Rising Sun or Sunset? - Jumper vs Joseph - NO JOE HERE, PLEASE!!!

[castor troy]

ORIGINAL: jumper

Actualy Kamikawa Maru class operated commonly its planes on open seas. Early in the war they were used to provide CAP over invasion fleets and later were used for scouting with possibility of light bombing. Unfortunately they never get to any light bombing mission and were commonly stripped of their planes, but it was not caused by doctrine but by simple lack of availible float planes.

You can find their history here: http://www.combinedfleet.com/Suijoki-Bokan!.htm

I don´t think it is gamey. They were capable to do it. And the damage they can cause in the game is more just PITA then anything else..

I stand corrected! Just went through Kamikawa Maru´s history and am amazed how much engagements there were. Quotes like this one makes me wondering though:

In the morning, three of KAMIKAWA MARU's F1M2s and three of her E13As fly to Bantam Bay, Java. Two of the F1M2s go on to Eretan Wetan. Two Petes from SANYO MARU join them there. In the early afternoon, five Hawker “Hurricanes” of 605 Squadron engage a lone Pete floatplane. After the combat, the Pete’s pilot claims three Hurricanes downed.

[jumper]

It is heating up..
 
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/14/43

After a week of doing nothing despite the excellent weather and many undefended allied transports less then 10 hexes away, Betties from Lae decided to attack.. From many availible targets they choose TF made of 2 MSW sitting under CAP in Merauke. There is at least 10-15 transport TF in Thursday Is (and every single one more valuable then MSW!!!) and some more are on the open sea. Neverthless only 8 bombers from 90 availble took off escorted by 12 Zeroes from 27 availible. It is really discouraging..
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Merauke at 47,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
G4M1 Betty x 8

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 15
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15
P-40E Warhawk x 16

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

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied Ships
MSW Kalgoorlie
MSW Dubbo
 
All missed.. Definively not worth of loosing 6 elite crews..
 

 
The biggest news is that PjH was trying to build secret base in Timoeka right under my nose. He probbaly used fast transports to get troops there, but if he want to build an air strip in this century he needs heavy equipment. And it can´t be transported by fast transports. So he tried to sneak in a few AKs, but fortunately my recon planes spotted them and air force reacted:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
J2M Jack x 16
D3A Val x 27

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Walter Reed, Bomb hits 4,  on fire,  heavy damage
AK William C. Claiborne, Bomb hits 1
AK Walter Colton, Bomb hits 6,  on fire,  heavy damage
AK Vitus Bering, Bomb hits 6,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
Allied ground losses:
357 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
G4M1 Betty x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Thomas Nelson, Torpedo hits 3,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
Allied ground losses:
73 casualties reported

I´m sending KB there to finish the cripples and to prevent any further reinforcing. I will cut off this base and counter attack. This base would have disastrous effect on our deffense allowing allies to get P-47 and F4U in "contact" range and start jumping under their cover. I have 3rd division in Darwin, 30th divison divided between Babo, Amboina and Bulla and 6th division on the way with ETA 1 week. Also 21st divison is on the way from Gilberts, but it is still at least 2-3 weeks away.. But I have KB and nearly the whole battle fleet on my hand here. Only BB Ise accompanied by CL Yura + 4 modern DDs just left Amboina and is heading to Singapore becuse I´m really not sure what is going on in Bay of Bengal and Indian ocean:
 



Bad weather prevented any strike from AV, while Betties in Colombo didn´t fly of course. So the composition of allied TF is still uknown. All I know is it is still heading towards Ceylon and no allied CVs or CVEs were spotted so far!! hopefully tommorrow I will be lucky and will get sme plnes into the air.. I just can´t imagine PjH would try to invade Ceylon without proper air cover.. [&:]

[jumper]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/15/43

During the night nothing interesting happened. Only fruitless night air attack on Ahmadabad and naval bombardment of Hansa. But as the sun rises and the reports from launched recon planes started to arrive I knew the day is really promising.



In India PjH is trying to out flank me with Chinese cavalry. I have despatched 3rd Tank division + 2 tank regiments to deal with this threat. Meanwhile Chinese cavalrymen are being bombed:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 26,6

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 24
Ki-21 Sally x 29
Ki-49 Helen x 27

Allied ground losses:
59 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Besides that the biggest news are, that allied TF heading to Ceylon turned around and now is sprinting southwards. I still don´t know if it is lost convoy or invaion TF, so my AV will pursue them and hopefully achieve some hits to see if the ships are empty or not.. But certainly it seems Ceylon is safe for now and air forces gathered there can be redeployed..


