Into the Bowels of The Dragon's Lair

[RGIJN]

ORIGINAL: bigred


Photo is interesting. Is this the entrance rock to Rockhampton?

No, actually it´s "Consag Rock" in Mexico... Northern End of the Gulf of California. But the photo fits just that fine...

[RGIJN]

Kido Butai makes a first serious raid down to the Hebrides...sailing with about seven hundred planes embarked.
Today, about 110 enemy A/C are reported shot down, most of them F4F Wildcats (over fifty), P39 Aircobras and some dauntless Dauntless bombers[:)] Needless to say that not a single ship of our own was even scratched.

[RGIJN]

the two transports spotted in Efate harbour yesterday received a visit of some warships tonite... both sunk after countless hits.

During daylight, parts of KBs A/C launched a strike at Luganville´s facilities.




AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/09/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Night Time Surface Combat, near Efate Port Vila at 55,57

Japanese Ships
CA Furutaka
CA Kako
CL Tenryu
CL Tatsuta
DD Arashi
DD Akatsuki
DD Yugiri
DD Mutsuki
DD Satsuki
DD Nagatsuki
DD Mochizuki
DD Kikuzuki

Allied Ships
AK Libra, Shell hits 27, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Efate Port Vila at 55,57

Japanese Ships
CA Furutaka
CA Kako
CL Tenryu
CL Tatsuta
DD Arashi
DD Akatsuki
DD Yugiri
DD Mutsuki
DD Satsuki
DD Nagatsuki
DD Mochizuki
DD Kikuzuki

Allied Ships
AK Arided, Shell hits 44, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Efate Port Vila, at 55,57


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 27

Airbase hits 17
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 96


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Wau , at 8,35

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 40
E13A1 Jake x 7
E7K2 Alf x 4

no losses

Runway hits 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Luganville , at 53,53

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 9
D3A Val x 117
B5N Kate x 44

no losses


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 149

Airbase hits 23
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 122

[RGIJN]

laying mines with subs can become hazardous....[:D]

[RGIJN]

after a few days rest during bad weather our main attack forces sailed again... just to catch the enemy pants down in Espiritu Santo.
Even our floatplanes made it thru the CAP to score some hits...





AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/18/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 53,53

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 5

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake x 1 destroyed


Allied Ships
AP Esperance Bay, Bomb hits 4, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 53,53

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3
A6M2 Zero x 58
A6M3 Zero x 25
D3A Val x 90
B5N Kate x 42
E13A1 Jake x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 6 destroyed
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5 damaged

LTJG O.Minobe of AI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
AP President Jackson, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Monroe, Bomb hits 6, on fire
AP Harry Lee
AP Manoora, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Leedstown, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Monrovia
AP Heywood, Bomb hits 4, on fire
AP President Polk, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Hayes, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kanimbla, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP John Penn, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Calvert, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Manunda, Bomb hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
AP George Clymer
AP Crescent City, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Wau , at 8,35

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 39
E13A1 Jake x 7
E7K2 Alf x 4

no losses

Runway hits 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 53,53

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3
A6M2 Zero x 63
A6M3 Zero x 17
D3A Val x 87
B5N Kate x 51
E13A1 Jake x 12

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 destroyed

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

LTJG M.Minowa of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 8

Allied Ships
AP Calvert, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Crescent City, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP George Clymer, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP Manoora, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Jackson, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Leedstown, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP John Penn, Bomb hits 8, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Harry Lee, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Adams, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Kanimbla, Bomb hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Monroe, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Monrovia, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


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

[RGIJN]

all transports at the piers were hit, and many of them reported sunk instantly.

[RGIJN]

The enemy is in complete disarray now, erratically fleeing and straying around. Just to receive more punishment.... A bombardment force caught a major part of the supply convoy still sitting in harbour whith their engineers desperately trying to get the engins started and their stricken vessels moving.

The US fleet got some hits as well, even some of their carriers were holed...

Daylight brought not just the sun but also some bombers, merciless pounding the remaining ships.





