BACK IN BUSINESS - PzB goes East again(st) Andy Mac

[castor troy]

PzB, you are aware of the fact that you can ugrade hardly any of your daitais to the Gerge, aren´t you?

[String]

Experience affects pilot fatigue and ops losses, and little else. So a 90 exp pilot with a 50 air skill is a mediocre combat pilot, but excellent aviator. 50 exp pilot with 90 air skill is an average aviator, but a great combat pilot. He'll wreak havoc in the skies and then crash his plane on landing [:D]

[CapAndGown]

PzB - Big mistake on the A6M3. I just got a Sentai of A6M3 but no factory to produce these planes. I had intended this to happen thinking that I would just upgrade (down grade?) them to A6M2's. Well guess what? They will not upgrade to A6M2's! So now I have a 2 plane Sentai that I can't do much with until I can convert some factory over to making these planes. Or I can wait until the George shows up in 44 and upgrade them then. [8|]

Go ahead and build the A6M3.

[PzB74]

Nah, don't think so - the A6M3 enters production in 6/42. The first unit arrives in May with just a couple of pre production ac.
2 factories are researching the A6M3 and by switching one of the factories on the last day of May the last one will convert to production and size can be expanded as well as other factories expanded.

I just made rather small changes to advance the intorduction of the George; this was one of the most capable ac in WitP so even it numbers are small I will send crack pilots to fly them. Not decided which other types to try to advance yet, a bit early and still learning the ropes.

Hm, will try to pull some pilots out of training and send em into combat with 60-70 air combat and naval torpedoing skill.
Then I can start training a new batch.

- Never heard about an ace that couldn't fly and land, but ok [;)]

[CapAndGown]

I didn't realize it did not come online till June. I still have time to convert and R&D factory over to the A6M3!

[PzB74]

Spent a long time on this turn; moved all "qualified" pilots to the reserve pools and refilled the training units with fresh cadres. What I don't quite understand is how slowly the total exp rating goes up compared to individual skills like e.g. air combat. A fighter pilot should have a set of core skills that individually made up xx% of his total skills.

- If was also quite fatigued [:'(] after double clicking 400 pilots to transfer them first to group and then to general reserve. I deeply miss the ability to handle pilots in bulk.

Also going over the hundreds of bases, assigning TFs to pick up resources, provide supplies and move damaged ships to a major port. The task of aligning the number of engines produced with the number of airframes is also killing me. Aircraft have 1, 2 or 4 engines and it takes time to get it right. Production of an ac type was delayed because we ran out of engines.... [:(]

Need advice; Submarine kills have decreased in the Pacific. I'm now preparing a dozen subs for new missions.
But were should I send em - is there a strategic spot on the map were we can initiate another "Happy times are here again"?



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 30, 42

Sub Attacks

A painfull loss today; had hoped the Kamikawa Maru got away from the sub that attacked her yesterday.
No such luck, first one hit then another that sealed her fate. She took all the seaplanes with her, had hoped
some Jake's would divert to Princeton.

Submarine attack near Albany at 48,158

Japanese Ships
AV Kamikawa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS O24

AV Kamikawa Maru is sighted by SS O24
SS O24 launches 4 torpedoes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Albany at 48,158

Japanese Ships
AV Kamikawa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS O24

AV Kamikawa Maru is sighted by SS O24
SS O24 launches 4 torpedoes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

As Andy's medium bombers headed out to attack our TF's again they met difficult opposition;
First a crack CAP from the KB - then battleships of the Imperial navy.

Hope we dented enough B-26's to keep em grounded for some time!

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Geraldton at 49,141

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Ic x 5
B-26 Marauder x 36

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter Ic: 1 destroyed
B-26 Marauder: 2 destroyed, 18 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 1
BB Haruna
CA Nachi
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bombardments

Venting their built up frustrations I let the navy unleash their big guns on Geraldton.

