Meanwhile, I have been using my vast C47 fleet to airlift troops into Wau (The base the Allies start the game with near Lae). Ralf really should have captured it some time ago but his error is my gain. It is drawing supplies up the track from LeaLea so I have been able to fly in a few engineers and a base force unit and P47s are flying CAP over it. Ralf did try a couple of costly bombing raids on it but to no avail. It has not been all good news however, I have had a few big 4E raids over Lae and Rabual chewed up by his CAP, losing 30 over a two day period.......
Another mistake of mine, always had it in mind but just "forgot" to take Wau finally after I had use it as training area for my bombers.
But this time I was quick enough to sent a FT with the entire SouthSeas Detachment which recaptured both Salamaua and Marilinan. These two bases (just one hex up from Wau) were taken just days before by US Para troops. At least I could stop the enemy troops from expanding farther north into PNG yet.
Most of the enemy heavy 4E raids were costly for Paul so far. He attacked Rabaul a few times, sinking one AP and damaging four more. Visited Hoskins recently, and Lae a couple of times. Almost every time 10...20 B17s and B24s failed to return home.
I'm still waiting for a few more flight decks to arrive from Pearl before I even consider taking on the KB, which is still at full strength. The F6F has started to come online this month, so I will be waiting for the useless F4F sqds to upgrade as well.
Nothing at all happening on the Eastern side of the map, the game will be won or lost around the NG area. Points diff is about 6000, still all to play for.
Overall situation isn´t too bad for the Japanese so far. As said, point gap is about 6400. KB and the surface fleet still intact and strong (14 CV, CVL and CVE, 10 BB, about 30 cruisers, 80 DDs). Sub fleet almost non-existent anymore. Airforce still quite alive, with about 500 LB fighters and all Betty, Val and Army bombers operational.
It feels as the struggle would have just begun. Since I am unable to stop his transport movements into PNG via LeaLea this is the gate to some bloody fights ahead.
Aside from his carriers losses earlier (5 CVs) the Allied fleet must be in very vital shape. What strikes me most is that Paul lost just three AP/AK transports during the entire game yet. He must be drowning on lift capacity.
Looking forward to another five fierce months.......
a few turns ago a small bombardment TF (2CLs plus some DDs) dared to shell LeaLea... and met an allied AK convoy. They sunk three AKs and damged others.
I had sent out another force consisting of two heavy cruisers as cover. So was able to scatter them around in order to catch a straggler in a rare mid-ocean intercept halfway between the northern tip of Australia and PM.
Of course this lonely AK was sunk instantly.
Well it sounds quite ridicoulous, but considerung Paul lost barely a dozen Transports yet everything helps....[;)]
Mid August 1943, Paul is about to invade Port Moresby finally. He sends several transport TFs there, one of them I was able to intercept mid-ocean with a rather small 2CA+DDs force (sinking 4 DDs, one PG and two MSWs out of it).
Night Time Surface Combat at 10,42
Japanese Ships
CA Aoba, Shell hits 3
CA Kinugasa, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1
DD Isokaze, Shell hits 7, on fire
DD Tokitsukaze, Shell hits 2
DD Urakaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Yamakaze, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Kawakaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Mikazuki
DD Asakaze
Allied Ships
DD Lamson, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Hull, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Arunta, Shell hits 18, and is sunk
DD Warramunga, Shell hits 17, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
PG Swan, Shell hits 21, and is sunk
PG Warrego
MSW Ipswich, Shell hits 2
MSW Herald, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
MSW Oracle, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AP George Clymer
AP John Penn
AP Pierce
AP William P. Biddle
AP J. Franklin Bell
AP Feland
AP President Polk
AP Wharton
AP Esperance Bay
AP Moreton Bay
AP Kanimbla
AP Westralia
LCI 341
LCI 342
The other successfully made it to PM. They are heavily covered by landbased fighters from LeaLea and Australia. His 4Es raided Lae to neutralize the IJA airforce based there (Tonys, Lilys, 27 Sallys and one Zero unit)
An allied CV / cover force is lurking around in the middle of Oz & PM in order to protect these movements from attacks of mine. Kido Butai sailed down south again, but was unable to catch / stop / or slow down the enemy landing fleet yet.
the allied TFs got thru, kicking out troops now...
