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

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sun Feb 16, 2014 9:58 pm

Summary of Operations 12/09/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – supply on hand 224K. Airfield is due to reach size 8 during the coming game turn (now at 97%).

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

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 1 Ki-44 Tojo (on the ground)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 14 SBD-3 Dauntless (all air-to-air)

No reported Japanese bombing attacks or fighter sweeps in the New Guinea area. It’s likely Pillager may be using this break in action to recover Jap air units in the theatre. I’m also taking advantage of the break to do the same as much as possible while maintaining some amount of pressure against Japanese air power (and airfields) in the New Guinea area, particularly Buna and Lae. I’ve pulled some Allied air units (i.e. 2E skip bombers) temporarily out of front-line operations – mainly to shift available airfield capacity space for higher priority air missions, combat losses and fatigue in these air units not an issue.

USAAF bombers continue night air strikes against Buna and Lae airfields. Combat Events report entries and latest AAR’s follow.

8 x No.119 Sqn RAAF Mitchell II stray due to night
3 x 3rd BG/90th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
4 x 38th BG/405th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
4 x 345th BG/499th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
6 x 345th BG/501st BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night

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

Weather in hex: Light rain (96% moonlight)

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6
B-24J Liberator x 6

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1

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

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

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

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000
Raid is overhead

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 6

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000
Raid is overhead

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

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms (96% moonlight)

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1 Rex x 4

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 13
B-25C Mitchell x 22

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

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 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
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
902 Ku S-1 with N1K1 Rex (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000, scrambling fighters to 32000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes

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

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1 Rex x 4

Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 8

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

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

CAP engaged:
902 Ku S-1 with N1K1 Rex (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes

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

Raid detected at 46 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1 Rex x 4

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:
902 Ku S-1 with N1K1 Rex (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 56 minutes

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

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1 Rex x 3

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:
902 Ku S-1 with N1K1 Rex (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes

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

Detected status of Jap base at Lae (after raid above) – airfield damage 83, 46 aircraft (all fighters), 11 Jap LCU, 4 Jap TF (30 ships total, all barges and small ship types).

Detected status of Jap base at Salamaua – no visible Jap LCU or air units, one Jap TF (1 unidentified ship). Available intelligence data does have four identified Jap LCU located in Salamaua including 2 JNAF AF Unit, 7 Independent SNLF Co, 205 & 207 JAAF Bns. Based on AAR from the last several game turns, I’m suspecting Pillager could be operating a modest number of Japanese fighter planes from Salamaua on daylight CAP missions over Lae, Buna and Salamaua. The quantity of air support elements with Jap LCU identified in Salamaua somewhat overrides the fact the base has only a size 2 airfield.

Detected status of Jap base at Rabaul is showing one Jap TF with 9 ships (includes 4 BB, 2 DD), no information on LCU or aircraft in Rabaul. Given I have absolutely no information as to location or activity of heavy Japanese surface naval forces, it’s not entirely out of the question Pillager could have at least parts of the Jap battleship force in place at Rabaul.

A disastrous ground bombing strike on Salamaua by US Marine dive bombers. The raid did produce two results – (1) information indicating 207 JAAF AF Bn is now located in Salamaua and (2) confirmation that Pillager is probably operating LBA fighter aircraft from Salamaua on daylight CAP missions. 207 JAAF Bn was transferred to New Guinea from the Kwantung Army (Manchuria), last reported location at Port Arthur on 9/20/43. Despite the massacre of US planes, only 4 US Marine pilots were lost, SBD-3 planes a somewhat expendable commodity at this point in the campaign. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 207th JAAF AF Bn, at 98,127 (Salamaua)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 19

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 9 destroyed, 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
201 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
73rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (5 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (6 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes

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

Three times a charm… Two Jap patrol submarines intercept Allied transport convoy bound for Port Moresby. The Allied convoy includes 2 other xAK and 16 LST plus ASW escorts. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Milne Bay at 98,136 (SW of Milne Bay)

Japanese Ships
SS I-15

Allied Ships
xAK Empire Hamble

xAK Empire Hamble is sighted by SS I-15
SS I-15 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Empire Hamble (one dud torpedo hit)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Port Moresby at 98,134 (S of Port Moresby)

Japanese Ships
SS I-165

Allied Ships
xAK Empire Hamble

xAK Empire Hamble is sighted by SS I-165
SS I-165 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Empire Hamble (one dud torpedo hit)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Port Moresby at 98,134

Japanese Ships
SS I-165

Allied Ships
xAK Empire Hamble, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk with 2900 supply cargo aboard)

xAK Empire Hamble is sighted by SS I-165
SS I-165 attacking xAK Empire Hamble on the surface (Bingo!)

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

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sun Feb 16, 2014 10:01 pm

Summary of Operations 12/09/43 (continued)

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 12/08 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Wake Is. Detected status of Wake Is shows unidentified Jap planes based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.

Unidentified Jap "submarine" (at least the map symbol says it's one) visible on game map in Tabiteuea base hex. A 12/08 Sigint report entry identifies the ship as a MGB.

South Pacific: Coastwatcher report entries for 12/08 follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships 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 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: AK Tacoma Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
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: 3 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 98,127 near Salamaua, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, 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 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 29, Moving Northwest

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships in port, 3 Jap TF (+1 from last report), 91 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 96(105), fires 12.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 104 aircraft (all fighters), 23 Jap LCU, oil production 140(161), refinery 97(4).

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Thu Feb 20, 2014 2:00 am

Summary of Operations 12/10/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – supply on hand 242K. Airfield in Port Moresby is now size 8 – estimated completion of full airfield expansion to size 9 is now anticipated in another 10-12 days. A transport convoy from NE Australia arrived in Port Moresby – cargo includes elements of 155 USA Base Force (other elements of this LCU already in Port Moresby) plus 26K supply. Supply point consumption in Port Moresby at this time is minimal, the current situation easily allowing stockpile of additional supply and fuel in Port Moresby for use in planned New Guinea operations.

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

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 13 Ki-44 Tojo (all on the ground)
• 8 Ki-43 Oscar (5 flak, 3 ops)
• 2 A6M2 Zero (both on the ground)
• 1 A6M3a Zero (on the ground)
• 1 N1K1-J George (on the ground)
• 1 N1K1 Rex (air-to-air)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 1 B-25C Mitchell (ops)

Pillager launched a series of Jap fighter sweeps (AM) over Allied LCU outside Port Moresby followed with a small afternoon strafing attack on these LCU by other Jap fighters with little or no effect. Allied CAP fighters based in Port Moresby are in sufficient numbers to handle this action (and I’m certainly tempted to divert some CAP fighter cover over the LCU to do this) – but this would also divert Allied fighter planes in Port Moresby from the current priority of maintaining the highly favorable situation for base expansion, stockpiling material and LCU reinforcements in Port Moresby itself. It’s a dilemma between flexibility and sticking to the plan, too far in either direction a potential mistake. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on I Australian Corps, at 99,130, near Buna

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on I Australian Corps, at 99,130, near Buna

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10

No Japanese losses

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on I Australian Corps, at 99,130, near Buna

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 18

No Japanese losses

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on I Australian Corps, at 99,130, near Buna

Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 15

No Japanese losses

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on I Australian Corps, at 99,130, near Buna

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
A6M3a Zero x 5
N1K1-J George x 5
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 20000 feet
5 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 20000 feet
2 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet
2 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet
2 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on I Australian Corps, at 99,130, near Buna

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 4

No Japanese losses

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on I Australian Corps, at 99,130, near Buna

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on I Australian Corps, at 99,130, near Buna

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 3,100 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 14 damaged
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 2 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x Ki-43-IIb Oscar strafing at 100 feet

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

Night airfield bombing strike against Salamaua launched by Allied 2E bombers – the raid probably did not inflict much damage to Salamaua airfield though a number of Jap planes were destroyed on the ground. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

4 x No.18 Sqn RAAF B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
4 x 3rd BG/90th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
4 x 38th BG/405th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
6 x 345th BG/499th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Salamaua, at 98,127

Weather in hex: Severe storms (100% moonlight)

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

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5
Mitchell II x 6
B-25C Mitchell x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 5 destroyed on ground
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 5

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Salamaua, at 98,127

Raid detected at 14 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4

No Allied losses

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Salamaua, at 98,127

Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4

No Allied losses

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Salamaua , at 98,127

Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 1

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Salamaua , at 98,127

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1

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

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

USAAF bombers continue night air strikes against Buna and Lae airfields. Latest Combat Events report entries and latest AAR’s follow.

