A long way to go ...

[Popeye USN]

Great AAR guys thank you both. Tocaff...questions? I'm playing the USN in much the same scenario. I hold Nevea and am building it up fast with a huge infusion of Seabee's. Date is early January, 43. Both the KB and US CVTF's are undamaged, and both navy's have suffered little loses.

Two questions:
1. Do you think waiting until say April would have provided you with more assets and would have limited your loses in taking Irau?

2. Is there any point to taking PM? I mean is it really worth the loses you would suffer?

To both of you: [&o]

[tocaff]

Popeye

My thoughts:

1  Waiting until April is OK, later is dicey, but I had already spanked the KB so I went for Irau earlier and now have the luxury of a little time between assaults to catch my breath while other bases are isolated and pounded by air.

Something most players don't realize is that when you sweep Tulagi of mines you should continue doing so even after it's been cleared.  You can sweep Lunga, Taivu (sp?) and Tassaforanga as they are adjacent hexes without exposing your sweepers to coastal batteries and staying under 1 air umbrella.

2  Taking PM, even with the expected heavy casualties is generally worth the effort to garner the VPs and open all of PNG, except GG, to overland conquest.  It also makes a nice base for bombers to close PNG to the IJN and then Rabul becomes a target with fighter escort when you take bases closer to it.

A good bombing campaign can deny the Japanese the opportunity to repair PM, much less fortify it.

Why leave all of those troops sitting in Oz drinking beer and chasing the Sheilas? [;)]

[decaro]

ORIGINAL: tocaff

... Taking PM, even with the expected heavy casualties is generally worth the effort to garner the VPs and open all of PNG, except GG, to overland conquest.  It also makes a nice base for bombers to close PNG to the IJN and then Rabul becomes a target with fighter escort when you take bases closer to it.

Which is why, as the IJN, I took it from Todd in the first place; Rabaul has been very peaceful and efficient so far.

[tocaff]

Well it's tough for the IJN to hit me now with their ports under attack.  Sitting in Rabul is to far away for an attack not to be spotted and hit by air in and outbound.

The VP spread is 502 and shrinking as if it's in range and moves it's in trouble.  Lunga should be starving by now, but there's so many hungry Japanese there I'd have troubles feeding them if they surrender.

[decaro]

After spending months in dry dock in Tokyo and weeks of maneurvering North of Lunga, I finally get the Yamato and her escorts close enough to strike back, but behold:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/01/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Night Time Surface Combat, near Russell Islands at 35,39

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Shell hits 1
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 1
CA Kako, Shell hits 3, on fire
CL Oyodo, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Naka, Shell hits 2
DD Yugumo, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Makigumo, Shell hits 2
DD Suzunami, Shell hits 1
DD Kiyonami, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Urakaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Hatsushimo, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Oite
DD Yunagi
DD Yukaze

Allied Ships
BB Idaho, Shell hits 7
BB New Mexico, Shell hits 1
CA Shropshire, Shell hits 5, on fire
CA Australia
CL Leander, Shell hits 2
DD Meredith, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Helm
DD Mugford
DD Henley
DD Conyngham


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Russell Islands at 35,39

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 1
CA Kako, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Oyodo, on fire
CL Naka, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Yugumo, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Makigumo
DD Suzunami, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Kiyonami, on fire
DD Urakaze, on fire
DD Hatsushimo, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
DD Oite
DD Yunagi
DD Yukaze

Allied Ships
BB Idaho, Shell hits 2, on fire
BB New Mexico, Shell hits 1
CA Shropshire, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Australia
CL Leander, Shell hits 1
DD Meredith, on fire
DD Helm
DD Mugford
DD Henley
DD Conyngham


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Russell Islands at 35,39

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 4
CA Kako, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Oyodo, Shell hits 15, on fire
CL Naka, on fire
DD Yugumo, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akigumo, on fire
DD Makigumo
DD Suzunami, on fire
DD Kiyonami, on fire
DD Urakaze, on fire
DD Hatsushimo, and is sunk
DD Oite
DD Yunagi
DD Yukaze

Allied Ships
PT 39
PT 61, Shell hits 23, on fire, heavy damage
PT 151, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT 152


