Late Bloomer - Sc 19

[RGIJN]

don´t worry. In return I lost about between 80...300 A/C per day. Your Corsairs were really merciless. Ken kept about 20...40 Corsairs plus 50...70 P-38s over his ships each turn. They shredded my attempts in a very bloody way. After just a few days of battle my LBA squadrons hadn´t achieved much more than piecemeal bomb or even lesser Torpedo hits but wasted the remaining pilots capable of flying a warplanes at all. [X(] Had to stop these attacks after about a week since pool dried out, crews scratched XP bottom (30..50s max) and fatigue + morale denied take off. Two days after the battle started I brought my CVs into play and they managed to smash a small divisionary landing in the hex adjacent to Irau. The entire force sunk I think. (about five AKs + escort). Fortunately, they did not even tried to get thru his CAP over the main landings. What really amazed me was the absence of his CV force. I guess it was held back in reserve, but actually I never got a glimpse of them. [&:]
Meanwhile the mines, subs and shore guns contributed alot to his attrition. Then my surface vessels finally fell in... Several night clashes resulted in quite heavy losses on both sides, though IMHO the IJN did better than expected (feared...). I sunk more than I lost, but the japanese navy cannot afford even the slightest losses at this stage of war. You just can´t sail all the time along. Even more so when considering fuel concerns & fighter cover. After some time you just HAVE TO retreat. It really hurts to deny your forces the chance to retaliate... [&o]

will post some reports of these days now...

[RGIJN]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/25/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 3
BB Fuso, Shell hits 3
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 2
CA Mogami, Shell hits 1
CA Mikuma, Shell hits 1
CL Kiso, Shell hits 8, on fire
DD Shiranui
DD Nowaki
DD Nenohi
DD Hibiki
DD Fubuki
DD Yugiri
DD Amagiri
DD Asanagi, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
CL Santa Fe, Shell hits 33, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Dyson, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Brownson, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Cummings


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Fuso, Shell hits 1
BB Yamashiro
CA Mogami
CA Mikuma
CL Kiso, on fire
DD Shiranui
DD Nowaki
DD Nenohi
DD Hibiki
DD Fubuki
DD Yugiri
DD Amagiri
DD Asanagi, on fire
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
PT 152, Shell hits 119, on fire, heavy damage
PT 157, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PT 162
PT 325


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 1
BB Fuso, Shell hits 3
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 1
CA Mogami, Shell hits 1
CA Mikuma
CL Kiso, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Shiranui
DD Nowaki, Shell hits 3
DD Nenohi
DD Hibiki
DD Fubuki
DD Yugiri
DD Amagiri
DD Asanagi, on fire
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
CL Santa Fe, and is sunk
DD Dyson, Shell hits 26, and is sunk
DD Cummings, Shell hits 33, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 1
BB Fuso, Shell hits 2
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 1
CA Mogami, Shell hits 1, on fire
CA Mikuma
CL Kiso, on fire
DD Shiranui
DD Nowaki
DD Nenohi
DD Hibiki
DD Fubuki
DD Yugiri
DD Amagiri
DD Asanagi, on fire
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
CA Wichita, Shell hits 28, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Beale, Shell hits 17, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SC 982
AP Callaway
AP Cambria
LSD Carter Hall
LCI 339


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Fuso
BB Yamashiro
CA Mogami, on fire
CA Mikuma
CL Kiso, on fire
DD Shiranui
DD Nowaki
DD Nenohi
DD Hibiki
DD Fubuki
DD Yugiri
DD Amagiri
DD Asanagi, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
AK Allioth, Shell hits 25, and is sunk
AK Zaurak, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AK Shaula, Shell hits 26, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi, Shell hits 50, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Shropshire, on fire, heavy damage
CL Leander
DD Monssen
MSW Lismore
MSW Starling
SC 742
AK Aludra
AP Sumter, on fire
AK Cassiopeia
AK Pavo, heavy damage
AK Kenmore
AK Livingston
AK De Grasse
AK Prince Georges
AK Allegan, on fire, heavy damage
AK Alcona, on fire
AK Amador, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palasu'u at 41,40

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Takao
CA Atago
DD Takanami, Shell hits 1
DD Suzunami
DD Oboro
DD Akebono

Allied Ships
PT 163
PT 167
PT 169, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
PT 323


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palasu'u at 41,40

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, on fire
CA Takao
CA Atago
DD Takanami
DD Suzunami
DD Oboro
DD Akebono

Allied Ships
LCVP 1/2ESB
LCVP 2/2ESB, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
LCVP 3/2ESB
LCVP 4/2ESB
LCVP 5/2ESB
LCVP 6/2ESB
LCVP 7/2ESB, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
LCVP 8/2ESB
LCVP 9/2ESB, Shell hits 27, and is sunk
LCVP 10/2ESB
LCVP 11/2ESB
LCVP 12/2ESB
LCVP 14/2ESB, Shell hits 35, and is sunk
LCVP 16/2ESB
LCVP 17/2ESB
LCVP 18/2ESB, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 19/2ESB
LCVP 20/2ESB


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Palasu'u, at 41,40


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 2 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair x 21 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 24


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 41,38

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Tunny


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 38,37

Japanese Ships
ML Ikitsushima

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
SS I-16, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Saufley, Torpedo hits 1
DD Stevens


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Irau , at 42,43


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 4


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 41st Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 25


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 2 destroyed
B-25J Mitchell x 1 damaged

Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
8 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 41st Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 17


Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 11

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
8 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 41st Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 63


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 143

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 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
0 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
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
2 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
D3A Val x 9
B5N Kate x 13
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3
Ki-48 Lily x 3

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 41
P-38G Lightning x 43

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 5 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily x 2 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged

1LT A. Donahue of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 13

LCDR H.Kurakane of EII-3 Daitai bails out and is RESCUED

Allied Ships
MSW Heed

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 8
D3A Val x 28
G3M Nell x 3
G4M1 Betty x 4
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 4
Ki-21 Sally x 11
Ki-48 Lily x 6
Ki-49 Helen x 18

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 41
P-38G Lightning x 43

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 18 destroyed
D3A Val x 5 damaged
G3M Nell x 2 destroyed
G3M Nell x 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 2 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 1 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily x 6 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen x 1 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 3 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 5 damaged

FO M.Adams of VMF-214 is credited with kill number 12

FO R. Hanson of VMF-214 bails out and is CAPTURED

Allied Ships
BB Indiana
BB Washington

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
0 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 16
G4M1 Betty x 16

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 33
P-38G Lightning x 42

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 8 destroyed
G3M Nell x 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 12 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 4 damaged


1LT A. Jensen of VMF-214 is credited with kill number 19


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M3 Zero x 6
D3A Val x 29
B5N Kate x 3
G3M Nell x 20
G4M1 Betty x 6
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 28
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 9
Ki-21 Sally x 17
Ki-48 Lily x 17
Ki-49 Helen x 3

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 33
P-38G Lightning x 42

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 9 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 5 destroyed
G3M Nell x 7 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 2 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 8 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 3 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally x 2 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 4 damaged
Ki-48 Lily x 2 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 5 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 4 damaged

FO M.Adams of VMF-214 is credited with kill number 13

Allied Ships
AK Pavo, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Allegan, on fire, heavy damage
AK Cassiopeia
DD Monssen
AK Amador, on fire
CA Shropshire, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Leander, Bomb hits 4, on fire
AK De Grasse, Bomb hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 27

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen at 8000 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
0 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 19
B5N Kate x 21
G3M Nell x 3
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 18

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 28
P-38G Lightning x 40

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 8 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 damaged
B5N Kate x 8 destroyed
B5N Kate x 4 damaged
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 2 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 3 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 4 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 3 damaged

2LT C.Sampson of VMF-214 is credited with kill number 11

FO P.Keller of VMF-214 bails out and is CAPTURED

Allied Ships
CLAA Atlanta
CA Pensacola
AK Sabik

Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x Ki-21 Sally at 7000 feet
2 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 10

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 17
P-38G Lightning x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 5 damaged


2LT C. Smith of 80th FS is credited with kill number 6

Allied Ships
CLAA Atlanta

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 4
G4M1 Betty x 15

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 26
P-38G Lightning x 39

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 5 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 9 damaged


1LT A. Donahue of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 15

Allied Ships
AK Syrma
CLAA Atlanta, Torpedo hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48 Lily x 3

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 26
P-38G Lightning x 39

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48 Lily x 1 destroyed


1LT P.Harper of 41st FS is credited with kill number 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 7

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 26
P-38G Lightning x 39

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 2 damaged


1LT A. Donahue of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 17

Allied Ships
SC 984

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 5
D3A Val x 62

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 26
P-38G Lightning x 39

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 18 destroyed
D3A Val x 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed

FO M.Adams of VMF-214 is credited with kill number 14

Allied Ships
AK Blount, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 91


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Irau , at 42,43


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 2


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gavigamana at 51,47

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Columbia, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gavigamana at 51,47

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DD McCall, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
A6M3 Zero x 20
D3A Val x 42
B5N Kate x 22
G3M Nell x 3
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 29
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 16
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 8
Ki-21 Sally x 20
Ki-48 Lily x 12
Ki-49 Helen x 13

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 35
P-38G Lightning x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 13 destroyed
D3A Val x 4 destroyed
D3A Val x 4 damaged
B5N Kate x 5 destroyed
B5N Kate x 5 damaged
G3M Nell x 2 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 12 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 3 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 1 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 2 damaged
Ki-48 Lily x 2 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen x 1 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 2 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 5 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 14 damaged

LTC H. Bauer of VMF-212 is credited with kill number 11

1LT A. Jensen of VMF-214 is KILLED

Allied Ships
CA Pensacola
AK Alkaid
AK Arided, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Alamosa, on fire
APD Brooks, Bomb hits 1
CLAA Atlanta, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Phobos

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 7000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 7000 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43


1LT V.Alford of VMF-121 is credited with kill number 6

2LT A. Hill of 80th FS bails out and is CAPTURED
Japanese Ships
CS Chitose
CL Oyodo
DD Hayashio
DD Asashio
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Shigure
DD Yugure
DD Murakumo

Allied Ships
BB New Mexico
BB Mississippi
DD DeHaven
DD Lamson
DD Smith
DD Monaghan
DMS Long
DMS Hopkins


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
CS Chitose
CL Oyodo
DD Hayashio
DD Asashio
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Shigure
DD Yugure
DD Murakumo

Allied Ships
BB New Mexico, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
BB Mississippi, Shell hits 1
DD DeHaven
DD Lamson
DD Smith
DD Monaghan
DMS Long
DMS Hopkins