"Secret" allied base in Timoeka will get a lot of attantion in coming weeks:


PjH is trying really hard to ship supplies and heavy equipment here. Another 2 convoys were spotted with Seebees, naval base forces and aviation regiment. Ki-21 from Biak and Hollandia attacked:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 45,85

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
AK William M. Stewart, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Taurus
AK Regulus, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Shaw
AK William R. Davie, Bomb hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
56 casualties reported

Nothing serious. They have to be finished tommorrow in the same way as surviving ships from yesterdays attacks were finished today by G4M attack from Amboina and Darwin:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
G4M1 Betty x 38

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Walter Colton, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Vitus Bering, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK William C. Claiborne, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
48 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 40
G4M2 Betty x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Walter Reed, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK William C. Claiborne, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
38 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 2

A few more ships went down with all troops aboard..


And finally KB found its pray too. Big convoy was hit hard in a moment it left Merauke:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 45,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 33
A6M5 Zeke x 8
D3A Val x 51
D4Y Judy x 21
A6M3a Zero x 45
B5N Kate x 69

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 15 destroyed

Allied Ships
AK Eldorado, Bomb hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
AK Don Isidro, Bomb hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
PG Auricula, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hirondelle, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kanlaon II, Bomb hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
AK Arcata, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Idaho, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Dellwood, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
AK Dona Nati, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
521 casualties reported
Guns lost 12
Vehicles lost 7

Only 4 ships are confirmed sunk, but I´m sure more will follow..


My plans for this area are clear:
1) KB will block any resupply effort
2) Air attacks and surface combat TF will clear the port from defending PTs - yes, there are already PTs!! 2 TF of 5-6 were spotted today. How he had get them there is mistery to me. 4 CA, 1 CL+4DD under Tanaka are already on the way.
3) 30th division and C regiment of 3rd division are already embarking the ships in Darwin and will storm this base, before the airfield is finished. It is more then 600 AV and while PjH has no real combat unit there, I hope it will be enough..

[jumper]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/16/43

In India Chinese cavalry is under daily attacks, while my tanks arrived. Shock attack is ordered for tommorrow:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 26,6

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 23
Ki-21 Sally x 18
Ki-49 Helen x 23

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
109 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


For some reason PjH launched 35 Lightnings from Thursday Is against Lae. He is reconning this base daily and is perfectly aware of the strenght of my CAP there. The result could be expected IMO:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
J2M Jack x 42
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 48
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 35

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 35

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 35 destroyed

All allied fighters were shot down at the cost of 4 japanese fighters. And only 1 pilot is lost! Excellent!

Airmen from Lae responded quickly and several G4M attacked undefended AK heading to Cairns:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 50,92

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
G4M1 Betty x 23
G4M2 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged
G4M2 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
MSW Benalla
AK Iowan, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Atlanta City, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Santa Rita, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

2 AK went down immedietly..




PjH is really stubborn. The convoy lightly damaged by Ki-21 yesterday continued towards Timoeka and was hit really hard today by LBA and KB:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 46,82

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 8 damaged

Allied Ships
AK William R. Davie, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Lipscomb Lykes, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Liberty Glo, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Litchfield, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK William M. Stewart
AK William P. McArthur, Shell hits 4


Allied ground losses:
259 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

KB joins the party:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 46,82

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
A6M3 Zero x 33
A6M5 Zeke x 4
D3A Val x 68
D4Y Judy x 18
A6M3a Zero x 29
B5N Kate x 155
B6N Jill x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 6 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Shaw, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Lipscomb Lykes, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Laida, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Liberty Glo, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Regulus, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Bay
AK William R. Davie, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Litchfield, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK William P. McArthur, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Taurus, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AK William M. Stewart, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK William L. Garrison, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Scout, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
1293 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Vehicles lost 6

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 46,82

Japanese aircraft
J2M Jack x 2
B5N Kate x 25

Allied Ships
AK Scotia, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Taurus, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Regulus, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
140 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 46,82

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 39
A6M3a Zero x 9
B5N Kate x 40

Allied Ships
AK Taurus, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Bay, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Scout, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
547 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 2

11 ships is confirmed sunk already with all hands aboard and only 3 AK remains..


And now the bad news! Suddenly much more PTs appeared in Timoeka! Yesterday there was 2x6 and today there is 3x12 and 3x6 what makes 54 PTs total![X(] Personaly I think it is totally crazy. And also I don´t believe PjH has transported them by sea, but I think he has build them from parked AK..[8|] Great.. Planes from Hollandia and Biak were set to 100ft naval attack to deal with 2x6 PT TF spotted yesterday, but because a few dozens "instant" PT TFs were dropped from the space the air routine went crazy:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
J2M Jack x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
PT PT-251, Shell hits 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
J2M Jack x 10

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
PT PT-256, Shell hits 8
PT PT-138, Shell hits 4
PT PT-254, Shell hits 8, on fire

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Thomas Nast, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
76 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

I believe this was the floating PT factory..