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Russell Islands at 35,39

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Suzuya
CA Kako, on fire
CL Oyodo, on fire
CL Naka, on fire
DD Yugumo, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akigumo, on fire
DD Makigumo
DD Suzunami, on fire
DD Kiyonami, on fire
DD Urakaze, on fire
DD Oite
DD Yunagi
DD Yukaze

Allied Ships
PT 114, Shell hits 81, and is sunk
PT 167, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT 168
PT 169


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 25,33

Japanese Ships
AG 121, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Argonaut, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Shortland Island , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
J1N1-C Irving x 1

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 24
B-24D Liberator x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48 Lily x 2 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily x 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 1 destroyed
B-24D Liberator x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 157
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 12
Port hits 12

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kia at 34,35

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 9

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 19
A-20G Havoc x 3
B-25J Mitchell x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc x 1 destroyed
A-20G Havoc x 1 damaged
B-25J Mitchell x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Yukaze

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
2 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 35,33


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 17
SBD Dauntless x 11
TBF Avenger x 12
P-38G Lightning x 13


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 7 damaged
TBF Avenger x 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Makigumo
CL Naka, on fire
CA Kako, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 35,33


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 4


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

Japanese Ships
CL Naka, Bomb hits 1, on fire

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 43

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
Hudson x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 15

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 32

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
10 x Hudson at 6000 feet
12 x Hudson at 6000 feet
9 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 35,33


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 9


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Kako, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 35,33


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 17
TBF Avenger x 9
P-38G Lightning x 17


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Akigumo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Oyodo, on fire, heavy damage
DD Suzunami, on fire


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
Ki-48 Lily x 6

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 29
P-38G Lightning x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 7 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily x 2 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 2 damaged

1LT D.Lee of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 3


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

My fleet had a 2:1 advantage in escort vessels and they only manage to score one Long Lance, while the Yamato gets hit w/mines and torps from PTs and planes.

Twelve escorts and they can't even protect one (super)battleship? What's an Oriental admiral to do?

[tocaff]

I told you that the IJN would find it very dangerous to approach the Solomons now.  [:-]

I suppose that with the naval battle that took place the ships became easier targets for the PTs because they were burning and it was a night engagement.  The loss of Allied ships is OK as long as my bases remain unhurt so that their LBA can hit the damaged IJN ships in the following AM.  Just like it really happened.  We all complain about UV and it's short falls, but here is an example of something happening correctly.  It's mid 1943 and Allied radar on the ships does make a difference along with crew experience (for ships and air).

Did anybody notice that the Allied CVs weren't involved? Joe timed his attack brilliantly as it was time to refuel the CVTF on station so they weren't around to administer to the INJ fleet.

I've still got a long way to go as July looms just around the corner. 

[decaro]

I understood the dangers your LBA posed to any of my stragglers, but it was either take a chance now, or have the Yamato sit out the rest of the war and do nothing while my lead continues to evaporate.

My point is simply that I had twice as many escorts as your fleet and they could neither score sufficient LL hits or protect the Yamato; it was as if my escort screen was MIA.

[decaro]

As the injured Naka falls prey to a sub, yet another IJN fleet heads towards the Russel Islands, but Todd is waiting:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/02/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 35,34

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya

Allied Ships
SS Swordfish


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 30,29

Japanese Ships
CL Naka, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Gato


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Russell Islands at 35,39

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Aoba, Shell hits 1
CL Nagara, Shell hits 2
DD Shimakaze, Shell hits 3
DD Hatsuzuki, Shell hits 1
DD Niizuki
DD Wakazuki
DD Shimotsuki, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Fujinami
DD Hamanami, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Kagero
DD Oyashio, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
BB New Mexico, Shell hits 1
CA Australia
CL Leander, Shell hits 2
DD Fletcher
DD Jenkins
DD Pringle, Shell hits 3
DD Cony
DD Helm, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Mugford, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Henley, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Conyngham


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Russell Islands at 35,39

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Aoba, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Nagara, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Shimakaze, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Hatsuzuki, Shell hits 2
DD Niizuki, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Wakazuki, Shell hits 1
DD Shimotsuki, on fire
DD Fujinami, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Hamanami, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kagero, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Oyashio, on fire

Allied Ships
BB New Mexico, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1
CA Australia
CL Leander
DD Fletcher, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Jenkins, Shell hits 1
DD Pringle
DD Cony, Shell hits 1
DD Helm, on fire
DD Mugford, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Henley, on fire
DD Conyngham