Allied Ships
CA Quincy, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 1
CV Wasp, Bomb hits 1
CA Canberra, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Swanson, Bomb hits 1



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Luganville at 53,53

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 2
BB Haruna, Shell hits 2
CA Takao
CA Maya
CL Yura
CL Kinu
DD Makinami
DD Takanami
DD Hatsukaze
DD Maikaze
DD Shiranui, Shell hits 1
DD Urakaze
DD Hagikaze
DD Tanikaze
DD Isonami

Allied Ships
AP Crescent City, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Hayes, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Adams
AP Heywood
AP President Jackson, and is sunk
AP George Clymer, on fire, heavy damage
AP Harry Lee, on fire, heavy damage
AP Arthur Middleton
AP Monrovia, heavy damage
AP Kanimbla, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Manunda, on fire, heavy damage
AP Katoomba


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Luganville, at 53,53


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 89

Airbase hits 17
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 121
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 52,50

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 10
A6M2 Zero x 122
A6M3 Zero x 52

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
P-39D Airacobra x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 3 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged

1LT T.Cross of VMF-212 is credited with kill number 3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 54,56

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Largs Bay, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Leonard Wood, Torpedo hits 3, on fire
AP American Legion, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP J. Franklin Bell, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 54,56

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 5

no losses

Allied Ships
AP American Legion, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 54,56

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Zeilin
AP Harris


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 53,53

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 6
A6M2 Zero x 70
A6M3 Zero x 23
D3A Val x 86
B5N Kate x 27
F1M2 Pete x 23

no losses

Allied Ships
AP Arthur Middleton, Bomb hits 2
AP Crescent City, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP George Clymer, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Harry Lee, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
AP Heywood, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Manunda, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Katoomba, Bomb hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
AP Monrovia, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Adams, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Hayes, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Wau , at 8,35

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 41
E13A1 Jake x 7
E7K2 Alf x 3

no losses

Runway hits 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 54,56

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Esperance Bay, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 53,53

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 36
B5N Kate x 36
F1M2 Pete x 25
E13A1 Jake x 10

no losses

Allied Ships
AP President Adams, on fire, heavy damage
AP Arthur Middleton, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Heywood, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP George Clymer, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Katoomba, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 58,57

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Eridanus, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP George F. Elliot, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ormsby, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 46


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 54,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 37
A6M3 Zero x 14
D3A Val x 24

no losses

Allied Ships
AP American Legion, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AP Leonard Wood, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP Largs Bay, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage


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

[RGIJN]

another nightly run into Luganville, and still ships present to deal with in advance of the shelling.

[a1981stingray]

WESTERN UNION

post office box : Washington D.C.

Delivery Status : Delayed / Undeliverable


The Chiefs of Staff in the War Room have finally received updates from the HQ Allied Command - South Pacific. A hefty box was delivered yesterday that contained every telegram from every Allied & Fleet Command HQ.

Western Union described the delayed deliveries of each parcel as "Department of Intelligence Intercepts". Whatever that means will be a mystery for 50 years.


July Summary:
IJN activity was rather aggressive in their approach to the New Hebrides Islands. Several Bombardment Task Forces left the airfields, aircraft, ports, and shipping, in flaming wrecks for most of July and into August.


Allied Engineers are overwhelmed with the destruction of their base facilities. It will be a long time before these resources can be replaced or repaired.


In addition, the KB was sighted multiple times as their combat aircraft continue to sink every Allied ship within 300 nautical miles or Luganville. Many Allied transports have been lost as they tried to make port in Efate Port Villa and then escape back to Noumea.


More Allied Aircraft have arrived, unfortunately these green pilots are no match for the ACEs of IJN. Every Combat Air Patrol that are involved with the Zero have been shot down. Most squadrons now refuse to fly and are strafed while parked along with their aircraft hangers. Those being repaired are scrapped for parts to fix the ones that just got shot up.....


Resources, spare parts, supplies, toilet paper are unable to reach the forward bases. Noumea continues to send these supplies down the long road towards Koumac. Hopefully the C-47 Dakotas can airlift some of these to the forward bases of Luganville and Efate Port Villa.



August Summary:
The Enterprise and Yorktown were retired to Noumea port for major repairs. Unfortunately the local airfield's 4 fighter squadrons on CAP could not prevent the IJN Long Range Nells from sticking a few extra torpedoes into these already damaged ships. I must admit that their pilots can spot an aircraft carrier out of the 300+ ships in port and only hit the ones that are already damaged is rather remarkable. AND to fly long range and not be fatigued....... explain that to the Allied Flight Instructors!!!