Naval bombardment of Geraldton at 49,141

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
CA Mikuma
CA Nachi
CL Oi
CL Jintsu

Allied ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 5 (3 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 18
Port hits 13
Port supply hits 4

BB Hiei firing at Geraldton
CA Mikuma firing at Geraldton
CA Nachi firing at Geraldton
CL Oi firing at Geraldton
CL Jintsu firing at 27th Infantry/C Division
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Geraldton at 49,141 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
PBY-5 Catalina: 1 destroyed on ground

7 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
CA Mogami
CL Kitakami
CL Kiso

Allied ground losses:
50 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 3 (0 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 11
Port supply hits 1

BB Haruna firing at Geraldton
CA Mogami firing at 276th Coastal Artillery Battalion
CL Kitakami firing at 27th Infantry/C Division
CL Kiso firing at 276th Coastal Artillery Battalion
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Pushing north from Princeton!

Ground combat at 57,152

Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 3185 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 108

Defending force 262 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 13
Japanese adjusted assault: 49

Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 49 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(-), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: leaders(-)

Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
174 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 10 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
21st Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
1st Marine Raider Battalion
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's a JFB Quiz

Anyone reckognize this bird?

[String]

Ki-109, the 75mm wielding fighter version of the Peggy?

[McDuck]

Looks like a Ki-109 . Solid nose , 75 mm armed Ki-67 . An effort to build a high alitutude B29 interceptor . Hasegawa and LS ( i believe ) both make 1/72 scale kits of this bird .

[PzB74]

Yep, it's Peggy Sue with a big stick [:)]

[crsutton]

ORIGINAL: PzB

Nah, don't think so - the A6M3 enters production in 6/42. The first unit arrives in May with just a couple of pre production ac.
2 factories are researching the A6M3 and by switching one of the factories on the last day of May the last one will convert to production and size can be expanded as well as other factories expanded.

I just made rather small changes to advance the intorduction of the George; this was one of the most capable ac in WitP so even it numbers are small I will send crack pilots to fly them. Not decided which other types to try to advance yet, a bit early and still learning the ropes.

Hm, will try to pull some pilots out of training and send em into combat with 60-70 air combat and naval torpedoing skill.
Then I can start training a new batch.

- Never heard about an ace that couldn't fly and land, but ok [;)]

George has a service rating of 3.

This is important in AE as it was not in WITP. It still it is an excellent plane but once in regular combat will be slow to repair. See some of the Allied AARs and the troubles that they have with the P38.

It means that you will have to use it carefully, and not from small front line bases.

Except for the tojo, virtually all Japanese late war aircraft get a service rating of 3. This might be interesting as we get into our games. I suspect that sometimes you will have to fall back on the old reliable zero.

[castor troy]

ORIGINAL: crsutton

ORIGINAL: PzB

Nah, don't think so - the A6M3 enters production in 6/42. The first unit arrives in May with just a couple of pre production ac.
2 factories are researching the A6M3 and by switching one of the factories on the last day of May the last one will convert to production and size can be expanded as well as other factories expanded.

I just made rather small changes to advance the intorduction of the George; this was one of the most capable ac in WitP so even it numbers are small I will send crack pilots to fly them. Not decided which other types to try to advance yet, a bit early and still learning the ropes.

Hm, will try to pull some pilots out of training and send em into combat with 60-70 air combat and naval torpedoing skill.
Then I can start training a new batch.

- Never heard about an ace that couldn't fly and land, but ok [;)]

George has a service rating of 3.

This is important in AE as it was not in WITP. It still it is an excellent plane but once in regular combat will be slow to repair. See some of the Allied AARs and the troubles that they have with the P38.

It means that you will have to use it carefully, and not from small front line bases.

Except for the tojo, virtually all Japanese late war aircraft get a service rating of 3. This might be interesting as we get into our games. I suspect that sometimes you will have to fall back on the old reliable zero.

I´ve got my P-38 at 50% Cap over prolonged time and never saw any problem... might be different if they get damaged during combat, but from flying Cap, I can´t confirm that the service rating would be a problem. Heck, my heavy bombers have a service rating of 4 and I constantly have them in the air and my squadrons are all fully operational. Other than having them at a big airfield with ample supply and air support I don´t know anything I would do "special". I would take a "killer" aircraft with a service rating of 3 everytime compared to a mediocre one with a service rating of 1.