The medium sized IJN surface fleet (4 CA, 2 CL + DDs) sent there was annihilated by strong USN BB forces. However, some of Pauls ships got more than a dent.
During daylight, some wasteful attacks were launched from Lae (it´s OK to waste those IJA a/c...) and Rabaul, 34 Betties lost for nothing - but they were the "worst" units I had anyway (about 70 exp).
The allied Carriers and Cooktown pummeled the remaining vessels crawling home, sinking all but two of them.
But KB had a nice day as well. I sent them south towards a TF spotted the day before. They found 2 CVEs covering a transport fleet loaden with troops. Both flattops sunk, to slight A/C losses for me in return. The APs should be dead as well.
I am very curious how many troops will get ashore, but seeing even CD units in the wirst wave landed they must be many. Mines do only mediocre damage to the allied fleets due to the numerous MSW craft sailing with them.... [:@]
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/17/43
Weather: Clear
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese Ships
DD Natsugumo
CA Maya
CA Mogami
Allied Ships
SS Amberjack
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese Ships
CA Maya, Shell hits 1
CA Chokai, Shell hits 3
CA Mogami, Shell hits 4, on fire
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Isuzu, Shell hits 2
CL Kinu, Shell hits 5
DD Yugumo, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Makigumo, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Natsugumo, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yamagumo
DD Minegumo, Shell hits 1
DD Asagumo, Shell hits 2, on fire
Allied Ships
BB North Carolina
BB South Dakota, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Quincy, Shell hits 3, on fire
CA Vincennes, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CLAA Atlanta, Shell hits 1
CLAA Juneau, Shell hits 1
CLAA San Juan, Shell hits 1
DD Fletcher
DD Radford
DD Jenkins
DD Nicholas
DD O'Bannon, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese Ships
CA Maya, Shell hits 1
CA Chokai, Shell hits 3, on fire
CA Mogami, Shell hits 4, on fire
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Isuzu, Shell hits 1
CL Kinu, Shell hits 6
DD Yugumo, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Makigumo, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Natsugumo, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yamagumo, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Minegumo, Shell hits 3, heavy damage
DD Asagumo, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
BB North Carolina
BB South Dakota, Shell hits 1, on fire
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 1, on fire
CA Quincy, Shell hits 1, on fire
CA Vincennes, Shell hits 2, on fire
CLAA Atlanta
CLAA Juneau
CLAA San Juan
DD Fletcher, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Radford
DD Jenkins
DD Nicholas
DD O'Bannon, Shell hits 1, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese Ships
CA Maya
CA Chokai, Shell hits 2, on fire
CA Mogami, on fire
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Isuzu, Shell hits 3
CL Kinu, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Yugumo, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Makigumo, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Natsugumo, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
DD Yamagumo, on fire
DD Minegumo, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Asagumo, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
BB Indiana, Shell hits 5
BB Massachusetts, Shell hits 1
CA Baltimore, Shell hits 2
CA Canberra, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Achillies, Shell hits 2
CL Hobart, Shell hits 1
CLAA Oakland
CLAA Reno
DD Saufley
DD Strong
DD Luce
DD Claxton
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese Ships
CA Maya, Shell hits 1, on fire
CA Chokai, on fire
CA Mogami, Shell hits 1, on fire
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 3, on fire
CL Isuzu
CL Kinu, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yugumo, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Makigumo, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yamagumo, on fire
DD Minegumo, and is sunk
DD Asagumo, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
BB Indiana, Shell hits 1
BB Massachusetts
CA Baltimore, Shell hits 1
CA Canberra, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Achillies, Shell hits 1
CL Hobart, Shell hits 1
CLAA Oakland
CLAA Reno
DD Saufley
DD Strong
DD Luce
DD Claxton
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese Ships
CA Maya, Shell hits 5, on fire
CA Chokai, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
CA Mogami, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 4, on fire
CL Isuzu, Shell hits 2
CL Kinu, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yugumo, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
DD Makigumo, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yamagumo, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Asagumo, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
BB Indiana, Shell hits 1
BB Massachusetts
CA Baltimore
CA Canberra, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Achillies
CL Hobart, Shell hits 1
CLAA Oakland
CLAA Reno
DD Saufley
DD Strong
DD Luce
DD Claxton
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese Ships
CA Maya, on fire, heavy damage
CA Chokai, on fire, heavy damage
CA Mogami, on fire, heavy damage
CA Suzuya, on fire
CL Isuzu
CL Kinu, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yugumo, and is sunk
DD Makigumo, and is sunk
DD Yamagumo, on fire, heavy damage
DD Asagumo, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40
Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 2
no losses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 21,54
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 14
A6M2 Zero x 162
A6M3 Zero x 60
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6
Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 3
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 3 destroyed
CPO S. Sugita of F1/6th Daitai is credited with kill number 3
Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 21,54
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 14
A6M2 Zero x 162
A6M3 Zero x 65
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 27
Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 3
B-17E Fortress x 3
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 2 damaged
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 12 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 3 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 2 destroyed
B-25J Mitchell x 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 2 destroyed
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged
PO1 B.Hanamoto of AI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3
Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi
BB Musashi
Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x B-17E Fortress at 10000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 21,54
