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

[PzB74]

I hope so! Andy will have to committ to amph landings to continue his offensives in the near future.
I did have plans to interfer with his Xmas Island landings but the Judy nerf stopped it, so nothing could be done but perhaps it will turn out to the better [:)]

Marshalls are smaller atolls and no major base complexes there, if Andy goes for them it will be a delaying effort there only.
No infrastructure to support a the Combined Fleet. So this is another freebie and by the time such a move can be completed the Solomons and southern New Guinea and most likely New Britain will have been
pacified and occupied as well. By then we should be close to 45 and our attention has to be on our main defensive lines.

[Cribtop]

Precisely. You have a real opportunity to run out the clock. Eventually he may feel rushed and try a big jump into the inner perimeter. That would be the chance for a final and perhaps game winning naval victory.

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: Cribtop

Precisely. You have a real opportunity to run out the clock. Eventually he may feel rushed and try a big jump into the inner perimeter. That would be the chance for a final and perhaps game winning naval victory.

+1
<emphasis added>

[Rainer79]

ORIGINAL: PzB
Does anyone have experience with radar equipped Jap subs, are they more efficient than those without?

They'll generate more attacks but they die just as easily against the allied DCs.

[PzB74]

Yes, unless we run out of patience first that is!-p)

Not a lot to report, a probing arty bombardment at Moulmein.
So now Andy can see that we have 4000 AV in place. You cannot get through here is the message.
In a week we got our Central Burma Army ready to rail south from Chiang Mai. This will be theatre reserve for
both Malaya, Burma, Indo-China and Sumatra region.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 30, 44

Ground Combat

Ground combat at 99,128 (near Buna)
Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 10114 troops, 211 guns, 198 vehicles, Assault Value = 335
Defending force 160 troops, 4 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 2

Allied adjusted assault: 153

Japanese adjusted defense: 1
Allied assault odds: 153 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
126 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 18 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1
Units destroyed 1

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
Americal Infantry Division

Defending units:
55th Mountain Gun Regiment
11th JAAF Base Force /1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Moulmein (55,55)
Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2792 troops, 251 guns, 103 vehicles, Assault Value = 5485
Defending force 124929 troops, 1432 guns, 1812 vehicles, Assault Value = 4061

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

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 21 (4 destroyed, 17 disabled)

Assaulting units:
17th Indian Division
25th Indian Division
641st Towed Tank Destroyer Battalion
3rd Carabiniers Regiment
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
11th PAVO Regiment
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
8th KGV Light Cav Regiment
45th Indian Brigade
Provisionl Tank Brigade
81st (West African) Division
23rd Indian Division
18th British Division
84th Indian Brigade
7th Indian Division
267th Armoured Brigade
16th Chindit Brigade
31st Infantry Regiment
16th Canadian Brigade
32nd Infantry Division
14th Chindit Brigade
Merrills Marauders Regiment
36th Indian Division
75th IAC Regiment
Gardner's Horse Regiment
5th Indian Division
23rd Chindit Brigade
Guides Cavalry Regiment
158th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
268th Motorised Brigade
4th Marine Regiment
3rd Cavalry Regiment
9th Australian Division
134th Field Artillery Battalion
XV Indian Corps
23rd AA Bde
26th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
156th USA Base Force
20th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
97th Field Artillery Battalion
159th USA Base Force
IV Corps RIASC Base Force
23rd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
29th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
XV Corps RIASC Base Force
21st Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Indian AA Bde
14th Army
6th Mixed A/T Mtr Regiment
24th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Indian Heavy AA Regiment
6th Medium Regiment
IV Indian Corps
30th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
22nd Light AA Regiment
II/14th Army RIASC Base Force

Defending units:
1st Ind.Mixed Regiment
3rd Raiding Regiment
33rd Division
56th Engineer Regiment
11th Division
60th Division
4th Guards Division
Guards Tank Division
9th Division
2nd Guards Division
32nd Division
3rd Tank Division
7th RTA/B Division
4th Shipping Engineer Regiment
28th Army
51st Ind.AA Gun Co
Burma Area Army
40th JNAF AF Unit
39th Road Const Co
26th Special Base Force
3rd Mortar Battalion
16th AA Regiment
51st Field AA Battalion
1st Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st JAAF Base Force
69th Field AA Battalion
41st Air Defense AA Regiment
48th Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
55th Field AA Battalion
21st Army
15th Army
12th Mortar Battalion
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
8th JAAF AF Bn
2nd Medium Mortar Battalion
1st Provisional Base Force
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Johraiken]

Fingers crossed to hold on.