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
PT PT-277

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
J2M Jack x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
PT PT-300, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-283, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 2 destroyed, 14 damaged

Allied Ships
PT PT-336, Shell hits 12
PT PT-339
PT PT-335
PT PT-338
PT PT-341, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-337, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Even their flak is deadly.. [:@]



54 PTs is bad, but that is not all yet. To my surprise the airfield lvl 1 was finished today![X(] PjH has to be building this base much longer then I have thought.. Excellent move! Unfortunately PjHs excellent move means a lot troubles for poor Jumper. No more PTs straffing as there will be CAP of 50 Corsairs tommorrow. I have to close the AF at all costs. Air forces in Hollandia and Biak were significantly reinforced. 250 fighters and 180 bombers divided between these two bases will strike tommorrow (weather prediction is good). Surface combat TF under Tanaka is ordered to close in at full speed so he will arrive during the day. I want to test how well fight those PTs during the daylight. KB will still guard the supply path. Recon planes spotted US CVs heading NW, but I think it is just feint. PjH has only 1-2 fleet CVs and bunch of CVLs and CVEs. I don´t think he can challenge KB yet. Unless he had packed them with corsairs only and want to kill my crews..

[castor troy]

don´t you have any hr about PTs? I´m the Allied against Hortlund and we have a hr of not more than 2x6 PTs per base no matter what size the base is. Better would be not more than 2x3 PTs...

[jumper]

Wow, this day could be really interesting if the wetaher gods allowed..

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/17/43

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 26,6

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 24
Ki-21 Sally x 29
Ki-49 Helen x 27

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
99 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 6th Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 26,6

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 12
Ki-21 Sally x 15
Ki-49 Helen x 18

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
94 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Poor Chinese cavalry was hit right before our tanks attacked. Shaken cavalrymen had no chance to stop my "panzers" despite being supported by 1st Burma rifles bde:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 26,6

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 16658 troops, 86 guns, 780 vehicles, Assault Value = 554

Defending force 16880 troops, 129 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 389

Japanese max assault: 906 - adjusted assault: 1336

Allied max defense: 292 - adjusted defense: 48

Japanese assault odds: 27 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
354 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Vehicles lost 7

Allied ground losses:
288 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

2 Chinese cavalry units, 1 Burma Rifles Bde and a chinese HQ were chased away. My units are now heading back to join remaining units on the railway.


After several days of chasing, my AVs were finally in position to launch a small attack:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 7,44

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 14
E7K2 Alf x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
E7K2 Alf: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Empire Severn, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Empire Charmian, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Jupiter
CL Java
AK Empire Galliard, Bomb hits 2

Allied ground losses:
91 casualties reported

Combat ships included, troops aboard.. Well, I think it really was an invasion TF. And now is heading back to the south. It should have fuel problems soon..


As I hoped the weather was good and both my bases launched nice attack against Timoeka. I was really very surprised to find only Wildcats on CAP. Wildcats?[&:] At this date? At the base which is most important to keep open? Why not Corsairs? Or Thunderbolts? Or P-38 or.. Well while I really don´t understand why PjH is defending this base with obsolete fighters only, I can certainly live with that:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Timoeka , at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
J2M Jack x 40
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 72
Ki-21 Sally x 50
Ki-49 Helen x 25

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 22
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 22 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 15 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
82 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Timoeka , at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
J2M Jack x 49
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 63
Ki-21 Sally x 18
Ki-49 Helen x 50

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
PBM Mariner: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
80 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 35

The base is not closed yet, but is hit hard. PjH either has to move fresh fighters or abandon this base. Tommorrow we will attack again.



South of Timoeka, the sitation was really intresting. Again PjH surprised me and moved his CVs towards KB. I think he was lucky as a.m. both fleets were clauded and p.m. allied CVs were clauded. It saved them IMO, as KB attacked other TF instead. Transport TF parked in Merauke under the weak CAP (My recon reported Corsairs flying CAP here daily, so I suppose today they are LRCAPing his CVs) was hit hard:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Merauke at 47,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
A6M3 Zero x 41
A6M5 Zeke x 10
D3A Val x 27
A6M3a Zero x 61
B5N Kate x 39

Allied aircraft
P-47C Thunderbolt x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 3 destroyed
A6M5 Zeke: 2 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 11 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47C Thunderbolt: 14 destroyed

Allied Ships
AK Dona Nati, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Florence D., Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hirondelle, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PG Cyclamen, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Dorothy Philips, Bomb hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
202 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

The truth is that I´m sure KB is stronger then allied CVs, but I´m a bit nervous as sometimes my CVs launch only pathetic strike or don´t launch any strike at all. I have 292 fighters, 204 dive bombers and 215 torpedo bombers aboard now, but usually only 40% of availible planes strikes.. KB will fall back towards Timoeka. Its mission is to keep this base cut off and not fighting with allied CVs. Even if I would sink them all, my CVs would have to retire for fresh pilots and planes as crippling losses can be expected. In 2 days it will be joined by 5th division (Taiho, Unryu, Amagi plus escorts). It means another 200 planes. Then I might reconsider it. Or PjH will leave LBA support behind and will move deeper into our territory and I will have to attack. Currently allied CVs are supported by Corsairs from Merauke and probably by P-38G from Thursday Is (3 P-38 were lost to ops today).