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 14
A6M2 Zero x 161
A6M3 Zero x 65
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 13
Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 8
no losses
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 8 destroyed
PO1 J.Koizumi of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,42
Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 46
TBF Avenger x 10
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
CA Mogami, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA Maya, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
CA Chokai, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,42
Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 19
SBD Dauntless x 16
TBF Avenger x 45
no losses
Japanese Ships
CA Chokai, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,42
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
F6F Hellcat x 8
TBF Avenger x 18
no losses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,42
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
F6F Hellcat x 7
SBD Dauntless x 15
TBF Avenger x 16
no losses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,42
Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 22
no losses
Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 5000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 5000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 5000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 5000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 5000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 5000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,42
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 7
no losses
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 10000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 17,61
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
A6M3 Zero x 10
D3A Val x 43
B5N Kate x 24
Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 16
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 5 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 7 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 1 damaged
LCDR V.Morton of VF-38 is credited with kill number 2
Allied Ships
CVE Long Island, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Altamaha, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 17,61
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
B5N Kate x 10
Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 7
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 damaged
LTJG B.Jones of VF-38 is credited with kill number 2
Allied Ships
CVE Altamaha, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 17,61
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
B5N Kate x 16
Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 7
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 1 destroyed
ENS G.Carter of VF-38 is credited with kill number 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 6
G4M1 Betty x 9
Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 34
P-38G Lightning x 39
P-47C Thunderbolt x 30
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 6 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 9 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged
2LT D.Walker of VMF-224 is credited with kill number 8
Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 10
G4M1 Betty x 8
Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 34
P-38G Lightning x 39
P-47C Thunderbolt x 30
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 11 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 8 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
P-47C Thunderbolt x 1 damaged
1LT F. Morrison of 341st FS is credited with kill number 8
Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 11
Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 34
P-38G Lightning x 39
P-47C Thunderbolt x 30
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 11 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged
CPT M. Brown of 340th FS is credited with kill number 5
Allied Ships
LCI 62
Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese aircraft
Ki-48 Lily x 4
Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 34
P-38G Lightning x 39
P-47C Thunderbolt x 30
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48 Lily x 4 destroyed
2LT D.Walker of VMF-224 is credited with kill number 9
Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x Ki-48 Lily at 7000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 13
Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 34
P-38G Lightning x 39
P-47C Thunderbolt x 30
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally x 11 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 3 damaged
2LT G. Hollowell of VMF-224 is credited with kill number 8
Allied Ships
CL Mobile
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lea Lea at 9,39
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 4
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 5
Ki-51 Sonia x 7
Ki-21 Sally x 9
Ki-48 Lily x 25
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia x 1 destroyed
Ki-51 Sonia x 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally x 2 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 7 damaged
Ki-48 Lily x 2 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Hammann
DD Sims
DD Maury, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD McCall, Shell hits 4
DD Benham
DD Flusser
DD Morris
DD Helm, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x Ki-21 Sally at 100 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily at 8000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 100 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 100 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily at 8000 feet
2 x Ki-48 Lily at 9000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 9000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily at 7000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 9000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 9000 feet
2 x Ki-48 Lily at 9000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 3
Ki-48 Lily x 3
Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 34
P-38G Lightning x 39
P-47C Thunderbolt x 30
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally x 1 damaged
Ki-48 Lily x 3 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged
2LT R. Knapp of 342nd FS is credited with kill number 6
Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x Ki-48 Lily at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40
Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 2
no losses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 21,54
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 10
A6M2 Zero x 123
A6M3 Zero x 62
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 20
Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 4
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 4 destroyed
