War in the Pacific as the Japanese Planned It

[ADB123]

ORIGINAL: herwin

August 29/30 1942

Learning, learning.

Harry, so what are you "learning"?

[herwin]

How to hold PM despite the amount of airpower Japan can project at it.

[herwin]

August 30/31 1942

I like the way my B-17Fs seem invulnerable and my P-38Fs slowly strip down the Japanese CAP.

Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129
 
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
 
Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6
      Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 11
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      B-17F Fortress x 16
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
      B-17F Fortress: 6 damaged
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      11 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 20000 feet *
               Airfield Attack:  4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
       5 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 20000 feet *
               Airfield Attack:  4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
 
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      3 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 22000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129
 
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
 
Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 4
      Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 5
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      P-38F Lightning x 7
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed
      Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed
 
No Allied losses
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       5 x P-38F Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet *
 
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes

[herwin]

August 31/September 1 1942

My opponent has noticed I'm conducting Slim's reconquest of Burma (1944-45) in 1942. I had so many spare divisions and tank brigades, I just had to apply them in a useful direction. Of course, he's conquering China, so it's even. In addition to the action in the south, which is being reinforced by a second corps, I have three Japanese divisions cut off in Paoshan, and I have a corps coming south from Kalemyo.

Ground combat at Prome (55,50)
 
Allied Shock attack
 
Attacking force 20640 troops, 238 guns, 699 vehicles, Assault Value = 775
 
Defending force 21701 troops, 104 guns, 334 vehicles, Assault Value = 660
 
Allied adjusted assault: 75
 
Japanese adjusted defense: 817
 
Allied assault odds: 1 to 10 (fort level 3)
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), preparation(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-), supply(-)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      294 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
      Vehicles lost 15 (1 destroyed, 14 disabled)
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      1972 casualties reported
         Squads: 78 destroyed, 85 disabled
         Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 83 disabled
         Engineers: 5 destroyed, 37 disabled
      Guns lost 39 (23 destroyed, 16 disabled)
      Vehicles lost 250 (35 destroyed, 215 disabled)
 
 
Assaulting units:
    7th Armoured Brigade
    50th Tank Brigade
    23rd Indian Division
    3rd Carabiniers Regiment
    17th Indian Division
 
Defending units:
    2nd Tank Regiment
    1st Raiding Regiment
    21st Division
    4th Tank Regiment
    14th Tank Regiment
    1st Tank Regiment
    55th Engineer Regiment
    8th Field Construction Battalion
    6th Field Construction Battalion
    7th Field Construction Battalion
    3rd Construction Battalion
    9th Field Construction Battalion

Buna is starting to be an air bloodbath.

Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129
 
Weather in hex: Severe storms
 
Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5
      Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 7
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      Beaufighter Ic x 14
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Beaufighter Ic: 3 destroyed
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       5 x Beaufighter Ic sweeping at 15000 feet *
 
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      5 plane(s) intercepting now.
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      4 plane(s) intercepting now.
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129
 
Weather in hex: Severe storms
 
Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2
      Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 3
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      Beaufighter Ic x 2
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
No Allied losses
 
 
 
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 19000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129
 
Weather in hex: Severe storms
 
Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2
      Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 3
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      P-38F Lightning x 7
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed
      Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed
 
No Allied losses
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       5 x P-38F Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet *
 
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 11000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129
 
Weather in hex: Severe storms
 
Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 1
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      B-17E Fortress x 9
      B-17F Fortress x 9
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
No Allied losses
 
 
 
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       9 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 20000 feet *
               Airfield Attack:  4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
       2 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 20000 feet *
               Airfield Attack:  4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
       3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 20000 feet *
               Airfield Attack:  4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
       2 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 20000 feet *
               Airfield Attack:  4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
       2 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 20000 feet *
               Airfield Attack:  4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
 
CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

[herwin]

September 1/2 1942

Japanese battleships bombard Lae. Preinvasion. Given that it's occupied by a company, I suspect that's overkill.