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
CS Chitose
CL Oyodo, Shell hits 1
DD Hayashio, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Asashio
DD Michishio
DD Arashio, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Shigure, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Yugure
DD Murakumo, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
BB Washington, Shell hits 3
BB Indiana, Shell hits 2
CA New Orleans, Shell hits 1
DD Pringle, Shell hits 1
DD Stevens, Shell hits 1
DD Duncan

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 18


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
CS Chitose
CL Oyodo
DD Hayashio, on fire
DD Asashio
DD Michishio
DD Arashio, on fire
DD Shigure, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yugure
DD Murakumo, on fire

Allied Ships
PT 176, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT 194
PT 319

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 20


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Russell Islands at 35,39

Allied Ships
SS Albacore


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Irau

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 34855 troops, 433 guns, 110 vehicles

Defending force 21447 troops, 317 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 6

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 6)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 4


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 120

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 309


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

[Nomad]

The only CV I had available for this operation was Saratoga. I didn't think she could even defend herself in this area, let alone do anything useful.

[decaro]

The battle for Irau caused a lot of action in my game w/Todd, but there was much more in your's; that last encounter must have been a long turn!

[RGIJN]

ORIGINAL: Joe D.

The battle for Irau caused a lot of action in my game w/Todd, but there was much more in your's; that last encounter must have been a long turn!

Oh yes Joe, it was really a rumble for the junge! These combat resolution/replay phases took certainly more than the usual five minutes. You had to hit the Space button to scroll all these messages a hundreds of times. [>:]
But you had to be careful in order not to miss something important lining up there. Most notably when an allied ship took a mine again... [:D]

[RGIJN]

As you have seen in the last report I sent hundreds of planes almost in vain. These Corsairs ruin your day - be sure! Due to this reason I had to cease mass attacks finally. Had lost about 750 planes in just three days. Plus the trained crews.[:(][:(][:(] It felt like a large-scale Midway for me...[:@] My hopes that well more than thousand a/c will make an impact to an allied invasion were smashed. Ridicoulous. Wow. truly was flabbergasted.[X(]
But though distinctly fewer planes took off for death now, I had better results with them! Obviously it isn´t a good advice to send out massive air attack later in the war against bold allied CAP. Several fishes and bombs got thru Ken´s planks & decks.

This day Ken eventually took Irau with a overwhelming shock attack of his troops. But this is not the end of the story, since I continued to sortie with occasional SC & BB fleets against the ship cluster at his new harbour....


___________________________________________________________________

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/26/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 30,35

Allied Ships
SS Grouper


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Irau , at 42,43


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 4


Allied aircraft losses
F-5A Lightning x 1 destroyed
F-5A Lightning x 1 damaged


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 144th Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 24


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 destroyed
B-25J Mitchell x 8 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 55

Attacking Level Bombers:
7 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
5 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
11 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 144th Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 14


Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 7 damaged

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
10 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 144th Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 44


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 95
Guns lost 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 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
0 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Nevea at 50,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 10
P-40E Warhawk x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged

1LT C.Ingram of 8th FS is credited with kill number 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
D3A Val x 7
G4M1 Betty x 9
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 19

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 34
P-38G Lightning x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 5 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 9 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed


2LT A. Nehf of VMF-121 is credited with kill number 9

Allied Ships
AK Sculptor

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
0 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M3 Zero x 4
D3A Val x 27
D4Y Judy x 6
B5N Kate x 18
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 17
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 6
Ki-21 Sally x 14
Ki-48 Lily x 9
Ki-49 Helen x 9

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 34
P-38G Lightning x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 7 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 3 destroyed
D4Y Judy x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 4 destroyed
B5N Kate x 3 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 3 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 1 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 1 damaged
Ki-48 Lily x 2 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 2 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 4 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 10 damaged

1LT A. Donahue of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 20

2LT A. Nehf of VMF-121 bails out and is CAPTURED

Allied Ships
CL Leander
AK Aludra
AK Alcona, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Livingston, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 12

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 3
B5N Kate x 3
G4M1 Betty x 10

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 10
P-38G Lightning x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 damaged
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 3 damaged


1LT C. Nelson of 40th FS is credited with kill number 8

Allied Ships
AK Allegan, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Lismore
AK Livingston, on fire, heavy damage
CL Leander, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 13

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 25
P-38G Lightning x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 3 destroyed
G3M Nell x 2 damaged


2LT E. Pedersen of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 8


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 3

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 25
P-38G Lightning x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 4

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 25
P-38G Lightning x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally x 1 damaged



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 6

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 25
P-38G Lightning x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 damaged



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 49
D3A Val x 12
B5N Kate x 13
G4M1 Betty x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 25
P-38G Lightning x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 18 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 2 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 5 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 12 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 11 damaged

2LT E. Pedersen of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 9

1LT H.Wagner of VMF-212 is KILLED

Allied Ships
AK Grumium, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Irau , at 42,43


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 1


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 32
D3A Val x 17
B5N Kate x 9
G4M1 Betty x 6
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 24

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 32
P-38G Lightning x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 17 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 6 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 4 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 3 damaged

2LT C.Sampson of VMF-214 is credited with kill number 15

CPT H. Mcclelland of 35th FS is KILLED

Allied Ships
CL Leander, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Livingston, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Lismore
AK Prince Georges, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 13

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 21
P-38G Lightning x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 2 destroyed


FO E.Osborne of VMF-214 is credited with kill number 13


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Irau

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 37982 troops, 461 guns, 136 vehicles

Defending force 23590 troops, 382 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Allied assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied forces CAPTURE Irau base !!!