4 x 43rd BG/65th BS B-24D1 Liberator stray due to night
4 x 90th BG/400th BS B-24D1 Liberator stray due to night
6 x 345th BG/501st BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
6 x 380th BG/528th BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night

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

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms (100% moonlight)

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1 Rex x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

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

CAP engaged:
902 Ku S-1 with N1K1 Rex (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes

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

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1 Rex x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

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

CAP engaged:
902 Ku S-1 with N1K1 Rex (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes

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

Raid detected at 16 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1 Rex x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1 Rex: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

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

CAP engaged:
902 Ku S-1 with N1K1 Rex (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes

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

Weather in hex: Clear sky (100% moonlight)

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 5

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 4

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

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 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 to 32000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes

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

Raid detected at 44 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 5

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 32000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 32000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes

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

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 5

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 6

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Runway hits 2

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

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 32000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 32000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes

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

Detected status of Jap base at Buna (after raid above) – no visible Jap TF, 23 Jap LCU, no available information on number of planes in Buna or airfield damage.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae (after raid above) – airfield damage 94, 52 aircraft (all fighters), 11 Jap LCU, 2 Jap TF (15 ships total, all barges and small ship types).

Detected status of Jap base at Rabaul shows the probable Jap surface combat TF observed there last game turn (now 7 ships including 5 BB, 1 DD), no information on LCU or aircraft based in Rabaul.

US light surface ASW in daylight action with Jap patrol sub. A possible tactical advantage of Allied SC ships in ASW ops being their size, too small for Jap submarines to launch torpedoes at in at least some instances – this characteristic is likely common with Japanese E ship types. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Cooktown at 97,136 (SE of Port Moresby)

Japanese Ships
SS I-33, hits 2

Allied Ships
SC-741
SC-742
SC-982

Captain of SS I-33 elects not to launch torpedoes at this target
SC-982 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC-982 attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Thu Feb 20, 2014 2:05 am

Summary of Operations 12/10/43 (continued)

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 12/09 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Funafuti (Ellice islands). Detected status of Funafuti shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, no evidence of any Jap port or airfield construction.

South Pacific: US patrol sub in daylight action with possible Jap surface combat TF in the Solomon Sea area. Number of Japanese ships in the TF below eliminates possibility this TF is surface ASW (due to the TF having > 4 ships) – likely the DD are either with a surface combat TF or the DD’s may be attached escorts in another type of TF. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Treasury Islands at 108,132 (SW of Shortlands)

Japanese Ships
DD Asagiri
DD Murakumo
DD Yuzuki
DD Nagatsuki
DD Shikinami

Allied Ships
SS Wahoo, hits 1 (system damage 10, float 30, engine 10, returning to base at 13 kts)

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

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

Transport convoy WP-115 (55 ships) arrives in New Zealand from the mainland US. Cargo aboard the convoy includes 58 Aviation Base Force, 249K supply and 175K fuel. A ship collision between two xAK with WP-115 occurred as the convoy arrived in New Zealand – one xAK in the collision moderately damaged (requiring shipyard repair), the other ship with light damage. No loss of cargo aboard either ship in the collision.

Coastwatcher report entries for 12/09 follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tassafaronga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed 0, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown

Andaman Sea: British patrol sub hit and damaged in attack by Ki-49 Helen air patrol S of Rangoon (hex location 53, 56). Reported damage to the sub – system 10, float 5, engine 3, sub returning to base at 14 kts.

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships in port, 3 Jap TF, 107 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 96(105), fires 1.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe (after raid below) – airfield damage 3, 110 aircraft (all fighters), 23 Jap LCU, oil production 140(161), refinery 97(4).

RAF 2E bombers launch a heavily dispersed night air strike on Magwe airfield. Minor damage reported to airfield facilities in Magwe, no report of Jap planes destroyed on the ground. Some RAF bombers in the initial wave (1st AAR below) aborted the mission prior to air-to-air combat. Allied plane losses included 4 Blenheim IV (1 air-to-air, 1 flak, 2 ops). AAR’s and Combat Events report entries follow.

7 x No.45 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 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
4 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: Moderate rain (100% moonlight)

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 14

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 14
Wellington B.X x 16

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged
Wellington B.X: 3 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Wellington B.X bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
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, 6 on standby, 5 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 35200, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes

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

Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 14

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 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 (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 35200, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes

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

Raid detected at 43 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 11

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 (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 35200, scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes

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

Raid detected at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 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

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 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 (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 16 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 6

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
4 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, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 35200
Raid is overhead

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

Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 4

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed by flak

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

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 35200
Raid is overhead

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

Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 4

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 (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 35200
Raid is overhead

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

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Fri Feb 21, 2014 2:21 am

Summary of Operations 12/11/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – supply on hand 248K, no reported airfield damage from Jap night air raids. Transport convoy in Port Moresby has completed unloading without incident and now departing on return trip to Australia.

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

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 21 Ki-44 Tojo (16 air-to-air, 2 on the ground, 3 ops)
• 5 Ki-43 Oscar (3 air-to-air, 2 ops)
• 27 A6M2 Zero (22 air-to-air, 5 ops)
• 3 A6M3a Zero (1 on the ground, 2 ops)
• 3 N1K1-J George (all air-to-air)
• 8 G4M1 Betty (all on the ground)
• 2 Ki-21 Sally (both on the ground)
• 2 P1Y1 Frances (1 flak, 1 ops)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 1 P-38H Lightning (air-to-air)
• 3 P-40N1 Warhawk (all air-to-air)
• 2 P-40N5 Warhawk (1 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 9 P-47D2 Thunderbolt (8 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 1 F4U-1 Corsair (ops)

Jap daylight fighter sweeps this game turn move over Port Moresby base hex, repelled with relatively light plane losses to Allied CAP fighters. This action justifying the priority to employ Allied CAP fighters in New Guinea to cover base expansion in Port Moresby AAR’s follow.

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

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 44 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 16
P-38H Lightning x 25
P-40N1 Warhawk x 25
P-40N5 Warhawk x 25
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 60
F4U-1 Corsair x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 11 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters between 18000 and 30000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
No.76 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 10 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-40N5 Warhawk (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 27 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (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 12000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 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 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (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 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 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 18000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes

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

Raid detected at 49 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 16
P-38H Lightning x 25
P-40N1 Warhawk x 25
P-40N5 Warhawk x 24
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 59
F4U-1 Corsair x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters between 18000 and 24900.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
No.76 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 10 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-40N5 Warhawk (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 3 scrambling)
14 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 39 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 15 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (4 airborne, 3 on standby, 7 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 11 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 7 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 19000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (4 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 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 15000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes

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

Raid detected at 136 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
A6M3a Zero x 21
A6M5b Zero x 9
N1K1-J George x 17

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 15
P-38H Lightning x 23
P-40N1 Warhawk x 24
P-40N5 Warhawk x 24
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 57
F4U-1 Corsair x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38H Lightning: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet
5 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 20000 feet *
9 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 20000 feet
9 x A6M5b Zero sweeping at 20000 feet *
8 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 20000 feet
4 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 20000 feet
5 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
No.76 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (4 airborne, 2 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 18000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-40N5 Warhawk (4 airborne, 3 on standby, 13 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 16000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (3 airborne, 3 on standby, 15 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (7 airborne, 7 on standby, 7 scrambling)
7 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 15000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (3 airborne, 4 on standby, 13 scrambling)
3 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 17000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (4 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 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 15000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes

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

Raid detected at 139 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
N1K1-J George x 5

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 15
P-38H Lightning x 18
P-40N1 Warhawk x 24
P-40N5 Warhawk x 24
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 55
F4U-1 Corsair x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 54 minutes
No.76 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 18000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 55 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-40N5 Warhawk (4 airborne, 7 on standby, 11 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 19000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 53 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (3 airborne, 3 on standby, 12 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (4 airborne, 7 on standby, 7 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 13 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 17000 and 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 26000 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes

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

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 79

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 14
P-38H Lightning x 17
P-40N1 Warhawk x 24
P-40N5 Warhawk x 24
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 48
F4U-1 Corsair x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40N1 Warhawk: 2 destroyed
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet
6 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet
2 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
No.76 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-40N5 Warhawk (6 airborne, 7 on standby, 11 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 17000 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 12 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 7 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 9 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 17000 and 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 26000 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes

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

Raid detected at 114 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 37 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 13
P-38H Lightning x 14
P-40N1 Warhawk x 20
P-40N5 Warhawk x 21
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 40
F4U-1 Corsair x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
No.76 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 18000 and 33000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-40N5 Warhawk (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 9 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 19000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 17000 and 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 24000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes

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

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 11

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 6
P-38H Lightning x 6
P-40N1 Warhawk x 8
P-40N5 Warhawk x 8
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 25
F4U-1 Corsair x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (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 30000, scrambling fighters to 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
No.76 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (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 25000, scrambling fighters to 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-40N5 Warhawk (0 airborne, 6 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 20000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters between 17000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 6 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 15000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
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 15000, scrambling fighters to 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
348th FG/340th 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 22000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 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 16 minutes

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

Japanese night bombing raid on Port Moresby airfield – no reported airfield damage, no Allied planes destroyed on the ground. This raid was the first air combat action in the campaign involving specialized Allied night fighter planes on CAP (F4U-2 Corsairs). AAR’s follow.

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

Weather in hex: Moderate rain (100% moonlight)

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

Japanese aircraft
P1Y1 Frances x 7

Allied aircraft
F4U-2 Corsair x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y1 Frances: 2 damaged
P1Y1 Frances: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x P1Y1 Frances bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF(N)-75 with F4U-2 Corsair (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes

Some CAP have air radar

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

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
P1Y1 Frances x 8

Allied aircraft
F4U-2 Corsair x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y1 Frances: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x P1Y1 Frances bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF(N)-75 with F4U-2 Corsair (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Raid is overhead

Some CAP have air radar

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

Allied 2E & 4E bombers continue night bombing raids on airfields at Lae and Salamaua – also a night raid on Madang airfield. Results of the Madang bombing raid somewhat confirm my estimate of Japanese 2E bombers based at Madang. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

6 x No.18 Sqn RAAF B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
6 x No.120 Sqn RAAF Mitchell II stray due to night
4 x 38th BG/71st BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
4 x 22nd BG/408th BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night
4 x 345th BG/501st BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
6 x 380th BG/528th BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night
4 x 380th BG/531st BS B-24D1 Liberator stray due to night
5 x 345th BG/501st BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Madang, at 97,123

Weather in hex: Clear sky (100% moonlight)

Raid detected at 73 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed on ground
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 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:
958 Ku T-8 with E13A1 Jake (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 28640, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Madang, at 97,123

Raid detected at 10 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Madang, at 97,123

Raid detected at 21 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Mitchell II bombing from 7000 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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Madang, at 97,123

Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 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

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

Weather in hex: Overcast (100% moonlight)

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1 Rex x 3 (floatplane type – possible that Jap LBA planes may no longer be operating from Lae airfield)

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Runway hits 3

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

CAP engaged:
902 Ku S-1 with N1K1 Rex (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 32000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes

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

Raid detected at 19 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1 Rex x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 4

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

No Allied losses

Runway hits 5

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

CAP engaged:
902 Ku S-1 with N1K1 Rex (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Salamaua, at 98,127

Weather in hex: Heavy rain (100% moonlight)

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6
B-24J Liberator x 14

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
246th Sentai/A with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 36000, scrambling fighters between 36000 and 36740.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Salamaua, at 98,127

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
246th Sentai/A with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 36000
Raid is overhead

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

Detected status of Jap base at Buna – 1 Jap TF (5 ships all LB), 23 Jap LCU, no available information on number of planes in Buna or airfield damage.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae (after raid above) – airfield damage 79, 51 aircraft (all fighters), 11 Jap LCU, 2 Jap TF (15 ships total, all barges and small ship types).

Detected status of Jap base at Salamaua (after raid above) – airfield damage 10, one Jap TF (1 AM), 4 Jap LCU (all identified).

Detected status of Jap base in Madang (after raid above) – no visible information on airfield damage or number of planes, airfield size 4(4), port size 3(2), 1 Jap LCU (four identified in Madang). Identified Jap LCU in Madang include Bandasan SNLF, 51 Construction Bn, 4 JAAF Base Force, 17 JAAF AF Bn.

Detected status of Jap base at Rabaul no longer shows the possible Jap surface combat TF observed there the last 2 game turns. Coastwatcher reports for 12/10 indicate the Japanese ships may still be in Rabaul. A 12/10 Sigint entry indicates elements or all of Jap 110th Infantry Division may now be in Rabaul – this LCU transferred from China and a veteran unit of the Chungking battles.

US light surface ASW in daylight action with Jap patrol sub off the NE Australia coast. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Cooktown at 95,136 (ENE of Cooktown)

Japanese Ships
SS I-15, hits 1

Allied Ships
SC-1068
SC-1069

Captain of SS I-15 elects not to launch torpedoes at this target
I-15 diving deep ....
SC-1069 attacking submerged sub ....
SC-1069 is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub

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

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Fri Feb 21, 2014 2:25 am

Summary of Operations 12/11/43 (continued)

Eastern US: Two transport convoys departing this game turn from Eastern US for Australia via Capetown –

Convoy EX-59 (17 ships) with four 2E bomber squadrons, 64K supply and 11K fuel.
Fast convoy EX-60 (13 ships) with 53K supply and 53K fuel – all ships in this convoy at 16K or greater speed.

Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 12/10 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Wake Is and Kwajalein. Detected status of Kwajalein shows Japanese ship(s) in port. Detected status of Wake Is shows unidentified Jap planes based there. No other visible Japanese forces or activity at these two locations.

South Pacific: Looks as if the cat might be out of the bag… An entry appearing in both the 12/10 Combat Events and Operations reports (below) indicates unidentified Jap plane observed by a US CVE task force (TF 331) escorting main body of an Allied invasion fleet due to reach Noumea in 36 hours (projected time of landing ops based on current movement rate is daylight phase of 12/13 game turn). No TF in the invasion fleet are displayed with a detection level – leaving a possibility the Noumea invasion fleet still remains undetected. Pillager is known to be flying Jap naval search patrols over Suva and probably sea areas E of Noumea (between Noumea & Suva) – the Noumea invasion fleet is approaching from a due S direction. The invasion fleet does have escort - three CVE TF’s (6 CVE total) plus BB’s and surface combat TF. The US Main Carrier Force is also sortied and positioned nearby. The second “pincer” around the Solomons continues its approach.

TF 331 observes Japanese Aircraft at 114,165 near Isle of Pines (S of Noumea, N of Norfolk Is)

US patrol sub intercepts large Japanese transport in sea area north of Solomons. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Shortlands at 111,129 (daylight action NE of Shortlands)

Japanese Ships
AK Katuragi Maru, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Perch

AK Katuragi Maru is sighted by SS Perch
SS Perch attacking on the surface

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

Coastwatcher entries from 12/10 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: DD Minazuki reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Namatanai
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 98,127 near Salamaua, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 103,124 near Talasea, Speed 9, Moving West

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships in port, 2 Jap TF (-1 from last report), 90 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 96(105), no fires.