Attrition warfare in the air.

PBYs torpedo Hiei!!!

[herwin]

September 2/3 1942

Lae captured.

[herwin]

September 3/4 1942

Mostly air actions.

[herwin]

September 4/5 1942

Betties appear during a bombardment run.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Koepang at 69,116
 
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
 
Raid detected at 69 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      G3M2 Nell x 26
 
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      G3M2 Nell: 4 damaged
      G3M2 Nell: 2 destroyed by flak
 
Allied Ships
      BB Revenge, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire
      BB Ramillies, Torpedo hits 4,  on fire,  heavy damage
      DD Nestor
      BB Warspite, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      24 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Koepang at 69,116
 
Weather in hex: Light cloud
 
Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      G4M1 Betty x 28
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      no flights
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      G4M1 Betty: 4 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Walrus II: 1 destroyed
 
Allied Ships
      BB Ramillies, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
      DD Cummings
      BB Revenge, Torpedo hits 2,  heavy damage
      CL Capetown, Torpedo hits 2
      BB Warspite, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
      DD Fanning
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      28 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

Japanese at Prome get stonked.

Morning Air attack on Prome , at 55,50
 
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
 
Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 3
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      Hurricane IIc Trop x 3
      P-43 Lancer x 14
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed
 
No Allied losses
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      14 x P-43 Lancer sweeping at 20000 feet
       3 x Hurricane IIc Trop sweeping at 10000 feet
 
CAP engaged:
64th Sentai Det with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 20000
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Prome , at 55,50
 
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
 
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
 
 
Allied aircraft
      Hurricane IIc Trop x 3
      P-43 Lancer x 2
 
 
No Allied losses
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       2 x P-43 Lancer sweeping at 20000 feet
       3 x Hurricane IIc Trop sweeping at 10000 feet
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Prome , at 55,50
 
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
 
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 29,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
 
 
Allied aircraft
      Hurricane IIc Trop x 3
      P-43A-1 Lancer x 8
 
 
No Allied losses
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       8 x P-43A-1 Lancer sweeping at 25000 feet
       3 x Hurricane IIc Trop sweeping at 10000 feet

[herwin]

September 5/6 1942

It's not historical, but it is fun.

British get ejected from Prome.

Ground combat at Prome (55,50)
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 31068 troops, 225 guns, 377 vehicles, Assault Value = 1072
 
Defending force 24385 troops, 307 guns, 722 vehicles, Assault Value = 612
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 997
 
Allied adjusted defense: 245
 
Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      1297 casualties reported
         Squads: 33 destroyed, 13 disabled
         Non Combat: 41 destroyed, 2 disabled
         Engineers: 12 destroyed, 2 disabled
      Guns lost 6 (3 destroyed, 3 disabled)
      Vehicles lost 11 (2 destroyed, 9 disabled)
      Units destroyed 1
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      6197 casualties reported
         Squads: 150 destroyed, 124 disabled
         Non Combat: 139 destroyed, 27 disabled
         Engineers: 19 destroyed, 34 disabled
      Guns lost 86 (29 destroyed, 57 disabled)
      Vehicles lost 107 (80 destroyed, 27 disabled)
      Units retreated 6
 
 
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!
 
Assaulting units:
    1st Raiding Regiment
    2nd Tank Regiment
    14th Tank Regiment
    5th Division
    4th Tank Regiment
    21st Division
    1st Tank Regiment
    55th Engineer Regiment
    8th Field Construction Battalion
    6th Field Construction Battalion
    3rd Construction Battalion
    7th Field Construction Battalion
    15th Army
    9th Field Construction Battalion
 
Defending units:
    22nd (East African) Brigade
    7th Armoured Brigade
    50th Tank Brigade
    3rd Carabiniers Regiment
    23rd Indian Division
    17th Indian Division

Air operations in New Guinea.