All G4M in Lae were rebased to Siador and today they launched a small strike:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 50,92

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
TK Imlay, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


And here comes Tanaka against PTs:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Naganami
DD Kagero
DD Oyashio
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
PT PT-132
PT PT-133
PT PT-134, Shell hits 19, and is sunk
PT PT-135
PT PT-248, Shell hits 4, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Naganami
DD Kagero
DD Oyashio
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
AK Laida, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Scotia, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk


Allied ground losses:
931 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Naganami
DD Kagero
DD Oyashio
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
PT PT-129
PT PT-130
PT PT-249
PT PT-250, Shell hits 1
PT PT-251, Shell hits 3, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Naganami
DD Kagero, Shell hits 3
DD Oyashio, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
PT PT-138, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
PT PT-252
PT PT-253
PT PT-254, on fire
PT PT-255
PT PT-256, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
PT PT-257, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PT PT-258, Shell hits 11, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Naganami
DD Kagero
DD Oyashio, on fire, heavy damage
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
AK Thomas Nast, Shell hits 20, and is sunk


Allied ground losses:
452 casualties reported
Guns lost 17

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Naganami
DD Kagero, on fire
DD Oyashio, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
PT PT-259
PT PT-260
PT PT-261
PT PT-262
PT PT-263
PT PT-264, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
PT PT-277
PT PT-278, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT PT-279
PT PT-280
PT PT-281
PT PT-282

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Naganami
DD Kagero, on fire
DD Oyashio, on fire, heavy damage
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
PT PT-284
PT PT-285
PT PT-286
PT PT-287
PT PT-288
PT PT-295
PT PT-296
PT PT-297
PT PT-298, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT PT-299

In the last 2 days I have sunk 13 PTs here. 30 is confirmend to remain and I belive there is still one more 10-12 PT TF I haven´t fought with as I run out of op points. It cost me 1 modern DD so far. It could be worse..[8|] Tanaka will stay here until he will sink all of these b*ggers or he will run out of ammo.

Oh and between Noumea and Brisbane fresh convoy was found.. [:D]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 56,114

Japanese Ships
SS I-21

Allied Ships
AK Lillian Luckenbach, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage - SINKS
PG Jasmine
AK Thomas A. Edison
AK Menkar


I´m really curious what disater the next day will bring.. [;)]

[jumper]

ORIGINAL: castor troy

don´t you have any hr about PTs? I´m the Allied against Hortlund and we have a hr of not more than 2x6 PTs per base no matter what size the base is. Better would be not more than 2x3 PTs...

We had the same one: max 2x6 PTs per base and they can be build only in lvl 6 ports and higher. But as PjH somewhat missunderstood this HR we had issues with PTs from the beginning. And because I´m tired to raise this issue again, again and again as every 1st line base is swarmed with these pesky boats in unbelievable amounts, I´m playing as best I can against them..

Basicaly I think there is too many of them everywhere while he thinks it is just fine.. [;)]

[jumper]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/18/43

I was really surprised to see absolutely no night (or day btw) naval combat. I have Tanaka and his cruisers sitting at Timoeka with a few dozens of allied PTs and nothing happened.. Both fleets were just sitting at the same hex watching each others.. Strange.. Very strange.. [&:]
 
 
New wave of air attacks against Timoeka. Fresh unit of obsolete fighters joins the fray:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Timoeka , at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
J2M Jack x 46
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 62
Ki-21 Sally x 38
Ki-49 Helen x 23

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
Kittyhawk I x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M Jack: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Kittyhawk I: 9 destroyed
PBM Mariner: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
84 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 25
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Timoeka , at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
J2M Jack x 26
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 63
Ki-21 Sally x 25
Ki-49 Helen x 33

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 2 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
68 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 36
 
Timoeka is out of bussiness. Not closed (it is nearly impossible to close lvl 1 AF when seebees are there), but unusable. I have moved some Ki-45b fighter bomber to Hollandia to have some attack plane against those PTs. They were training in China a few months and are now in solid 70-75xp. Unfortunately I have only one sentai on the whole map! The whole japanese empire can muster only 36 fighter bombers![:@] 
 
My CVs arrived at the hex as planned while US CVs stayed where they were. It seems PjH don´t want to leave his LBA support what is understandable. Neverthless he doesn´t hesitate to send another unprotected convoy into the harms way and Betties from Darwin were triggered:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 45,87

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Coast Trader, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire
PG Yarra
AK Coast Farmer, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire
AK Cynthia Olson, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
AK Day Star
AK Cold Brook, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
PG Tui, Torpedo hits 3,  on fire,  heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
116 casualties reported
 