RAF 2E bombers fly night aerial mine laying mission in Rangoon base hex. Daylight Japanese mine sweeping activity also reported. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53

Weather in hex: Partial cloud (100% moonlight)

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 11

Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.VIII x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington GR.VIII: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Wellington GR.VIII laying Mk 13 Mine from 7000 feet *

CAP engaged:
77th Sentai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 38000, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 38000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 94 encounters mine field at Rangoon (54,53) – two AAR’s

Japanese Ships
AMc Wa 20
AMc Wa 6

12 mines cleared (total in both AAR)

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

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – no airfield damage, 96 aircraft (all fighters), 23 Jap LCU, oil production 140(161), refinery 97(4).

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Fri Feb 21, 2014 8:46 pm

Summary of Operations 12/12/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – supply on hand 247K, no reported airfield damage from Jap night air raids.

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

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 7 Ki-44 Tojo (4 air-to-air, 3 ops)
• 12 Ki-61 Tony (all on the ground)
• 12 A6M2 Zero (8 air-to-air, 2 on the ground, 2 ops)
• 8 A6M3 Zero (all on the ground)
• 6 A6M3a Zero (5 air-to-air, 1 on the ground)
• 5 A6M5 Zero (all air-to-air)
• 6 A6M2-N Rufe (all on the ground)
• 10 N1K1-J George (8 air-to-air, 2 on the ground)
• 1 N1K1 Rex (on the ground)
• 1 G4M1 Betty (on the ground)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 13 P-38G Lightning (12 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 1 P-38H Lightning (air-to-air)
• 1 P-40N1 Warhawk (ops)
• 1 P-47D2 Thunderbolt (air-to-air)
• 1 F4U-1 Corsair (ops)
• 21 B-25C Mitchell (20 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 3 Mitchell II (2 air-to-air, 1 ops)

Jap daylight fighter sweeps continue over Port Moresby base hex, again repelled with minor plane losses to Allied CAP fighters. Latest AAR’s follow.

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

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 17 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 10

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 6
P-38H Lightning x 9
P-40N1 Warhawk x 9
P-40N5 Warhawk x 8
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 26
F4U-1 Corsair x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 10 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters between 18000 and 30000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
No.76 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (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 25000, scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-40N5 Warhawk (0 airborne, 6 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 to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters between 21000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 6 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 18000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 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 9 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 6 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 15000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 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 19 minutes

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

Raid detected at 43 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 22

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 6
P-38H Lightning x 9
P-40N1 Warhawk x 9
P-40N5 Warhawk x 8
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 24
F4U-1 Corsair x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 6 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters between 21000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
No.76 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-40N5 Warhawk (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 18000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (4 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 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 16 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 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 19 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 21920 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

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

Raid detected at 156 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 46 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
A6M3a Zero x 10
N1K1-J George x 4

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 6
P-38H Lightning x 7
P-40N1 Warhawk x 8
P-40N5 Warhawk x 7
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 22
F4U-1 Corsair x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 3 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38H Lightning: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (4 airborne, 2 on standby, 4 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters between 20450 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 65 minutes
No.76 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 24000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-40N5 Warhawk (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 3 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters between 17000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 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 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 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 18000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (4 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 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 22000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes

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

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 57 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 5

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 6
P-38H Lightning x 6
P-40N1 Warhawk x 8
P-40N5 Warhawk x 5
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 21
F4U-1 Corsair x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (3 airborne, 2 on standby, 4 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters between 20450 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
No.76 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-40N5 Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 3 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters between 16000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 23000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 24920.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes

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

Raid detected at 159 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 43 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 3

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 5
P-38H Lightning x 5
P-40N1 Warhawk x 6
P-40N5 Warhawk x 3
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 19
F4U-1 Corsair x 12

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 24450.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
No.76 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-40N5 Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 19000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 3 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 20920 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes

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

Japanese night bombing raid on Port Moresby airfield – no reported airfield damage, no Allied planes destroyed on the ground. AAR follows.

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

Weather in hex: Overcast (96% moonlight)

Raid detected at 26 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
F4U-2 Corsair x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Airbase supply hits 1

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:
VF(N)-75 with F4U-2 Corsair (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes

Some CAP have air radar

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

USAAF 4E bombers continue night bombing of Madang airfield. Combat Events report entry and AAR follows.

6 x 380th BG/531st BS B-24D1 Liberator stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Madang, at 97,123

Weather in hex: Overcast (96% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 3 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 2

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
958 Ku T-8 with E13A1 Jake (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 28640
Raid is overhead

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

Detected status of Jap base at Buna (after raid below) – 1 Jap TF (8 ships all LB), 23 Jap LCU, no available information on number of planes in Buna or airfield damage.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae (after raid below) – airfield damage 68, 14 aircraft (all fighters), 11 Jap LCU, 5 Jap TF (32 ships total, all barges and small ship types).

Detected status of Jap base in Madang (after raid above) – no visible information on airfield damage, number of planes or Jap LCU.

Allied 2E bombers hit Lae airfield in a not-so-well coordinated daylight raid. Assigned escort fighters appeared over Lae with the "second wave" (not actually a second wave) – the main body of 2E bombers and later stragglers unescorted and taking the expected losses from Japanese CAP fighters. AAR’s follow.

Any suggestions from readers on improving coordination of fighter escort with bombers on daylight raids certainly welcome. Assigned P-38 fighter escorts with these raids require the use of drop tanks in order to reach the target hex with the bombers, this may or may not be a problem (certainly doesn’t help whether it is a problem or not).

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

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
A6M3a Zero x 5
N1K1-J George x 3
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 1
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 33

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 13
Mitchell II x 15
B-25C Mitchell x 47

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
N1K1-J George: 3 damaged
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed on ground
A6M3 Zero: 5 destroyed on ground
N1K1 Rex: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 6 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
Mitchell II: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 6 destroyed, 7 damaged

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 76

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
13 x Mitchell II bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 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
2 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)
(14 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
63rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
73rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
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 10 minutes
87th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (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, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
3rd Ku S-1/B with N1K1-J George (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 20000, scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
2 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 23 minutes
381 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 4 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
70th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 10 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes

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

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
A6M3a Zero x 1
N1K1-J George x 1
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 5
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 18

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

No Japanese losses

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

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

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 1

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

CAP engaged:
87th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
252 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 69 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
3rd Ku S-1/B with N1K1-J George (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 18 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
63rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
73rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 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 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
4 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 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
381 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 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 to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 53 minutes
70th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers

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

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M3a Zero x 1
N1K1-J George x 1
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 3
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 12

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 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 (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 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 28 minutes
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 17 minutes
63rd 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, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 84 minutes
73rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 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 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
381 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
70th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 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 19 minutes
87th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 9

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

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

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 5

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 (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 77 minutes
281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
70th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead

Training flight from 281 Ku S-1 has been caught up in attack

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

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

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

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 69 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
A6M3a Zero x 5
N1K1-J George x 3
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 11

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 36
B-24J Liberator x 12
B-25C Mitchell x 15
P-38G Lightning x 25

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

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 7 destroyed

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

Airbase hits 33
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 66

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
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/A with A6M3a 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 9000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
6th Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (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 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
265 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (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 8000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
78th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes

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

US light surface ASW reports contact with Jap patrol sub. AAR follows.

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

Japanese Ships
SS I-157

Allied Ships
SC-982
SC-741
SC-742

SS I-157 is located by SC-982
I-157 diving deep ....
SC-742 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Fri Feb 21, 2014 8:48 pm

Summary of Operations 12/12/43 (continued)

Central Pacific: US patrol sub intercepts southbound Japanese transport convoy SE of Bonins in a daylight action. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Chichi-jima at 114,81 (SE of Iwo Jima)

Japanese Ships
DD Hatakaze
E W-14
xAP Ussuri Maru
xAP Montevideo Maru
xAP Manzyu Maru
xAP Kitano Maru
xAP Kokuryu Maru
xAP Takatiho Maru
xAP Huzi Maru
DD Asakaze

Allied Ships
SS Redfin

SS Redfin launches 2 torpedoes at DD Hatakaze
DD Hatakaze fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Asakaze attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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

South Pacific: Noumea invasion fleet now at hex location 114, 160 (adjacent hex due W of Noumea) . The invasion force is entering Noumea base hex during the night phase of 12/13 game turn with landing operations to begin at daylight. Available intelligence data indicates no known Jap LCU are in Noumea, supporting a high probability Pillager has withdrawn most Japanese forces from Noumea back into the Solomons (this withdrawal completed some time ago based on my information). My plans and forces for the Noumea operation have not used this information as an assumption – overall intent of the operation to occupy all of New Caledonia quickly and in maximum possible strength.