What's going on in China?

And how well trained are your ASW ships and planes? US subs about to start wreak havoc, I think.

[PzB74]

First time posting here Johraiken? If so, nice to see you here [:)]
We got a "truce" in China...so fine little going on.

Got a large fleet of sub hunters and patrol craft plus a large air armada with special ASW trained bombers.
Andy has retired his sub fleets after taking heavy losses, no mainly using them in combination with major amph operations to attack the Combined Fleet.
- A US sub was resposible for the KB's largest loss when the Kaga took 5-6 torp hit and went straight down during the Second Battle of the Line Islands.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 01, 44

Air Combat

Sent Franks to ambush bombers at Umboi Island.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Umboi Island at 100,125
Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 29

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IV x 2
A-24 Banshee x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Banshee: 6 destroyed

Japanese Ships
xAKL Daiten Maru
xAKL Shinsoku Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (9 airborne, 20 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Shinsoku Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interdicting Enemy Air Strike

[PzB74]

Ok been some action and time for a summary!
Been rather buffed after work this week but managed to get a turn around each day.

Enemy forces approached Milne Bay and fighting ensued.
Our low level special naval bomber units in the Solomons challenged the enemy.

A handful of vessels were hit and a force of ~4000 enemy troops landed on Milne Bay which is defended by a reinforced Infantry regiment.
The place got 5 forts and ca 100 AV. Enemy air strikes on the base and troops have been frequent.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 03, 44

Air Combat

Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133
Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 3,100 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 9

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 1
P-38J Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CL Dauntless
CL Ceres

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133
Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 2,100 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Beaverhead, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 3,100 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 8
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 18

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 1
P-38J Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 2 destroyed
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 15 damaged
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 3 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DD Sims
AK Alamosa, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
AK Amador, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Cheleb, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 148th Infantry Regiment, at 101,133 (Milne Bay)
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 6
Kittyhawk III x 7
Kittyhawk IV x 6
Mitchell II x 5
Spitfire VIII x 17
PV-1 Ventura x 7
B-25D1 Mitchell x 19
B-25G Mitchell x 6
B-25H Mitchell x 3
P-38H Lightning x 7
P-38J Lightning x 3
P-40K Warhawk x 14
P-40N5 Warhawk x 6
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 12
P-51B Mustang x 7

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Merauke at 89,124
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 139 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes

Japanese aircraft
P1Y1 Frances x 9

Allied aircraft
P-39N1 Airacobra x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y1 Frances: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAK Coquina, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x P1Y1 Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
15th FG/46th FS with P-39N1 Airacobra (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Invasions

Pre-Invasion action off Milne Bay (101,133)
44 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CL Ceres
CL Dauntless
DD Frazier
DD Anthony
LST-335
LCI-435
LST-122
DD Sims
LST-39

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

CL Ceres firing at 148th Infantry Regiment
CL Dauntless firing at 10th RF Gun Battalion
DD Frazier firing at 148th Infantry Regiment
DD Anthony firing at 2nd JNAF AF Unit
DD Frazier fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Milne Bay (101,133)
TF 88 troops unloading over beach at Milne Bay, 101,133

Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Losses

Suddenly the Tony d displayed bomb load...strange.

