Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Pillager) Allies only

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Fri Jan 03, 2014 12:58 pm

Summary of Operations 11/20/43 (continued)

East China Sea: US patrol sub intercepts Japanese transport W of Kyushu. AAR follows. Recent US patrol sub activity near the Japanese Home Islands has been operating on a reduced basis with many subs currently in the South Pacific providing patrol cover for the Port Moresby invasion.

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Sub attack near Fukue-jima at 99,59 (SW of Nagasaki/Sasebo)

Japanese Ships
xAK Sydney Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire (oil cargo reported burning)
E Naryu

Allied Ships
SS Robalo

SS Robalo launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Sydney Maru
E Naryu fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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Shifting emphasis of US sub operations southward to support the Port Moresby invasion has reduced attacks on Jap transport shipping (and Japanese production). While it’s certainly necessary to deploy Allied submarines against Japanese transport shipping into the Home Islands (this still being done though at least temporarily on a reduced level), it’s not likely the use of US submarines on shipping routes to/from the Japanese Home Islands in this campaign (to date) has had any significant effect on Pillager’s ability to run the Japanese war economy. With the fall of China, Pillager has an available overland route for movement of oil and other items northward from the SRA. I’ve seen discussion in the forums on overland movement of oil, resources, fuel, etc through China from the SRA – however questionable the effectiveness of this overland movement is, it’s highly probable Pillager is using this to whatever extent he can (also bypassing much of the US submarine blockade). Transfer of US subs into the South Pacific has succeeded so far in effectively closing the Coral Sea area to the KB and Jap surface naval forces. Not necessarily giving up on a US sub blockade of the Japanese Home Islands but if subs can be more effectively employed on other missions (temporarily or otherwise), it will be done.

South Pacific: Coastwatcher report entries for 11/19 follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 13 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 103,124 near Talasea, Speed 27, Moving West
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: PB Chiyo Maru #4 reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Namatanai
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 97,121 near Hansa Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed 5, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,126 near Lae, Speed 9, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 30, Moving Southeast

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships in port, 2 Jap TF, 128 aircraft (all fighters), 16 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 109(92).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 111 aircraft (all fighters), 19 Jap LCU, oil production 148(153), refinery 97(4).

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Tue Jan 14, 2014 1:36 am

Summary of Operations 11/21/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – airfield & port facilities fully operational, supply on hand 221K. Construction activity to expand Port Moresby airfield to maximum size is underway – 310 engineer squads and 67 engineer vehicles now engaged in this task. Current airfield size in Port Moresby is 5. Expansion of port facilities at Port Moresby has been deferred to begin after completion of a fully expanded airfield. A small number of fighter planes from US escort carrier squadrons from damaged/sunk CVE’s are still in Port Moresby – these being repaired then flown back to NE Australia and incorporated into re-organized air units.

Short to intermediate term plans in Port Moresby are to have a size 9 airfield in place and establish Allied air superiority over eastern New Guinea. As airfield size in Port Moresby increases, additional Allied fighter squadrons from NE Australia are planned to transfer into Port Moresby – followed eventually by bombers and other plane types. The immediate primary Allied objective in New Guinea being destruction of Japanese air forces.

Summary of this game turn’s aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 20 A6M2 Zero (17 air-to-air, 1 ops, 2 on the ground)
• 11 A6M3a Zero (10 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 4 A6M5b Zero (3 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 1 Ki-44 Tojo (air-to-air)
• 7 G4M1 Betty (6 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 8 P1Y1 Frances (all air-to-air)
• 2 Ki-49 Helen (both ops)
• 1 Ki-21 Sally (ops)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 1 P-38F Lightning (air-to-air)
• 2 P-38H Lightning (1 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 1 P-47D2 Thunderbolt (air-to-air)
• 2 F4U-1 Corsair (1 air-to-air, 1 ops)

Small night raids by USAAF bombers on Buna and Lae airfields continue. Objective of the night raids are to maintain damage levels on both airfields and prevent (or hinder) Jap repair activity. Night airfield raids may be supplemented with daylight bombing strikes with escorted 4E bombers as required.

Combat Events report entry and AAR of Buna airfield strike follows.

4 x 38th BG/405th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night

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Night Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Weather in hex: Heavy rain (21% moonlight)

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 2

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes

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Combat Events report entries and AAR’s of strikes on Lae airfield follow.

4 x 38th BG/71st BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
5 x 38th BG/71st BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night

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Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Weather in hex: Light rain (21% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Detected status of Jap base at Buna (after bombing attack above) – airfield damage 93, 1 aircraft (fighter), 1 Jap TF (7 ships, various barges and small ship types), 23 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae (after bombing attack above) – airfield damage 89, 1 aircraft (fighter), 11 Jap LCU, 5 Jap TF (39 ships total, barges and small ship types).

AAR’s of latest Jap air attacks on Port Moresby base hex follow. As anticipated, the number and scale of Japanese air missions over Port Moresby has significantly diminished.

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 123 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 43 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
A6M5b Zero x 5
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 23
P-38H Lightning x 7
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 24
F4U-1 Corsair x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
A6M5b Zero: 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 13 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 16 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 17 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
21 planes vectored on to bombers
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
P1Y1 Frances x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 19
P-38H Lightning x 4
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 22
F4U-1 Corsair x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed
P1Y1 Frances: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (17 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
17 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (19 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
19 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 108 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 32 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 14
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 11

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 15
P-38H Lightning x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 19
F4U-1 Corsair x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 6 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes

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No reported Jap naval air strikes or submarine activity in sea areas between Port Moresby and NE Australia.

Detected Japanese naval/transport activity into Lae and Buna this game turn continued without opposition by Allied air forces. Though I have all available airfields in NE Australia (including Portland Roads) expanded to maximum size and fully operational, there simply isn’t enough airfield capacity for all the planes. The result of this bottleneck requires prioritizing specific air mission(s) that are flown from these bases. The current priority air mission from NE Australia will be bombing missions (as required) to suppress Japanese airfields at Lae and Buna, followed by recon and naval air search over New Guinea and adjacent sea areas. These air missions are intended to facilitate expansion of Port Moresby airfield. Once fully expanded, additional Allied air units will be pushed forward into Port Moresby and other air missions can be resumed or increased in scale.

Other plans being examined include re-occupation of bases at Horn Island and Merauke (southern coast of New Guinea) with the intent of establishing fully expanded airfields and pushing still more Allied planes forward. Both bases remained in Allied control throughout this campaign.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Tue Jan 14, 2014 1:39 am

Summary of Operations 11/21/43 (continued)

South Pacific: Two transport convoys (WP-102 & 108) arrive this game turn in New Zealand from the mainland US.