In any event… both the Noumea invasion fleet and US Main Carrier force have reported contacts with Japanese float planes.

Coastwatcher entries from 12/11 Operations report 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 Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tassafaronga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
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: 6 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 12, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 98,127 near Salamaua, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
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: 4 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 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

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships in port, no Jap TF (-2 from last report), 114 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 96(105).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe (after raid below) – 105 aircraft (all fighters), 23 Jap LCU, oil production 140(161), refinery 97(4).

USAAF and RAF bombers hit oil production facilities at Magwe in a night raid. The raid inflicted some additional damage to Magwe oil facilities that appeared in base status above. Plane losses in the action include one B-17E Fortress (ops), 4 Jap Ki-54 Nick CAP fighters destroyed (2 air-to-air, 2 ops). Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

8 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
5 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington B.X stray due to night
5 x No.355 Sqn RAF Liberator B.III stray due to night
6 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/490th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
6 x 7th BG/493rd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
7 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington B.X stray due to night
7 x No.355 Sqn RAF Liberator B.III stray due to night

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

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms (96% moonlight)

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 17

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 16
B-17E Fortress x 32
B-24D Liberator x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Wellington Ic 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
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 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 (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 35200, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes

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

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 12

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
9 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 (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
10 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 35200, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes

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

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 9

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator II: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Liberator II 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 35200
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 4

Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington B.X: 2 damaged

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 (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 35200
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 5

No Allied losses

Oil hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Liberator B.III bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 41 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5

No Allied losses

Oil hits 1

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

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

Raid detected at 47 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Oil hits 2

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

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

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 7

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington B.X: 2 damaged

Oil hits 1

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

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

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 7

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Liberator B.III bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sun Feb 23, 2014 7:49 pm

Summary of Operations 12/13/43

South Pacific: Noumea amphibious landing operations underway without significant incident or Japanese opposition, most LCU elements of the attacking ground force are now ashore along with 75K supply. Remaining LCU elements plus an additional 150K supply expected to disembark in the coming game turn. No ground attack launched to capture Noumea base as combat orders of LCU in the landing force were set to “defend” rather than an attack (Oops!). LCU in the main landing force at Noumea included HQ I Amphibious Corps, US 37th Infantry Division, 2nd and 3rd US Marine Divisions plus supporting tank and artillery units. Minesweepers with the invasion force encountered no Japanese mines in Noumea base hex.

Two US Naval Construction Rgts (4th & 6th) also disembarked with the landing force, additional construction engineer LCU already enroute to Noumea aboard ships in second and third wave transport TF’s. Plans are to begin extensive expansion of port and airfield facilities at Noumea, Koumac and La Foa as quickly as possible.

A secondary amphibious landing with US 27th Infantry Division with 7200 supply at La Foa completed without significant incident or Japanese opposition. As at Noumea, combat orders issued to 27 Division were not properly set. Primary intent of the La Foa landing was to cut the movement path for any Japanese LCU caught in Noumea, blocking their possible retreat toward Koumac. 27 Division is planned to move immediately on Koumac with reinforcement with LCU from the main landing force at Noumea as needed.

My available intelligence data indicated Pillager had likely withdrawn most or all of any Japanese garrison forces from Noumea some time ago (the garrison at one time including Jap 10th Infantry Division now reported at Lunga). There was still some uncertainty as to whether Pillager had any Japanese LCU or air units at Noumea given the absence of any information from aerial recon or game turn report entries (Sigint) indicating the presence of Japanese forces or activity in Noumea. No Japanese forces (LCU, aircraft or ships) are detected/vislble at either Noumea or La Foa. Available intelligence does have three Jap LCU (87, 88 & 89 Naval Gd) reported in Koumac – no report since 3/13/43 on any of the three units, giving some possibility the information is partially or completely outdated.

Detected port size in Noumea is 5(4), the airfield size 2(5). It appears Pillager had not done any significant airfield construction in Noumea, but the current size of port facilities will prove useful with ample supply and construction LCU elements on hand to rapidly expand the airfield. Plans also include eventual rebuild of existing resource production and light industry facilities in Noumea as an extra “local” source of supply points for Allied front-line ops to be done as time and resources permit. AAR’s of landing operations follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Noumea (115,160)

TF 350 troops unloading over beach at Noumea, 115,160

Allied ground losses:
56 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

81mm M1 Mortar damaged beyond repair during unload of 37th Infantry Div /3
13 troops of a USA Rifle Squad 43 lost in surf during unload of 37th Infantry Div /8
13 troops of a USA Rifle Squad 43 accidentally lost during unload of 37th Infantry Div /10
10 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 37th Infantry Div /19

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Noumea (115,160)

TF 409 troops unloading over beach at Noumea, 115,160

Allied ground losses:
56 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

13 troops of a USMC Rifle Squad 43 accidentally lost during unload of 2nd Marine Div
13 troops of a USMC Rifle Squad 43 lost overboard during unload of 2nd Marine Div
10 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 2nd Marine Div
10 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 2nd Marine Div /20

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Noumea (115,160)

TF 448 troops unloading over beach at Noumea, 115,160

Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

0.5in M2HB AAMG x4 damaged beyond repair during unload of 4th Marine Div /4
13 troops of a USMC Rifle Squad 43 lost from landing craft during unload of 4th Marine Div /10
10 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 4th Marine Div /16

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Noumea (115,160)

TF 457 troops unloading over beach at Noumea, 115,160

Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

10 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of I US Amphib Corps
Engineer Vehicle damaged beyond repair during unload of 4th USN Naval Const Rgt /2
10 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of I US Amphib Corps

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at La Foa (114,159)

TF 461 troops unloading over beach at La Foa, 114,159

Allied ground losses:
88 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 9 (0 destroyed, 9 disabled)
Vehicles lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Motorized Support dropped into water during unload of 27th Infantry Div /9

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

Coastwatcher entries from 12/12 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty (FOW? An anchor symbol is visible on the game map at Lunga)
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tassafaronga
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea (if so, these ships not detected or visible on the game map)
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: 6 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 98,127 near Salamaua, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
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: 7 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 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

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sun Feb 23, 2014 7:53 pm

Summary of Operations 12/13/43 (continued)

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – supply on hand 247K.

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

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 5 A6M5b Zero (all air-to-air)
• 5 N1K1-J George (all air-to-air)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 3 P-40N5 Warhawk (all air-to-air)

No Allied or Japanese bombing raids over New Guinea. A small daylight airfield strike on Lae by USAAF 4E bombers had been ordered but failed to launch. Reduced level of Jap daylight fighter sweeps over Port Moresby base hex. Latest AAR follows.

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

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 53 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 7
N1K1-J George x 4

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 6
P-38H Lightning x 9
P-40N1 Warhawk x 10
P-40N5 Warhawk x 10
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 29
F4U-1 Corsair x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 2 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40N5 Warhawk: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (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 30000, scrambling fighters to 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
No.76 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (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 25000, scrambling fighters to 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-40N5 Warhawk (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 16000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 18000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 17000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters to 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 18000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes

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

Detected status of Jap base at Buna – 2 Jap TF (9 ships total, all barges and small ship types), 23 Jap LCU, no available information on number of planes in Buna or airfield damage. 12/12 Sigint entries reported Jap 23 Field AA Machine Cannon Co and elements of 21 Air Defense AA Rgt are now at Buna. 23 AA Machine Cannon Co transferred to Buna from Manchuria, 21 Air Defense AA Rgt from the Japanese Home Islands. 21 of the 23 detected Jap LCU in Buna are now identified.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae – no available information on airfield damage or number of planes, 11 Jap LCU, 3 Jap TF (15 ships total, all barges and small ship types).