[PzB74]

Air losses in the screen is actually for the next turn!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 04, 44

Air Combat

Morning Air attack on Merauke , at 89,124
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 20
N1K1-J George x 24

Allied aircraft
P-39N1 Airacobra x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-39N1 Airacobra: 5 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 30000 feet
17 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 19 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 44

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IV x 2
Spitfire VIII x 6
Hurricane XIIb x 6
Kittyhawk I x 1
P-39N1 Airacobra x 4
P-40K Warhawk x 9
P-40N5 Warhawk x 2
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 6
P-51B Mustang x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane XIIb: 1 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 1 destroyed
P-39N1 Airacobra: 1 destroyed
P-40K Warhawk: 1 destroyed
P-40N5 Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
30 x Ki-84a Frank sweeping at 30000 feet *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 100,136
Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 115 NM, estimated altitude 3,100 feet.
Estimated time to target is 38 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 12
B6N2 Jill x 10

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 1
P-38J Lightning x 2
F6F-3 Hellcat x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 4 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 3 destroyed, 4 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DD Renshaw
CA Devonshire, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B6N2 Jill bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 12
Kittyhawk III x 7
Kittyhawk IV x 7
Mitchell II x 12
Spitfire VIII x 13
PV-1 Ventura x 16
B-25D1 Mitchell x 34
B-25G Mitchell x 9
B-25H Mitchell x 6
P-40N5 Warhawk x 8
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 16
P-51B Mustang x 10

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 7 damaged
B-25H Mitchell: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 4

Also attacking 10th RF Gun Battalion ...
Also attacking 148th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 2nd JNAF AF Unit ...
Also attacking Milne Bay ...
Also attacking 148th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 10th RF Gun Battalion ...
Also attacking 148th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 10th RF Gun Battalion ...
Also attacking 148th Infantry Regiment ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Burma

Enemy troops have withdrawn from the eastern flank of Moulmein. Still 320k troops in Moulmein proper.
In the north the 4th Division has made contact with the garrison in Lashio and has started it's trek to the south.
- So comes a loong siege to an end; we still controls parts of Burma, we haven't lost any major troop concentrations and the front has been stabilized.

[PzB74]

May 5th and a full Australian Division is also landed at Milne Bay.
We deploy midget subs, PT boats and LBA to interdict and achieve some good hits.
- The most spectacular was when an MTB torpedoed the escort carrier Corregidor.

Our air strikes were fairly efficient against a somewhat lacking enemy CAP.

In Burma enemy 4Es hit Port Blair in force; our CAP claimed ~30 B-24s shot down.
In return the base was wrecked, 20ish ac destroyed on ground and I've been forced to evacuate all operational air groups.
We know what happens when base damage hits 100% tomorow, then there's no way out.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 05, 44

Surface Combat

Night Time Surface Combat, near Milne Bay at 101,133, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-222, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
MTB G-228
MTB G-230
MTB G-233
MTB G-16, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CVE Corregidor, Torpedo hits 1
CA Sussex
CL Sumatra
CL Mauritius
CL Birmingham
CL Glasgow, Shell hits 1
CL Mobile
DD Bache
DD Monssen
DD Panther
DD Crane
DD Kilty
DD Humphreys

Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms with 96% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 96% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
MTB G-16 engages CVE Corregidor at 1,000 yards
MTB G-16 engages CL Sumatra at 1,000 yards
Massive explosion on MTB G-16
MTB G-16 sunk by DD Humphreys at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
CVE Corregidor screened from combat
- escorted by DD Humphreys , DD Kilty , DD Crane ,
DD Panther , DD Monssen , DD Bache
CL Glasgow engages MTB G-233 at 2,000 yards
MTB G-222 sunk by CL Glasgow at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
CVE Corregidor screened from combat
Range increases to 4,000 yards
CVE Corregidor screened from combat
- escorted by DD Humphreys , DD Kilty , DD Crane ,
DD Panther , DD Monssen , DD Bache
Range increases to 6,000 yards
CVE Corregidor screened from combat
- escorted by DD Humphreys , DD Kilty , DD Crane ,
DD Panther , DD Monssen , DD Bache
Range increases to 8,000 yards
CVE Corregidor screened from combat
- escorted by DD Humphreys , DD Kilty , DD Crane ,
DD Panther , DD Monssen , DD Bache
CL Sumatra engages MTB G-233 at 8,000 yards
Task forces break off...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ay Time Surface Combat, near Milne Bay at 101,133, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-228
MTB G-230, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
MTB G-233, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Devonshire
CA Frobisher
DD Nicholas
DD O'Bannon
DD Philip
DD Radford
DD Renshaw
DD Schroeder
DD Stanly
APD Herbert
APA Joseph T. Dickman
APA Barnett
APA Doyen
APA Ormsby
APA Sheridan
xAP Santa Paula, heavy damage
LCI-443
xAK Sea Snipe
xAK Simoon
xAK Kina II
LSI(L) Empire Pride
xAK Mariso
xAP Kelantan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Invasions