[PzB74]

My experience is also that a large base with plenty supplies and support will be able to keep ac with service rating 3 flying. So if extreme care is taken they can be highly valuable. Will be plenty of smaller bases that will only be allowed to handle service rating 1 and 2 ac though.

Looks like things worked as plan; A6M3 is now in production and I increased it to compensate for the factory switched to George research.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 31, 42

Invasions

Unloading an Army HQ and a Guards division at Geraldton!
Went surprisingly well; think we smashed the coastal guns with our bombardments.

Pre-Invasion action off Geraldton - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

96 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
CL Isuzu
DD Ikazuchi
xAK Yasuteru Maru
xAK Karachi Maru
APD Shimakaze
DMS W-3

Japanese ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 7 (0 destroyed, 7 disabled)

BB Haruna firing at 276th Coastal Artillery Battalion
CL Isuzu firing at 27th Infantry/C Division
DD Ikazuchi firing at 27th Infantry/C Division
155mm M1918 GPF Coastal Battery engaging xAK Yasuteru Maru at 5,000 yards
CL Isuzu fires to suppress enemy guns at 5,000 yards
BB Haruna fires to suppress enemy guns at 5,000 yards
CL Isuzu fires to suppress enemy guns at 5,000 yards
BB Haruna fires to suppress enemy guns at 5,000 yards
CL Isuzu fires to suppress enemy guns at 5,000 yards
DD Ikazuchi firing at enemy troops
4" CD Gun Coastal Battery engaging DD Ikazuchi at 3,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Geraldton

TF 179 troops unloading over beach at Geraldton, 49,141

Japanese ground losses:
556 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 74 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 40 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 7 (0 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

10 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 21st Army
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost overboard during unload of 6th Guards Div /2
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 6th Guards Div /3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Geraldton - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

55 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
CL Isuzu
xAK Karachi Maru
DD Hayate
xAP Kokuryu Maru
APD Shimakaze
DMS W-3

Japanese ground losses:
77 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

BB Haruna firing at Geraldton Fortress
CL Isuzu firing at 1st RAN Base Force
CL Isuzu fires to suppress enemy guns at 10,000 yards
BB Haruna fires to suppress enemy guns at 10,000 yards
DD Hayate fires to suppress enemy guns at 10,000 yards
BB Haruna fires to suppress enemy guns at 10,000 yards
CL Isuzu fires to suppress enemy guns at 10,000 yards
BB Haruna fires to suppress enemy guns at 10,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub Attacks

Submarine attack near Soerabaja at 56,104

Japanese Ships
xAK Takaoka Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-40

xAK Takaoka Maru is sighted by SS S-40
SS S-40 launches 4 torpedoes at xAK Takaoka Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

The escort failed to follow these Sally's and the super duper P-40s savaged em at 20k feet!

Morning Air attack on 1st Australian Division, at 95,152 (Rockhampton)
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 10

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 20000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
58th FG/67th FS with P-400 Airacobra (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our crack Zero's over Geraldton failed to make much of an impact on the attacking mediums.
They hit nothing though....

Morning Air attack on TF, near Geraldton at 49,141

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Ic x 3
B-26 Marauder x 35

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter Ic: 1 destroyed
B-26 Marauder: 1 destroyed, 22 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
CL Oi
CA Nachi
DD Oyashio
xAP Montevideo Maru
xAP Huzi Maru
xAP Kokuryu Maru
APD Shimakaze
AK Hirokawa Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

This one was a bit amusing. Andy has reinforced Rockhampton heavily and wanted to kick
our little tank regiment out. Just as he tried to do so we moved in 3 more regiments and stopped him cold[8D]
Possible he may succeed next time but more troops are on their way.