Night Air attack on Buna , at 99,129
 
Weather in hex: Light rain
 
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      no flights
 
 
Allied aircraft
      B-25C Mitchell x 3
      Mitchell II x 4
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
No Allied losses
 
Japanese ground losses:
      10 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
 
 
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 3
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       4 x Mitchell II bombing from 6000 feet
               Airfield Attack:  6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
       3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 6000 feet
               Airfield Attack:  6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129
 
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
 
Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 29
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      B-17E Fortress x 9
      B-17F Fortress x 11
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
      B-17E Fortress: 3 destroyed, 4 damaged
      B-17F Fortress: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
 
 
 
Airbase hits 1
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      11 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 20000 feet *
               Airfield Attack:  4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
       8 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 20000 feet *
               Airfield Attack:  4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
 
CAP engaged:
Chitose Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (5 airborne, 10 on standby, 14 scrambling)
      5 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 17000 and 23000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129
 
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
 
Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 13
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      P-38F Lightning x 7
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
      P-38F Lightning: 1 destroyed
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       4 x P-38F Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet *
 
CAP engaged:
Chitose Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      1 plane(s) intercepting now.
      12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes

Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130
 
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
 
Raid detected at 107 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 42 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 24
      G3M2 Nell x 15
      G4M1 Betty x 35
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      Kittyhawk IA x 42
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      A6M2 Zero: 8 destroyed
      G3M2 Nell: 4 destroyed
      G4M1 Betty: 8 destroyed, 6 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Kittyhawk IA: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
 
 
 
Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 31
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       6 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 8000 feet
               Airfield Attack:  2 x 250 kg GP Bomb,  4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
       3 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 8000 feet
               Airfield Attack:  2 x 250 kg GP Bomb,  4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
      13 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 8000 feet
               Airfield Attack:  2 x 250 kg GP Bomb,  4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
      12 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 8000 feet
               Airfield Attack:  2 x 250 kg GP Bomb,  4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
 
CAP engaged:
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IA (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 7 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 11000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
      2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.76 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IA (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 7 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 13000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
      5 planes vectored on to bombers
No.77 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IA (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 7 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
      5 planes vectored on to bombers

[witpqs]

Harry - Your PM box is full.

[herwin]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

Harry - Your PM box is full.

Fixed.

[herwin]

I'm back.

[herwin]

September 6/7 1942

Wild air battle at Port Moresby.

Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130
 
Weather in hex: Light rain
 
Raid detected at 49 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 70
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      Kittyhawk IA x 28
      P-40B Warhawk x 15
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Kittyhawk IA: 6 destroyed
      P-40B Warhawk: 2 destroyed
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      49 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 19000 feet
 
CAP engaged:
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IA (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 5 scrambling)
      4 plane(s) intercepting now.
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 24000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
No.76 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IA (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 4 scrambling)
      4 plane(s) intercepting now.
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 23000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
No.77 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IA (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 4 scrambling)
      5 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 23000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
18th FG/73rd FS with P-40B Warhawk (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 7 scrambling)
      6 plane(s) intercepting now.
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 24000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130
 
Weather in hex: Light rain
 
Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 7
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      Kittyhawk IA x 4
      P-40B Warhawk x 5
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
      P-40B Warhawk: 1 destroyed
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       3 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 19000 feet
 
CAP engaged:
18th FG/73rd FS with P-40B Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 19000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IA (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
No.77 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IA (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes

Betties sink some cripples.

orning Air attack on TF, near Dili at 70,117
 
Weather in hex: Overcast
 
Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      G4M1 Betty x 22
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      Beaufighter Ic x 2
      P-39D Airacobra x 5
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      G4M1 Betty: 10 destroyed, 4 damaged
 
No Allied losses
 
Allied Ships
      CL Capetown, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
      BB Revenge, Torpedo hits 1,  heavy damage
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       9 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
 
CAP engaged:
No.30 Sqn RAAF with Beaufighter Ic (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      2 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000
      Raid is overhead
58th FG/68th FS with P-39D Airacobra (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      5 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000
      Raid is overhead
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Dili at 70,117
 
Weather in hex: Light cloud
 
Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      G4M1 Betty x 16
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      Beaufighter Ic x 2
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
      G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak
 
No Allied losses
 
Allied Ships
      BB Revenge, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
      DD Nizam
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      13 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
 
CAP engaged:
No.30 Sqn RAAF with Beaufighter Ic (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      2 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000
      Raid is overhead

Air operations at Prome.