Pre-Invasion action off Milne Bay (101,133)
30 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CA Frobisher
CA Devonshire
DD Stanly
DD Renshaw
DD Nicholas
LCI-443
APA Sheridan

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

CA Frobisher firing at 2nd JNAF AF Unit
CA Devonshire firing at 148th Infantry Regiment
DD Stanly firing at 148th Infantry Regiment
DD Renshaw firing at 2nd JNAF AF Unit
DD Nicholas firing at 148th Infantry Regiment
DD Renshaw fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Milne Bay (101,133)
TF 45 troops unloading over beach at Milne Bay, 101,133

Allied ground losses:
46 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Bren AAMG (x2) lost in surf during unload of 7th Australian Div /3
11 troops of a AIF Inf Section 44 lost in surf during unload of 7th Australian Div /14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub Attacks

Submarine attack near Milne Bay at 101,133
Japanese Ships
SSX Ha-23

Allied Ships
xAP Santa Paula, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage

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

xAP Santa Paula is sighted by SSX Ha-23
SSX Ha-23 launches 2 torpedoes at xAP Santa Paula
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Milne Bay at 101,133

Japanese Ships
SSX Ha-27, hits 5, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CL Mauritius
DD Panther
DD Humphreys
DD Kilty
DD Crane

SSX Ha-27 is sighted by escort
DD Humphreys attacking submerged sub ....
DD Kilty fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Crane attacking submerged sub ....
Debris floats to surface in area of attack!
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 36
Ki-84a Frank x 49

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 5 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 6,100 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 36
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 11

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 1
F6F-3 Hellcat x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 2 destroyed
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 10 damaged
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 2 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CL Sumatra, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Panther
CL Mauritius
DD Humphreys

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,134
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CA Devonshire

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,134
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 1,100 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 9

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CA Devonshire
APA Ormsby

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 1,100 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 32
N1K1-J George x 27
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 9

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 7 damaged
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
AK Alcona, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DE Austin
AK Pavo, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 30000 feet
14 x J2M2 Jack sweeping at 30000 feet *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 1st Australian Para Battalion, at 103,135 (Deboyne Islands)
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 1,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 8
Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 2nd Marine Raider Bn /1 ...
Also attacking 1st Australian Para Bn /1 ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 26
Ki-84a Frank x 44

Allied aircraft
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 74
PV-1N Ventura x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 damaged
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 3 destroyed on ground
P1Y1 Frances: 2 destroyed on ground
H6K5 Mavis: 1 destroyed on ground
J1N1-C Irving: 1 destroyed on ground
H8K2 Emily: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 4 destroyed, 14 damaged
PV-1N Ventura: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 45

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 8
Kittyhawk IV x 6
Mitchell II x 11
Spitfire VIII x 14
PV-1 Ventura x 17
B-25D1 Mitchell x 34
B-25G Mitchell x 9
B-25H Mitchell x 6
P-40K Warhawk x 13
P-40N5 Warhawk x 2
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 17
P-51B Mustang x 9
F6F-3 Hellcat x 2

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 14 damaged
B-25H Mitchell: 2 damaged

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

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Also attacking 2nd JNAF AF Unit ...
Also attacking 10th RF Gun Battalion ...
Also attacking 148th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking Milne Bay ...
Also attacking 148th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 10th RF Gun Battalion ...
Also attacking 148th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 10th RF Gun Battalion ...
Also attacking 148th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 2nd JNAF AF Unit ...
Also attacking 148th Infantry Regiment ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 50 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 25
Ki-84a Frank x 40