Ground combat at Rockhampton (95,152)
Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 19823 troops, 225 guns, 262 vehicles, Assault Value = 897
Defending force 2670 troops, 0 guns, 399 vehicles, Assault Value = 225

Allied adjusted assault: 196

Japanese adjusted defense: 112
Allied assault odds: 1 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: op mode(-), preparation(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 85 (2 destroyed, 83 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
531 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 85 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 105 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 24 (1 destroyed, 23 disabled)

Assaulting units:
4th Aus Cav Brigade
5th Australian Division
2/4 MG Battalion
2nd Aus Cav Brigade
1st Australian Division
2/15 Punjab Battalion
Horn Isl Det.
17th RAAF Base Force
30th Field Artillery Regiment
15th RAAF Base Force

Defending units:
5th Tank Regiment
3rd Tank Regiment
9th Tank Regiment
7th Tank Regiment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy moved out the bulk of his troops from Geraldton this night [&:]
I have no idea why Andy is withdrawing, he could have made life difficult for me here.
As it is now we will be able to slowly encircle Perth from the north and south.

Ground combat at Geraldton (49,141)
Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 341 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 58
Defending force 14373 troops, 168 guns, 156 vehicles, Assault Value = 455

Assaulting units:
10th Light Horse Battalion
Geraldton Fortress

Defending units:
65th Brigade
1st Engineer Co
20th Infantry Regiment
16th Recon Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment
6th Guards Div /58
18th Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
40th Field AA Battalion
21st Army /58
---------------------------------------------------------

Reinforcing Geraldton

[PzB74]

Trying to play a bit more historical with the subs; sending them back to repair major damage and giving them 1-2 weeks of rest in between long patrols as they always had.

Will reorganize the Combined Fleet into divisions and commands.
Basically a strong presence at Singapore; surface ships only.
The KB and fast battleships and main fleet in and around Truk.

The next couple of months will see a rest and refit period while we figure out whether to advance or retreat from
Perth and Rockhampton. Hope to continue to blokade of Oz with subs, raiders and carriers - should be a lot of fish in the ocean now!-)

Tojo's are also in production now, need to build up a pool of fighters.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jun 01, 42

Surface Combat

More enemy destroyers at Esperance; not hits - it's another stand off, a good
thing since we got 2 old destroyers against 3 Allied ones.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Esperance at 56,153, Range 5,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Hakaze
DD Sanae

Allied Ships
DD Drayton
DD Allen
DD Ward
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Another rather inefficient strike!

Morning Air attack on TF, near Geraldton at 49,141
Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Ic x 2
B-26 Marauder x 29

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter Ic: 1 destroyed
B-26 Marauder: 1 destroyed, 25 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Hirokawa Maru
DD Inazuma
CA Nachi
CL Kitakami
BB Haruna
APD Shimakaze
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Geraldton is captured and the siege is over.
Need to rest our troops; the division that just unloaded is at no more than 60% even when unloading with
minor resistance.

We also got pushed out of 2 towns in western Oz; my fault for letting the tanks move into Rockhampton instead of halting outside. The other 2 tank units in Charlesville were following an inf regiment but suddenly the infantry left the hex and the tanks stayed behind. Strange... Still, units are mostly bruised - a good weeks rest and they should be ready again.

Ground combat at Geraldton (49,141)

Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 14408 troops, 166 guns, 107 vehicles, Assault Value = 530

Defending force 345 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 8
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 187
Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 187 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Geraldton !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
No Allied losses

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(+), disruption(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
24 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
311 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 29 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 13 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
2nd Tank Regiment
16th Recon Regiment
65th Brigade
20th Infantry Regiment
1st Engineer Co
6th Guards Div /58
40th Field AA Battalion
18th Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
21st Army

Defending units:
Geraldton Fortress
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Rockhampton (95,152)

Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 18998 troops, 225 guns, 265 vehicles, Assault Value = 962

Defending force 3336 troops, 4 guns, 439 vehicles, Assault Value = 246
Allied adjusted assault: 338

Japanese adjusted defense: 75
Allied assault odds: 4 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
305 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 25 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 125 (77 destroyed, 48 disabled)
Units retreated 5