More ground combat troops continue to arrive. Engineers are allocated to the nearest Allied Base for expanding their airfields and fortifications. Hopefully the amount of LBA can be transferred to these new airfields and begin a training program that will prove effective against the Zero.


September Summary:
The IJN Submarine units appear to be in every shipping lane to and from every Allied port. Numerous transports and escort vessels have been severely crippled or sunk these past few months.


Allied Captains report that the subs may have unlimited torpedoes. Some have even surfaced and used their deck gun to shell the escorts into flaming wrecks.


Mines continue to be a problem for the Allied Fleet. An occasional sighting "hit" will happen without the escorting MineSweepers clearing the way first. The MSW Captains always reported that they were ordered to "Follow Transport Task Force" not lead the way. Stupid Stupid Stupid !


It was then reorganized and that's when it turned UGLY for the Allied Fleet. The IJN KB and full complement of their entire Search Aircraft spotted the majority of MSWs working to clear the Allied shipping lanes. Only a few MSWs remain in Noumea port. These 3 ships alone will not be able to clear the approaches to Guadalcanal. It's been reported that the IJN have placed TENs of THOUSANDs of mines along a 200 nautical mile from San Cristobal to Tulagi.


September Summary:

Australia is a fortified nightmare of coastal defenses and max airfields. Every base reported more Base Force Aviation Support required as well as supplies for Air Operations. All Fighter type aircraft and Bombers on CAP and Naval Search. Some have even reported a significant improvement on Experience of Pilots.

Several transport task forces were allocated to supply Cooktown, Ayton, Cairns, and Innisfail. There have been many sightings of Subs and Mines. Usually it's too late for these ships and their escorts....

ASW patrols have no effect. Hopefully some Destroyers with Sonar can be released from Fleet to assist in the vital shipping lanes.



October Summary:
The Imperial Japanese Dragon continues its aggressive tactics throughout the South Pacific. Every major island has been occupied and several new airfields have appeared.


All "dots" of PNG have gone from "Green" to "Red" followed by an IJN iconic symbol a few days later.


More IJN flights into Noumea continued to place their payloads into vital ships. Noumea reports several Base Forces with multiple Radar Towers are positioned from Koumac south at every 30 miles. These must not be working or their operators are confusing the "blips" on the screen as their own "blips" on flight training operations.


Lots of Allied ships were damaged by the KB Dragon as it slithered into nearby waters of New Hebrides. It's unlikely that any Allied Fighter Squadron will be able to penetrate their 300 Zero CAP.


November Summary:
Allied Fleet HQ has decided that all ports are unsafe. Most ships are sent farther south until needed.
Allied Air HQ has decided that every airfield will have at least 3 Fighters Squadrons for every 1 Bomber Squadron. There shall be a CAP at all times and an Escort available for any Air Ops.

December Summary:
Map and Intel Attached.
It's getting closer to having all vital ships repaired and new ships arriving from Pearl.

January 2nd has been selected as Operation 1M-AD day. All Units will be in position before that date. Air Ops, Ground Ops, and Fleet Ops will begin moving forward.

It is estimated there will be extremely high casualties from February onwards. The Australian HQ General stated that the loss of the vital facilities at Port Moresby and the resort at Lea Lea have demoralized the troops and if retaken troops can be given a boost.

[a1981stingray]

MAP

[RGIJN]

Dec 11th, 1942

after weeks of lull the Allies seem to awake from their sleep. Some naval and air activity is reported both in the SE area as well as in Australia. Heavy & widespread recon.

One of our subs managed to sink two allied transports at once, out of a juicy convoy off the Great Barrier Reef. Australian tugs weren´t able to save them, and they slid under right in front of Townsville harbour entrance.





Japanese Ships
SS I-21

Allied Ships
AK Alchiba, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 7, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 12,60

Japanese Ships
SS I-21

Allied Ships
AK Electra, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


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

[a1981stingray]

The Allied Air Operations have begun.
All Allied LR Bombers, escorted by P-38 Lightning Fighters, have begun to rain High Explosive bombs onto enemy airfields and ground troops. Daily pounding should weaken the IJA morale before the US Navy landing ships disembark their Army and Marines on the beaches.