Allied aircraft
Liberator GR.VI x 12
B-24D1 Liberator x 38
B-24J Liberator x 43
B-25C Mitchell x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 2 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed on ground
H6K5 Mavis: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 3 destroyed on ground
P1Y1 Frances: 4 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator GR.VI: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 destroyed, 7 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 2 destroyed, 11 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged

Airbase hits 18
Airbase supply hits 12
Runway hits 39
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 7
Ki-84a Frank x 14

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 12
B-24J Liberator x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 4 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 9 damaged

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Woodlark Island , at 104,133
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 43

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 31
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 63 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 5
Ki-84a Frank x 8

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6
B-25D1 Mitchell x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
H8K2 Emily: 1 destroyed on ground
P1Y1 Frances: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 15000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 4
Ki-84a Frank x 6

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 5 damaged

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Buna at 99,129
Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 3,100 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 15

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IV x 2
Spitfire VIII x 6
Hurricane XIIb x 6
Kittyhawk I x 1
P-39N1 Airacobra x 2
P-40K Warhawk x 8
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 4 destroyed, 4 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
PT-66
PT-77, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
PT-115

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

PT-66 dead in the water ...
PT-77 dead in the water ...
PT-115 dead in the water ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133
Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 2,100 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 11

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 1
F6F-3 Hellcat x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,134
Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 5 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CA Frobisher, Bomb hits 1
CA Devonshire

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133
Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 109 NM, estimated altitude 1,100 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 31
N1K1-J George x 11
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 9

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 1
F6F-3 Hellcat x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
AK Ascella, Shell hits 1, Bomb hits 3, on fire
AK Indus, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DE Austin, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 30000 feet
15 x J2M2 Jack sweeping at 30000 feet *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Merauke at 89,124
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 20 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 39
P1Y1 Frances x 9

Allied aircraft
P-39N1 Airacobra x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y1 Frances: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAK Ensley City
AM Shepparton

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x P1Y1 Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
14 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Invasions

Pre-Invasion action off Milne Bay (101,133)
40 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CL Dauntless
CL Adelaide
PC Jackson
LCI-435
LST-39
LST-40
DE Hotspur
DD Sims

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

CL Adelaide firing at 10th RF Gun Battalion
PC Jackson fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Milne Bay Invaded

[PzB74]

We've deployed the first Jack 2M3s - 4x 20mm guns and service level of 2.
This is a nice improvement of the previous model with 2x20mm, 2x7,9mm and service rating of 3.

The Central Burma Army has almost completed its shift to Chiang Mai as shown on the screen below.
There's a tank regiment left in Central Burma, a Tank Bde plus 10 support units still moving towards Chiang Mai.
With these reserves total Theatre strength Malaya - Burma now stands at around 10k AV.

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: PzB

Suddenly the Tony d displayed bomb load...strange.

It might depend on where you looked. When editing a scenario, you can have a plane be one way, but the specific instance of that plane in a specific unit be another way. That little quirk gives scenario designers the ability to, for example, have a certain fighter get a potential bomb load for ground attack, but give a single squadron no such bomb load because it was forward deployed at war's outbreak and did not historically have the equipment.

I am not saying for sure that is the case with the Tony D, but it is one possibility for what you saw. It could also be an error where a change was made to the plane but not propagated to the group that had been equipped with the plane before the change was made.

In any event, if a unit has what you consider to be the 'wrong' version and the planes in the pool have what you consider to be the 'right' version, you can probably fix that by upgrading to another model and then upgrade right back to the Tony D.

[PzB74]

Could be so Witpqs! I put the Tony's on naval attack training now...perhaps that triggered the bomb orndance.

Got a nice snack for you [8D]
When I first spotted activity in the Coral Sea around a week ago the Combined Fleet was just SSW of the Marianas enroute to Manila to replenish.
Parts of the fleet had already split of to undergo upgrades in Manila, this included 5 heavy cruisers and the carrier Junyu.