Only 27 from 90 planes attacked, but it is at least something. Also their colleagues from Siador tried their luck and attacked ships anchored in Merauke:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Merauke at 47,87

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Florence D.,  heavy damage
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Merauke at 47,87

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
MSW Dubbo, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
63 Betties availible and only 7 of them flies.. [:@] BUT they brought interesting news. There is NO CAP over Merauke and 130 planes was spotted  (Merakue AF finished lvl 2 today so it seems PjH was operating 100-130 planes on Lvl 1 AF, while we have stacking limit till lvl 4). All of them are fighters and all of them are flying LRCAP over his CVs.. hmm.. No CAP.. I can´t resist.. [;)][:'(] 200 bombers were moved to Lae and will strike Merauke tommorrow. Hopefully we can get some of them on the ground..
 
Tanaka was given another chance to hit PTs and then retire towards Babo. 5th KB division will join the fleet also tommorrow and invasion convoy is slowly aproaching.

[jumper]

I forgot to take pics (again) so I have to improvise a bit..[;)]
 
 
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/19/43

Hey, with a view of a withdrawal to Babo my cruisers decided to fight finally..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Naganami
DD Kagero
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
PT PT-132
PT PT-133
PT PT-135, Shell hits 5, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Naganami
DD Kagero, Shell hits 1
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
PT PT-129
PT PT-130
PT PT-249, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
PT PT-250

A SINGLE hit and Kagero is sys 20, flt 25 and fires 11 and is going directly into the drydocks. Great.. It was "normal " penetration hit from 40mm gun. No "severe damage caused" or anything like that. A single hit and modern DD is out of action.. [:-]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Naganami
DD Kagero
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
PT PT-252
PT PT-253, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PT PT-254
PT PT-255

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma, Shell hits 2
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Naganami
DD Kagero
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
PT PT-259
PT PT-260
PT PT-261
PT PT-262
PT PT-263
PT PT-277, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT PT-279
PT PT-280
PT PT-281, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PT PT-282

All right. 5 more PTs are down and 16 more are confirmed to remain, while there is probably one more 10 PTs TF I haven´t fought with. At least according to my recon planes.. So far one modern DD is sunk (Oyashio went down today..) and another one out of action for a few weeks. Tanaka is heading back to Amboina to rearm and refuel.
 
As I said I have to improvise a bit so we will make a short tour back to Europe to check what happened there so far:
 

 
 
 
Timoeka is being suppressed. No more CAP. Good!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Timoeka , at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
J2M Jack x 33
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 49
Ki-21 Sally x 22

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
38 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 8
 

Our surprise attack on Merauke worked well. Only a handfull of 2nd rate Kittyhawks on CAP and my crack bombers hit the AF hard. Unfortunatelly it was nearly empty as 120 fighters were all flying LR CAP above allied CVs. Only a handfull of them was cought on ground.. [:@][:(]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Merauke , at 47,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
A6M3 Zero x 3
J1N1-S Irving x 26
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 26
Ki-21 Sally x 89
Ki-49 Helen x 69
Ki-46-III Dinah x 6

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 3 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 11 destroyed
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed
P-47C Thunderbolt: 2 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed
Empire: 1 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
325 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 19
Airbase supply hits 13
Runway hits 101
 
At least PjH now knows he is not safe here and has to dedicate some of them to defend their own base instead of his ships. And I was happy with the nigh fighters perfomance. 8 Kittyhawks was downed by J1N1-S Irving with no loss![&o]
 
 
And back to Europe..[;)]
 

 
 
 
All right. The situation is not bad. US CVs are not moving and are still where they were 2 days ago with full CAP supported by LRCAP from nearby bases which is already pretty fatiqued I suppose (6 Corsairs were lost to ops today[:D]). KB is complete with its 5th division just arrived (about 950 planes total!) and strong surface combat TF made of Yamato, Mucashi, Nagato and Mutsu, while invasion TF with 650 AV aboard is 2 days away from Timoeka. I have withdraw my bombers from Lae after their "unsuccesfull" mission against Mearuke and dispersed them all around. A few 90xp groups are set to 100ft naval attack in Biak and Hollandia to deal with PTs defending Timoeka. It is going to be interested soon..
 
Meanwhile US troops learns on our allies how to make a real landings: [;)]
 

 
 
 

[el cid again]

you also forgot to mention what scenario you are playing?

[jumper]

ORIGINAL: el cid again

you also forgot to mention what scenario you are playing?

Hi, it is standard stock 15..