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 30,29

Japanese Ships
CL Naka, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Gato


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 34,39

Japanese Ships
DD Hamanami, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Grouper


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

Japanese Ships
SS I-162

Allied Ships
DD Fletcher, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Shortland Island , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
J1N1-C Irving x 1

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 30
B-17E Fortress x 21
B-24D Liberator x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48 Lily x 11 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily x 10 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen x 3 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen x 12 damaged


Japanese Ships
PC Ch 18, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 397
Guns lost 4

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 58
Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 56

no losses

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 16

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 18

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 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
7 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
10 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Shortland Island , at 29,34


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 15


Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator x 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 93

Port hits 4
Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet

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


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 93
P-38G Lightning x 29
A-20G Havoc x 12
B-25J Mitchell x 46


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 78

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 45
Port hits 4
Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc 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
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 230th Regiment, at 38,45


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 56
P-38G Lightning x 7


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 29


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 30,39


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 9
P-38G Lightning x 3


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Hamanami, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 29,37


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 9
SBD Dauntless x 11
TBF Avenger x 3


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara, on fire
CA Aoba, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage


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

[tocaff]

It's bloody in the Solomons and the Allies won't blink. 

[decaro]

No one's blinking in the Solomons, but we may have just run out of eyes.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/03/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 29,35

Japanese Ships
DD Kagero, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Gudgeon

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Russell Islands at 35,39

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Shell hits 1
DD Hatsuzuki, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Niizuki, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Wakazuki, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shimotsuki, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Fujinami, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Australia, Shell hits 8
CL Leander, Shell hits 3
DD Radford, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
DD Jenkins, Shell hits 1
DD Pringle, Shell hits 1
DD Cony
DD Conyngham, Shell hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Russell Islands at 35,39

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Shell hits 1
DD Hatsuzuki, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
DD Niizuki, on fire
DD Wakazuki, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Shimotsuki, and is sunk
DD Fujinami, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Australia, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Leander
DD Radford, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Jenkins, Shell hits 1
DD Pringle
DD Cony
DD Conyngham


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Russell Islands at 35,39

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
DD Hatsuzuki, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Niizuki, on fire

Allied Ships
PT 39
PT 152
PT 327
PT 363, Shell hits 5, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 29,37

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS Argonaut


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 25,29

Japanese Ships
DD Akigumo, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-41


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 25,29

Japanese Ships
DD Suzunami, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-41


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 34,39


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 17
SBD Dauntless x 20
TBF Avenger x 3
P-38G Lightning x 15


no losses

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


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 19

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 41

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 61

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 16

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
16 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

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

[RGIJN]

Hey Joe & Todd!

you put up pretty intense naval clashes down there in the Solomons! Experienced fierce struggle in that vicinity about Mid 1943 too. Since I understand Joe´s intentions to sail into the lion´s den all too well, I do regret his fleets had not too much luck in the surface battles that ensued.[:(] Which Commanders did you´ve choosen to direct the engagements?

[decaro]

Originally, I believe my fleet was led by Tanaka, but I'm not sure who led the remnant in the latest action in the Russels.

I usu. choose an aggressive surface comander w/the highest numbers, cautious ones for transports.

[tocaff]

I've been using aggressive COs as well because this is no place for the timid. 

The Solomons look like the make or break for our navies because nobody will blink.  The question is how long Joe will attempt to catch me with my pants down just to bombard what my engineers will fix overnight.  I maintain a constant vigil and my subs have become excellent snipers of the injured vessels that my planes miss.

My aircraft pool levels are good for my F4Us and Lightnings while P-47s have arrived with Hellcats in production and sitting in PH on CVs.

All in all Joe is putting up an excellent fight against impossible odds as he attempts to make any further gains my me as expensive as possible.

[tocaff]

We actually had a day of no fighting at all!  Now that was a shock, especially since the weather was bad again.  Good to catch our breath though.

[tocaff]

As of 7/11 all is fairly quiet except for bombing raids.  The VP spread is roughly 200 now, but this game won't end in a draw because Joe and I are bloodthirsty.

[SuluSea]

Good battle here and good reading thanks guys,[:)]

[tocaff]

A couple of more days gone by and the VP gap in under 200.  I think that with any luck I'll get around a loading bug that I'm fighting with and then dent the Imperial defenses a bit more.  Hellcats are in full production and will hit the battlefield before the end of the month with any kind of luck.

