Summary of Operations 12/7/43
North Pacific: Jap recon flight over Attu Is. Otherwise quiet.
Central Pacific: SS Argonaut completes minelaying mission into Tokyo Bay. Other than a reported contact with one Ki-49 Helen air patrol - Argonaut entered Tokyo hex, dropped its cargo of mines, torpedoed an AK, and now departing unopposed and unscathed. Yet another stop in SS Argonaut's now storied itinerary - including Kwajalein, Truk, Suva, Noumea, Rabaul, Singapore, Palembang, Rangoon, Darwin, and Tokyo (in no particular order). AAR follows.
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Sub attack near Tokyo at 66,43
Japanese Ships
AK Kansai Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PG Tatsumiya Maru
PG Okuyo Maru
PG Heijo Maru
Allied Ships
SS Argonaut
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214 Japanese ships detected in port at Tokyo.
No report of Jap air activity from U.S. subs near Kwajalein and off Japanese home islands (except for Argonaut). SS Lapon due south of Shikoku reports contact with lone Jap AP, no attack. Otherwise no contacts between U.S. subs and Japanese surface ships or ASW.
34 Japanese ships detected at anchor in Kwajalein base, one ship detected in port at Truk.
F-5A recon over Canton Is reporting 21 aircraft, 15 Jap LCU's.
South Pacific: Sectors other than Pago Pago area remain quiet.
Day 82 of Pago Pago Operations - Current situation map follows end of this report. Nearly all U.S. LCU elements now landed safely on Upolu and Pago Pago.
Whether three additional U.S. divisions and a Corps HQ is sufficient to complete the capture of Upolu is a subject open to discussion. Based on today's ground combat AAR's, one could project a force of 20-25+ U.S. divisions (mininum) is required to complete the job. I didn't expect a cakewalk, but not this... With a little luck and some co-operation from Pillager, Upolu will fall sometime between now and the summer of '45. Maybe I can use the A-bomb on this place? Maybe I will have the 20-25 or more U.S divisions by then? Or just write off the ten divisions (total) stranded on Pago Pago/Upolu/Savaii. But life and WitP goes on....
All ashore that's going ashore...
Landing ops on Upolu virtually complete - any Allied ships not finished disembarking their cargoes by now are or will shortly be on the bottom (this contingency had been designed into my original plans for this operation). AAR's of the final stages of landing ops on Upolu follow.
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TF 1177 encounters mine field at Upolu (95,113)
TF 1177 troops unloading over beach at Upolu, 95,113
Allied Ships
AK Louis Joliet, Mine hits 2, on fire
(later sunk)
AK Matthew Lyon, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
Coastal Guns at Upolu, 95,113, firing at TF 1177
Allied ground losses:
53 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1178 encounters mine field at Upolu (95,113)
TF 1178 troops unloading over beach at Upolu, 95,113
Allied Ships
AP Waiwera, Mine hits 1, on fire
(later sunk)
LST LST-467, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
APD Parrott, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
LST LST-481, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
(system damage 71, float 43, fire 18)
Coastal Guns at Upolu, 95,113, firing at TF 1178
8 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied ground losses:
57 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1179 encounters mine field at Upolu (95,113)
TF 1179 troops unloading over beach at Upolu, 95,113
Allied Ships
APD Litchfield, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
LST LST-68, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AP Jagersfontein, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
LST LST-167, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
Coastal Guns at Upolu, 95,113, firing at TF 1179
4 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied ground losses:
170 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1188 encounters mine field at Upolu (95,113)
TF 1188 troops unloading over beach at Upolu, 95,113
Allied Ships
AK George Chaffey, Mine hits 2, on fire
(system damage 31, float 29, fire 9)
AK Kainalu, Mine hits 1
(system damage 29, float 23, fire 2)
Allied ground losses:
71 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Coastal Guns at Upolu, 95,113, firing at TF 1188
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Upolu, 95,113, firing at TF 1189
TF 1189 encounters mine field at Upolu (95,113)
TF 1189 troops unloading over beach at Upolu, 95,113
Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1192 encounters mine field at Upolu (95,113)
TF 1192 troops unloading over beach at Upolu, 95,113
Allied Ships
AK George H. Himes, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
(system damage 46, float 67, fire 10)
Allied ground losses:
34 casualties reported
Coastal Guns at Upolu, 95,113, firing at TF 1192
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1193 encounters mine field at Upolu (95,113)
TF 1193 troops unloading over beach at Upolu, 95,113
Allied Ships
AK John A. Rawlins, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