[jumper]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/20/43

Tanaka goes in again..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Myoko, Shell hits 3
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Naganami
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
PT PT-132, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
PT PT-133, Shell hits 6, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Naganami, Shell hits 1
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
PT PT-129
PT PT-130, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
PT PT-250, Shell hits 2, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Naganami
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
PT PT-252
PT PT-254
PT PT-255, Shell hits 3, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Myoko
CA Haguro, Shell hits 1
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Naganami
DD Isokaze, Shell hits 3

Allied Ships
PT PT-259
PT PT-260
PT PT-261
PT PT-262
PT PT-263
PT PT-279
PT PT-280, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT PT-282

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Naganami
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
PT PT-284
PT PT-285
PT PT-286
PT PT-287
PT PT-288
PT PT-295
PT PT-296, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
PT PT-297
PT PT-299

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Naganami, Shell hits 5,  on fire
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
PT PT-301
PT PT-332
PT PT-333
PT PT-334
PT PT-335
PT PT-336
PT PT-338, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
PT PT-339
PT PT-340
PT PT-342

Another 8 PTs is sunk and 27 remains..[:@] And DD Naganami is damaged with 47sys, 21flt and 11fires.. My ships were located by allied radar in 100% cases..[8|]
 
Another attacks against Timoeka. PjH clearly gave up any effort to defend this base..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Timoeka , at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
J2M Jack x 46
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 72
Ki-21 Sally x 18

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
39 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 7

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Timoeka , at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
J2M Jack x 36
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 59
Ki-49 Helen x 49

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
114 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 21

Low XP Nells from Darwin are trying to disable the coastal deffence:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 1st Aus Artillery Coastal Gun Regiment, at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
G3M Nell x 12

No Japanese losses

No luck today.. 


And here comes my planes against PTs:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
PT PT-129, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage

That was a good one!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 5 damaged

Allied Ships
PT PT-254
PT PT-252

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
PT PT-262
PT PT-279
PT PT-259
PT PT-260

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied Ships
PT PT-299
PT PT-295

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 3 destroyed, 7 damaged

Allied Ships
PT PT-340, Shell hits 4
PT PT-335, Bomb hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
PT PT-336

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
PT PT-300,  heavy damage

All in all I have sunk 2 more PTs while I lost 7 planes to their AA fire. Sometimes I feel like I were attacking BBs and not PTs.. So today 10 PTs were sunk and 25 remains. Tommorrow Tanaka will get one more chance and then will retire towards Darwin to rearm and refuel. He has now only one last DD at his hand from 4 he has started with. 1 is sunk and 2 are damaged and heading to dry docks. The fleet with troop transports will take the place 1 day from Timoeka.
 

Yes, I have send 12 Ki-21 to Port Moresby and free allied intel immedietly passed this information to PjH. No surprise that huge strike has followed immedietly:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 27
Liberator VI x 59
P-38G Lightning x 57
F-5A Lightning x 4
B-17E Fortress x 220
LB-30 Liberator x 43
PB4Y Liberator x 84
B-24D Liberator x 498

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 3 destroyed
E7K2 Alf: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator VI: 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 7 damaged
LB-30 Liberator: 2 damaged
PB4Y Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
280 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Airbase hits 81
Airbase supply hits 27
Runway hits 646

Ouch! The base is closed again for a while..




This was excellent! PjH didn´t move his fleet for several days already, so I-40 had enough time to arrive from Darwin! 2 torps hit old BB and sends her to drydocks for a few months.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 46,89

Japanese Ships
SS I-40, hits 11,  on fire,  heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB Mississippi, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire
DD Case
DD Edwards
DD Pringle

Unfortunatelly poor I-40 got it hard and is probably goner. It was worth of it I think..

[pauk]

You are doing well there. You judged situation well, me thinks - can't let enemy to build up another stronghold. I dare to say, 1943 is still happy year for the Japan. Here are some hints:

- you may set your CV based ac on naval/airfield attack. If enemy CVs stay in their LBA umbrella your ac will hit enemy base in the noon phase

- i hope that you sent PG/PCs/MSWs together with invasion fleet. You can dispatch them and send as SC TF to deal with enemy PTs (are they already out of torps?). Of course, make sure that such TF have lower fleet ID (number) than invasion fleet...

How about enemy strength at the base? he can fly ground troops with air transports. I hope you have some reserves for such option?

Perhaps you can put some planes on LR CAP over Timoake and check if enemy using transport ac for bringing troops and supply there...


Banzai!

[jumper]

Calm day.. Unfortunately it seems that I will have to wait about 2 weeks for the next turn. Steven is going on vacation. Maybe he will be able to sneak a turn or two, but it is not sure at all. Vacations.. I hate vacations.. I have no vacation.. It means I have to sit in work (what is bad) and I have no turn to play (what is even worse!) [;)][:D]  
                                            
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/21/43

Tanakas last shots:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Isokaze, Shell hits 2

Allied Ships
PT PT-252
PT PT-254

nothing.. 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
PT PT-259
PT PT-260
PT PT-261
PT PT-262
PT PT-263
PT PT-279
PT PT-282

nothing again..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
PT PT-284
PT PT-285
PT PT-286
PT PT-287
PT PT-288
PT PT-295
PT PT-297
PT PT-299

and again.. I wonder what is wrong with him? Ammo is not a problem. He is probably bored and doesn´t want to fight motor boats any more. "Give me some battleship to sink and leave these pesky boats for someone else!" sounds from his cabin..
 