PO2 R.Ikura of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 9
Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,41
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
F6F Hellcat x 14
SBD Dauntless x 45
TBF Avenger x 40
no losses
Japanese Ships
CL Kinu, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yamagumo, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Asagumo, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,41
Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 5
TBF Avenger x 7
no losses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,41
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
F6F Hellcat x 19
TBF Avenger x 17
no losses
Japanese Ships
DD Asagumo, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,41
Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 3
no losses
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,41
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5
no losses
Japanese Ships
DD Asagumo, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x B-17E Fortress at 10000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 17,61
Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Wilson, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 17,61
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
A6M3 Zero x 14
D3A Val x 41
B5N Kate x 23
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 5 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 8 damaged
Allied Ships
AP Leedstown, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Tucker
AP Manunda, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Orungal, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Sumter, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Reid
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 190
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lea Lea at 9,39
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 4
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally x 1 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 2 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Selfridge
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lea Lea at 9,39
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 3 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Stack
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 4
Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 55
P-38G Lightning x 36
P-47C Thunderbolt x 45
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally x 1 destroyed
CPT G. Prentice of 7th FS is credited with kill number 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 18
G4M1 Betty x 3
Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 55
P-38G Lightning x 36
P-47C Thunderbolt x 45
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 19 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 3 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 2 damaged
P-47C Thunderbolt x 2 destroyed
P-47C Thunderbolt x 1 damaged
1LT F. Morrison of 341st FS is credited with kill number 9
Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 17,61
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 6
B5N Kate x 7
no losses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wau
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 24678 troops, 302 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 25469 troops, 200 guns, 0 vehicles
The Allied comeback is on. Four large transport fleets covered by strong escorts have managed to unload relatively unharmed at PM thanks to the strong Corsair and P47 CAP provided from LeaLea. Ralf still has a huge garrison there after they retreated from LeaLea, probably bigger than my invasion force....but I'm counting on them being out of supply by now so that should help tip the balance my way. It was very nice to sink 4 CAs and 2 CLs in one day.......considering he had only lost 3 CL previously in the whole game!
Ralf (Wisely IMO) did not risk his KB airgroups going into the PM CAP, instead sending them south to sink 2 CVEs covering a troop transport convoy....and most of the convoy. One was the crappy Long Island so not too upset about it. The next day the KB retreated north. I think he is resigned to losing PM now and will look to re-organise his defences.
while the struggle for PM has been launched, I decided to sail south with my carriers. Spotted some transports between Brisbane & Noumea, but the attack revealed it was only a small convoy with some Kiwi troops on it. Rather disappointing, wasted fuel for just three cargo vessels plus escorts. However, better than to fly right into Paul´s F4U meatgrinder at PNG.
In the meantime the allied airforce keeps Lae airfield closed, so no more sucide Lily attacks can be launched from there...
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/23/43
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Sub attack at 19,42
Japanese Ships
DD Hakaze
Allied Ships
SS Nautilus
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 30,77
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
A6M3 Zero x 13
D3A Val x 5
B5N Kate x 31
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
AK Antrim, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Mungana, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
SC 982
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 136
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 30,77
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 6
D3A Val x 16
B5N Kate x 13
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 damaged
Allied Ships
LST 467, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
SC 984, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lae , at 9,33
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 9
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 15
Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 46
TBF Avenger x 9
P-47C Thunderbolt x 48
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 2 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally x 1 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily x 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 15 damaged
TBF Avenger x 2 damaged
1LT C. Blend of 341st FS is credited with kill number 6
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
6 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 30,77
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31
A6M3 Zero x 3
D3A Val x 22
B5N Kate x 37
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Mungana, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
SC 982, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SC 648, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
... It was very nice to sink 4 CAs and 2 CLs in one day.......considering he had only lost 3 CL previously in the whole game!
...
managed to save CA SUZUYA... every point will help now[;)] I wonder anyway if Paul will give me any opportunity to make use of my still pretty potent surface fleet during the remaining 4 months...
Point gap still 6300, but I expect this number to certainly be shrinking soon.