The rest of the fleet was running low on fuel and I had to make a difficult decision; RTB or move towards the Coral Sea.
Sine the Fleet was restless for combat after the abortive mission to the Line Islands it was decided to act.

So we moved west of Truk, replenished from our supply train that raced down from the Marianas, continued east of Rabaul and yesterday a last leg
of 8-9 hexes was lined up to bring the fleet within range. I was afraid we just would miss the train; I had to split off 40% of the fleet that was running low on fuel, so this half
travelled 1 hex shorted than the main fleet.

I was also correct in my estimate; Andy just "lept in" - dumped another division and lept out again.
A surface combat TF just missed the last ships leaving after an MTP had succeeded in sinling an LST.

At extreme range, 7-8 hexes the enemy fleets were spotted and the airborne Samurais' immediately went to work! [:D]
The enemy main fleets was spotted at 8 hexes so the Judy nerf immediately cost us and only our Jills could attack them, we still got in 2 nice strikes with over 200 bombers.
A smaller fleet was spotted 1 hex closer so our Judy's also got something to work on.

Results could have been even greater with Judy's but we could also have missed the train completely - another close call, take a look for yourself!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 06, 44

Surface Combat

Night Time Surface Combat, near Milne Bay at 101,133, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-221
MTB G-232
MTB G-234, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-10, Shell hits 15, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Dauntless
DD Sims
DE Hotspur
DE Crouter, Shell hits 1
AM Arnidale
AK Ascella
AK Livingston
AK Indus
AK Amador
AK Antrim
LST-39
LST-40
LST-41
LST-122
LST-335, Shell hits 1
LST-350
LST-446
LST-479, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
LST-484
LCI-435
PC Jackson
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Milne Bay at 101,134, Range 28,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CL Isuzu
CL Kitakami
DD Shikinami
DD Oboro
DD Mutsuki
DD Asakaze
DD Hayate

Allied Ships
CL Adelaide
DE Austin
AK Cheleb
AK Pavo
AK Alamosa
AK Beaverhead

Poor visibility due to Thunderstorms
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms: 7,000 yards
Range closes to 26,000 yards...
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 7,000 yards
Allied TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 8,000 yards...
Range increases to 9,000 yards...
Range increases to 10,000 yards...
Range increases to 11,000 yards...
Range increases to 12,000 yards...
Range increases to 13,000 yards...
Range increases to 14,000 yards...
Range increases to 15,000 yards...
Range increases to 16,000 yards...
Range increases to 17,000 yards...
Range increases to 18,000 yards...
Range increases to 19,000 yards...
Range increases to 20,000 yards...
Range increases to 21,000 yards...
Range increases to 22,000 yards...
Range increases to 23,000 yards...
Range increases to 24,000 yards...
Range increases to 25,000 yards...
Range increases to 26,000 yards...
Range increases to 27,000 yards...
Range increases to 28,000 yards...
Range increases to 29,000 yards...
Range increases to 30,000 yards...
Range increases to 30,000 yards...
Allied Escort TF evades combat
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Morning Air attack on Merauke , at 89,124
Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 44 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 39
N1K1-J George x 24

Allied aircraft
P-39N1 Airacobra x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-39N1 Airacobra: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 30000 feet
17 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 66

Japanese aircraft losses
H8K2 Emily: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 2 damaged

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

Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 48
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd JNAF AF Unit , at 101,133 (Milne Bay)
Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 8
Kittyhawk IV x 6
Mitchell II x 11
Spitfire VIII x 18
PV-1 Ventura x 14
B-25D1 Mitchell x 32
B-25G Mitchell x 9
B-25H Mitchell x 6
P-38H Lightning x 12
P-40K Warhawk x 13
P-40N5 Warhawk x 7
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 11
P-51B Mustang x 10

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 10 damaged
B-25G Mitchell: 1 damaged
B-25H Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Liberator GR.VI x 7
B-24D1 Liberator x 35
B-24J Liberator x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator GR.VI: 2 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 36
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Woodlark Island , at 104,133
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 39

