No easy choices and it definitely sounds like you are up against a solid defense.
Most likely true. Between LCU freed up by the fall of China and reinforcements entering the game he’s drawing out of the Home Islands, Pillager has a lot of IJ Army LCU to spread around. Granted, he cannot defend everything with them but what he (Pillager) has available appears to be plenty for defending most if not all the larger Pacific island bases. Even with attacking, taking and building up smaller atolls and island bases surrounding larger objectives, it’s apparent to both sides that at some point I will need to take a major base If I want or need an airfield large enough to operate more than fighters and 2E bombers in any significant quantity or use of a large forward naval facility.
What I’m attempting with building up (already Allied-controlled) bases covering the sea passage between northern Australia and the south coast of New Guinea is opening another axis for Allied advance through the eastern DEI and from there moving west toward the oil centers or northward into the Philippines. The Marianas provides little in the way of footholds beside its main islands (all known to be heavily garrisoned) and is a lot of territory to bypass.
So what does Pillager have in the DEI?
Pillager does have most of the obvious points of attack (Java and Sumatra) covered, though possibly on a lesser scale than Burma or the main Pacific area.
If Pillager has denuded the home islands to beef up the circle of defense, he is a fool. You get some armor on the northern end of the main island and you are in Tokyo before you can spit. My guess is he may have moved a few units forward, but I would not leave Japan essentially naked. Japan is not that far from Seattle. It would be too easy to cut off the outer ring and just go for the jugular. If I were...I would not remove the home island defense under any circumstances. You have the intelligence. What does it tell you?
Pillager is playing an all or nothing approach to at least some extent though I doubt he’s completely emptied the Home Islands. Pillager (in stock scenario 6 which we’re playing) receives large numbers of IJ Army combat units in the Home Islands throughout 1944-45, nearly all in restricted command. He can only move out of Japan those units he has the PP to reassign – which leaves a significant number of LCU behind to cover the Home Islands area. Quality of these Jap LCU is less important than their quantity. Historical US and Allied ground forces in AE can kill off only so many Jap units before they’re worn out and/or remaining time left in the campaign is exhausted. This appears more and more to be the central premise of Pillager’s Japanese strategy.
Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea plus Rabaul.
Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 22 Ki-84 Frank (16 air-to-air, 5 on the ground, 1 ops)
• 15 Ki-44 Tojo (7 air-to-air, 7 on the ground, 1 ops)
• 49 N1K1-J George (34 air-to-air, 5 on the ground, 10 ops)
• 4 J2M3 Jack (2 air-to-air, 2 ops)
USAAF low-level night air strikes against Lae airfield. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.
6 x 22nd BG/2nd BS A-20G Havoc stray due to night
7 x 38th BG/822nd BS A-20G Havoc stray due to night
4 x 38th BG/822nd BS A-20G Havoc stray due to night
5 x 38th BG/822nd BS A-20G Havoc stray due to night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126
Weather in hex: Partial cloud (28% moonlight)
Raid detected at 69 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes
Japanese aircraft
J1N1-S Irving x 5
Ki-45 KAId Nick x 8
Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 12
P-39D Airacobra x 5
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAId Nick: 2 damaged
Ki-45 KAId Nick: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-84a Frank: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x P-39D Airacobra bombing from 100 feet
Airfield Attack: 1 plane(s) with no ordnance
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x A-20G Havoc bombing and strafing from low level
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
53rd Sentai/C with Ki-45 KAId Nick (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
S-902 Hikotai with J1N1-S Irving (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126
Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Japanese aircraft
J1N1-S Irving x 1
Ki-45 KAId Nick x 8
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x P-39D Airacobra bombing from 100 feet
Airfield Attack: 1 plane(s) with no ordnance
4 x P-39D Airacobra bombing from 100 feet
Airfield Attack: 3 plane(s) with no ordnance
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x P-39D Airacobra bombing from 100 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 plane(s) with no ordnance
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x P-39D Airacobra bombing from 100 feet
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
53rd Sentai/C with Ki-45 KAId Nick (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
S-902 Hikotai with J1N1-S Irving (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 6000.
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126
Raid detected at 49 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAId Nick x 3
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 7
Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed on ground
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x P-39D Airacobra bombing from 100 feet
Airfield Attack: 1 plane(s) with no ordnance
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
53rd Sentai/C with Ki-45 KAId Nick (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126
Raid detected at 41 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAId Nick x 3
Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 5
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 2 damaged
Runway hits 1
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x A-20G Havoc bombing and strafing from low level
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
53rd Sentai/C with Ki-45 KAId Nick (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAId Nick x 1
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 4
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 2 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x P-39D Airacobra bombing from 100 feet
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
53rd Sentai/C with Ki-45 KAId Nick (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126
Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAId Nick x 1
Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 5
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground
Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 2 damaged
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x A-20G Havoc bombing and strafing from low level
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
53rd Sentai/C with Ki-45 KAId Nick (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126
Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAId Nick x 1
Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 7
Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-84a Frank: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 2 destroyed on ground
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x A-20G Havoc bombing and strafing from low level
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
53rd Sentai/C with Ki-45 KAId Nick (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Raid is overhead
CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K1-J George (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
S-901 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
302 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 18000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
332 Ku S-1 with J2M3 Jack (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
S-602 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
S-407 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
18th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
52nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
S-305 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 27000.