Port Moresby was finally taken by Paul three (game) weeks ago. He rushed the base into service in a very quick matter of time. Now the entire Bidmarck archipelago is under constant threat. Of course I had to I abandon Lae as an active airbase. Rabaul is still pretty vital, and a few P38 and 4E raids over the town proved rather costly to the Allies.
In the meantime, KB sailed south again to catch some traffic down between Noumea and Australia. Shortland is no longer a safe anchorage anyway... However, netted only a handful APs/AKs down in the Coral Sea yet.
Lunga is quite alive as well, obviously the eastern theatre is only a minor battlefield.
VP spread is at 5000 now.
Oh well, the next weeks are going to become filled with fierce & bloody tussle´s. [X(]
a week or so ago Paul launched his first try for GiliGili, when hes sent his troops there with barges (LST,LCI). this operation failed badly due to interference of KB and two RGTs drowned.
Now he returned with a much tougher force, covered by main elements of the allied fleet. First I thought he would go in with even his CVs. Three of them (BUNKER HILL, CABOT and a CVE) hit a mine, and the carriers turned around to stay between GG and PM to provide additional LRCAP.
There was no choice but to go in as well, with everything on hand. Rabaul launched some strikes, but 100+ Betties were shot down for just one hit on a DD. And KB hesitated to attack at all, due to massive CAP I guess. So I sent the major part of my surface fleet to GG (five BBs plus cruisers and DDs in four TFs). Although I was able to wipe out most of his screen (several cruisers, DDs and BB ALABAMA sunk) I failed to hit the invasion force itself. IJN lost three cruisers and about 10 DDs, and many stragglers still trying to escape the danger zone.
KB is still pretty intact with all elite squadrons untouched. But Paul doesn´t give them an opportuntiy to strike. His entire campaign to gain foothold in PNG is very smart, always elusive to any threat I could put into his way.
Still about 5000 VP difference, but with GG in allied hands it´s getting dirty then.
here is the report of the numerous night battles at GiliGili...
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/12/43
Weather: Thunderstorms
Night Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Shell hits 5
BB Musashi, Shell hits 3
CA Myoko, Shell hits 1
CA Ashigara, Shell hits 8
CA Mikuma, Shell hits 7
CA Kumano, Shell hits 2
CL Jintsu, Shell hits 3
CL Natori
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Fubuki, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Shirayuki, Shell hits 1
DD Hatsuyuki
DD Asakaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Harukaze
DD Hatakaze
Allied Ships
CA Astoria, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CA San Francisco, Shell hits 3, on fire
CA Canberra, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Leander, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CL Achillies, Shell hits 1
CL Hobart
DD Terry, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Eaton, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Bush, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Beale
DD Bache
DD Brownson, Shell hits 1
DD Nicholson, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Shell hits 1
BB Musashi
CA Myoko, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA Ashigara, Shell hits 7, on fire
CA Mikuma, Shell hits 4
CA Kumano
CL Jintsu, Shell hits 1
CL Natori, Shell hits 4
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Fubuki, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shirayuki, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Hatsuyuki, Shell hits 1
DD Asakaze, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Harukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Hatakaze
Allied Ships
CA Astoria, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
CA San Francisco, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
CA Canberra, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Achillies, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Hobart, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Terry, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Eaton, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Bush, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Beale
DD Bache, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Brownson, Shell hits 1
DD Nicholson, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Shell hits 2
BB Hiei, Shell hits 9
CA Aoba, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
CA Kinugasa, Shell hits 20, on fire, heavy damage
CL Yura, Shell hits 19, on fire
DD Makinami, Shell hits 3
DD Takanami, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kasumi, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Isonami
DD Shikinami, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Ayanami
Allied Ships
BB Alabama, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
CA Northampton
CA Chester
CA Salt Lake City, Shell hits 1
CA New Orleans, Shell hits 5
DD Chevalier, Shell hits 21, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Charles Ausburne, Shell hits 9, on fire
DD Meredith, Shell hits 35, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Stockton
DD Hammann, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mustin
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Atago
DD Yukikaze, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shiranui, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Kawakaze
DD Umikaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Hakaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Akikaze
DD Shiokaze, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Tachikaze, Shell hits 4
DD Nokaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
Allied Ships
CA San Francisco, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
CA Canberra, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Achillies, Shell hits 4, on fire
CL Hobart, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Terry, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Eaton, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Bush, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Beale, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Bache, on fire