Allied ground losses:
778 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 70 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 86 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 28 (3 destroyed, 25 disabled)

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
1st Australian Division
2/4 MG Battalion
3rd Motor Brigade
5th Australian Division
4th Aus Cav Brigade
3rd Army Tank Brigade
30th Field Artillery Regiment
17th RAAF Base Force
Horn Isl Det.
15th RAAF Base Force

Defending units:
22nd Recon Regiment
5th Tank Regiment
3rd Tank Regiment
9th Tank Regiment
7th Tank Regiment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Charleville (88,154)

Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 3108 troops, 61 guns, 62 vehicles, Assault Value = 188

Defending force 1637 troops, 2 guns, 163 vehicles, Assault Value = 92
Allied adjusted assault: 168

Japanese adjusted defense: 55
Allied assault odds: 3 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: op mode(-), preparation(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
133 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 30 (21 destroyed, 9 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Allied ground losses:
62 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
53rd (Sep) Infantry Regiment
2/8th Armoured Regiment
4th Australian/A Division
109th Tank Attack Regiment

Defending units:
4th Tank Regiment
5th Recon Regiment
---------------------------------------------------------

[PzB74]

Gathering 20 subs for a "wolf pack" action against Allied convoys.
Need to try something new and put the pressure on in the sensitive areas.

Releasing garrison units from China to send to forward bases; these 100 squad units
are perfect guard units.

Some questions I'm fuddling over;
1. How long should we stay in Australia?
- Ca beginning of 43 is what I have in mind.

2. When we start pulling back from Australia should we then leave altogether or leave behind a rear guard?
- I'm leaning towards a rear guard; areas like Cairns, Townsville and Darwin will be the last bases to be abandoned.

The building of the defensive perimeter has priority now; Burma, Sumatra, Malaya, Java, DEI, New Guinea, Solomons, Marshalls etc. In 43-44 focus will shift towards the inner Perimeter around Philippines and Marianas.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jun 02, 42

Sub Attacks

Tried another midget at Melbourne; it foundered and sank as all the rest!

ASW attack near Melbourne at 82,170

Japanese Ships
SS I-24, hits 1

Allied Ships
DM Preble
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Feni Islands at 107,127

Japanese Ships
xAK Yoneyama Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Searaven

xAK Yoneyama Maru is sighted by SS Searaven
SS Searaven attacking xAK Yoneyama Maru on the surface
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

A major fighter sweep over Rockhampton claimed 10-11 P-40's. We still lost 2 Zero's in A2A.
All my fighter units came in one by one...despite sweeping at same attitude, with Air HQ in place and
with a given target. Don't get this...


Morning Air attack on Rockhampton , at 95,152

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 16 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra: 5 destroyed

Allied Ships
DD Dunlap, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
58th FG/67th FS with P-400 Airacobra (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 13 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy bombed our tanks north of Rockhampton;

Afternoon Air attack on 3rd Tank Regiment, at 94,151

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 4
Hudson III (LR) x 12
B-17E Fortress x 3

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 12 (1 destroyed, 11 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 7th Tank Regiment, at 94,151

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-18A Bolo x 4

Allied aircraft losses
B-18A Bolo: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 5 (0 destroyed, 5 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 9th Tank Regiment, at 94,151

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 6

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Trying to kill this Oz Bde...just SW of Alice Springs;

Ground combat at 73,144
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1025 troops, 4 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 38
Defending force 1026 troops, 23 guns, 17 vehicles, Assault Value = 25

Japanese adjusted assault: 29

Allied adjusted defense: 10
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: op mode(-), leaders(+), leaders(-), fatigue(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
49 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
213 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 16 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
1st Recon Regiment

Defending units:
3rd Australian Brigade
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our remnant at Ceduna is still alive...