Cargo arriving aboard convoy WP-102 (38 transports, 4 DD, 10 SC) includes 193K supply and 58K fuel, no air units or LCU. Convoy WP-108 (2 DD, 48 transports) arrives with cargo including two LCU (26 & 27 Naval Construction Rgts), one US Marine fighter squadron, 220K supply and 106K fuel. DD and SC arriving with the convoys will remain in the South Pacific theatre for future assignment.

Coastwatcher report entries for 11/20 follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 97,121 near Hansa Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 3, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Namatanai
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 3, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed 29, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 113,136 near Russell Islands, Speed 28, Moving West

Australia: US Escort Carrier force now re-formed with three TG (6 CVE total plus DD escorts). Two additional CVE (damaged in Port Moresby operations) remain in shipyard repair and expected to be fully operational in about 15 days. Air squadrons from CVE sunk off Port Moresby will be re-formed as LBA squadrons – these units projected to (at least initially) augment USN carrier pilot training.

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships in port, no Jap TF (-2 from last report), 120 aircraft (all fighters), 16 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 109(92).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 97 aircraft (all fighters), 19 Jap LCU, oil production 149(152), refinery 97(4).

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Thu Jan 16, 2014 7:03 pm

Summary of Operations 11/22/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – airfield and port facilities fully operational, supply on hand 218K.

Summary of this game turn’s aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 13 A6M5 Zero (9 air-to-air, 1 on the ground, 3 ops)
• 2 A6M2-N Rufe (both air-to-air)
• 1 J2M2 Jack (on the ground)
• 16 B6N1 Jill (all air-to-air)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 1 P-38H Lightning (air-to-air)
• 1 B-25C Mitchell (ops)

Continued small night raids by USAAF bombers on Buna and Lae airfields. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s of Buna airfield strikes follow.

6 x 3rd BG/90th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
6 x 345th BG/499th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night

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Night Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Weather in hex: Partial cloud (14% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 8

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 3000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes

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Night Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 8

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead

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AAR’s of latest bombing strikes on Lae airfield follow.

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Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Weather in hex: Partial cloud (14% moonlight)

Raid detected at 66 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Mitchell II bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Detected status of Jap base at Buna (after bombing attack above) – airfield damage 97, 10 aircraft (all fighters), 1 Jap TF (7 ships, various barges and small ship types), 23 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae (after bombing attack above) – airfield damage 84, 3 aircraft (all fighters), 11 Jap LCU, 4 Jap TF (39 ships total, barges and small ship types).

Japanese air attacks on Port Moresby airfield changed from daylight raids to night, minor or no reported damage. Latest AAR’s follow.

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Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light cloud (14% moonlight)

Raid detected at 41 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 7

Allied aircraft
no flights

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

Allied aircraft losses
P-38H Lightning: 2 damaged

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

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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It appears Pillager has the KB sortied again and now approaching New Guinea from the north (Truk), possibly to launch air strikes on Port Moresby. The naval air strike below originated from one or multiple Jap TF(s) at sea at the location shown on the situation map below (this observed during the game turn combat replay). This observation plus the Japanese planes participating in the action below indicating the air strike was most likely launched from KB carriers. Main US Carrier Force is preparing to sortie with the intent of hitting KB as it is hitting Port Moresby – launching this strike will depend on how and where Pillager is moving the KB. AAR and situation map follow.

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Afternoon Air attack on TF, at Port Moresby 98,130

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 67 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 25
B6N1 Jill x 13

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 7
P-38H Lightning x 6
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 7
F4U-1 Corsair x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 5 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38H Lightning: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
PT TM-7
PT-32

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 3 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 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes

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Two Jap patrol subs detected in sea area S of Port Moresby, one sub intercepting a small Allied transport TF bound for Port Moresby. With the suspected presence of KB approaching New Guinea, the transport TF has aborted and is now returning to Australia. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Port Moresby at 96,134 (S of Port Moresby)

Japanese Ships
SS I-32

Allied Ships
TK Angelina, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)
AM Wallaroo
TK Talang Akar
TK Iris
TK Manvantara
xAKL Siaoe
PG Herald
PG Moresby

SS I-32 launches 2 torpedoes at TK Angelina
I-32 diving deep ....
PG Herald fails to find sub and abandons search
PG Moresby attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Thu Jan 16, 2014 7:08 pm

Summary of Operations 11/22/43 (continued)

South Pacific: Transport convoy WP-106 (31 transports, 3 DD, 5 YMS) arrives in New Zealand from the mainland US. Cargo aboard the convoy includes two LCU (43 Aviation Base Force, 611 Coast AA Rgt), 117K supply and 44K fuel. DD and YMS arriving with the convoys are remaining in South Pacific theatre for future assignment.

Arrival of a series of convoys at New Zealand ports in quick succession has created a backup at the two ports (Auckland and Wellington) handling convoy arrivals – all available dock space is occupied at both ports, many ships unloading cargo in harbor (undocked). WP transport convoys are dispatched from the US West Coast on (more or less) regular intervals - spacing usually but not always maintained during their long transit. Convoys now arriving in New Zealand were pushed out from the mainland US during the initial Allied landing operations in Port Moresby. On average, 8-10 WP/PW convoys are in transit between the mainland US and South Pacific area at any given time moving in either direction – this rate an almost continuous flow of movement since mid to late-1942.

Coastwatcher report entries for 11/21 follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tassafaronga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 2 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed 0, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 12, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 13, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 15, Moving East
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 23, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed 28, Moving Southwest

Sigint entry for 11/21 reports elements of Jap 46th Infantry Division are now located in Rabaul, this LCU transferred into Rabaul from the Japanese Home Islands. Previous reported location of 46 Division was at Osako/Kyoto on 9/06/43. There’s some possibility 46 Division is currently in the process of arriving at Rabaul.

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships in port, 3 Jap TF (+3 from last report), 119 aircraft (all fighters), 16 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 109(92).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe (after raid below) – 90 aircraft (all fighters), 19 Jap LCU, oil production 132(169), refinery 97(4).

Night raid by Allied bombers against oil production facilities in Magwe, some additional damage on oil production in Magwe. One RAF Wellington GR VIII destroyed (flak), no reported Japanese CAP fighter losses. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

5 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
5 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
5 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington B.X stray due to night
7 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Weather in hex: Partial cloud (14% moonlight)

Raid detected at 73 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 14

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 8
Liberator B.III x 12
Wellington GR.VIII x 7
Wellington B.X x 7
B-17E Fortress x 32

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Oil hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Liberator II bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x Liberator B.III bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x Wellington GR.VIII bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 250 lb GP Bomb
7 x Wellington B.X bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 5 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 66 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 14

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 3 damaged

Oil hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 23 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 11

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington Ic bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 13 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 10

Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.VIII x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington GR.VIII: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington GR.VIII bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 26 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9

Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington B.X bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 8

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 7

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Wellington Ic bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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johnjohn · Post by **johnjohn** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 11:19 am

Johnjohn (John) piping in. Historically the air-to-air loss ratio was 3-1 in favor of the allies in WWII. You are doing considerably better, not counting the mounting losses on the ground or from ops. In Korea, the ratio declined, thus leading to the development of TOP GUN and other fighter combat training (USAF had its school at Las Vegas, is still there) which led to a 13-1 success ratio in Korea. Of course, the advent of jet fighters had a lot to do with this too.