 
Air force is trying to save the day, but results are not better:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Timoeka , at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
J2M Jack x 37
Ki-21 Sally x 26
Ki-49 Helen x 27

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
90 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 28
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
PT PT-252
 
nothing..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
PT PT-262
 
nothing again..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 8 damaged

Allied Ships
PT PT-299
PT PT-297
PT PT-295
 
and again..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Timoeka at 45,81

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
PT PT-334, Shell hits 4
 
light damage? I doubt so. PT boat is probably 100% OK. If it was a japanese DD it would be serious adept for dry docks..
 
My only success today. This sub was shadowing KB 3rd day in a row. Today I have moved KB away (as usual) but placed ASW TF at its place:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 42,83

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 10
MSW W.14
MSW W.4
MSW W.1
PC Matsuwa
PC Sado
PC Oki

Allied Ships
SS Pargo, hits 19,  on fire,  heavy damage

Bye, bye Pargo..

 
I get tired with allied base in Hansa. PjH is not reinforcing so I have decided to take this base back before it will explode into my face. A few SNLFs embarked ships in Truk and today arrived. 99% were unloaded in one phase and tommorrow the will shock attack.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 61 troops unloading over beach at Hansa, 53,83


Japanese ground losses:
991 casualties reported
 

KB and invasion TF are on its place near Timoeka and we are D-1 now. Tommorrow at night strong surface TF will fight through PTs and will try to bombard the base to supress CD guns. It is pretty strong TF: BB Mucashi, Yamato, Mutsu and Nagato, 4CA, 2CL + 10DD. Troops transports will follow..
 
Also I have received good news from Tokyo. N1K1 George was accelerated by one more month and will enter the prouction in 10/43 now. Banzai!

[castor troy]

How glad I am my PBEM vs. Hortlund ended. Wonder what he would say would I have used my PTs that way. [8|] He has just a way to play the game I will never agree, but in his oppinion I´m the one who plays "strange"...

[castor troy]

ORIGINAL: jumper
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 27
Liberator VI x 59
P-38G Lightning x 57
F-5A Lightning x 4
B-17E Fortress x 220 [X(][8|][>:]
LB-30 Liberator x 43
PB4Y Liberator x 84
B-24D Liberator x 498 [X(][8|][>:]

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 3 destroyed
E7K2 Alf: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator VI: 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 7 damaged
LB-30 Liberator: 2 damaged
PB4Y Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
280 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Airbase hits 81
Airbase supply hits 27
Runway hits 646

Ouch! The base is closed again for a while..

I also like this attack! I was told very often how insane the number of bombers I used is. In NIKMOD when I don´t even have HALF the number of 4Es on the WHOLE map than the number was used in this single attack. So much about the way someone plays and thinks. It really goes like this: I can do everything, but my opponent stinks if he´s doing something I don´t like. [8|]

[jumper]

ORIGINAL: pauk


You are doing well there. You judged situation well, me thinks - can't let enemy to build up another stronghold. I dare to say, 1943 is still happy year for the Japan. Here are some hints:

- you may set your CV based ac on naval/airfield attack. If enemy CVs stay in their LBA umbrella your ac will hit enemy base in the noon phase

- i hope that you sent PG/PCs/MSWs together with invasion fleet. You can dispatch them and send as SC TF to deal with enemy PTs (are they already out of torps?). Of course, make sure that such TF have lower fleet ID (number) than invasion fleet...

How about enemy strength at the base? he can fly ground troops with air transports. I hope you have some reserves for such option?

Perhaps you can put some planes on LR CAP over Timoake and check if enemy using transport ac for bringing troops and supply there...


Banzai!

Hi pauk

thanks for comments. I have considered using my CV ac as you have suggested also. It appeared it is not neccessary now. LBA made a good job here and is capable to keep the base closed so I´m not going to risk my precious KB crews against land target. Also I don´t want to loose sorties as I can not predict how long KB will have to stay there on guard.

I have some MSW/PG with my invasion fleet, but not much. I´m pretty short of them somehow. All my PC/MSW with ASW value 2 or 3 are used in ASW role, so it leaves only PG and low ASW value MSW for escort duties all around the map. It would take another week to gather satisfying amount and I didn´t want to wait so long. The navy has to push transports through at all cost. I believe the surface TF will be able too keep those PTs in distance (it has lower ID).