Detected status of Jap base at Rabaul shows unidentified planes plus ship(s) in port, one Jap TF (5 ships including 1 CL, 4 DD), 18 Jap LCU.

US light surface ASW reports contact with Jap patrol sub. An unidentified Jap submarine visible on the game map SW of Port Moresby (hex location 96, 133). AAR follows.

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

Japanese Ships
SS I-155

Allied Ships
SC-741
SC-742

SS I-155 is located by SC-741
SC-742 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

US patrol sub in contact with unescorted Jap transport off north coast of New Guinea. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Finschhafen at 100,127 (E of Finschhaven)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Sasago Maru

Allied Ships
SS Mingo

xAKL Sasago Maru is sighted by SS Mingo
Captain of SS Mingo elects not to launch torpedoes at this target

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

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sun Feb 23, 2014 7:54 pm

Summary of Operations 12/13/43 (continued)

Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub (SS Pompano) hit and damaged in attack by Ki-49 Helen air patrol SE of Kyushu (hex location 104, 62). Reported damage to SS Pompano – system 28, float 8, engine 4, returning to base at 17 kts.

Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 12/12 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Baker Is and Tabiteuea. Detected status of Tabiteuea shows unidentified Jap ship(s) in port, otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity at either location.

Australia: Transport convoy EX-52 (1 AS, 26 transports) arrives from Eastern US via Capetown. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes 112K supply and 38K fuel, no LCU or air units. The AS arriving with EX-52 was detached to remain in Australia.

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships in port, 2 Jap TF (+2 from last report), 129 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 96(105).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 113 aircraft (all fighters), 23 Jap LCU, oil production 131(170), refinery 97(4). Ten of the 23 Jap LCU in Magwe are identified in current intelligence data – 33rd Infantry Division/A sub-unit, 9 Armored Car Co, four flak LCU’s (3 battalion size units, 44 Independent AA Gun Co), four aviation support LCU’s (7 JAAF Base Force, three JAAF AF battalions).

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 1:25 am

Summary of Operations 12/14/43

South Pacific: US ground forces capture Noumea and La Foa unopposed and without losses. Along with small light industry and resource production facilities taken intact, a stockpile of 55K resource points was also captured in Noumea. The lack of Japanese opposition in Noumea was pleasant though not a surprise given the “tea leaves” picked up in my intel. In any event, my estimates were considering New Caledonia outside the main defense line in Pillager’s Japanese outer perimeter. A small ground attack air strike with CVE torpedo bombers was ordered against possible Jap LCU in Koumac – this raid either failed to launch or did not find a target in Koumac. US 27th Infantry Division at La Foa is advancing northward to occupy/attack Koumac.

Airfield construction in Noumea was started immediately. Strength of construction engineer elements now ashore in Noumea is at 267 engineer squads plus 55 engineer vehicles with a small number of additional engineer elements yet to disembark.

Cargo unloading operations in Noumea continue – 100 transport ships still unloading cargo in Noumea (most using amphibious unload, some unloading at dock). Cargo still to be unloaded in Noumea includes elements of some engineer LCU’s, plus approx. 148K supply and 7500 fuel. Most transport ships still unloading are expected to empty and depart Noumea within 1-2 days. A task force of 72 completely empty transports plus some escorts and mine sweepers from the invasion force are departing Noumea this game turn.

Current status of Noumea base has 137K supply now ashore along with nearly all Allied LCU elements from the invasion force. Airfield, port, resource production and light industry facilities in Noumea are all intact. La Foa dot base has 5100 supply on hand.

AAR for Noumea follows, La Foa fell “by osmosis”.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Noumea (115,160)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 37085 troops, 699 guns, 826 vehicles, Assault Value = 1458
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 4
Allied adjusted assault: 1338
Japanese adjusted defense: 1
Allied assault odds: 1338 to 1 (fort level 4)
Allied forces CAPTURE Noumea !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
37th Infantry Division
1st USMC Amphb Tank Battalion
2nd Marine Division
4th Marine Division
4th USMC Tank Battalion
4th USN Naval Construction Regiment
223rd Field Artillery Battalion
131st Field Artillery Battalion
17th USN Naval Construction Regiment
1 Group RNZAF /3
822/828 EAB /1
I US Amphib Corps /1

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

US Main Carrier force, CVE groups and surface combat TF remain in sea areas near New Caledonia – plans are for most of them to stay while large-scale transport ship unloading ops in Noumea continue. US patrol subs are operating near entry/exit points to all major sea passages through and around the Solomons – patrols both north and south of the Solomons.

Three LST damaged (two sunk) plus a LSD heavily damaged this game turn during amphibious landing operations in Noumea – none of these casualties due to enemy action. AAR’s and 12/13 Operations report entries follow.

LST-19 hits underwater rocks while attempting to beach at Noumea (sunk)
LST-18 damaged while beaching at Noumea (system damage 12, float 7, engine 2, now empty and leaving Noumea at 10 kts)
LST 2 breaks her back while beaching at Noumea (sunk)
Pumps fail aboard LST-19, flooding increases...
Surviving Damage Control Parties abandon LST-19
Surviving Damage Control Parties abandon LST 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Noumea (115,160)

TF 53 troops unloading over beach at Noumea, 115,160

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Noumea (115,160)

TF 498 troops unloading over beach at Noumea, 115,160

Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 13 (0 destroyed, 13 disabled)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Noumea (115,160)

TF 596 troops unloading over beach at Noumea, 115,160

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

Coastwatcher entries from 12/13 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Namatanai
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 29, Moving Southeast (these ships leaving Rabaul base hex, moving southbound)
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 106,123 near Kavieng, Speed 33, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Genzan Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Namatanai
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 1:27 am

Summary of Operations 12/14/43 (continued)

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – supply on hand 246K.

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

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 4 A6M2 Zero (all on the ground)
• 4 A6M3 Zero (all on the ground)
• 2 A6M3a Zero (both on the ground)
• 2 A6M2-N Rufe (both ops)
• 4 N1K1-J George (all on the ground)
• 7 Ki-61 Tony (all on the ground)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 1 B-24J Liberator (flak)

No reported Japanese bombing raids or fighter sweeps over New Guinea this game turn. Allied bombing attacks on Buna and Lae airfields resume.

Night bombing raid by USAAF 4E bombers against Buna airfield. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

6 x 90th BG/320th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
4 x 22nd BG/408th BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night
5 x 22nd BG/408th BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night

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

Weather in hex: Heavy rain (82% moonlight)

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 7

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 8
B-24J Liberator x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak

Airbase hits 2

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

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 32000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 5

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6

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

No Allied losses

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

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

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

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid spotted at 42 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

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

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000
Raid is overhead

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

USAAF bombers hit Lae airfield in an escorted daylight raid. AAR follows.

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

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 7 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 2
A6M3a Zero x 4
N1K1-J George x 3
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 12
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 8

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 9
B-24J Liberator x 9
P-38H Lightning x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed on ground
A6M3 Zero: 2 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 3 destroyed on ground
A6M3a Zero: 4 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
N1K1-J George: 3 damaged
N1K1-J George: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 8 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 6 damaged
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 2 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 26

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

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/B with A6M3 Zero (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 31 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
3rd Ku S-1/B with N1K1-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
381 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
70th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 7 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
248th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 5 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 37730.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes

Training flight from 281 Ku S-1 has been caught up in attack

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

Detected status of Jap base at Buna (after raid above) – no visible Jap TF, 23 Jap LCU, no available information on number of planes in Buna or airfield damage.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae (after raid above) – no available information on airfield damage or number of planes, 11 Jap LCU, 3 Jap TF (21 ships total, all barges and small ship types).