I evaluate my effectiveness on whether I am sustaining or exceeding the the 3-1 historic average. Thus far, I am. Mostly I am training up the pilots who enter around 50 EXP and move up to 70+ over time. The guys shooting in combat are all near or exceeding 70 with many well over 80. About one third of the over 80 crowd is in TRACOM. I replace them from time to time (essentially a swap out). As areas digress into less contested fronts, I am moving the top guns to training. John

PS-Most combat engaged squadrons have at least ten pilots who are aces. Nearly all have at least five active pilots of 80+ experience. Nearly 40 80+ pilots are in TRACOM, about 80 still in the squadrons.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 2:16 pm

Historically the air-to-air loss ratio was 3-1 in favor of the allies in WWII. You are doing considerably better, not counting the mounting losses on the ground or from ops.

One item I've factored into the air war "equation" is the increase in numbers of Japanese planes I expect to face in an AE campaign vs the historical numbers. What also has to be considered is a likely upgrade in Japanese plane quality in AE compared to historical. Both these factors a result of Japanese players' ability to control their industry - affecting the numbers and types of planes produced. Any good Japanese human player is going to make the best of the opportunity with whatever they have to work with. No pros or cons here, simply stating the literal fact.

That being said... An Allied player facing 20% more Japanese planes than historical numbers will probably have to destroy (at least) 20% more Japanese planes than historically to achieve an equivalent level of victory, this either in a single battle or over an entire campaign. Granted, a Japanese player can put only so many planes in front-line squadrons at a time, given an assumption the number and sizes of Japanese air squadrons in AE are the same as historical. The number of available Jap air squadrons does mitigate increased Japanese aircraft production to an extent, though it probably leaves the Japanese player with numerically larger replacement plane pools than his Allied counterpart, allowing him to replace plane losses in front-line squadrons at a faster rate assuming he has adequate numbers of replacement pilots to cover this. What I'm stating here may or may not be a totally accurate projection being somewhat less familiar with the Japanese side of the equation and I could be missing some other factor(s) relevant to this discussion.

For the Allied player, the task of winning an air war in AE can easily be a bit more daunting then historical. You're facing more and possibly better Japanese planes with the same (as historical) number and mix of Allied ones, plus a good probability of having to take down more Jap planes (compared to historical) to accomplish the same objective. It's a challenge but a certainly doable one. Adapting your forces, strategy and tactics to the situation.

Back to this campaign... While destroying Japanese planes on the ground addresses the "problem" of the numerical air superiority Pillager has had over Port Moresby and New Guinea, eliminating the airfields at Buna and Lae as operating bases was the actual solution. Another point to keep in mind is that (unlike air-to-air combat) destroying a Jap plane on the ground does not eliminate its pilot - it's "half a victory". Also true with most Jap planes destroyed as ops losses.

My longer term strategy in the air war is beginning to evolve based on experience at Port Moresby - the initial objective destruction of Pillager's Japanese LBA forces, leaving KB as the last remaining intact source of Japanese air power. Taking out KB at this stage of the campaign is completely optional. KB and its planes for now are a target of opportunity if and when the opportunity arises. At some point KB will be Pillager's last and best intact Japanese air force, possibly requiring him to employ KB in action at a place and time not of his choosing.

Mostly I am training up the pilots who enter around 50 EXP and move up to 70+ over time. The guys shooting in combat are all near or exceeding 70 with many well over 80. About one third of the over 80 crowd is in TRACOM. I replace them from time to time (essentially a swap out). As areas digress into less contested fronts, I am moving the top guns to training.

Current experience level of most pilots in my front-line squadrons is from the 50's up to about 65-70, a small but gradually increasing number over 70. All front-line pilots and pilots in the reserve pools awaiting assignment to front-line air squadrons are fully trained 70+ levels in multiple skill areas with a heavy emphasis on pilot training for specialized mission types. Bomber pilots (along with many front-line bomber squadrons) are specialized for either naval or ground attack missions - a given bomber squadron can be converted between ground and naval attack by swapping pilots and/or planes. Bombing specialization allowed me to create and employ an effective USAAF 2E skip bomber force, it has likely added to the effectiveness of Allied bombing raids on ground targets (especially airfields). I still have nearly all Allied air squadrons in rear-area bases on pilot training and project this trend to continue as long as rear-area squadrons exist. Pilot training as an industry. An Allied player in AE cannot produce more planes but the opportunity exists to produce more and better pilots.

I have not transferred pilots into TRACOM, though AE has moved a small number there. My current view of TRACOM is that it's an extension of the Reserve pilot pool, this view reinforced somewhat by what I've seen on this subject in the forums.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 2:24 pm

Summary of Operations 11/23/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – airfield size expanded to 6(6), supply on hand 216K.

Summary of this game turn’s aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 1 N1K1-J George (air-to-air)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 2 B-24D1 Liberator (both air-to-air)
• 1 B-25C Mitchell (ops)

No spotting or any visible/detected activity from the KB contact reported last game turn. A number of US patrol subs are operating in sea areas near this contact – no reported interaction between any of these subs and Japanese ships or aircraft. The general alert for KB activity in the New Guinea area and NE Australia remains in effect for the moment. The US Main Carrier force has sortied and expected to shortly reach position to engage KB if a favorable attack opportunity presents itself.

Jap patrol sub visible on game map at hex location 94, 133 E of Portland Roads, no other reported Jap naval or submarine activity near New Guinea.

Small night raids by USAAF bombers on Buna and Lae airfields continue. Combat Events report entry and AAR of Buna airfield strike follow.

5 x 345th BG/499th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Weather in hex: Heavy rain (7% moonlight)

Raid detected at 22 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 8

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 3 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 3000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes

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

AAR’s of latest bombing strikes on Lae airfield follow.

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Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Weather in hex: Heavy rain (7% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 79 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 1

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/B with J2M2 Jack (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes

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Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Raid detected at 42 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 1

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/B with J2M2 Jack (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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

Detected status of Jap base at Buna (after bombing attack above) – airfield damage 83, 30 aircraft (all fighters), 1 Jap TF (8 ships, various barges and small ship types), 23 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae (after bombing attack above) – airfield damage 79, 7 aircraft (4 fighters), 11 Jap LCU, 4 Jap TF (38 ships total, barges and small ship types).