(system damage 24, float 57, fire 11)
Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Coastal Guns at Upolu, 95,113, firing at TF 1193
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Upolu, 95,113, firing at TF 1194
TF 1194 encounters mine field at Upolu (95,113)
TF 1194 troops unloading over beach at Upolu, 95,113
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1195 encounters mine field at Upolu (95,113)
TF 1195 troops unloading over beach at Upolu, 95,113
Allied Ships
AK Regulus, Mine hits 1, on fire
(system damage 33, float 27, fire 8)
Allied ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Coastal Guns at Upolu, 95,113, firing at TF 1195
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As expected.... Pillager sent in a Japanese surface combat TF to attack remaining Allied transports that were still disembarking at Upolu. The Jap surface TF engaged several groups of U.S. transports in a series of night actions - one TF contained previously undamaged AK's, the other three TF's included many transports in various "stages of damage" (most of whom were expected to become casualties of Jap naval air strikes - hopefully after they had finished unloading their cargo). AAR's of these actions follow.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Upolu at 95,113
Japanese Ships
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CA Ashigara
CL Naka
DD Shirayuki
DD Hatsuyuki
DD Murakumo
DD Ayanami
Allied Ships
AK Makena, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Mobile City
AK Nightingale
AK Oregonian
AK Steel Ranger
AK Steel Trader
AK Steel Voyager, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Steel Worker, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Susan Luckenbach, Shell hits 2
AK Tennessean
AK West Planter
AK West Shipper, Shell hits 17, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Wind Rush
AK Bengalen
AK Enggano
AK Modjekerto
AK Tjisaroea
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Upolu at 95,113
Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Atago
CL Nagara
CL Natori
DD Asagiri
DD Sagiri
DD Yugiri
DD Amagiri
Allied Ships
AK Louis Joliet, Shell hits 23, and is sunk
AK Lydia M. Child, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
AK Matthew Lyon, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Draco
AK Dellwood
AK Santa Anna, Shell hits 18, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
Allied ground losses:
406 casualties reported
Guns lost 23
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Upolu at 95,113
Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Atago, Shell hits 1
CL Nagara
CL Natori
DD Asagiri
DD Sagiri
DD Yugiri
DD Amagiri
Allied Ships
APD Parrott, Shell hits 26, and is sunk
AP Waiwera, Shell hits 29, and is sunk
AP Speelman, on fire, heavy damage
AK Edwin M. Stanton, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
AK Edwin Markham
AK George Kenny, on fire
AK Jefferson Davis, Shell hits 2, on fire
(system damage 22, float 6, fire 7)
AK Abbekerk, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Cape Fear, Shell hits 31, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Laida, on fire, heavy damage
AK Fort Wilhemus
LST LST-450, and is sunk
LST LST-481, on fire, heavy damage
Allied ground losses:
714 casualties reported
Guns lost 39
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Upolu at 95,113
Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Atago
CL Nagara
CL Natori
DD Asagiri
DD Sagiri
DD Yugiri
DD Amagiri
Allied Ships
APD Litchfield, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
APD Schley, on fire, heavy damage
AP Jagersfontein, on fire, heavy damage
AP Raranga, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
AP Manoora
AK Arthur Riggs, on fire, heavy damage
AP Charles Lummis, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AP Christopher Greenup, on fire, heavy damage
AK Cleveland Abbe, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
AK Daniel S. Lamont, on fire
AK Edwin Booth, Shell hits 19, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Leland Stanford, on fire, heavy damage
AK Brastagi
AK Mintaka, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK Masaya, Shell hits 1
(later sunk)
AK Don Isidro, on fire, heavy damage
AK Fort Rensselaer
AK Aussi, on fire, heavy damage
AK Lauralaba, on fire, heavy damage
AK Anacapa, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
LST LST-29, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-70, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-71, on fire
LST LST-67, on fire
Allied ground losses:
199 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
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After escorting Landing Force TF's to their jumping off point off Pago Pago & Upolu on the evening of 12/5, the U.S. Carrier Main Force had moved to a point N of Pago Pago (shown on situation map) in anticipation of Pillager sending any Jap naval forces southward to attack the landings on Pago Pago and/or Upolu. Following the devastation wreaked on the Landing Force TF's, devastation was in turn wreaked upon the Jap surface TF in several daylight air attacks while leaving Upolu. AAR's follow.