Ground combat at Ceduna (71,156)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1158 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 33
Defending force 346 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 7

Japanese adjusted assault: 3
Allied adjusted defense: 3

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-), fatigue(-), supply(-)

Japanese ground losses:
33 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
41 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
11th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
Katherine RAAF Base Force
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some minor skirmishes between Alice Springs and Port Augusta;

Ground combat at 75,148

Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 680 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 39

Defending force 30 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2
Japanese adjusted assault: 39

Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 39 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender:
Attacker: leaders(+)

Allied ground losses:
33 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
1st Raiding Regiment

Defending units:
2nd USMC Parachute Bn /13
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 73,155
Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 3226 troops, 44 guns, 104 vehicles, Assault Value = 137
Defending force 409 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 14

Allied adjusted assault: 62
Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 62 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(+), disruption(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-)

Japanese ground losses:
367 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 36 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
1st Motor Brigade

Defending units:
2nd Raiding Regiment
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Mynok]

Don't stay too long. Once the Allied heavy LBA gets rolling, you won't be loading up troops safely anywhere in Australia...cept maybe the Perth area if you take all the bases.

[WITPPL]

Try train them in an escort mode with 10% CAP, 80% of training 10% rest.
Works for me. They do gain exp in adition to skill this way.

I train my bombers in skills to 60 and fighters to 65 before sending them for combat.
Do not care much about exp.

[PzB74]

Gawd, been a tiring week - work totally killed me [:(]
Well, weekend and immediately feeling better!

God idea to combine training and combat WITPPL, will try it.
Until Allies get long range fighter cover they will be vulnerable; today we won a tactical victory
by putting the P in Pain @ Rockhampton!


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jun 04, 42

Ground Combat

Andy tried to drive me away from the hex west of Rockhampton, but failed.

Ground combat at 94,152
Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 3113 troops, 46 guns, 104 vehicles, Assault Value = 136
Defending force 7659 troops, 102 guns, 39 vehicles, Assault Value = 244

Allied adjusted assault: 20
Japanese adjusted defense: 191

Allied assault odds: 1 to 9

Combat modifiers
Defender: experience(-)
Attacker: op mode(-), shock(+), fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
162 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
359 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 32 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 40 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Vehicles lost 24 (0 destroyed, 24 disabled)

Assaulting units:
3rd Motor Brigade

Defending units:
5th Infantry Regiment
17th Infantry Regiment
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
9th RF Gun Battalion
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jun 04, 42

The heavy hitters sortied and bombed the $hit out of Rockhampton!
36 ac destroyed on the ground and 100% AF damage is respectable.

Not sure Andy is in a tenable position here..my guess is that he will retreat soon.

Bombardments

Naval bombardment of Rockhampton at 95,152

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 3 destroyed on ground
F4F-3A Wildcat: 3 destroyed on ground
P-40E Warhawk: 6 destroyed on ground
S.23 Empire: 1 destroyed on ground
B-25B Mitchell: 3 destroyed on ground
P-400 Airacobra: 5 destroyed on ground
DC-2: 1 destroyed on ground

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato
BB Kirishima
BB Kongo
CA Myoko
CA Maya
CL Tenryu

Allied ground losses:
286 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 20 destroyed, 21 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 13 (1 destroyed, 12 disabled)
Vehicles lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Airbase hits 24
Airbase supply hits 15
Runway hits 333

BB Mutsu firing at Rockhampton
BB Nagato firing at Rockhampton
BB Kirishima firing at Rockhampton
BB Kongo firing at Rockhampton
CA Myoko firing at 1st Australian Division
CA Maya firing at Rockhampton
CL Tenryu firing at Rockhampton
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

I don't have a lot of bombers in NE Oz yet, but this will change a bit soon; bringing in 2 more Air HQs to up
our firepower!

Morning Air attack on 3rd Motor Brigade, at 94,152

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 7
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 21

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 20000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Put a CAP over our exposed troops and bagged quite a few attacking bombers!
We can dominate the air around Rockhampton with our long range fighters; we also dominate the seas.
In all Rockhampton is difficult to defend, I hope Andy makes a stand - then I'll call in the big Bertha's of the
siege artillery [8D]

Morning Air attack on 17th Infantry Regiment, at 94,152
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 6
Hudson III (LR) x 6
Hudson III (LR) x 7
B-26B Marauder x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Hudson III (LR): 3 destroyed, 2 damaged
Hudson III (LR): 1 destroyed
B-26B Marauder: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
2 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
4 x Hudson I bombing from 10000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing from 10000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
4th Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
1st Sentai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead

Also attacking 5th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 9th RF Gun Battalion ...
Also attacking 17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment ...
Also attacking 17th Infantry Regiment ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Wipe out; Marine Raiders fought to the last man!