Daylight ground attack air strike launched by USAAF 4E bombers on known Japanese ground forces in Buna. The raid provided a significant amount of additional intelligence data on Jap LCU’s located in Buna. AAR follows.

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Morning Air attack on 47th Division, at 99,129 (Buna)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 70 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
N1K1-J George x 1
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 84
B-24J Liberator x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
49 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (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
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
265 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (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 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
63rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
73rd 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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes

Also attacking 64th Division ... (divisional LCU formed from Jap 70 Infantry & 12 Independent Mixed Brigades, both transferred from China)
Also attacking 13th Division ... (unit already known to be in Buna)
Also attacking 1st Guards Division ... (previously reported at Rabaul)
Also attacking 7th Base Force ... (from Port Moresby)
Also attacking 46th Division ... (previously reported at Rabaul, parts of this division may still be in Rabaul)
Also attacking 8th Base Force ... (from Port Moresby)
Also attacking Maizuru 1st SNLF ... (from Port Moresby)
Also attacking 47th Division ... (from Port Moresby)
Also attacking 64th Division ...
Also attacking 13th Division ...
Also attacking 1st Guards Division ...
Also attacking 7th Base Force ...
Also attacking 46th Division ...
Also attacking 8th Base Force ...
Also attacking 47th Division ...
Also attacking 64th Division ...
Also attacking 13th Division ...
Also attacking 1st Guards Division ...
Also attacking 7th Base Force ...
Also attacking 46th Division ...

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10 additional Japanese LCU are already known to be located in Buna – these include 37th Infantry Division, 19 Naval Gd, 8 Independent SNLF Co, 3 Cavalry Brigade (from Port Moresby), 55 Field AA Bn, 14 & 17 Naval Construction Bns, 69 JAAF AF Bn, 32 Special Base Force (IJN), 20 JNAF AF Unit.

Current detected status indicates up to 5 unidentified Jap LCU’s may also be in Buna, these in addition to the units listed above.

Continued Jap night air attacks on Port Moresby airfield, minor or no damage reported. Latest AAR’s follow.

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Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Overcast (7% moonlight)

Raid detected at 23 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 15

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 5 damaged

Airbase hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 109 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 3

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 17 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 4

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 2:27 pm

Summary of Operations 11/23/43 (continued)

South Pacific: Coastwatcher report entries for 11/22 follow.

Coastwatcher Report: xAK Shirashika Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed 31, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 3, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 6, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 4, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 5, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown

DEI: US patrol sub in action with Jap surface ASW off southern exit from Sunda Strait (between Java & Sumatra). AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Oosthaven at 46,97 (S of Oosthaven)

Japanese Ships
PB Shoei Maru

Allied Ships
SS Peto

SS Peto is sighted by escort
Peto diving deep ....
PB Shoei Maru attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Oosthaven at 46,97

Japanese Ships
PB Shoei Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Peto

SS Peto launches 2 torpedoes
Peto diving deep ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships in port, 4 Jap TF (+1 from last report), 124 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s (-2 from last report), light industry 9(32), refinery 109(92).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe (after raid below) – 104 aircraft (all fighters), 21 Jap LCU (+2 from last report), oil production 132(169), refinery 97(4).

Night raid by RAF bombers against Magwe airfield. No reported damage to Magwe airfield, one Ki-61 Tony reported destroyed on the ground. One RAF Blenheim destroyed (ops). Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

7 x No.45 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.110 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
4 x No.45 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.110 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.45 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Weather in hex: Overcast (7% moonlight)

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 10

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 3 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 35200, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 35000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 35200, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 14 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 35200, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 46 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-Ic Tony: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 35200
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 35200
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 35200
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 35200
Raid is overhead

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

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 1:18 am

Summary of Operations 11/24/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – no airfield damage, supply on hand 214K.

Summary of this game turn’s aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 8 A6M2 Zero (4 air-to-air, 2 on the ground, 2 ops)
• 6 A6M3a Zero (2 air-to-air, 4 ops)
• 6 A6M2-N Rufe (all on the ground)
• 5 N1K1-J George (4 on the ground, 1 ops)
• 1 J2M2 Jack (on the ground)
• 5 Ki-43 Oscar (2 air-to-air, 2 on the ground, 1 ops)
• 11 Ki-44 Tojo (8 air-to-air, 1 on the ground, 2 ops)
• 5 Ki-61 Tony (all on the ground)
• 3 G3M2 Nell (2 flak, 1 ops)
• 1 G4M1 Betty (ops)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 8 P-38H Lightning (4 air-to-air, 2 on the ground, 2 ops)
• 3 P-38F Lightning (all air-to-air)
• 1 P-38G Lightning (air-to-air)
• 2 P-47D2 Thunderbolt (1 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 3 F4U-1 Corsair (1 air-to-air, 2 ops)
• 2 B-24D Liberator (both air-to-air)
• 1 B-24J Liberator (air-to-air)
• 10 B-25C Mitchell (9 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 2 Mitchell II (both air-to-air)
• 1 Catalina I (air-to-air)

Two Japanese patrol subs visible on game map operating in sea area between New Guinea and NE Australia. One Jap sub is at hex location 98, 132 south of Port Moresby, a Catalina on naval air search reporting an oil slick in this hex. The second Jap submarine is off Portland Roads.

Small night raid on Lae airfield by RAAF bombers. Combat Events report entry and AAR follow.

4 x No.18 Sqn RAAF B-25C Mitchell stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Weather in hex: Heavy rain (3% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3
J2M2 Jack x 2

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 6

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/B with J2M2 Jack (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
958 Ku T-8 with E13A1 Jake (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 28640, scrambling fighters to 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes

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

Daylight airfield bombing raid on Lae by USAAF 2E bombers. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 49 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M3a Zero x 4
A6M5 Zero x 2
N1K1-J George x 1
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 7
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 1

Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 12
B-25C Mitchell x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 1 damaged
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 2 destroyed on ground
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
Mitchell II: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Airbase hits 7
Runway hits 23

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Mitchell II bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
3rd Ku S-1/B with N1K1-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Tainan Ku S-1/C with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
6th Ku S-1/B with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
78th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
248th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Raid detected at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
A6M3a Zero x 4
A6M5 Zero x 2
N1K1-J George x 1
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 7
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 1

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 9
P-38G Lightning x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 damaged
N1K1-J George: 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 1 damaged
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 3 destroyed
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed

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

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 12080.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
3rd Ku S-1/B with N1K1-J George (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 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Tainan Ku S-1/C with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
6th Ku S-1/B with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
78th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
248th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
A6M3a Zero x 1
A6M5 Zero x 1
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 1
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
6th Ku S-1/B with A6M5 Zero (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 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
78th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (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 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
252 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes

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

USAAF 4E bombers hit Buna airfield in daylight air strike. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
N1K1-J George x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 11

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 36
B-24J Liberator x 39

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 8 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
N1K1-J George: 4 damaged
N1K1-J George: 3 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground
A6M2-N Rufe: 3 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Airbase hits 26
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 62

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/A with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
6th Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
265 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
63rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 9000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
73rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes

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

Detected status of Jap base at Buna (after bombing attack above) – airfield damage 67, 47 aircraft (all fighters), 2 Jap TF. 23 Jap LCU. The second Jap TF detected in Buna includes 9 ships (7 reported as CA) – this possibly a “Tokyo Express” task force.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae (after bombing attacks above) – airfield damage 87, 8 aircraft (2 fighters), 11 Jap LCU, 4 Jap TF (36 ships total, barges and small ship types).

Continued Jap night air attacks on Port Moresby airfield, no significant damage to airfield facilities, a small number of Allied planes damaged or destroyed. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Clear sky (3% moonlight)

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-38H Lightning: 1 damaged
P-38H Lightning: 1 destroyed on ground
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 damaged
G3M2 Nell: 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 24 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 5

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 6

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38F Lightning: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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

Japanese daylight raids over Port Moresby. Jap fighters participating in the actions below originated from Buna and Lae, indicating these airfields will have to be bombed continuously to keep them out of operation. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 12

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 22
P-38H Lightning x 19
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 24
F4U-1 Corsair x 14

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 8 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 17000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 13 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 14 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 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 33 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 11 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 19000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 11

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 21
P-38H Lightning x 18
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 23
F4U-1 Corsair x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38F Lightning: 1 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 4 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 11000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 21730.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (4 airborne, 3 on standby, 14 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 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 32 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 4 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 17000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 138 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
A6M3a Zero x 10
N1K1-J George x 10
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 17

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 19
P-38H Lightning x 18
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 23
F4U-1 Corsair x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38F Lightning: 1 destroyed
P-38H Lightning: 3 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet
1 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet
5 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 20000 feet
2 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 21000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 14 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 17000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 49 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 2

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 14
P-38H Lightning x 9
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 20
F4U-1 Corsair x 9

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 22000 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 17000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 22000 and 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 95 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 3
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 4

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 13
P-38H Lightning x 9
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 18
F4U-1 Corsair x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 21000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 18000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes

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

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 1:21 am

Summary of Operations 11/24/43 (continued)

Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub (SS Plunger) hit in attack by Ki-51 air patrol SW of Nagoya (hex location 110, 62). Reported damage to SS Plunger is system 30, float 8, engine 4, sub returning to base at 17 kts. Heavy Jap air patrol activity reported by other US patrol subs off the Japanese Home Islands – most planes in these contacts identified as Ki-49 Helens.

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 11/23 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tabiteuea. Detected status of Tabiteuea shows unidentified Jap planes based there also ship(s) in port, airfield size 3(1), port size 4(3). No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed in Tabiteuea.

South Pacific: Convoy WP-103 (1 APA, 10 LST) arriving in New Zealand from Panama with 20K supply cargo – ships are incoming reinforcements sent directly from Balboa. All ships in WP-103 are remaining in South Pacific theatre for future assignment.

Transport convoy WP-110 (27 ships) arriving in New Zealand from the mainland US. Cargo aboard the convoy includes 133K supply and 25K fuel, no air units or LCU.

Coastwatcher report entries for 11/23 follow.

Coastwatcher Report: PB Kenan Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 33, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 4, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 113,137 near Tassafaronga, Speed 8, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 12, Moving West
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed 5, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 103,124 near Talasea, Speed 3, Moving West

Australia: Transport convoy EX-50 (20 transports. 2 xAP) arrives in Australia from Eastern US. Cargo aboard the convoy includes two LCU (158 USA Base Force, 45 Aviation Base Force), four air units (one USN night fighter, one USMC dive bomber, one USAAF 2E bomber, one small Dutch patrol), 63K supply and 200 fuel. xAP arriving with EX-50 will remain in Australia for use in SW/South Pacific theatre operations.

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships in port, no Jap TF (-4 from last report), 84 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s (-2 from last report), light industry 9(32), refinery 109(92). A total of 4 Jap LCU have departed Rangoon in the last two game turns.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 104 aircraft (all fighters), 23 Jap LCU (+2 from last report), oil production 132(169), refinery 97(4). Number of Jap LCU in Magwe has increased by 4 in the last two game turns.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Wed Jan 22, 2014 12:59 pm

Summary of Operations 11/25/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – no airfield damage, supply on hand 212K.

Summary of this game turn’s aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 2 Ki-44 Tojo (both ops)

Allied planes reported destroyed – no planes lost

Except for Allied and Japanese night airfield bombing raids, no major air engagements over New Guinea this game turn.

Small night raid on Lae airfield. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

6 x No.18 Sqn RAAF B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
8 x 3rd BG/90th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
6 x 345th BG/498th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Weather in hex: Moderate rain (no moonlight)

Raid detected at 43 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3
J2M2 Jack x 1

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 8

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
958 Ku T-8 with E13A1 Jake (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 28640, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
Tainan Ku S-1/B with J2M2 Jack (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 37000, scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3
J2M2 Jack x 1

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 6

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
958 Ku T-8 with E13A1 Jake (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 28640
Raid is overhead
Tainan Ku S-1/B with J2M2 Jack (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 37000
Raid is overhead

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

Detected status of Jap base at Buna – airfield damage 67, 56 aircraft (all fighters), 2 Jap TF. 23 Jap LCU. The second Jap TF detected in Buna includes 9 ships (7 reported as CA) – this possibly a “Tokyo Express” task force.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae (after bombing attacks above) – airfield damage 87, 9 aircraft (3 fighters), 11 Jap LCU, no Jap TF.

Continued Jap night air attacks on Port Moresby airfield, no significant damage to airfield facilities, a small number of Allied planes damaged or destroyed. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Moderate rain (no moonlight)

Raid detected at 109 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 2

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 47 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Wed Jan 22, 2014 1:00 pm

Summary of Operations 11/25/43 (continued)

Formosa: US patrol sub (SS Drum) attacked and damaged by Ki-49 Helen air patrol E of Formosa (hex location 87, 67). Reported damage to SS Drum is system 27, float 5, engine 2, sub returning to base at 18 kts.

South Pacific: Sigint entry for 11/24 reports transfer of a Jap flak LCU (11 Air Defense AA Bn) to Munda from the Japanese Home Islands.