2LT J. Secrest of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 8
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 24161
Guns lost 233

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 567
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1


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

[RGIJN]

The day after my former forward base fell, I decided to strike back - showing what still is in the Nihon Kaigun. Again, my ships did better than actually hoped for. Not only they heavily mauled the (probably) guarding US battleships, they even made it thru the screen to pounce on the helpless transports. A bombardment run at Ken´s support base Palasu´u added to the fun. [:D]

However, I need to confess the loss of Irau was a knocking blow to me.[:@][:(] The frustration about, the pain over the capture of this place I had protected that carefully and last but not least the anticipation of the days to come then led me into another consideration of surrender. It was the third use of this term in our crazy game... But after some reassessment of the overall situation, I canceled such silly thoughts of capitulation. First, I was still leading by comfortable 3900 points and still had some nice assets at my disposal. But above all it would have been quite foul to quit this PBEM now when considering that my opponent Ken just got back on track. Right now he was starting his onslaught and then to end the game seemed a bit unfair to me. After all, he now started to have some fun and we´re playing this game for some fun, aren´t we? Thus I continued. Furthermore, I want to experience how to make the allied player pay for the way to win. Though I must admit it´s true pain in the ... to play in 1943 as Japanese! [X(]


Here is the Combat report of our night naval battle.



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/28/43

Weather: Rain

Sub attack at 41,38

Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma
BB Yamashiro

Allied Ships
SS Tunny


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palasu'u at 41,40

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso
BB Yamashiro
CA Mikuma
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa
DD Yugumo
DD Yamagumo
DD Minegumo
DD Hatsushimo
DD Oboro
DD Akebono

Allied Ships
PT 163, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PT 167, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
PT 323, Shell hits 193, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palasu'u at 41,40

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso
BB Yamashiro
CA Mikuma
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa
DD Yugumo
DD Yamagumo
DD Minegumo
DD Hatsushimo
DD Oboro
DD Akebono

Allied Ships
PT 162, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
PT 325, Shell hits 1, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Shell hits 2, on fire
CA Atago
CA Maya, Shell hits 5, on fire
CA Chokai, Shell hits 2
CL Naka, Shell hits 4
DD Suzunami, Shell hits 1
DD Shiranui, Shell hits 3
DD Nenohi, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hibiki
DD Fubuki
DD Uranami, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Yugiri
DD Amagiri, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
BB Washington, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Indiana, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA New Orleans, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Stevens, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Converse, Shell hits 1
DD Bush
DD Monssen
DMS Long


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Shell hits 1, on fire
CA Atago, Shell hits 5
CA Maya, on fire
CA Chokai
CL Naka
DD Suzunami
DD Shiranui
DD Nenohi, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hibiki
DD Fubuki
DD Uranami, on fire
DD Yugiri
DD Amagiri, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
AP Arthur Middleton, Shell hits 31, and is sunk
AK Ganymede, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Polk, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Megrez, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
AK Situla, Shell hits 18, and is sunk


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 203
Vehicles lost 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Shell hits 4, on fire
CA Atago
CA Maya, on fire
CA Chokai
CL Naka
DD Suzunami
DD Shiranui
DD Nenohi, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hibiki
DD Fubuki
DD Uranami, on fire
DD Yugiri
DD Amagiri, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
TK Pecos, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, on fire
CA Atago
CA Maya, on fire
CA Chokai
CL Naka
DD Suzunami
DD Shiranui
DD Nenohi, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hibiki
DD Fubuki
DD Uranami, on fire
DD Yugiri
DD Amagiri, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
PT 194
PT 319


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palasu'u at 41,40

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso
BB Yamashiro
CA Mikuma
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa
DD Yugumo
DD Yamagumo
DD Minegumo
DD Hatsushimo
DD Oboro
DD Akebono

Allied Ships
PT 323, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Palasu'u, at 41,40


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair x 4 damaged


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 137
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 76
Port hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 35,41

Japanese Ships
CA Atago

Allied Ships
SS Pickerel


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 36,41

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Amberjack


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

[RGIJN]

this is another typical report of these days. While I found out the only way to kill these damn Corsairs (namely with shipborne bombardments), he caught my transports with his LBA. It was my very last convoy of APs that made it to the southern Solomons...
Though the japanese sub is busy killing crawlers, the skies are free of imperial planes now...





AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/29/43

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack at 40,40

Japanese Ships
DD Amagiri, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Sculpin


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palasu'u at 41,40

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso
BB Yamashiro
CA Mikuma
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa
DD Yugumo
DD Yamagumo
DD Minegumo
DD Hatsushimo
DD Oboro
DD Akebono

Allied Ships
SC 701, Shell hits 4, heavy damage
LCI 222
LCI 223
LCI 225, Shell hits 10, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0

Japanese Ships
DD Nenohi, Shell hits 7, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Pensacola
DD DeHaven
DD Pringle
DD Duncan
DD Farenholt
DD Stack
DD Wilson
DD Smith
DD Monaghan


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 40,40

Japanese Ships
DD Amagiri, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Sculpin


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Palasu'u, at 41,40


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 5 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair x 5 damaged


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 34
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 74


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 34,40

Allied Ships
SS Albacore


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Kirakira , at 42,42


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 1


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 17


no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Maya Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Nagano Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Nana Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Myoko Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 14


no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Meiten Maru, Bomb hits 3
AP Myoko Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Hakonesan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Nana Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hanakawa Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
1 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 43,44

Japanese Ships
SS I-4

Allied Ships
AK De Grasse, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


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

[RGIJN]

and that is the result of one day when I approved some air attacks again... The allies clean up the remains of the transports. My bombers by far failed to achieve such a broad success. At least I can count on my subs...




AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/31/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack near Russell Islands at 35,39

Allied Ships
SS Argonaut


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 30,35

Allied Ships
SS Grouper


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 48,43

Japanese Ships
SS I-4

Allied Ships
LST 474


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 30,35

Allied Ships
SS Grouper


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Kirakira , at 42,42


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 2


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Tulagi at 38,39


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 27
SBD Dauntless x 24
TBF Avenger x 6


no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Maya Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hikade Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nana Maru, heavy damage
AP Hakonesan Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Tulagi at 38,39


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
B-24D Liberator x 3


no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Maya Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hokko Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 8000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 8
B5N Kate x 12
G4M1 Betty x 4

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 12
P-40E Kittyhawk x 15
P-38G Lightning x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 3 damaged


1LT V.Howard of 35th FS is credited with kill number 8

Allied Ships
AK Appanoose, on fire, heavy damage
AK Indus, on fire, heavy damage
DMS Dorsey
SC 750

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 4
B5N Kate x 5
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6
Ki-48 Lily x 13

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 3 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily x 5 damaged


1LT D.Patterson of VMF-124 is credited with kill number 16

Allied Ships
DD Wilson
DD Duncan, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DMS Long
DD Pringle

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
1 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M3 Zero x 14
D3A Val x 22
B5N Kate x 22
G3M Nell x 3
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 8
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 18
Ki-48 Lily x 6
Ki-46 Dinah x 2

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed


1LT A.Hardy of VMF-223 is credited with kill number 4

Allied Ships
AO Tappahannock, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Kirakira , at 42,42


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 2


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Tulagi at 38,39


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 16
TBF Avenger x 9


no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Hakka Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Tulagi at 38,39


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4


no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Palasu'u at 41,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
B5N Kate x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 5 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Warren, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
SC 518
SC 643


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 51,44

Japanese Ships
SS I-17

Allied Ships
AP American Legion, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


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

[RGIJN]

some night action again with mixed results, though somehow quite OK for me. Ken took another satellite base (one hex northeast of Irau). Obviously he needs more strips to base his LBA that must be bursting at the seams... [:@]



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/01/43

Weather: Clear

Sub attack at 41,38

Japanese Ships
CA Aoba
DD Matsukaze

Allied Ships
SS Tunny


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palasu'u at 41,40

Japanese Ships
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa
CL Naka
DD Hatsukaze
DD Isokaze
DD Matsukaze
DD Oite
DD Hakaze
DD Akikaze
DD Yukaze

Allied Ships
LCVP 1/2ESB
LCVP 3/2ESB
LCVP 4/2ESB, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
LCVP 5/2ESB, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
LCVP 6/2ESB, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 8/2ESB
LCVP 10/2ESB
LCVP 11/2ESB, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
LCVP 12/2ESB, Shell hits 2
LCVP 16/2ESB
LCVP 17/2ESB
LCVP 19/2ESB
LCVP 20/2ESB


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai, Shell hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Fubuki, Shell hits 9, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Pensacola, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD DeHaven
DD Pringle, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Bush, Shell hits 9, on fire
DD Monssen
DD Farenholt, Shell hits 28, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Stack
DD Wilson, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Smith
DD Monaghan, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DMS Long


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai, Shell hits 19, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 19, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Fubuki, Shell hits 37, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Pensacola, on fire, heavy damage
DD DeHaven
DD Pringle, on fire, heavy damage
DD Bush, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Monssen
DD Stack
DD Wilson, on fire, heavy damage
DD Smith
DD Monaghan, on fire, heavy damage
DMS Long


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai, and is sunk
DD Fubuki, and is sunk

Allied Ships
PT 194
PT 319


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi, Shell hits 2
CA Atago
CL Oyodo
DD Takanami
DD Suzunami
DD Shiranui
DD Yugiri
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
DMS Hamilton, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
DMS Dorsey, Shell hits 17, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
SC 750
AK Centarus, on fire, heavy damage
AK Bootes, on fire, heavy damage
AK Azimech, on fire, heavy damage
AK Appanoose, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Indus, on fire, heavy damage
AK Cabell, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 77


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi
CA Atago
CL Oyodo
DD Takanami
DD Suzunami
DD Shiranui
DD Yugiri
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
LCVP 13/2ESB, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
LCVP 15/2ESB, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
LCVP 29/2ESB, Shell hits 1, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 30,35

Japanese Ships
DD Shimotsuki
DD Susuzuki

Allied Ships
SS Grouper, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kirakira

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4020 troops, 70 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 967 troops, 21 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 9 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Kirakira base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 931
Guns lost 16

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 17


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

[RGIJN]

next day... My TF once again turned on its heels to bomb these Corsairs out of their shelters. Caught some cargo craft too. While his Mitchells start the task of leveling Lunga, some of my bombers got thru to land some nice hits. Even caught an allied sub - VERY STRANGE [;)] (because rare)
MUSASHI met its fate the day after when came on another US submarine...




AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/02/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack near Russell Islands at 35,39

Allied Ships
SS S-38


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palasu'u at 41,40

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi
CA Atago
CL Oyodo
DD Takanami
DD Suzunami
DD Shiranui
DD Yugiri
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
LCM 1/2ESB, Shell hits 8, heavy damage
LCM 2/2ESB, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 3/2ESB
LCM 4/2ESB
LCM 5/2ESB
LCM 6/2ESB
LCM 7/2ESB, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
LCM 8/2ESB
LCM 9/2ESB
LCM 10/2ESB


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palasu'u at 41,40

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi
CA Atago
CL Oyodo
DD Takanami
DD Suzunami
DD Shiranui
DD Yugiri
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
LCM 1/2ESB, and is sunk
LCM 2/2ESB, and is sunk
LCM 3/2ESB, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 4/2ESB
LCM 5/2ESB, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
LCM 6/2ESB
LCM 8/2ESB
LCM 9/2ESB
LCM 10/2ESB


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Palasu'u, at 41,40


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 4 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair x 5 damaged

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 16


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Palasu'u, at 41,40


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 74

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 30


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 13
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 9

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 48
P-38G Lightning x 19
B-25J Mitchell x 75

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 5 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 3 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 1 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 destroyed
B-25J Mitchell x 4 damaged

2LT E. Wagner of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 9

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 184

Airbase hits 22
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 32

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
11 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Bia at 41,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 17
D3A Val x 20
B5N Kate x 21
G3M Nell x 6
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 19
Ki-48 Lily x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 6 damaged
B5N Kate x 5 destroyed
B5N Kate x 17 damaged
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 4 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
LST 474, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Swanson
CL Denver, Bomb hits 3
DD Aulick, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
LST 450
LST 456, Bomb hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 24

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
1 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
2 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 38,37


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 35
SBD Dauntless x 33
TBF Avenger x 26


no losses

Japanese Ships
CL Yura, Bomb hits 14, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Myoko Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 41,38

Japanese Ships
DD Shimotsuki
DD Hatsuzuki
DD Yugumo

Allied Ships
SS Tunny, Shell hits 1, on fire


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

[RGIJN]

Ken retaliated the kill of another Oiler with two fishes into "The Palace" (mighty MUSASHI) as said before.
Besides that, my DDs more than held their own against the allied ones.

Still could scramble some sordid a/c to send to the slaughter...



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/03/43

Weather: Rain

Sub attack at 45,49

Japanese Ships
SS I-4

Allied Ships
TK Schuylkill, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese Ships
DD Akitsuki, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Susuzuki
DD Hatsuzuki
DD Wakazuki
DD Shimotsuki
DD Yugumo, Shell hits 2
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yamagumo
DD Minegumo

Allied Ships
DD DeHaven, Shell hits 20, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Monssen, Shell hits 2
DD Stack, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Smith, Shell hits 15, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese Ships
DD Akitsuki, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Susuzuki
DD Hatsuzuki
DD Wakazuki
DD Shimotsuki, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Yugumo
DD Akigumo, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yamagumo
DD Minegumo

Allied Ships
DD Monssen, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Stack, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Smith, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Palasu'u, at 41,40


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 3 destroyed

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 7


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 41,38

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
CA Atago

Allied Ships
SS Tunny


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
A6M3 Zero x 30
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 13
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 11

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 11
P-38G Lightning x 19
B-25J Mitchell x 75

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 2 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged
B-25J Mitchell x 18 damaged

2LT L. Clark of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 10

COL E.Nishihata of 248th Sentai is KILLED

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 102

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 36

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
7 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
5 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 42,40


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 19
SBD Dauntless x 18


no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Akigumo, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Bia at 41,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
A6M3 Zero x 15
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 26
Ki-21 Sally x 22
Ki-48 Lily x 23

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 damaged

FO G.Reese of VMF-124 is credited with kill number 4

FO E.Farrell of VMF-124 is KILLED

Allied Ships
DD Swanson, Bomb hits 2, on fire
LST 473
LST 456, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Denver, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Aulick, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LST 474, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 8000 feet
1 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 7000 feet
1 x Ki-21 Sally at 7000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 7000 feet
2 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
1 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed


2LT W. Marontate of VMF-121 is credited with kill number 16


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 4
B5N Kate x 5
Ki-48 Lily x 5

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 damaged


Allied Ships
LST 471, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x Ki-48 Lily at 8000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 8000 feet

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

[RGIJN]

These IJA type medium bombers seem quite sturdy to me. However, unfortunately they doesn´t carry lethal loads... [&o]

[Nomad]

Ralf has asked me to add some more. Here is a picture of the Irau area.



Note the Fighter Base. I was able to build it to a level 1 ( without Ralf knowing about it ) and getting my invasion fleet to a position 3 hexes from Irau. I used P-38 and Corsair LRCAP from Nevea over the invasion fleet up to that point. Corsairs can not LRCAP Irau from Nevea, one too many hexes. So, I moved 4 Corsair squadrons to the fighter base and used them to LRCAP Irau along with some P-38s from Nevea. I lost a number of P-38s, but very few Corsairs while downing most of Japans elite air units. The surface and air battles around Irau were feriece and I lost a number of APs and AKs along with most of my surface fleet. It took about 7 days to get Iraus airbase to a level 2, at which time I could control the sea lanes in the daylight. Any IJN ship that was damaged in combat in the night could and were hit with bombs from my SBDs.