Ground combat at 56,151

Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 3374 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 121

Defending force 201 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 11
Japanese adjusted assault: 55

Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 55 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender:
Attacker: leaders(-)

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
201 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 15 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
21st Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
1st Marine Raider Battalion
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Operations near Rockhampton

[PzB74]

Some issues with my fast transport made up of surface combat ships (CL / DD).
First they unloaded in a coastal hex despite being ordered to not unload.
When I reloaded and unloaded south of Rockhampton only a partial unload was achieved.

Well, we got Rockhampton in a bag...55k troops. Andy will most likely try to reinforce or break out.
I would never reinforce this death trap.

Been working over time to release trained navy pilots into the reserve pool.
Some 800 Army and Navy pilots in the reserves now. Also ordered CAG groups to expand to fill all available space.
Priority is given to fighter capacity, secondarily to TBDs.

Our not so victorious divisions are unloading at Soerabaja; need some R&R.
Of the 3 divisions I plan to keep 1 on Java, another goes to Malaya and the third will be a reserve for the Oz command.
Feeling reasonably well balanced in regards to defense / offense now.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jun 05, 42

2 subs in Soerabaja port...

Sub / ASW Attacks

ASW attack near Soerabaja at 56,104

Japanese Ships
PB Shonan Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS Spearfish
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Soerabaja at 56,104

Japanese Ships
xAKL Gyokurei Maru
xAKL Indus Maru
PB Konei Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-40, hits 2 - direct hit!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kavieng at 107,119

Japanese Ships
xAK Hakusika Maru, Torpedo hits 1 - not sinking, RT Kavieng
xAK Taigen Maru
PB Nichi Maru #1

Allied Ships
SS Tautog
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Some action around Rockhampton; we defend our troops, shoot down a few bombers
and launch a few strikes back.

Afternoon Air attack on 3rd Motor Brigade, at 94,152

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 46 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
G4M1 Betty x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 damaged

Allied ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 4 (0 destroyed, 4 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at 73,145

Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 1025 troops, 4 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 38

Defending force 814 troops, 22 guns, 14 vehicles, Assault Value = 21
Japanese adjusted assault: 16

Allied adjusted defense: 7
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: op mode(-), experience(-)
Attacker: leaders(-)

Japanese ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
217 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 14 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
1st Recon Regiment

Defending units:
3rd Australian Brigade
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We drive the motor bde back into Rockhampton;

Ground combat at 94,152

Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 4412 troops, 116 guns, 39 vehicles, Assault Value = 124

Defending force 2508 troops, 47 guns, 104 vehicles, Assault Value = 92
Japanese adjusted assault: 50

Allied adjusted defense: 5
Japanese assault odds: 10 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(+), disruption(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
78 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
691 casualties reported
Squads: 25 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 41 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (3 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 32 (21 destroyed, 11 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
17th Infantry Regiment
55th Mountain Gun Regiment
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
9th RF Gun Battalion

Defending units:
3rd Motor Brigade
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One of those silly ones...

Ground combat at 50,143
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 301 troops, 0 guns, 78 vehicles, Assault Value = 71
Defending force 0 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 16
Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 16 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: op mode(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
16th Recon Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment

Defending units:
276th Coastal Artillery Battalion
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enemy counter-para attack that fails...

Ground combat at Oodnadatta (74,149)
Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 100 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 9
Defending force 403 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 19

Allied adjusted assault: 4

Japanese adjusted defense: 12
Allied assault odds: 1 to 3 (fort level 1)

Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-)

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
2nd USMC Parachute Bn /60

Defending units:
Yokosuka Assault SNLF /15
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fast Transport TF trouble

[PzB74]

Good news and more victories for the Empire today!
Andy is pulling out of Rockhampton - much as expected.