Coastwatcher report entries for 11/24 follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 8, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga , Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 10, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 12, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 13, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 4, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 100,125 near Umboi Island , Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed 4, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 7, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 107,124 near Rabaul, Speed 11, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,123 near Kavieng, Speed 11, Moving Northwest

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships in port, 4 Jap TF (+4 from last report), 77 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 109(92)..

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 110 aircraft (all fighters), 23 Jap LCU, oil production 133(168), refinery 97(4).

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Thu Jan 23, 2014 11:55 am

Summary of Operations 11/26/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – no airfield damage, supply on hand 211K.

Summary of this game turn’s aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 1 Ki-43 Oscar (air-to-air)
• 7 Ki-44 Tojo (1 air-to-air, 6 on the ground)
• 6 N1K1-J George (all on the ground)
• 5 A6M2 Zero (1 air-to-air, 4 on the ground)
• 2 A6M2-N Rufe (both on the ground)
• 1 A6M3a Zero (air-to-air)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 2 B-24D1 Liberator (both air-to-air)

USAAF 4E bombers hit Buna airfield in a daylight raid. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M3a Zero x 3
N1K1-J George x 3
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 1
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 26

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 60
B-24J Liberator x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed on ground
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 3 damaged
N1K1-J George: 4 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed on ground
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged

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

Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 30

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
78th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
70th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
73rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
Tainan Ku S-1/A with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
6th Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
265 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
63rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes

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

Detected status of Jap base at Buna (after bombing raid above) – airfield damage 64, 44 aircraft (all fighters), 1 Jap TF (8 ships, all barges and small ship types), 23 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae – airfield damage 99, 33 aircraft (29 fighters), 11 Jap LCU, 3 Jap TF (18 ships total, all barges and small ship types).

No reported Japanese air activity (other than recon) over Port Moresby this game turn.

Several reported contacts between US patrol subs and Japanese naval/transport ships in the Solomon Sea area between Rabaul and New Guinea – all night actions. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Woodlark Island at 107,134 (W of Shortlands)

Japanese Ships
xAK Nasusan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Tambor

SS Tambor attacking on the surface

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Gasmata at 103,128 (adjacent hex SW of Gasmata)

Japanese Ships
DD Shikinami
CA Kako
CA Furutaka
CA Ashigara
CA Haguro
CA Myoko
DD Ikazuchi
DD Yamakaze
DD Yudachi
DD Arashio
DD Yuzuki
DD Nagatsuki
DD Asagiri

Allied Ships
SS Shark

SS Shark launches 2 torpedoes at DD Shikinami
DD Yuzuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Nagatsuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Asagiri attacking submerged sub ....
DD Shikinami fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Yuzuki attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Arawe at 101,127 (adjacent hex SW of Arawe)

Japanese Ships (same TF as previous AAR, moving on W heading, probable “Tokyo Express” enroute to Lae)
CA Kako
CA Furutaka
CA Ashigara
CA Haguro
CA Myoko
DD Shirayuki
DD Ariake
DD Yamakaze
DD Arashio
DD Yuzuki
DD Nagatsuki
DD Asagiri
DD Shikinami

Allied Ships
SS Tuna

SS Tuna is sighted by escort
DD Yuzuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Nagatsuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Asagiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Shikinami fails to find sub and abandons search
Escort abandons search for sub

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

No visible or reported Japanese patrol sub activity in sea areas between Port Moresby and NE Australia.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Thu Jan 23, 2014 11:58 am

Summary of Operations 11/26/43 (continued)

Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub intercepts Japanese transport convoy in a night action S of Tokyo. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Aogashima at 114,67 (E of Aogashima)

Japanese Ships
E Hoko
xAK Zinzan Maru
xAK Hakonesan Maru
xAK Nanman Maru
xAKL Anbo Maru
xAKL Kamishima Maru
xAKL Buyo Maru

Allied Ships
SS Plunger, hits 1 (system damage 32, float 9, engine 4, returning to base at 17 kts)

SS Plunger launches 2 torpedoes at E Hoko
E Hoko attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 11/25 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Maleolap. Detected status of Maleolap shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.

South Pacific: Coastwatcher report entries for 11/25 follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tassafaronga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,123 near Kavieng, Speed 7, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 103,127 near Gasmata, Speed 22, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Namatanai
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 4, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 105,127 near Rabaul, Speed 18, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 18, Moving Northwes

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships in port, 3 Jap TF (-1 from last report), 95 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 109(92)..

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe (after raid below) – 110 aircraft (all fighters), 23 Jap LCU, oil production 134(167), refinery 97(4).

RAF 2E bombers hit Magwe airfield in a night raid. No reported damage to Magwe airfield facilities, one Ki-44 Tojo destroyed on the ground, no Allied bombers lost. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

5 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
5 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington B.X stray due to night
7 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington B.X stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Weather in hex: Light cloud (no moonlight)

Raid spotted at 74 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 17

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Wellington Ic bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 35200, scrambling fighters to 35000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 64 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 17

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington Ic bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (17 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
17 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 35200
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 17

Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington B.X: 1 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Wellington B.X bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (17 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
17 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 35200
Raid is overhead

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

Manchuria: Sigint entry for 11/25 reports Jap 40th Infantry Division now located at Yenki in border area near Vladivostok. A small number of Sigint report entries have indicated Pillager was possibly transferring some LCU from the China Army northward toward Manchuria or the Russian frontier, also a few instances of Jap LCU being prepped for objectives in the USSR. 40 Division had participated in the Chungking battles. My current estimate does not anticipate Pillager launching a Japanese ground attack on the USSR. Intelligence data from Sigint and other sources indicate most of Pillager's Jap LCU transfers from the China Army are bound for or already located in the Pacific theatres - a small number of units from China also moved southward to Burma.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 12:31 pm

Summary of Operations 11/27/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – no airfield damage, supply on hand 209K.