US patrol sub intercepts unescorted Jap transport off Lae. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Finschhafen at 101,126 (adjacent hex SE of Lae)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Ryoyu Maru #21, Shell hits 54, heavy fires, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Mingo, hits 1 (no damage)

xAKL Ryoyu Maru #21 is sighted by SS Mingo
SS Mingo attacking xAKL Ryoyu Maru #21 on the surface
SS Mingo low on gun ammo, MacKenzie, G. breaks off surface engagement and submerges

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

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 1:28 am

Summary of Operations 12/14/43 (continued)

Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub in action with Japanese surface ASW off Honshu. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Nagoya at 109,64 (due S of Nagoya)

Japanese Ships
PB Kaiun Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)
PB Nishho Maru
CM Katsuriki
PB Ayaha Maru

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier

SS Grenadier launches 2 torpedoes at PB Kaiun Maru
Grenadier diving deep ....
PB Ayaha Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 12/13 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Canton Is and Tabiteuea. Detected status of Tabiteuea shows unidentified Jap LCU plus ship(s) in port, unidentified Jap planes shown at Canton Is. Otherwise, no visible Japanese forces or activity observed at either location.

Australia: Transport convoy EX-51 (BB Tennessee, 12 transports) arrives from Eastern US via Capetown. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes one LCU (607 Coast AA Rgt), two fighter squadrons (one day fighter, one night), 57K supply and 2K fuel. BB Tennessee has been detached from EX-51 to remain in Australia.

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships in port, 2 Jap TF, 117 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 96(105).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 107 aircraft (all fighters), 23 Jap LCU, oil production 131(170), refinery 97(4).

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sun Mar 02, 2014 6:05 pm

Summary of Operations 12/15/43

South Pacific: Current base status of Noumea - 226K supply on hand, all LCU elements from the invasion force now ashore. Airfield construction is proceeding rapidly – current airfield size 2(5), 78% completed to size 3. 12K supply is on hand at La Foa.

A second wave transport TF arrived in Noumea with three additional engineer LCU (6 & 9 Naval Construction Bns, 802 Engineer Aviation Bn), 40K supply and 1500 fuel – this now unloading in Noumea.

The heavily damaged LSD from the amphibious landing operations has sunk. The LSD had 99 float damage, it was only a matter of how much of its supply cargo still on board was salvaged. 55 more ships from the invasion force have fully completed unloading in Noumea and La Foa, these formed into a convoy now returning to New Zealand. 51 ships from the initial landing force are still unloading cargo in Noumea.

Japanese night bombing action launched against empty Allied amphibious transports returning to New Zealand - this TF just departing Noumea. Direction from which the Jap bombers approached in the combat replay indicate the planes may have originated from Luganville. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Isle of Pines at 115,163 (S of Noumea)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud (78% moonlight)

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
LSI(L) Glenapp
APA George F. Elliot

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

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

Coastwatcher entries from 12/14 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 9 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Namatanai
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 98,127 near Salamaua, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed 2, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sun Mar 02, 2014 6:07 pm

Summary of Operations 12/15/43 (continued)

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – supply on hand 245K.

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

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 1 A6M2 Zero (on the ground)
• 2 A6M3 Zero (both on the ground)
• 2 A6M3a Zero (both on the ground)
• 2 A6M2-N Rufe (both air-to-air)
• 1 N1K1 Rex (on the ground)
• 5 Ki-61 Tony (all on the ground)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 9 B-25C Mitchell (8 air-to-air, 1 ops)

No reported Japanese bombing raids or fighter sweeps over New Guinea this game turn.

Night bombing raids by Allied bombers against Buna and Lae airfields. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

6 x No.18 Sqn RAAF B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
3 x No.120 Sqn RAAF Mitchell II stray due to night
6 x 90th BG/319th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
6 x 90th BG/320th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
4 x 90th BG/321st BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night
3 x 345th BG/499th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night

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

Weather in hex: Light rain (78% moonlight)

Raid detected at 58 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 6

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6
B-24J Liberator x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

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

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 32000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes

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

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Runway hits 2

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

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000, scrambling fighters to 32000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes

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

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

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

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000
Raid is overhead

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

Weather in hex: Severe storms (78% moonlight)

Raid detected at 19 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1 Rex x 3

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:
902 Ku S-1 with N1K1 Rex (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes

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

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1 Rex x 3

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 3

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

No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

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

CAP engaged:
902 Ku S-1 with N1K1 Rex (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000, scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes

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

Buna and Lae airfield also hit in daylight raids by USAAF bombers. Japanese fighters even in reduced numbers are still effective vs Allied bombers that are either unescorted or lose their assigned fighter escort enroute to target. AAR’s follow.

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

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 41 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
A6M3a Zero x 2
A6M5 Zero x 1
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 4 destroyed, 5 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/A with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead
6th Ku S-1/A with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
265 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
78th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 36740.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes

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

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 59 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 27
B-24J Liberator x 9
P-38H Lightning x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 2 destroyed on ground
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
N1K1 Rex: 1 destroyed on ground
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Runway hits 8

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

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

Detected status of Jap base at Buna (after raids above) – no visible Jap TF, 23 Jap LCU, no available information on number of planes in Buna or airfield damage.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae (after raids above) – no available information on airfield damage or number of planes, 8 Jap LCU (-3 from last report), 4 Jap TF (25 ships total, all barges and small ship types).

Sigint entry for 12/14 reports 20 JAAF Base Force now located at Rabaul – this LCU transferred here from the Japanese Home Islands (last reported location at Sapporo).

No visible Japanese subs in sea areas between Port Moresby and NE Australia. No reported naval actions or contacts with Japanese ships.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sun Mar 02, 2014 6:13 pm

Summary of Operations 12/15/43 (continued)

US West Coast: Clark Field USAAF Base Force returns from the “dead pile” – the latest in a series of destroyed US LCU from the 1941-42 Philippines campaign brought back into play. While this activity isn't generally practical on a large scale, some eliminated Allied LCU (mainly US & British) from Malaya and the Philippines can be resurrected later at a low PP cost and rebuilt to full TOE strength in a home country area. Feasibility of doing this on a given eliminated LCU depends on the value of that unit would have if brought back into the game – in the case of Clark Field base force, one cannot have too much aviation support. Factors driving the choice of LCU to bring back in general being – (1) having the PP to spare for doing this, (2) availability of various element types needed to rebuild the LCU in the replacement pools, and (3) value the LCU has if it’s returned to the game.

To date in this campaign, I’ve gradually brought back and rebuilt a number of US, British and Australian units destroyed during 1941-42 including

• US 31 Infantry Rgt, 192 & 194 Tank Bns (Philippines)
• 8th Australian Division (Malaya) – rebuilt as a full division from a combination of surviving divisional sub-units plus sub-units of the division destroyed in Malaya
• 9th & 11th Indian Divisions (Malaya) – now rebuilding as full divisions using some of the original divisional sub-units destroyed in Malaya
• A number of small British base force and AA units destroyed in Malaya.

Japanese Home Islands: Two inconclusive actions involving southbound Japanese transport TF probably departing Nagoya vs two US patrol subs. Jap transport TF is detected and visible on game map – 5 ships (including 2 AM, 1 xAKL) moving on S heading, speed unknown. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Nagoya at 109,63 (night action SW of Nagoya)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Miyakawa Maru #3

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier

SS Grenadier launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Miyakawa Maru #3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Torishima at 109,67 (daylight action NW of Torishima)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Miyakawa Maru #3

Allied Ships
SS Sawfish

xAKL Miyakawa Maru #3 is sighted by SS Sawfish
Captain of SS Sawfish elects not to launch torpedoes at this target

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

Daylight action between US patrol sub and unidentified Japanese TF near Okinawa. Given number of ships (> 4) in the TF shown below, ASW can likely be eliminated from the Jap TF’s possible mission(s). AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Daito Shoto at 100,67 (SE of Amami Oshima)

Japanese Ships
PB Kyo Maru #11
PB Shonon Maru #11
PB Tsuneshima Maru
PB Yomei Maru
PB Ansyu Maru

Allied Ships
SS Darter

SS Darter launches 2 torpedoes at PB Kyo Maru #11
PB Tsuneshima Maru fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Yomei Maru fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Ansyu Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...