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Day Air attack on TF, near Upolu at 95,113
Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 58
SB2C Helldiver x 178
TBM Avenger x 90
Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 7 damaged
TBM Avenger: 7 damaged
Japanese Ships
CL Natori, Bomb hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
(confirmed sunk)
CL Nagara, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA Atago, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
(confirmed sunk)
CA Takao, Bomb hits 22, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
(confirmed sunk)
DD Amagiri
DD Asagiri
DD Sagiri, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
8 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Upolu at 95,113
Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 57
SB2C Helldiver x 32
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
CL Nagara, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
(confirmed sunk)
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Upolu at 95,113
Allied aircraft
SB2C Helldiver x 181
TBM Avenger x 131
Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 1 damaged
TBM Avenger: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
(all confirmed sunk)
DD Sagiri, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Asagiri, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yugiri, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Amagiri, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
6 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
5 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
5 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
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In a series of daylight naval air strikes, a combinaton of Japanese LBA and planes from the KB destroyed nearly all of the remaining U.S. transports at Upolu and vicinity. AAR's follow. The KB appeared due south of Wallis Is during the day phase of 12/7 game turn.
Based on location and detected movement headings shown for several individual KB TF's following the 12/7 game turn - the KB appears to have entered the Pago Pago area from the W or SW, making it possible the KB's current operating base is either Suva or Noumea.
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Day Air attack on TF at 95,114
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 8
A6M5 Zeke x 190
N1K1-J George x 7
D4Y Judy x 170
A6M3a Zero x 4
B6N2 Jill x 230
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
AK Oregonian, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK Bengalen, Bomb hits 20, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK West Planter, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK Steel Trader, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK Tennessean, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK Tjisaroea, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK Enggano, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK Mobile City, Bomb hits 8, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK Modjekerto, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK Nightingale, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK Susan Luckenbach, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK Wind Rush, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK Steel Ranger, Bomb hits 4, on fire
(system damage 93, float 82, fire 49)
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 95,114
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 3
A6M5 Zeke x 11
D4Y Judy x 24
B6N2 Jill x 30
P1Y Frances x 12
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
AK Bengalen, on fire, heavy damage
AK Wind Rush, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 95,114
Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 10
D4Y Judy x 28
B6N2 Jill x 21
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
AK Steel Ranger, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
(system damage 93, float 82, fire 49)
AK Wind Rush, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 95,114
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 7
A6M5 Zeke x 5
D4Y Judy x 28
A6M3a Zero x 3
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
AK Steel Ranger, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
(system damage 93, float 82, fire 49)
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 95,114
Japanese aircraft
B6N2 Jill x 9
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
AK Mobile City, on fire, heavy damage
AK Enggano, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Upolu at 95,113
Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 12
B6N2 Jill x 3
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 12
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 8
Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Dellwood, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire
(system damage 23, float 15, fire 18)
Allied ground losses:
55 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick attacking at 100 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick attacking at 100 feet
4 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick attacking at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 96,112
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 3
D4Y Judy x 6
B6N2 Jill x 6
G4M2 Betty x 4
P1Y Frances x 25
Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 1 damaged
P1Y Frances: 3 damaged
Allied Ships
APD Schley, on fire, heavy damage
AK Brastagi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AP Charles Lummis, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK Daniel S. Lamont
AP Manoora
AK Anacapa, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK Arthur Riggs, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
(system damage 94, float 89, fire 49)
AP Christopher Greenup, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
LST LST-67, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 96,112
Japanese aircraft
D4Y Judy x 18
B6N2 Jill x 31
G4M2 Betty x 9
P1Y Frances x 46
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
AP Jagersfontein, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK Fort Rensselaer, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
(system damage 62, float 88, fire 16)
AK Daniel S. Lamont, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
(system damage 42, float 54, fire 28)
AP Charles Lummis, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
APD Schley, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AP Manoora, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK Brastagi, on fire, heavy damage
AK Lauralaba, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK Leland Stanford, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK Don Isidro, on fire, heavy damage
AK Mintaka, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AP Christopher Greenup, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-67, on fire, heavy damage
AK Anacapa, on fire, heavy damage
AK Masaya, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
LST LST-71
Allied ground losses:
98 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Upolu at 95,113
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 3
P1Y Frances x 3
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
AK Togian, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Upolu at 95,113
Japanese aircraft
P1Y Frances x 3
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
AK Ben Nevis
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 96,112
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 3
D4Y Judy x 14
B6N2 Jill x 39
G4M2 Betty x 13
P1Y Frances x 65
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5
Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 7
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 damaged
D4Y Judy: 1 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 2 destroyed
P1Y Frances: 2 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 3 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Lauralaba, on fire, heavy damage
AK Anacapa, on fire, heavy damage
APD Schley, on fire, heavy damage
AP Charles Lummis, on fire, heavy damage
AK Leland Stanford, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AP Manoora, on fire, heavy damage
AK Masaya, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK Brastagi, on fire, heavy damage
AP Christopher Greenup, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-71, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
(system damage 66, float 94, fire 29)
AK Fort Rensselaer, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AK Arthur Riggs, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-29, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
AP Jagersfontein, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-67, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 95,114
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 3
P1Y Frances x 5
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3
Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y Frances: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Mobile City, on fire, heavy damage
AK Bengalen, on fire, heavy damage
AK Steel Ranger, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
(later sunk)
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P1Y Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detected status of Jap base on Upolu - 448 aircraft (109 fighters, 240 bombers), 18 Jap LCU's.