We sink 1 light cruiser, 4 destroyers, 4 transports - troop ships and 6 aux vessels
without friendly losses! [8D]


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jun 06, 42

Sub - Surface Combat

Steamed into Perth harbour today guns blazing! Enemy ships were all moored.
Out of fuel? Result = carnage!

Night Time Surface Combat, near Perth at 49,147, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Oyashio
DD Arashi
DD Oshio
DD Hatsuharu

Allied Ships
DD Maury, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Drayton, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Allen, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Ward, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Japanese Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Allied TF begins to get underway
Japanese Ships Reported to be Approaching!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This little flotilla followed suit!

Night Time Surface Combat, near Perth at 49,147, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Oyashio
DD Arashi
DD Oshio
DD Hatsuharu

Allied Ships
AMc Alor, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
AMc Aroe, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
AMc Bantam, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
AMc Cheribon, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AMc Bogor, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
AMc Ceram, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just to add to insult we score a hit with a trash can dropped on the KXIV in Perth!

ASW attack near Perth at 49,147

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi
CL Oi
DD Asagumo
DD Ayanami
DD Inazuma
DD Suzukaze

Allied Ships
SS KXIV, hits 11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Observed an enemy TF hanging out near the Jarvis Island dot base hex; dispatched the Fubuki and a sub to check it out
since our ac refused to investigate further by attacking; We found a light cruiser and destroyer!

Ignoring the odds the Fubuki put a fish into the Trenton, taking a 5" shell in return.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Jarvis Island at 170,144, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Fubuki, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
CL Trenton, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Anderson
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Late the I-174 finished the Trenton with 2 more torps!

Submarine attack near Jarvis Island at 170,144

Japanese Ships
SS I-174

Allied Ships
CL Trenton, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

CL Trenton is sighted by SS I-174
SS I-174 launches 6 torpedoes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A bonus - these ships must have been stranded in Perth! Love sinking big troop transports.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Perth at 49,146, Range 21,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi
CL Kitakami
CL Oi
DD Asagumo
DD Kawakaze
DD Umikaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Inazuma
DD Ayanami

Allied Ships
xAP Empress ' Asia, Shell hits 18, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Duchess of Bedford, Shell hits 33, and is sunk
xAP Camphuys, Shell hits 39, and is sunk
xAP Taroona, Shell hits 22, heavy fires, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

A little mutual ground bombing around Rockhampton; we intercepted this flight and brought down
6 P-40's and a few bombers!

Morning Air attack on 5th Infantry Regiment, at 94,153

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 47 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 8

Allied aircraft
Hudson III (LR) x 7
P-39D Airacobra x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson III (LR): 2 damaged
P-39D Airacobra: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Now lookie here; Andy is pulling out of Rockhampton! In the process his rail movement most likely stopped just south of
the city were my unit was landed to complete the encirclement (a regiment is heading east to link up).
- The units shock attacking got overwhelming odds but since the Japs are isolated they refuse to surrender!

Will use the opportunity to bog the enemy troops down!

Ground combat at 95,153

Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 2770 troops, 119 guns, 75 vehicles, Assault Value = 1427

Defending force 1215 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 49
Allied adjusted assault: 174

Japanese adjusted defense: 7
Allied assault odds: 24 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), leaders(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
1184 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 27 disabled
Non Combat: 28 destroyed, 46 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
2/4 MG Battalion
3rd Motor Brigade
2nd Australian Division
1st Australian Division
2nd Marine Regiment
4th Aus Cav Brigade
5th Australian Division
754th Tank Battalion
6th Aus Cav Brigade
3rd Army Tank Brigade
I Australian Corps
17th RAAF Base Force
2/16th Field Regiment
15th RAAF Base Force

Defending units:
41st Nav Gd /60
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Battle Collage

[PzB74]

Somewhat off topic; bought this little pin today at an antique mess.

Should be a 1914-45 RAF brooch in silver.