[decaro]

After a lull in the action, Todd takes advantage of a storm to make his move and retake PM. What's left of my AF is divided among Lae, Buna and Gilli, and though Todd can take out one of those airfields w/his bombers for a turn, he can't take all three out simultaneously, so my planes got some licks in.

PM's airfield has been rendered useless for the entire game by on-and-off bombing runs, ensuring that my engineers can never make any headway to improve the captured base.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/18/43

Weather: Clear

Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 46


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 5

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 14

Attacking Level Bombers:
16 x Hudson at 6000 feet
9 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
12 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Shortland Island , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 20

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 16
P-38G Lightning x 25
B-17E Fortress x 27

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

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 destroyed
B-17E Fortress x 4 damaged

2LT R. Haberman of VMF-121 is credited with kill number 9

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 115
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 12
Runway hits 35

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 2

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 2 damaged



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 3 damaged


Allied Ships
AP American Legion


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 12
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 29

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 3 damaged


Allied Ships
DMS Long
APD Brooks
APD Sands, Bomb hits 1
APD Gregory, Bomb hits 1
DMS Southard, Bomb hits 2, on fire
APD Crosby
APD Humphreys, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
APD Schley, Bomb hits 1


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 43


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 18


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 11

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 14

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet

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


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 115
P-38G Lightning x 29
B-25J Mitchell x 106


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 207

Airbase hits 10
Runway hits 76
Port hits 2

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 2 destroyed


LTJG F.Simmons of VF-71 is credited with kill number 7


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 20

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 10 destroyed
D3A Val x 13 damaged


LTJG H.Cummings of VF-71 is credited with kill number 4

Allied Ships
MSW Heed, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Polk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 12
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 8

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed


LTJG B.Dwight of VF-71 is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
APD Dent, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
APD Manley, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 65


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
D3A Val x 16

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged

ENS F.Rice of VF-71 is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
APD Schley, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
APD Ward


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18

no losses

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Charlevoix


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

There were numerous mine strikes as well, but they don't register on the report. What does register is Todd's increasing point tally, now within 100 of my once 2,000 plus lead.

[tocaff]

The 2nd axis of attack was opened because I've decided to starve the "Canal" rather than have the bloody fight for it with all of the troops Joe has there.  The Hellcats are making their debut at PM and the minefield is not doing it's job as I've been lucky and have plenty of sweepers working.  My goal is to bomb 2 of Joe's 3 airfields in the PNG area and let the fighters protect the ships from the nasties that do attack.

We're having a good game that's been slow, like real life, for long periods.  Now that I'm ashore on PNG I hope that the battle will be fairly short and then I'll press on.  The goal, of course is, to neutralize Rabul and to make the IJN's ports in the area unsafe so they withdraw to Truk where it's tough to strike from. 

I maintain a constant vigil north of the NHs in case there are plans for an end run to get an auto victory at Luganville.  It would be kind of tough to do even if my searches are evaded as the AV there at present is well over 1K.  Of course the exact # can't be given.

[tocaff]

We've entered 8/43 and PM & Lae Lae are under heavy attack.  My forces continue to pound GG, Lunga, Buna and Shortlands from the air forcing the IJN to pull it's ships back.  The further back they base the less likely they will be able to rush out and strike at me.  The VP total sees the Allies ahead by almost 200 points, though I expect this to shift more heavily in my favor shortly.

Joe's Imperial forces continue to attack my offloading transports at PM, though my LRCAP has been very effective.  The USN laid a trap for the IJN as they caught a bombardment fleet outbound from an attack on PM.  The IJN did manage to sink 1 transport that was in battered condition and already sinking as she tried valiantly to unload her remaining cargo.  The IJN paid with a number of sunk and damaged ships for these attacks, though intelligence reports are vague at this time.

The battle is growing increasingly intense as Joe's troops await their fate with supplies arriving almost exclusively by barges.  I remain vigilant for any counters that the Yellow Peril might attempt.  It would be a shame to lose the game at this point in time to a Japanese auto victory so Lunganville & Noumea are very heavily garrisoned and screened by the USN.  The prospect of the Japanese hitting Oz is remote the Aussies stand on guard while they drink beer and chase the Sheilas.