Morning Air attack on 3rd Construction Battalion, at 55,50 (Prome)
 
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
 
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
 
 
Allied aircraft
      Blenheim IV x 22
      Hudson IIIa x 5
      B-25C Mitchell x 11
      B-26 Marauder x 9
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Blenheim IV: 2 damaged
      Hudson IIIa: 1 damaged
 
Japanese ground losses:
      163 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
         Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 12 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
      Vehicles lost 10 (1 destroyed, 9 disabled)
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       6 x Blenheim IV bombing from 10000 feet *
               Ground Attack:  2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
       4 x Blenheim IV bombing from 10000 feet *
               Ground Attack:  2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
      10 x Blenheim IV bombing from 10000 feet *
               Ground Attack:  2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
       2 x Blenheim IV bombing from 10000 feet *
               Ground Attack:  2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
       5 x Hudson IIIa bombing from 10000 feet
               Ground Attack:  4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
       3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet *
               Ground Attack:  3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
       5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet *
               Ground Attack:  3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
       3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet *
               Ground Attack:  3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
       6 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 10000 feet *
               Ground Attack:  3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
       3 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 10000 feet *
               Ground Attack:  3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
 
Also attacking 21st Division ...
Also attacking 15th Army ...
Also attacking 14th Tank Regiment ...
Also attacking 55th Engineer Regiment ...
Also attacking 21st Division ...
Also attacking 3rd Construction Battalion ...
Also attacking 21st Division ...
Also attacking 15th Army ...
Also attacking 14th Tank Regiment ...
Also attacking 55th Engineer Regiment ...

Afternoon Air attack on 21st Division, at 55,50 (Prome)
 
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
 
Raid spotted at 49 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
 
 
Allied aircraft
      Hurricane IIc Trop x 3
      P-43 Lancer x 14
 
 
No Allied losses
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      14 x P-43 Lancer sweeping at 20000 feet
 
 
 
---------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on 21st Division, at 55,50 (Prome)
 
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
 
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
 
 
Allied aircraft
      Hurricane IIc Trop x 3
      Vengeance I x 10
 
 
No Allied losses
 
Japanese ground losses:
      113 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       8 x Vengeance I releasing from 3000'
               Ground Attack:  2 x 500 lb GP Bomb,  2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
       2 x Vengeance I releasing from 2000'
               Ground Attack:  2 x 500 lb GP Bomb,  2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

[herwin]

September 7/8 1942

Japan tightens the blockade of Mindanao.

[herwin]

September 8/9 1942

Naval bombardment of Davao.

Mostly fairly balanced air operations.

[herwin]

September 9/10 1942

I have to keep reminding myself--it's not history; it's a game. [;)]

Destroyed five aircraft on the ground with night bombing. That's good!

Japanese BBs are back at Buna. [:(] Still balanced in New Guinea.

[herwin]

September 10/11 1942

Stalemates continue.