Summary of this game turn’s aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 48 Ki-44 Tojo (37 air-to-air, 11 ops)
• 28 A6M2 Zero (20 air-to-air, 8 ops)
• 2 A6M3a Zero (both air-to-air)
• 1 A6M5b Zero (air-to-air)
• 2 G4M1 Betty (both ops)
• 1 G3M2 Nell (ops)
• 1 E14Y1 Glen (air-to-air)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 6 B-24D Liberator (4 air-to-air, 2 ops)
• 1 B-24J Liberator (ops)
• 3 F4U-1 Corsair (2 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 3 P-47D2 Thunderbolt (2 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 2 PBY-5A Catalina (both ops)
• 1 F-10 Mitchell (ops)

Japanese bombers resume night raids on Port Moresby airfield, no reported damage to airfield facilities or interruption of construction airfield to expand airfield size. A USAAF fighter squadron in Port Moresby (25 P-40N1) is detailed to flying night CAP. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms (3% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 118 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 35 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 5

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 15

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 3 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft (some bombers from this raid aborted before air-to-air combat)
G3M2 Nell x 18

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 3 damaged

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (15 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
15 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 26 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 4

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (15 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
15 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 4

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 6

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 7

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-43-IIb Oscar bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 5

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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

Jap fighters launch daylight sweeps and raids over Port Moresby. Altitude settings for Allied CAP fighters in Port Moresby are giving some benefit of an altitude advantage to Jap fighter sweeps (at least for the moment). My current practice for CAP altitude settings give priority to intercepting bombers. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 24 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 28

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 75
F4U-1 Corsair x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 7 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 9 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 15 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 15 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 15 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 134 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 44 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 44
A6M3a Zero x 6
A6M5b Zero x 10

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 65
F4U-1 Corsair x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 9 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M5b Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet
6 x A6M5b Zero sweeping at 20000 feet
2 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 16000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 62 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 21920.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 63 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 16000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 137 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 37 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 45

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 51
F4U-1 Corsair x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 8 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet
8 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 11 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 16000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 19840 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
10 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 56 minutes
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 11000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes

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

USAAF 4E bomber raid on Buna targets Jap ground forces – 23 detected LCU (18 identified) a lucrative and eventually required target. 4E bomber squadrons attached to SW Pacific theatre are now split into two “waves”, each alternating attack missions on separate targets. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 13th Division, at 99,129 (Buna)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
A6M3a Zero x 3
N1K1-J George x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 29

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 27
B-24J Liberator x 38

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 4 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/A with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
6th Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
265 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
63rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
70th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
73rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
248th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes

Also attacking 47th Division ...
Also attacking 64th Division ...
Also attacking 1st Guards Division ...
Also attacking 3rd Cavalry Brigade ...
Also attacking 46th Division ...
Also attacking 83rd Naval Guard Unit ...
Also attacking 13th Division ...
Also attacking 47th Division ...
Also attacking 1st Guards Division ...
Also attacking 3rd Cavalry Brigade ...
Also attacking 13th Division ...
Also attacking 47th Division ...
Also attacking 1st Guards Division ...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 64th Division, at 99,129 (Buna)

Raid detected at 69 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
A6M3a Zero x 2
N1K1-J George x 1
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 22

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/A with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
6th Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
265 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
63rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
70th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
73rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
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 27 minutes
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 128 minutes
248th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes

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

Detected status of Jap base at Buna (after bombing raid above) – airfield damage 84, 49 aircraft (all fighters), 1 Jap TF (8 ships, all barges and small ship types), 23 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae – airfield damage 70, 29 aircraft (21 fighters), 11 Jap LCU, 2 Jap TF (18 ships total, all barges and small ship types).

One detected Japanese patrol sub visible on the game map ENE of Cooktown (hex location 95, 136) reported moving on W heading.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 12:34 pm

Summary of Operations 11/27/43 (continued)

Formosa: US patrol sub operating in northern entrance to sea passage between Formosa and mainland China reports contact with Japanese surface ASW. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Taihoku at 87,61 (NW of Taihoku)

Japanese Ships (part of a surface ASW TF including two additional ships)
E Chidori

Allied Ships
SS Shad

SS Shad is located by E Chidori
E Chidori fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 11/26 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Truk. Detected status of Truk shows (as expected) unidentified Jap planes based there, also ship(s) in port. No other visible Japanese forces or activity.

South Pacific: Coastwatcher report entries for 11/26 follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed 4, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 2, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 9, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,125 near Lae, Speed 5, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 29, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Namba Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed 4, Moving West

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships in port, 3 Jap TF, 80 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 109(92)..

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 107 aircraft (all fighters), 23 Jap LCU, oil production 135(166), refinery 97(4).

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sat Jan 25, 2014 12:48 pm

Summary of Operations 11/28/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – airfield size now 7, supply on hand 208K. Reduction of Japanese air strikes on Port Moresby base has significantly lowered supply point consumption at Port Moresby – this even factoring in construction activity to expand airfield facilities.

Summary of this game turn’s aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 4 Ki-43 Oscar (2 air-to-air, 1 flak, 1 ops)
• 4 Ki-44 Tojo (3 on the ground, 1 ops)
• 2 N1K1-J George (both on the ground)
• 2 J2M2 Jack (both on the ground)
• 1 A6M5 Zero (on the ground)
• 2 G4M1 Betty (both air-to-air)
• 1 E13A1 Jake (on the ground)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 12 B-25C Mitchell (all air-to-air)
• 9 Mitchell II (all air-to-air)
• 3 P-38G Lightning (2 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 2 Catalina I (both air-to-air)

Night Jap bombing raids on Port Moresby airfield. No reported damage to airfield facilities, several Jap bombers shot down by US night fighter CAP. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Overcast (3% moonlight)

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 7

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (4 airborne, 9 on standby, 3 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 9000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 54 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 10

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (15 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
15 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 6

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (15 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
15 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 6

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-43-IIb Oscar bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (15 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
15 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 7

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 2 damaged

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (15 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
15 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 5

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Ki-43-IIb Oscar bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (15 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
15 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Allied 2E bombers hit Lae airfield in a fragmented daylight strike. One group of bombers attacked Lae without fighter escort, Japanese CAP fighters claiming heavy losses on Allied bombers in this wave (first AAR below) – this a large portion of this game turn’s Allied plane losses listed above. AAR’s follow.

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Afternoon Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 52 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 4
A6M5 Zero x 2
J2M2 Jack x 3
N1K1-J George x 2
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 51

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 9
Mitchell II x 9
B-25C Mitchell x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 3 destroyed
Mitchell II: 6 destroyed
B-25C Mitchell: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
73rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
Tainan Ku S-1/B with J2M2 Jack (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
3rd Ku S-1/B with N1K1-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters to 41010.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
6th Ku S-1/B with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
78th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
70th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 13 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
248th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 17 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes

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Afternoon Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 1
A6M5 Zero x 1
J2M2 Jack x 3
N1K1-J George x 2
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 1
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 37

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 36
P-38G Lightning x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 damaged
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
J2M2 Jack: 1 damaged
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed on ground
N1K1-J George: 2 damaged
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 10 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed on ground
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 32

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/B with J2M2 Jack (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
3rd Ku S-1/B with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
6th Ku S-1/B with A6M5 Zero (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 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
248th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 36740.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
19 planes vectored on to bombers
78th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (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 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (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 10000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
70th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers

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Small night raid on Buna airfield by USAAF 2E bombers. Combat Events report entry and AAR follows.