Combat Report:
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/10/42
Weather: Clear

Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 13
P-38G Lightning x 47
B-26B Marauder x 63

Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 29
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 31

Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 27
B-25D Mitchell x 5

no losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 8

The Allied Air HQ located in New Caledonia continues to allocate aircraft to the many airfields available. Specific aircraft fighters, bombers and recon are in position for normal range operations. more combat reports to follow in the next few turns.

[RGIJN]

looks like crucial components of operation "1M-AD" the enemy recently announced, will fail to attend. After initial sightings of enemy transport movements down south off Brisbane, we ordered KB to sail immediately.
While running SW course, they stayed undetected. Enemy sightings were only vague, but it seemed clear that there has to be at least one SC force escorting the APs.

Out of the blue, now we stumbled over their carriers. And they were steaming peacefully with not a single CAP fighter overhead! [8D] Unfortunately, our attack was launched from extreme range, and only a part of our A/C were ready.
However, at least one or two enemy CVs should be bombed out of the war for a good deal of time.




AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/11/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack near Noumea at 52,67

Japanese Ships
SS I-157, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
MSW Skylark, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Starling
MSW Swallow


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


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 13
P-38G Lightning x 39
B-26B Marauder x 63


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 42
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 24

Attacking Level Bombers:
all B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet


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


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 18
B-25D Mitchell x 12


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 12

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 18

Attacking Level Bombers:
all Hudson at 10000 feet
all B-25D Mitchell at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,60

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 11

no losses

Allied Ships
PG Swan
SC 640, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,60

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36
A6M3 Zero x 22
D3A Val x 73
B5N Kate x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 18 destroyed
D3A Val x 24 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 3
DD Craven, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CV Hornet, Bomb hits 4, on fire
CV Wasp, Bomb hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
CA Salt Lake City
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Helm, Bomb hits 2, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,60

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 9 destroyed
D3A Val x 10 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Lexington, on fire
CV Saratoga
CV Hornet, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,60

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 10 damaged

Allied Ships
CA New Orleans, Bomb hits 1
CL Honolulu, Bomb hits 2
CA Vincennes
CL Achillies

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

[RGIJN]

the chase "only" netted one crippled CV and some surface units fleeing south. The enemy´s main force was already out of range.




AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/12/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 20,39

Japanese Ships
AP Hirokawa Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-47


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 20,39

Allied Ships
SS S-42


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


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 13
P-38G Lightning x 46
B-26B Marauder x 51


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 71

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 40


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


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 20
B-25D Mitchell x 11


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 4

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 20

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 5
A6M2 Zero x 32
A6M3 Zero x 16
D3A Val x 93
B5N Kate x 51
E13A1 Jake x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 9 destroyed
D3A Val x 9 damaged
B5N Kate x 9 destroyed
B5N Kate x 19 damaged
E13A1 Jake x 1 destroyed
E13A1 Jake x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 13, on fire
CL Nashville, Bomb hits 11, on fire
CL Helena, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, on fire
DD Meredith, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
CL Hobart, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Vincennes, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CL Honolulu, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA New Orleans, Bomb hits 13, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Leander, Bomb hits 6, on fire
CL Achillies, Bomb hits 3
CA Minneapolis, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
CL St. Louis, Bomb hits 4
DD Swanson, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA Astoria, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
CL Boise, Torpedo hits 2, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
B5N Kate x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 4 destroyed
B5N Kate x 8 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Helena, on fire
CL Hobart, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,61

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 18
B5N Kate x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Wasp, Bomb hits 14, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
D3A Val x 24

no losses

Allied Ships
CV Wasp, Bomb hits 11, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Wau , at 8,35

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 25
E7K2 Alf x 4
Ki-48 Lily x 22

no losses

Runway hits 4

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
9 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,61

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 4 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Gwin
DD Duncan


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
D3A Val x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Minneapolis, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Swanson, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34
A6M3 Zero x 13
D3A Val x 82
B5N Kate x 30
E13A1 Jake x 11

no losses

Allied Ships
DD Bagley, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Craven, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


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

[RGIJN]

the chase continues... Though I´m getting low on A/C, the enemy has been dealt another blow. (I rather keep the crack pilots back on board instead to grind them thru too much fatigue & low morale)
All subs in the area are down to zero torpedoes by now, so I can´t count on them any longer[:(]

The few counterstrikes from the US carriers were completely beaten off by our outstanding fighter pilots. 116 enemy A/C lost this turn.




AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/13/42

Weather: Clear

Sub attack at 21,68

Japanese Ships
SS I-16, Shell hits 4

Allied Ships
CL St. Louis, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL Achillies


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 16,62

Japanese Ships
SS I-169

Allied Ships
CA San Francisco, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 16,62

Japanese Ships
SS I-169

Allied Ships
DD Dunlap
DD Preston


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 22,70

Japanese Ships
SS I-16

Allied Ships
CL Achillies, Torpedo hits 1


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


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 12
P-38G Lightning x 27
B-26B Marauder x 61


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 49

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 35


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


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 17
B-25D Mitchell x 5


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 24

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 8

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 8
A6M2 Zero x 127
A6M3 Zero x 41

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 18
TBF Avenger x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 17 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged
TBF Avenger x 24 destroyed

CPO R.Kasai of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 7


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 8
A6M2 Zero x 127
A6M3 Zero x 41

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14
SBD Dauntless x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 6 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 10 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged

LTJG T. Iwamoto of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 8

LCDR W.Ohara of F1/6th Daitai bails out and is CAPTURED


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 8
A6M2 Zero x 122
A6M3 Zero x 40

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 19 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged

PO2 C.Fujimatsu of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 53,53

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
G4M1 Betty x 11

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 20
P-40E Warhawk x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk x 2 destroyed

2LT R. Connolly of 44th FS is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
AK Caelum, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Naos
AK Rotanin

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 18,63

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
F1M2 Pete x 1 destroyed
F1M2 Pete x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DMS Southard, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DMS Zane


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 18,67

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 13 damaged

Allied Ships
AO Tippecanoe
AO Cimarron, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AO Neosho, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AO Platte, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AO Tallulah, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AO Kanawha, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 18,67

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 9
E13A1 Jake x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 9 damaged
E13A1 Jake x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
AO Brazos, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AO Kaskaskia
AO Kankakee
AO Tallulah, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AO Kennebec


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 21,69

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 40
A6M3 Zero x 9
D3A Val x 8
B5N Kate x 8
E13A1 Jake x 5

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 8 damaged
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 5 damaged
E13A1 Jake x 1 destroyed
E13A1 Jake x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged

LT M. Sato of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 6

Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 4, on fire
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 1
BB North Carolina


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 21,69

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
A6M3 Zero x 9
D3A Val x 13

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 13 damaged

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

LT K. Lake of VF-2 is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
DD Jarvis
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 21,69

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
D3A Val x 8

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed

LTJG U.Matsumoto of CII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3

LT M. Hidaka of CII-1 Daitai bails out and is CAPTURED

Allied Ships
CV Hornet, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 17,62

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
F1M2 Pete x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Honolulu, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
CA Astoria, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Wau , at 8,35

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 25
E13A1 Jake x 7
E7K2 Alf x 4
Ki-48 Lily x 22

no losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 5

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
13 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 12
A6M2 Zero x 131
A6M3 Zero x 40

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
SBD Dauntless x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 5 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged

LT S. Mori of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 53,53

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 13
P-40E Warhawk x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk x 1 destroyed

ENS S. Komachi of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
AK Allioth
AK Caelum, on fire, heavy damage

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,60

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

no losses

Allied Ships
AP Neville


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 18,65

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 12

no losses

Allied Ships
AP Zeilin, Bomb hits 2, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 21,69

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
B5N Kate x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed

LTJG M.Kamihira of DI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis, Bomb hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 21,69

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3
A6M2 Zero x 18
A6M3 Zero x 16
D3A Val x 5
B5N Kate x 5

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 3 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged

LTJG G. Hopper of VF-2 is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 1
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 18,67

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 17,62

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 4
F1M2 Pete x 12

no losses

Allied Ships
CA Astoria, Bomb hits 3, heavy damage
CA Vincennes, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Meredith, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


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

[RGIJN]

HORNET reported sunk... LEXINGTON should follow suit soon.