[herwin]

September 11/12 1942

Japanese run a surface sweep to PM (under the Allied air umbrella) to disrupt resupply operations by Allied AKLs.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 98,130, Range 2,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      CL Natori
      CL Kinu
      DD Shirakumo
      DD Isonami
      DD Shirayuki
 
Allied Ships
      xAKL Carlisle, Shell hits 36, and is sunk
      xAKL Fiona, Shell hits 14, and is sunk

Day Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 97,131, Range 18,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      CL Natori
      CL Kinu
      DD Shirakumo
      DD Isonami
      DD Shirayuki
 
Allied Ships
      xAKL Hamakua, Shell hits 25, and is sunk

Sub attack near Port Moresby  at 97,131
 
Japanese Ships
      SS I-24
 
Allied Ships
      xAKL Caledon, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage

Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130
 
Weather in hex: Severe storms
 
Raid detected at 63 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 90
      G3M2 Nell x 20
      G4M1 Betty x 47
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      no flights
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      G3M2 Nell: 1 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
      B-339-23 (PR): 1 damaged
      Kittyhawk IA: 1 damaged
      Kittyhawk IA: 1 destroyed on ground
 
 
 
Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 22

[herwin]

September 12/13 1942

Allies inch closer to the Japanese in Burma and Buna.

[herwin]

September 13/14 1942

My opponent's comment: "Setbacks for Japan in all fronts."

Now to open the package and see what he means...

Naval bombardment of Davao--no. The town is thoroughly smashed.

Night Naval bombardment of Davao at 79,91
 
Japanese Ships
      CA Ashigara
      CA Nachi
      CA Haguro
      CA Takao
      DD Kuretake
      DD Namikaze
      DD Nokaze
      DD Yukaze
      DD Yakaze
      DD Shinonome
      DD Fubuki
      DD Shigure
      DD Shiratsuyu
      DD Arashio
      DD Michishio
      DD Hagikaze
      DD Arashi
      DD Nowaki
      DD Hamakaze
      DD Natsushio
      DD Oyashio
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      375 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 30 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
 
 
Manpower hits 2
Fires 577
Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 23
Port hits 12
Port supply hits 2

Naval bombardment of Buna--no, except for the minefield.

TF 227 encounters mine field at Buna (99,129)
 
Japanese Ships
      CA Chikuma, Mine hits 1
      DD Kagero, Mine hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
Magazine explodes on DD Kagero

Naval bombardment of Buna at 99,129
 
Japanese Ships
      BB Yamato
      BB Kirishima
      BB Haruna
      BB Kongo
      CA Kako
      CA Furutaka
      CA Kinugasa
      CA Kumano
      CA Suzuya
      CA Mikuma
      CA Mogami
      CA Atago
      CL Oyodo
      DD Hatsukaze
      DD Kuroshio
      DD Naganami
      DD Makigumo
      DD Kazegumo
      DD Akigumo
      DD Yugumo
      DD Akizuki
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      319 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
         Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 25 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Swirling air battles in central Burma--basically a draw.

271 Zeros, 47 Betties, 18 Vals, and 22 Nells hit PM--no. Although that does sound like overkill.

Low altitude PBY strikes on Buna--not really.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Buna at 99,129
 
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
 
Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 46 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 1
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      PBY-5 Catalina x 10
      PBY-5A Catalina x 34
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
      PBY-5 Catalina: 2 damaged
      PBY-5A Catalina: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
      PBY-5A Catalina: 1 destroyed by flak
 
Japanese Ships
      CA Kumano, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire
      BB Yamato
      CL Oyodo
      CA Chikuma
      CA Maya
      BB Kongo
      BB Kirishima
      CA Chokai
      BB Haruna

Ground combat near Shwebo--perhaps.

Ground combat at 60,44 (near Shwebo)
 
Allied Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 12454 troops, 205 guns, 109 vehicles, Assault Value = 420
 
Defending force 1524 troops, 0 guns, 304 vehicles, Assault Value = 173
 
Allied adjusted assault: 355
 
Japanese adjusted defense: 99
 
Allied assault odds: 3 to 1
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: op mode(-), experience(-)
Attacker: leaders(+)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      Vehicles lost 98 (56 destroyed, 42 disabled)
      Units retreated 4
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      275 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 21 disabled
         Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
 
 
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!
 
Assaulting units:
    18th British Division
 
Defending units:
    2nd Tank Regiment
    1st Tank Regiment
    4th Tank Regiment
    14th Tank Regiment