For the last month I have been building up supplies at most of my bases, moving units about ( took the marines divisions from Irau back to Noumea for R&R for the next operation). I have been using my massive LB air fleet to deny Ralf fleets and ports. I once more found major ships in a port that I could hit - Shortlands. this is what I found there:

Air attack on Shortland Island , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 43

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Oite, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 2, on fire
BB Nagato, Bomb hits 1
CV Akagi, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Fujinami, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 54

Port hits 8
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1
-------------------------------------------------

So, a number of CVs damaged and Ralf has probably moved them back to Truk. I am now preparing for the next operation,
but i will have to wait a bit until I report on that one. I am seeing a problem, I seem to have lost so many ships that PH is not
releasing any more war ships. I have a bunch waiting and the expectation is high, but nothing arrives. I am getting more
transports which I need but I could use some CV/CVLs, BBs, CA, and many more DDs.

[RGIJN]

ORIGINAL: Nomad
Note the Fighter Base. I was able to build it to a level 1 ( without Ralf knowing about it ) and getting my invasion fleet to a position 3 hexes from Irau. I used P-38 and Corsair LRCAP from Nevea over the invasion fleet up to that point. Corsairs can not LRCAP Irau from Nevea, one too many hexes. So, I moved 4 Corsair squadrons to the fighter base and used them to LRCAP Irau along with some P-38s from Nevea. I lost a number of P-38s, but very few Corsairs while downing most of Japans elite air units.

If I only had known this before!!! [:@] [&o] IMHO, a good portion of the success of the allied invasion of Irau rested upon these relentless Corsairs. Thought they came from Nevea and Wunpoko...! It´s my fault not to detect & recon the buildup of the support base at Palasu´u. Even more so since I suspected something was going on when this small TF sneaked into the area and hit a mine. But I was under the impression Ken intended to land on KiraKira (adjacent hex next tor Irau). Reconned there, found nothing. But garrisoned the spot (lightly). Of course I am aware there is little you can as japanese player against the allies when they are really determined to get on the southern solomons. But may be I could have delayed this move a bit. Never mind!

After the dust over the battlefields had gone and the seas became calm again, Ken rushed construction on his new bases as quick as usual. Then some initial probing attacks of several Mitchell squads clearly showed me how dicey situation had become now. Though I still had around 200 fighters at Lunga they had not the slightes chance to prevent their strip to get hammered kaput. Thus I had to withdraw everything in order to avoid complete annihilation of my remaining LBA. Same issue with my former 2nd major airbase at the Russell Isl. There a pause in Ken´s bombings raids allowed me to get the stuff out just in time, and I was able to save about 175 a/c. Not so at Lunga...[:-] The phase of withdrawal still continues yet. But he comes almost daily with the load of about 80...130 medium 2E bombers. No chance to fix the runway at night.

With this, our AAR finally is on time with the presence of our PBEM game. Its early July 1943 by now and situation starts to deteriorate for the Japanese. Since Ken already has three airstrips in the Southern Solomons up and running (Irau, Kirakira and darn Palasu´u) he has more than enough LBA to smash everything that moves in range. Had to close Shortlands as major staging base recently, Ken already reported my embarrasing blunder to keep heavy navy units there... Oh me dumb![:@]. He continuously raids my chain of bases in the Solomons with his 4E. Barge traffic isn´t effective any longer since he kills them at a rate of about 2...5 per turn.
The NG area is still ominously quiet. Over a year almost nothing happened there, besides some seldom air attacks on GG and -even fewer- PM. But his planes are pretty busy recon everything interesting there.
I just spotted some landing crafts (LCVM??) in the adjacent hex to Lunga, but nothing got ashore there. And about a week ago a smaller SC (or FT) TF was sighted in the same area. Of course they hit mines... [:D]
However, as Ken has announced before it seems quite complicated for him to mount another large-scale invasion yet. Obviously due to lift restrictions and the overall naval losses (more than double as mine!). Anyway I am highly alerted and suspect he breeds over some surprising things going on soon. Meanwhile, I try to rebuild my assets and organize another perimeter of defence. Actually my situation isn´t hopeless due to the still decent VP advantage and since the hot spots are well prepared, as the cold ones are too...[;)]


Wanna state the actual losses according my intel report - it´s listed below.

VP: J 16100 / A 12550

Bases: Allied 23, Japan 28

estimated allied A/C losses - 3450

estimated alied ship losses - 375 worth 4955 VPs

5 CV (WASP, HORNET, YORKTOWN, ENTERPRISE, ESSEX)
2 CVE
4 BB (IDAHO, COLORADO, MARYLAND, NORTH CARLOLINA)
11 CA & CL
55 DD
37 escorts (PG/SC type)
11 MSW
56 PT
114 AP/AK (!!)
about 30 small landing craft (LCI/LST)
23 oilers (AO/TK type)
13 SS
7 DM/DMS
10 APD



That´s the situation folks! I think Ken is going to post the estimated Japanese losses as well.

