if he wants to destroy his morale by doing stuff like this, go ahead. We also had a close encounter in the Indian Ocean. I have a small carrier force with 2 CVEs and 4 CS on convoy intercept duty. Apparently he has a carrier in this area, since I got the dreaded "reacting to enemy carriers"-message. But no aircraft launched today. Pity... I believe my 33 Kates would have carried the day. Im probably facing the Hermes or something silly like that.

Poor Lt Hamano shot down two aircraft today, but apparently he was only credited with one kill.

LTJG Hamano S. of F1/Sasebo Daitai is credited with kill number 3
Hudson I takes recon photos of Lautem
A-20B Boston takes recon photos of Lautem
LTJG Hamano S. of F1/Sasebo Daitai is credited with kill number 3




AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/17/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lautem , at 33,78

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 26
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 4
A-20B Boston x 4
B-25C Mitchell x 137

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 10 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 3 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 5 destroyed, 45 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
1099 casualties reported
Guns lost 19

Airbase hits 22
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 129

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 16000 feet

[Hortlund]

ORIGINAL: Panzerjaeger Hortlund

Situation report

Lets go back a couple of days to this situation here. His orders at this position was to retreat all his CVs south. I believe that was a mistake.

If he had ordered his CVs into the gulf of Carpentaria, he would have sunk the Agaki and the two CVLs. I am also pretty sure he would have done it without own losses, since my Bettys from Lae and Gilli Gilli would have been unable to touch him, his CAP would have massacred my bombers, and my Zeros would not have had range to escort him.

He could have remained in the gulf for a while, or he could have moved to Darwin. This point was the Mexican standoff, and he blinked. It cost him three damaged carriers and one damaged battleship. Also, this led to the loss of the Yorktown.

He was suffering from some losses to his fighters, but like I said back then, I still expect he would be able to put up a CAP of at least 80 fighters. There is no way my bombers would have penetrated that without fighter escort.

Bottom line is, I think he made a critical error when he retired with his CVs here instead of pursuing my CVs. If you look at the position of the Agaki, it becomes quite apparent that it was impossible for my CV to escape if he had moved west with his carriers.

The lesson here, boys and girls, is once you have committed to battle, you need to stay the cource and not back down.

[Hortlund]

FFS!!

AGAIN my carriers fail to launch. I guessed right, he ran south at full speed, and I followed him, I spotted him (he didnt spot me) and STILL MY CARRIERS WOULD NOT LAUNCH. I have 30+ Kates and 6 Zeros on those two CVES and not a single aircraft took off. BS BS BS.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/18/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 97 encounters mine field at Victoria Point (25,39)

Japanese Ships
MSW W.18
PG Kamitsu Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Thursday Island at 49,90

Japanese Ships
ML Natsushima, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
ML Hirashima
ML Hoko

Allied Ships
SS Porpoise, hits 1, on fire

great

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 70,112

Japanese Ships
AP Teiryu Maru
MSW Noshiro Maru #2
MSW Tama Maru #5

Allied Ships
SS Guardfish

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lashio , at 35,30


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 111
P-40E Warhawk x 24
Hurricane IIc x 32


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
51 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 48

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lashio , at 35,30


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 88
P-40E Warhawk x 24
Hurricane IIc x 5


No Allied losses

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Myitkyina , at 36,28


Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 38
SB-2c x 5


Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
182 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 43

Aircraft Attacking:
26 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 21000 feet
11 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 21000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kai Island , at 39,78

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 45
Ki-21 Sally x 68
Ki-49 Helen x 84

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 70

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kai Island , at 39,78

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 27
G4M1 Betty x 105

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 34

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby Defense Brigade, at 54,92

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 17

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 53,92


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 23


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Chowa Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Kamo Maru
AP Waura Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Kanko Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Hanakawa Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nichiren Maru

Japanese ground losses:
252 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 53,92


Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 11
B-25C Mitchell x 5
B-17E Fortress x 8


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Reiyo Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Matsukawa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Otori
AP Kanko Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Nagano Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
151 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
1 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet

One hex off Port Moresby...why doesnt my fighters at PM fly? They are all on LRCAP?

[Hortlund]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/19/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 47,88

Japanese Ships
ML Hoko, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
ML Hirashima
ML Sokuten

Allied Ships
SS Thresher

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
A6M3 Zero x 6
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 22

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3
B-17E Fortress x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 2 damaged
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 3 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Hasuna Maru
MSW Asahi Maru
AP Ryoyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
A6M3 Zero x 6
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 22

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3
B-17E Fortress x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 2 damaged
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 14 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Reiyo Maru, Bomb hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hanakawa Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nagano Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
223 casualties reported

again...pathetic results from my fighters. Its quite absurd to witness my Bettys always getting shot down to the last plane, while two days later watching his bombers fly through hell and high water without a single loss.