The enemy strenght is IMO very low. He has about 5 units there but these are only fragments of base forces and seabees. There is artillery regiment and australian coastal gun regiment. And the number is not dramaticaly raising. I suppose the base is also low on supplies. No convoy reached the base. Only a few heavily damaged ships full of wounded troops, which were sunk the following day. Maybe some fast transports made it, but they can not bring any significant amount. I will put fighter on LRCAP next turn, but I don´t think he is flying in. I think only Merauke is in range and I haven´t seen any transport planes there for a very long time. But It can change next turn..

My reserves are limited, but I can use more units from Australia. 2 divisions are on the way from China/Manchukuo and thses can replace anything I will pull out from Darwin.

The truth is I´m pretty confident. As long as he can´t bring his 1000 4E hammer, I have more of everything. I can bring more troops than he can, I can field more planes than he can, KB with best BBs is at the place while his own CVs can´t leave LBA umbrella.. the only thing can ruin my day. I forgot to put CA into the invasion TF [:(].. Hopefully his CD guns wont be so deadly and low on supplies.. [;)]


How is going your game against Andy?

[jumper]

Hi castor,
 
unfortunatey I´m a bit of responsible for this insane 4E number. Originaly with my previous oponent we had house rule no 2E to 4E. But as my oponent claimed that under given circumstances he has no possibility to start any offensive because he can do it only at one place what is too easy for me to defend I have allowed him to upgrade whatever he wants to whatever he wants. It was ment to give him more 4E ALL AROUND the map to start pushing me from more directions.. I dind´t expect anybody to field 1000 4E at one place.. Short after PjH took over this game. If I had stick with original rule he would have just 1/3 of 4Es availible. I doubt there are any Mitchells or Marauders on the map now.
1000 4E is unstoppable and very effective, but on the other side it seems as a unbelievable wasting to me. 250 or 500 4E would work as well and he could start attriting me on 2-3 other places. Also the supply consumption must be high.
 
PTs.. Well, no comment here [;)]
 

[castor troy]

ORIGINAL: jumper

Hi castor,

unfortunatey I´m a bit of responsible for this insane 4E number. Originaly with my previous oponent we had house rule no 2E to 4E. But as my oponent claimed that under given circumstances he has no possibility to start any offensive because he can do it only at one place what is too easy for me to defend I have allowed him to upgrade whatever he wants to whatever he wants. It was ment to give him more 4E ALL AROUND the map to start pushing me from more directions.. I dind´t expect anybody to field 1000 4E at one place.. Short after PjH took over this game. If I had stick with original rule he would have just 1/3 of 4Es availible. I doubt there are any Mitchells or Marauders on the map now.
1000 4E is unstoppable and very effective, but on the other side it seems as a unbelievable wasting to me. 250 or 500 4E would work as well and he could start attriting me on 2-3 other places. Also the supply consumption must be high.

PTs.. Well, no comment here [;)]

that´s the problem with Hortlund. While he claims to do "everything right" it´s always the same. He doesn´t "understand" the HR about PTs because it´s just in his favour not to "understand" it. He thinks it´s so super to use hundreds of IJA bombers on ASW in one place in our game, he cries foul if you use KB´s bombers on ASW in your game, even though it´s 100% the same. He uses 20 paratroopers to drop them 1000 miles away from the next base to take a town with 1.000.000 inhabitants but then cries foul if you use your airforce to bomb those paras because that´s pilot training. He cries about the number of 4Es in our game, but he uses three times the number of 4Es in one place than I had on the whole map. He finds 250 reasons why YOUR aircraft don´t attack ships but immediately cries foul and wants a redo because "only" 300+ aircraft attacked my carriers but not the 500 he expected to attack. There are 15 other issues but as he mentioned in my thread, that´s only from MY point of view. I was warned short after the beginning of the PBEM that it will be like that but of course you don´t want to believe it just to find out after 1,5 years of game time that it is exactly like that and after 100 senseless discussions with arguments only a 10 year old would bring up, it´s time to end the game.

He´s a very reliable opponent in sending turns but he´s also a "trollelite light" and as soon as things start getting worse for him, it´s game over because he wants to redo turns as long as it takes to sink the whole USN in one turn...

[jumper]

We shall see.. We are sending turns mostly without comments so I have no experience with PjH bitching about anything and when I have offered to redo some turns when I used KB in ASW role he friendly refused. At this moment the most important thing for me is that he keeps sending turns. I will get over those PTs, I will get over his 1000 4E strikes (which I really consider as missused asset btw) and I will get over the tiny paradrops unless he will start to use them as Trolleite to stop the movement or will throw them in open terrain to block the supply/retreat path. Otherwise I will drop this game only if I will suffer from disappearing pilots bug. These are 100% game killers for me. These are my resolutions. I wonder how long they will last..[;)][:D] If I were in your shoes and he asked about redo because some of his planes didn´t fly, I would have refused too. It happens all the time. MY planes are NOT flying either and it did save his a** several times already.