[Nomad]

I am not really interested in VP or 'winning' or 'losing' In terms of the game, I will 'lose' this game on VPs. Someone once wrote that it is not the destination that is important, but the Ride ( Sugarland? ). One of the reasons I agreed to this late AAR was to show people that is not over until it is over and that the concept of winning or losing is immaterial. This is a game and is meant to be fun. I have at least one more surprise for Ralf in the coming months and probably more than one. [:D]

[RGIJN]

ORIGINAL: Nomad

I am not really interested in VP or 'winning' or 'losing' In terms of the game, I will 'lose' this game on VPs. Someone once wrote that it is not the destination that is important, but the Ride ( Sugarland? ). One of the reasons I agreed to this late AAR was to show people that is not over until it is over and that the concept of winning or losing is immaterial. This is a game and is meant to be fun. I have at least one more surprise for Ralf in the coming months and probably more than one. [:D]

As already said, I learned alot in this game with & from Ken. That alone is a win for me. And of course we´re playing this game for fun! Furthermore, I play it due to my historical interests on this topic (WW2 in the Pacific) too. But to me it´s quite interesting that there IS a chance to win on points as Japanese in Sc 19, with the right clue, tons of luck and some adjustments (namely commitment level). We´ll see what happens in the next few months.

Curious about your surprise(s)! Have birthday today - maybe some nice little gifts?!? [;)]

[RGIJN]

here is another "normal" day with the usual pounding on my head...
At least the juicy AP ZEILIN (15 P) sunk in Townsville harbour after one of my subs managed to get two fishes into her last turn. Ken killed another batch of barges in return. Weather is reported to bring Thunderstoms and I hope for some respite... [X(]





AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/11/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 30,35

Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma

Allied Ships
SS S-46


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 29,32

Japanese Ships
AP Ryuosan Maru, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS S-47

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 38


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Vila , at 32,36


Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 9
B-17E Fortress x 34


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 19

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 38

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
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
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
1 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40


Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 11
B-25D Mitchell x 27
B-25J Mitchell x 102
B-24D Liberator x 9


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 210

Airbase hits 18
Runway hits 98
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6


Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 26

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Russell Islands , at 35,39


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 57
P-38G Lightning x 19


no losses

Airbase hits 8
Runway hits 33


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Palasu'u , at 41,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 3
Ki-21 Sally x 16

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 3
P-38G Lightning x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally x 1 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 3 damaged


2LT P. Murphey of 80th FS is credited with kill number 9


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 43,44


2LT P. Murphey of 80th FS is credited with kill number 10

LTJG D.Evans of 67th FS bails out and is RESCUED
Japanese Ships
SS I-21, Shell hits 2

Allied Ships
LST 450, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


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

[RGIJN]

As stated before, I had hoped for some respite in the thunderstorm. Not only did I got this, the IJN accomplished another surprisingly successful charge at Irau. (it´s some time ago any vessel larger than a barge made it down that far south...) Though I´d rate the actual naval combat as a draw, they caught some precious transports & minesweeping craft at their moorings. MINEGUMO of course hit the bottom in return, another DD got 16sys and all my other combatants haven´t even a scratch. Note that Ken brought up his carriers in the neighborhood of Irau. Maybe one of the surprises he told about recently? [&:]
It has become incredibly difficult to get any warship TFs south of Rabaul at all this late in the game. Considering the massive allied LBA now based in the Southern Solomons its almost suicidal or at least masochistic[;)]. It´s kind of a gamble that can pay off but more probably will end in a fiasco. Not so this time, fortunately. [:)]





AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/13/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
CA Atago, Shell hits 1
CA Mikuma, Shell hits 1
DD Yamagumo
DD Minegumo, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Oboro, Shell hits 2
DD Akebono

Allied Ships
CA Northampton, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Achillies, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Wadsworth, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Daly, Shell hits 2
DD Lamson, Shell hits 2
DD Reid


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
CA Atago
CA Mikuma
DD Yamagumo
DD Minegumo, on fire, heavy damage
DD Oboro
DD Akebono

Allied Ships
MSW Swallow, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
LST 458, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
LST 464, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
CA Atago
CA Mikuma
DD Yamagumo
DD Minegumo, on fire, heavy damage
DD Oboro, Shell hits 3
DD Akebono

Allied Ships
SC 982, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AP Cambria, Shell hits 33, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AP Wanganella, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Rabaul , at 21,28

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 18

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 10

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 4

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Vila , at 32,36

Japanese aircraft

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 20
B-17E Fortress x 40

Japanese aircraft losses
no losses

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 17

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 59

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 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
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
0 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
0 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
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 Lunga , at 38,40


Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 18
B-25D Mitchell x 24


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 41

Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 40,43


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 55
SBD Dauntless x 57
Beaufighter VIC x 21
Beaufort x 7
P-39D Airacobra x 5


no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Minegumo, Shell hits 44, Bomb hits 11, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 40,43


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
SBD Dauntless x 18
TBF Avenger x 13


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 40,43


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
TBF Avenger x 3


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 40,43


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
TBF Avenger x 5


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 40,43


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 23
F4U-1 Corsair x 6
TBF Avenger x 5


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 40,43


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 5
TBF Avenger x 5


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 40,43


Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 6


no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
2 x Beaufort at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 40,43


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 39
SBD Dauntless x 18
TBF Avenger x 21


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 40,43


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
F4U-1 Corsair x 20
TBF Avenger x 5
Beaufighter VIC x 6
P-38G Lightning x 10


no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Minegumo, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 40,43


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 43
SBD Dauntless x 48
Beaufighter VIC x 15
Beaufort x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 17
P-38G Lightning x 20


no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Minegumo, Shell hits 84, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 40,43


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 11
TBF Avenger x 4


no losses


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

[Nomad]

I have surrendered. I have not gotten a warship in over two months. Ralf sunk 75% of the available warships I had. I have 1 CA and 3 DDs left. It is not worth it to fight with no weapons.