6 x 345th BG/501st BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night

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Night Air attack on Buna , at 99,129

Weather in hex: Light rain (3% moonlight)

Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 5

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 6

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 32810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes

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Detected status of Jap base at Buna (after air strike above) – airfield damage 84, 74 aircraft (all fighters), 1 Jap TF (8 ships, all barges and small ship types), 23 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae (after air strikes above) – airfield damage 26, 61 aircraft (52 fighters), 11 Jap LCU, 5 Jap TF (39 ships total, all barges and small ship types).

Detected status of Jap base at Rabaul from Allied air recon – 146 aircraft (36 fighters, 20 bombers), 19 Jap LCU, 3 Jap TF port size 5(4), airfield size 6(6). Eight of the 19 Jap LCU in Rabaul are identified – HQ 8th Fleet, 13 Independent Mixed Rgt, Yokosuka 5 SNLF, 5 & 10 Shipping Engineer Rgts, 50 Field AA Bn, 22 & 28 Field AA Machine Cannon Cos. I'm estimating unidentified LCU in Rabaul not listed above represent a more significant part of the Japanese combat and support LCU forces located in Rabaul.

One detected Japanese patrol sub visible on the game map ENE of Cooktown (hex location 95, 136) – this sub appears to be stationary.

Actions between US patrol subs and Jap surface naval forces near Gasmata. AAR’s follow.

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ASW attack near Gasmata at 103,128 (adjacent hex SW of Gasmata)

Japanese Ships
CA Kako
CA Furutaka
CA Ashigara
CA Haguro
CA Myoko
DD Ikazuchi
DD Yamakaze
DD Yudachi
DD Yuzuki
DD Nagatsuki
DD Asagiri
DD Shikinami

Allied Ships
SS Shark, hits 2 (system damage 8, float 5, returning to base at 18 kts)

SS Shark is sighted by escort
Shark diving deep ....
DD Yuzuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Nagatsuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Asagiri attacking submerged sub ....
DD Shikinami fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Asagiri attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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ASW attack near Gasmata at 102,128 (SW of Gasmata)

Japanese Ships
DD Makigumo
DD Inazuma

Allied Ships
SS Haddo

SS Haddo launches 2 torpedoes at DD Makigumo
Haddo diving deep ....
DD Inazuma fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sat Jan 25, 2014 12:51 pm

Summary of Operations 11/28/43 (continued)

Formosa: Japanese surface ASW keeps contact with US patrol sub in the northern entrance to sea passage between Formosa and mainland China reports. Latest AAR follows.

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ASW attack near Taihoku at 87,62 (NW of Taihoku)

Japanese Ships
E Chidori

Allied Ships
SS Shad, hits 2 (no damage)

SS Shad is sighted by escort
Shad diving deep ....
E Chidori attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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Japanese Home Islands: Japanese air patrols remain active in sea areas off Home Islands. US patrol sub (SS Pollack) hit in multiple attacks by Jap air patrols (Ki-49 Helen, D3A Val) southwest of Kyushu (hex location 99, 61). Reported damage to SS Pollack – system 27, float 9, engine 5, returning to base at 16 kts.

Central Pacific: A second day of intercepted Jap radio transmissions (heavy volume) from Truk reported in a 11/27 Sigint entry. Detected status of Truk shows no change from last game turn. This situation a possible indicator Pillager could be issuing a significant number of Japanese orders at Truk – either related to the base itself or orders being issued to Japanese forces (air, naval and/or ground) located in Truk.

South Pacific: Coastwatcher report entries for 11/27 follow.

Coastwatcher Report: xAK Kinryu Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tassafaronga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed 2, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 31, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tassafaronga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 2, Moving West

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships in port, 3 Jap TF, 82 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 109(92)..

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 106 aircraft (all fighters), 23 Jap LCU, oil production 136(165), refinery 97(4).

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Mon Jan 27, 2014 2:04 pm

Summary of Operations 11/29/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – supply on hand 207K.

Summary of this game turn’s aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 2 P1Y1 Frances (both ops)
• 4 Ki-49 Helen (1 flak, 1 ops)
• 1 G4M1 Betty (ops)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 7 B-25C Mitchell (all on the ground)

Pillager launches Jap bombing raid on Portland Roads airfield. Current status of Portland Roads has runway damage 54, airfield service damage 18. Japanese bombers in these raids believed to originate from size 6(6) airfield at Hansa Bay – Pillager was previously using this airfield to launch air strikes on Port Moresby. AAR’s follow.

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Morning Air attack on Portland Roads, at 91,132

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 22 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 9

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

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Morning Air attack on Portland Roads, at 91,132

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 33
P1Y1 Frances x 13

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 damaged
P1Y1 Frances: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Mitchell II: 5 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 3 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed on ground
PBY-5 Catalina: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 27 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed on ground
P-38G Lightning: 17 damaged

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

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 35

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x P1Y1 Frances bombing from 1000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 1000 feet
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
24 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 1000 feet
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Portland Roads, at 91,132

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 19 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 7 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed on ground
B-25C Mitchell: 6 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 7
Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 1000 feet
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Portland Roads, at 91,132

Raid detected at 158 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 47 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 1

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

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Morning Air attack on Portland Roads, at 91,132

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 22

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 2 damaged
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
Mitchell II: 2 damaged
Mitchell II: 1 destroyed on ground
B-25C Mitchell: 21 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed on ground
B-25C Mitchell: 8 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 17

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 1000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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Detected status of Jap base at Buna – airfield damage 87, 70 aircraft (all fighters), 1 Jap TF (5 ships, all barges and small ship types), 23 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae – airfield damage 37, 45 aircraft (38 fighters), 11 Jap LCU, 3Jap TF (25 ships total, all barges and small ship types).

Detected status of Jap base at Rabaul from Allied air recon – 169 aircraft (49 fighters, 18 bombers), 19 Jap LCU, 4 Jap TF (+1 from last report)

Several actions between US light surface ASW and Jap patrol subs south of Port Moresby. AAR’s follow.

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ASW attack near Cooktown at 97,136 (night action E of Cooktown)

Japanese Ships
SS I-33, hits 3

Allied Ships
SC-743
SC-739

SS I-33 is located by SC-743
I-33 diving deep ....
SC-743 attacking submerged sub ....
SC-743 is out of ASW ammo
SC-743 is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub

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Sub attack near Cooktown at 97,136 (daylight action)

Japanese Ships
SS I-155, hits 4 (oil slick reported during AAR replay of this action)

Allied Ships
SC-740

Captain of SS I-155 elects not to launch torpedoes at this target
SC-740 attacking submerged sub ....
SC-740 is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub

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Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Pillager) Allies only

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)