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 36
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Woodlark Island , at 104,133
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 26
A6M5b Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Merauke at 89,124
Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 112 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 36
P1Y1 Frances x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAK Coquina, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AM Shepparton
xAK Sagadahoc, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x P1Y1 Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
27 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet

Coquina dead in the water ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 100,136
Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 127
A6M5b Zero x 17
B6N1 Jill x 11
B6N2 Jill x 65

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 1
P-38J Lightning x 2
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 1
F6F-3 Hellcat x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 2 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 11 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
AK Antrim, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CA Canberra, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
APA Harry Lee, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
CA Frobisher, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Devonshire
DD Renshaw
DD Philip
AK Indus
xAK Mahukona, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
AK Bullock
APA Joseph T. Dickman, Torpedo hits 1
LST-39, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Cape May, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAP Le Maire
DD Schroeder
CL Dauntless, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
509 casualties reported
Squads: 24 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 24 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 31 (31 destroyed, 0 disabled)


Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
11 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
13 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
10 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
9 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
9 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
8 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
11 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
8 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
17 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
11 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
14 x A6M5b Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
13 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
8 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
9 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
11 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 100,136
Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 93 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B6N2 Jill x 9

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 1
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 1
F6F-3 Hellcat x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAK Mariso, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
CA Devonshire

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

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 100,136
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 126
A6M5b Zero x 17
B6N2 Jill x 127

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 1
P-38J Lightning x 2
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 1
F6F-3 Hellcat x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 15 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVE Corregidor, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
LST-41, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Rochussen, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CA Frobisher, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CL Mauritius
CA Devonshire, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CA Sussex
AK Amador
AK Beltrami, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Blount
DD Stanly
DD Humphreys
CL Sumatra, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CL Birmingham, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
DD Philip
xAP Republic, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Glasgow
LSI(L) Empire Pride, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Brevard
DD Monssen
CL Mobile
xAP Van Rees, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
AK Bullock
AK Cabell, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
1127 casualties reported
Squads: 68 destroyed, 29 disabled
Non Combat: 32 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 26 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 13 (13 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 10 (10 destroyed, 0 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 100,136
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 3,100 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 4

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAK Corinda, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 15 (2 destroyed, 13 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 100,134
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y1 Judy x 27
D4Y3 Judy x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1 Judy: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Adelaide, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
AK Pavo, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
AK Cheleb, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Alamosa, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x D4Y1 Judy bombing from 15000 feet *
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
9 x D4Y3 Judy bombing from 15000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Adelaide
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AK Alamosa
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AK Pavo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 100,136
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 118 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 39 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B6N1 Jill x 10
B6N2 Jill x 18

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N1 Jill: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
APA Doyen, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Renshaw
DD Nicholas
APD Herbert, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
LSI(L) Empire Pride, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Philip

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
9 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 100,134
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y1 Judy x 25

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CL Adelaide, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DE Austin, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Cheleb, on fire, heavy damage
AK Pavo, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x D4Y1 Judy bombing from 15000 feet *
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Adelaide
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DE Austin
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AK Pavo
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Enemy shock attack just fails to capture Milne Bay. Parts of one Australian division has not been completely unloaded.
Much of these troops now rest on the bottom of the Coral Sea.

Ground combat at Milne Bay (101,133)
Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 10531 troops, 295 guns, 57 vehicles, Assault Value = 652
Defending force 3732 troops, 31 guns, 15 vehicles, Assault Value = 102

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 4
Allied adjusted assault: 453

Japanese adjusted defense: 139
Allied assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 4)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), disruption(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
587 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 48 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 7 (3 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
252 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 94 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 21 disabled
Guns lost 9 (1 destroyed, 8 disabled)

Assaulting units:
7th Australian Division
8th Australian Div /10

Defending units:
148th Infantry Regiment
10th RF Gun Battalion
2nd JNAF AF Unit
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kido Butai strikes

It was a brutal strike that met little opposition!
Here is a compilation of the ships that were hit: 32 ships including 1 CVE, 3 CA, 3 CL, 2 destroyer types, 3 LSTs, 4 assault ships and 16 troops and cargo ships.
Some of these were hit by LBA in nearby waters.