Escort abandons search for sub

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

Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 12/14 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Canton Is and Tabiteuea. Detected status of Tabiteuea shows unidentified Jap LCU plus ship(s) in port, unidentified Jap planes shown at Canton Is. Otherwise, no visible Japanese forces or activity observed at either location.

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships in port, 2 Jap TF, 112 aircraft (all fighters), 11 Jap LCU’s (-1 from last report), light industry 9(32), refinery 96(105).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe (after raid below) – 107 aircraft (all fighters), 24 Jap LCU (+1 from last report), oil production 126(175), refinery 97(4).

Night bombing raid by USAAF and RAF bombers against oil production facilities in Magwe. Small amount of additional damage to oil production in Magwe. 13 Japanese CAP fighters reported destroyed – all Ki-45 Nick (11 air-to-air, 2 ops). Two USAAF B-17E Fortress lost in the raid, both due to flak. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

6 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
5 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington B.X stray due to night
4 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/11th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/490th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/491st BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
6 x 7th BG/493rd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
7 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington B.X stray due to night
5 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/11th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night

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

Weather in hex: Partial cloud (78% moonlight)

Raid detected at 75 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 19

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 16
B-17E Fortress x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Wellington Ic bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 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 (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 8 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 35200, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 35000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes

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

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 16

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 21
B-24D Liberator x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 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 (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 35200, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes

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

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 13

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator II: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Liberator II bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 35200
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 17 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 13

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 3 damaged

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

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 35200
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 6

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 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 (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 35200
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 2

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 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 (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 35200
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5

No Allied losses

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

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

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 7

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington B.X: 1 damaged

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

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

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 7

No Allied losses

Oil hits 2

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

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

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Tue Mar 04, 2014 2:55 am

Summary of Operations 12/16/43

South Pacific: Current base status of Noumea - 275K supply on hand. Airfield construction is proceeding rapidly – airfield expanded to size 3, 45% completed to size 4. 13K supply is on hand at La Foa. 24 more transport ships (nearly all xAP, AKA) completed unloading cargo in Noumea and now departing for return to New Zealand. 63 transport ships remain in Noumea and continue unloading – some amphibious ships in this group but most ships are xAP and xAK from the second wave. Remaining cargo still to disembark in Noumea include LCU elements of three construction engineer units plus approximately 62K supply and 8K fuel.

Jap bombers hit Noumea airfield in a night raid. No reported damage to airfield facilities. Two H6K Mavis planes reported destroyed in air-to-air action by CAP fighters from US Escort Carrier force still at Noumea. AAR of Jap bombing raid follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Noumea, at 115,160

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms (67% moonlight)

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

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

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

Coastwatcher entries from 12/15 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
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: 3 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 98,127 near Salamaua, Speed unknown
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: 7 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Tue Mar 04, 2014 2:59 am

Summary of Operations 12/16/43 (continued)

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – supply on hand 244K.

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

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 1 A6M2-N Rufe (air-to-air)

Allied planes reported destroyed - none

No reported Jap bombing raids or fighter sweeps over New Guinea this game turn. The decline in Japanese air activity in New Guinea could have several possible reason(s) –

(1) Pillager may have pulled back Jap air forces in New Guinea to regroup and recover
(2) Major Japanese airfields in New Guinea (Lae and Buna) may no longer be in any condition to recover from damage and support air missions.
(3) It’s possible Pillager could be shifting forces to meet the Allied invasion at Noumea.

If either/both (1) and (2) above are true, the Allied air campaign over New Guinea could now be having a significant impact.

Case (3) above is also quite likely, either alone or in combination with (1) and (2). If so, this is potentially a favorable development. This view is based on an estimate that my ability to launch and maintain two large scale offensive actions (in parallel) from South and SW Pacific now or will eventually exceed Pillager’s ability to deploy sufficient Japanese forces against advancing Allied forces in the South and SW Pacific simultaneously.

Pillager is eventually going to face in the South Pacific theatre (from Noumea and Fiji) an second group of Allied forces virtually equal in strength to what he is now facing in New Guinea. South and SW Pacific theatres have independent air and LCU forces, each theatre also having its own logistic support. A combined pool of 5-6 million supply points and 2-3 million fuel is in place and readily available between both theatres. Carrier and surface naval forces plus amphibious/transport shipping can quickly and easily move between the two theatres. Planning and arrangement of resources in South and SW Pacific theatres during 1941-43 had been done with the intent of the two theatres operating in parallel and also mutually supporting on interior lines.

As a final note… we’re likely due for a visit from the KB. My estimate has Noumea as its most likely destination.

Continued night bombing raids by Allied bombers against Buna and Lae airfields. Latest AAR’s and Combat Events report entries follow.

4 x No.18 Sqn RAAF B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
6 x 90th BG/319th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night

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

Weather in hex: Severe storms (67% moonlight)

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1 Rex x 3

Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

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

CAP engaged:
902 Ku S-1 with N1K1 Rex (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes

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

Weather in hex: Moderate rain (67% moonlight)

Raid detected at 66 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 5

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses
Runway hits 1

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

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 32000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 32810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes

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

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3

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

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Runway hits 1

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

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 32000
Raid is overhead

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

Detected status of Jap base at Buna (after raid above) – no visible Jap TF, 23 Jap LCU, no available information on number of planes in Buna or airfield damage.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae (after raid above) – no available information on airfield damage or number of planes, 6 Jap LCU (-2 from last report), 2 Jap TF (9 ships total, all barges and small ship types).

Detected status at Finchhafen shows unidentified Jap planes based on what is now a size 2(3) airfield. Finchhafen may warrant some attention from Allied aerial recon and possible bombing strikes later. Pillager could be attempting to disperse Japanese planes based in New Guinea from Lae/Buna to other airfields to escape Allied bombing. My intention here is to continue pursuit and attacks on Japanese air forces in New Guinea.

Escort with a small group of Allied transports leaving Port Moresby in night action with Jap patrol submarine. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Port Moresby at 98,132 (due S of Port Moresby)

Japanese Ships
SS I-8, hits 2, heavy damage (one direct hit, second hit causing flooding in control room, reported sunk)

Allied Ships
xAKL Caledon
PG Herald

SS I-8 is sighted by escort
PG Herald attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Tue Mar 04, 2014 3:01 am

Summary of Operations 12/16/43 (continued)

Central Pacific: US patrol sub intercepts probable Japanese troop transport convoy. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Truk at 112,104 (due N of Truk)

Japanese Ships
xAP Ussuri Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
E W-14
xAP Montevideo Maru
xAP Manzyu Maru
xAP Kitano Maru
xAP Kokuryu Maru
xAP Takatiho Maru
xAP Horai Maru
xAP Huzi Maru
DD Hatakaze
DD Asakaze

Allied Ships
SS Sturgeon

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

SS Sturgeon launches 4 torpedoes at xAP Ussuri Maru
DD Hatakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Asakaze fails to find sub and abandons search
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Sigint entry for 12/15 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Baker Is. No detected or visible Japanese forces or activity shown at Baker Is.

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships in port, 2 Jap TF, 110 aircraft (all fighters), 11 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 96(105).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe (after raid below) – airfield damage 1, 89 aircraft (all fighters), 24 Jap LCU, oil production 126(175), refinery 97(4).

Night bombing raid by RAF bombers against Magwe airfield. Minor damage to airfield facilities in Magwe, no report of Japanese planes destroyed. One Blenheim IV bomber lost (flak). Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

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

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

Weather in hex: Severe storms (67% moonlight)

Raid detected at 55 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 11

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 37

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed by flak

Airbase hits 1

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

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 5 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes

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

Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 8

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 (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

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

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)