First heavy attack with 100+ B17s on Irau. Damage / losses moderate.







AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/14/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 12
P-38G Lightning x 27
B-26B Marauder x 50


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 33

Runway hits 25

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


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 27
B-25D Mitchell x 12


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 38

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 16

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 18
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7

Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 2
F-5A Lightning x 1
B-17E Fortress x 108

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 5 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 damaged
Ki-46 Dinah x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 395
Guns lost 3

Airbase hits 22
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 144


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 22,69

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
F1M2 Pete x 1 destroyed
F1M2 Pete x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Wharton, Bomb hits 3, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 22,69

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 12

no losses

Allied Ships
DMS Southard, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 23,71

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 7
B5N Kate x 6

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

Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 23,71

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 43
A6M3 Zero x 8
D3A Val x 114
B5N Kate x 26
E13A1 Jake x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Hornet, Bomb hits 46, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Blue, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 25,66

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 10
A6M2 Zero x 129
A6M3 Zero x 43

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed

ENS R.Kanzaki of DIII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 22,69

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 9

no losses

Allied Ships
DMS Southard, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 23,71

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 16, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 23,71

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
D3A Val x 23

no losses

Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 20, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 21,67

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 12

no losses

Allied Ships
AP Zeilin, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


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

[RGIJN]

have a look on the map here

[RGIJN]

while the USN tries to catch me with his remaining DDs on the open Sea, another of his fleet carriers sunk.

[RGIJN]

one allied TF (consisting exclusively of DDs) managed to navigate to the right spot in the ocean, just to meet stiff resistance from one of my guarding cruiser flotillas....




AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/16/42

Weather: Overcast

Night Time Surface Combat at 28,69

Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma, Shell hits 4
CA Kumano, Shell hits 5
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 7
CA Kako, Shell hits 13
CL Tenryu
CL Tatsuta, Shell hits 5
DD Akitsuki, Shell hits 2
DD Uzuki, Shell hits 3
DD Minazuki, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Nagatsuki, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mikazuki
DD Mochizuki
DD Yuzuki, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Kikuzuki

Allied Ships
DD Drayton, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
DD Lamson, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Case, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Conyngham, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Shaw, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Cushing, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Perkins, Shell hits 1
DD Smith, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
DD Preston, Shell hits 7, on fire
DD Dunlap, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


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


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 13
P-38G Lightning x 48
B-26B Marauder x 52


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 42

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 39

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


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 30
B-25D Mitchell x 12


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged

Runway hits 11


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 25
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18

Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 2
F-5A Lightning x 2
B-17E Fortress x 87

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 2 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 8 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 83
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 12
Runway hits 85


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 27,69

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
F1M2 Pete x 1 destroyed
F1M2 Pete x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AO Guadalupe
AO Cuyama
AO Laramie, Bomb hits 3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 28,68

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 40
A6M3 Zero x 9
E13A1 Jake x 4

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed

LTJG F.Morita of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 28,68

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 6
A6M2 Zero x 10
E13A1 Jake x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
E13A1 Jake x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
DD Gridley


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 28,68

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 8

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
F1M2 Pete x 3 destroyed
F1M2 Pete x 5 damaged


Allied Ships
DD Benham
DD Stack, Bomb hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat at 28,69


LCDR H.Townsend of VB-6 bails out and is RESCUED
Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma
CA Kumano
CA Furutaka
CA Kako
CL Tenryu
CL Tatsuta
DD Akitsuki
DD Uzuki
DD Mikazuki
DD Mochizuki
DD Yuzuki
DD Kikuzuki

Allied Ships
DD Conyngham, on fire
DD Cushing, Shell hits 28, on fire, heavy damage
DD Perkins
DD Preston, on fire


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

[a1981stingray]

Allied Fleet update...

there are no ships available to fight against the might of the Imperial Japanese....

any ships that made it to Brisbane were either sinking at the docks or were scuttled.

all other fragments of transports are scattered along the Australian coastline... unable to make port due to severe system and float damages....

The Allied Fleet Operations have literally ground to a final halt...........

The Allied Air Operations will soon run out of supplies and cease altogether..........