CVE Corregidor, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk

CA Frobisher, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CA Devonshire, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CA Canberra, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
CL Adelaide, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
CL Sumatra, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CL Birmingham, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

DE Austin, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
APD Herbert, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

LST-479, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
LST-41, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
LST-39, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

xAK Coquina, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Sagadahoc, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Antrim, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Mahukona, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAK Cape May, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAK Mariso, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
xAP Rochussen, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Beltrami, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAP Republic, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
xAP Van Rees, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
AK Cabell, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Corinda, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
AK Pavo, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
AK Cheleb, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Alamosa, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

APA Harry Lee, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
APA Joseph T. Dickman, Torpedo hits 1
APA Doyen, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LSI(L) Empire Pride, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk

[Cribtop]

Banzai! The Combined Fleet still has teeth! [&o]

[pauk]

thats excellent strike!

Well, Andy actually killed his men and sink his ships by himself. Sending invasion TF without CV cover while he doesnt know where KB could be is... pretty easy going (im such diplomat [:D])

perhaps you can evacuate your troops from Milne Bay now? You cant hold there for too much longer.

[castor troy]

Andy keeps throwing away his forces like the AI does. I´ve long stopped wondering about his actions. [8|][&:] What does he think about sending such a force to Milne Bay? Even LBA could whipe it out easily. I´m not as diplomatic as Pauk is, Andy plays at times as if it would be his first game and even then one should do better. And I´m sure he knows that.

[plund]

ORIGINAL: PzB

The enemy main fleets was spotted at 8 hexes so the Judy nerf immediately cost us and only our Jills could attack them, we still got in 2 nice strikes with over 200 bombers.

Pardon me but what is a 'Judy nerf'?

[Puhis]

They reduced Judy's range.

[janh]

Congrats, the CA and CL on Andy's side must run out sooner or later.&nbsp; You have again been unbelievably lucky, and should I call it a present from Andy?&nbsp; A little of both, I guess.

Andy is taking more risks, but he actually has to if he still wants to make it to the HI.&nbsp; He plays for "all or nothing, glory or dead" it seems.&nbsp; He will probably not split his CV main force to support a theater that likely won't be decisive and can be suppressed by his LBA.&nbsp; I was surprised to a see a CVE here, though.&nbsp; Whether he would bring his CV main force here, I don't know but don't expect so.&nbsp; He probably is busy covering the clean up the Line Islands, the shuttling of LCU around or maybe just replenishing at Pearl?&nbsp; If I was him, I would now be seeking to draw KB into a battle close to Pearl, and far from the yards in Japan.&nbsp; Ideally even employing 4B in naval bombing and carrier-CAP sweeping.&nbsp; Imagine the B29 on skip-bombing...

[castor troy]

it just again shows that mounting amphibious assaults from several different directions is not that much of a smart idea when the enemy still has carriers and LBA to react against it. Focus on one direction, use the hammer and move forward with the enemy not being able to do something against it. If you go away from that tactic and split your force then the enemy will always have a chance to punish you. KB against the full might of Allied carriers and LBA is something KB will regret trying to. KB against little or no LBA at all getting a shot against an invasion convoy? OMG, I should keep my comments behind my back.

Can´t see any reasonable explanation for all of Andy´s disasters. Again and again and again. Just look at that attack at Moulmein trashing thousands of Allied av! And that by one that was responsible for the ground combat model? Sorry, he should just know better not to shock attack across the river right into Moulmein. And a hundred more pages of AAR that show many more rather flawed decisions. PzB will get Andy to a point when Andy runs out of squads, ships and aircraft. The fact that he has to use P-40 for frontline duty at this stage of the war says it all anyway with the P-40 of 1944 being as crappy as the P-40 of 12/7/41.

Kudos to PzB but Andy really is a thankful victim.

Banzai!