Current status of Savaii base - runway damage 96, airfield service damage 100, port damage 9.
Current status of Pago Pago base - runway damage 0, airfield service damage 31, port damage 100.
The arrival of additional Seabees and supply appears to be making Pago Pago an operational base, and quickly! A sizeable force of U.S. land-based fighters was immediately transferred (by air movement) from Penhryn into Pago Pago - total strength of this contingent includes 132 F6F's, 24 P-47C's, 24 F4U-1's. In addition to fighters from Penhryn, there is a group of 19 F6F's on Pago Pago from the damaged CVL Langley. Additional fighter planes remain available on Penhryn to reinforce Pago Pago - including more F4U-1's & P-47C's, plus several USAAF P-38 squadrons.
For the time being, the main focus of U.S. efforts is shifting to getting and keeping Pago Pago an operational base. This may in the end permit an Allied victory in the Pago Pago area. Surviving transports returning to Penhryn from this operation will immediately re-load with supply and embark an Aviation Rgt now prepping for Pago Pago. The two key needs for Pago Pago are additional supply points and Aviation Support elements. 126 USAAF Base Force (30 aviation support) is now on Pago Pago, but aviation support on Pago Pago has to be reinforced for the number of planes (particularly fighters) required to keep this base operational and also supporting later efforts on Upolu and Savaii.
CVL Langley (system damage 36, float 40, fire 2) is moving at normal speed back to Penhryn - expected arrival in 4-5 days at present rate.
AAR's of today's ground combat on Upolu follow. It's appearing that five U.S. divisions and a corps HQ is not going to be enough.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Upolu
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 26805 troops, 189 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 536
42nd, 51st, 53rd & 61st Naval Gd; Sasebo 7 SNLF, 51 Independent Mixed Brigade (-), 9 & 11 Independent Mixed Rgts,
Arshan Garrison Rgt, 7 Field Artillery Brigade,140 IJN Base Force, 127 IJNAF Base Force (-), 5 AF Construction Bn (-),
9 AF Construction Bn, 24 Aviation Unit, 2 Aviation Rgt, 10 Special Base Force (-)
Defending force 65830 troops, 336 guns, 39 vehicles, Assault Value = 1486
1st Cavalry, Americal, 32nd, 37th & 1st Marine Divisions, HQ I Amphibious Corps
Allied ground losses:
90 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Upolu
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 63190 troops, 329 guns, 39 vehicles, Assault Value = 1485
1st Cavalry, Americal, 32nd, 37th & 1st Marine Divisions, HQ I Amphibious Corps
Defending force 44087 troops, 222 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 536
42nd, 51st, 53rd & 61st Naval Gd; Sasebo 7 SNLF, 51 Independent Mixed Brigade (-), 9 & 11 Independent Mixed Rgts, Arshan Garrison Rgt, 7 Field Artillery Brigade, 140 IJN Base Force, 127 IJNAF Base Force (-), 5 AF Construction Bn (-),
9 AF Construction Bn, 24 Aviation Unit, 2 Aviation Rgt, 10 Special Base Force (-)
Allied max assault: 688 - adjusted assault: 436
Japanese max defense: 527 - adjusted defense: 2597
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)
Japanese ground losses:
738 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
Allied ground losses:
733 casualties reported
Guns lost 23
Vehicles lost 10