DD Brownson, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Nicholson, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Shell hits 2
CA Atago
DD Yukikaze, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shiranui, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kawakaze, Shell hits 2
DD Umikaze, on fire
DD Hakaze, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Akikaze
DD Shiokaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Tachikaze
DD Nokaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
Allied Ships
BB Alabama, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
CA Northampton, Shell hits 1
CA Chester
CA Salt Lake City
CA New Orleans, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Chevalier, and is sunk
DD Charles Ausburne, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Stockton
DD Hammann, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mustin
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 4
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 2
CA Kako
DD Onami, Shell hits 2
DD Ikazuchi, Shell hits 7, on fire
DD Asagiri, Shell hits 2
DD Sazanami, Shell hits 3
DD Uzuki
DD Nagatsuki, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mikazuki
Allied Ships
CA San Francisco, and is sunk
CA Canberra, and is sunk
CL Achillies, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CL Hobart, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Terry, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Bush, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Beale, on fire
DD Bache, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Brownson, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Nicholson, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 2
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CA Kako, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Onami, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
DD Ikazuchi, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Asagiri, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Sazanami, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Uzuki, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Nagatsuki, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mikazuki, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
BB Alabama, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
CA Northampton, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CA Chester
CA Salt Lake City
CA New Orleans, on fire
DD Charles Ausburne, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Stockton
DD Hammann, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mustin
one night later, I could only muster a single BB force to get in again. Most of my remaining ships were pretty low on fuel, especially the DDs. The poor range is a bad disadvantage of many IJN ships anyway.
Achieved nothing bold, but at least a few allied ships could be sunk. I am very happy that two MSWs were amongst them...
GG got assaulted the first time, still holding out.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/13/43
Weather: Thunderstorms
Sub attack at 20,41
Japanese Ships
DD Fubuki, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
SS S-47
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Shell hits 3
BB Musashi, Shell hits 1
CA Ashigara, Shell hits 2
CA Mikuma, Shell hits 1
CA Kumano, Shell hits 4
CL Jintsu
CL Natori
Allied Ships
DD McCalla, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Woodworth, Shell hits 33, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
PG Warrego
MSW Starling
AP Fuller
AP George F. Elliot, on fire, heavy damage
AP William Ward Burrows
AP Pierce
AP William P. Biddle
AP Ormsby, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
AP Feland
AP Sheridan
AP Fayette
AP Callaway
AP Du Page
AP Custer
AP Cambria, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
LSD Carter Hall
AP Wanganella
AP Westralia, Shell hits 23, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Shell hits 2
BB Musashi
CA Ashigara
CA Mikuma
CA Kumano
CL Jintsu
CL Natori
Allied Ships
DD Patterson, Shell hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Ballarat, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
MSW Ipswich
MSW Wollongong, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
SC 709
SC 743, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Lesuth
AK Megrez
AK Leonis
AK Phobos
AK Cheleb
AK Pavo
AK Kenmore
AK De Grasse
AK Prince Georges
AK Allegan
AK Appanoose
AK Indus
AK Tuscana
AK Zebra
AK Beltrami
AK Bullock
AK Cabell
AK Caledonia
AK Chicot
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 2
no losses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 8
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 21
Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 48
P-38J Lightning x 7
P-47D Thunderbolt x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 5 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 12 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged
1LT E. Ball of 9th FS is credited with kill number 8
Allied Ships
APD Little
AP President Polk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Gili Gili
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 23921 troops, 142 guns, 59 vehicles
Defending force 13984 troops, 138 guns, 0 vehicles
Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 9)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 8
FO O.Balasko of 432nd FS bails out and is CAPTURED
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 193
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 468
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1
It's late October and we are into the final phase now. Gili-Gili is under seige and should fall within a week, capturing this base is vital in order to cover my next move. Troops are also marching on Lae from Wau, but that will be a tough nut to crack. Ralf's CVs are hovering just out of the range of my bombers based at PM, looking for a chance to strike. Points gap is just under 5000, it will be a close finish....
I think I understand what military fame is; to be killed on the field of battle and have your name misspelled in the newspapers.
William Tecumseh Sherman
, so no more sucide Lily attacks can be launched from there... 