Raid is overhead
20th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 5 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 25000, scrambling fighters between 25000 and 33000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
51st Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 31000.
Raid is overhead
204th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 36000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lae, at 99,126
Raid detected at 23 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
J2M3 Jack x 5
N1K1-J George x 22
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 7
Ki-84a Frank x 9
Aircraft Attacking:
16 x P-47D25 Thunderbolt sweeping at 30000 feet
CAP engaged:
S-305 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 14000.
Raid is overhead
302 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (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 18000, scrambling fighters between 17000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
332 Ku S-1 with J2M3 Jack (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 1000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
S-602 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
S-407 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
18th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
204th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
20th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
51st Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 26540.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
52nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000, scrambling fighters between 11000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
S-901 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000, scrambling fighters to 15000.
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lae, at 99,126
Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
Japanese aircraft
J2M3 Jack x 1
N1K1-J George x 10
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 5
Ki-84a Frank x 2
Aircraft Attacking:
18 x P-47D25 Thunderbolt sweeping at 30000 feet
CAP engaged:
302 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 18000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
S-602 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 14490.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
S-407 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
204th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
S-305 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
332 Ku S-1 with J2M3 Jack (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 1000, scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
20th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
51st Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (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 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
18th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (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 19000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lae, at 99,126
Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 2
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 1
Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 25
Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-47D25 Thunderbolt sweeping at 30000 feet
CAP engaged:
S-407 Hikotai 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 14000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
204th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (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 5000, scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
S-602 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Raid detected at 71 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 15
B-25H Mitchell x 3
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Raid detected at 65 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes
Assaulting units:
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
81st Infantry Division
193rd Tank Battalion
2/6th Armoured Regiment
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
43rd Infantry Division
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
1st Marine Division
754th Tank Battalion
32nd Infantry Division
7th Infantry Division
2/4th Armoured Regiment
31st Infantry Division
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
Americal Infantry Division
9th Australian Division
2nd Medium Regiment
82nd Mortar Battalion
205th Field Artillery Battalion
155th USA Base Force
857th Engineer Aviation Battalion
2nd RAA Jungle Regiment
2/13th Field Regiment
1st Medium Regiment
97th Field Artillery Battalion
181st Field Artillery Regiment
165th Field Artillery Battalion
134th Field Artillery Battalion
150th USA Base Force
168th Field Artillery Regiment
2/9th Field Regiment
I Australian Corps
2/11th Field Regiment
11th RAAF M/W Sqn
Defending units:
47th Division
104th Division
3rd Cavalry Brigade
64th Division
116th Division
13th Division
144th Infantry Regiment
1st Guards Division
13th Ind.Mixed Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
102nd Machine Cannon AA Battalion
62nd Construction Battalion
17th Naval Construction Battalion
23rd Field AA Machinecannon Company
14th Naval Construction Battalion
55th Field AA Battalion
8th Base Force
31st Army
7th Base Force /1
Central Pacific: All amphibious transport with remaining LCU elements of Nauru landing force now at sea and returning to Noumea or Suva. US Escort and Main Carrier forces remain in covering positions.
Sigint entries for 9/21 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Truk and Eniwetok. Detected statuses of the two bases show no visible Japanese forces or activity at either location.
Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 219 aircraft (196 fighters, 15 bombers), oil production 198(103), refinery 96(5), 25 Jap LCU.
RAF fighter sweeps over Japanese LCU along Burma-India border area continue. No Japanese planes encountered. AAR’s follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 1st Raiding Regiment, at 57,42, near Chittagong (two identical sweeps over this location, first one only shown)
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 36,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Allied aircraft
Thunderbolt I x 16
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Thunderbolt I sweeping at 32000 feet
India: Reorganization of British carrier air groups underway. This activity includes re-sizing and rearranging of carrier air squadrons to maximize plane capacities aboard individual ships, plus creating an effective air group organization aboard each carrier. Unlike USN carriers, British carriers of all types (CV, CVL, CVE) enter the game with “whatever happens to be aboard them”. I’m re-sizing most British carrier air squadrons as well as redistributing them between ships to create a more or less uniform air group organization. Virtually all British carrier squadrons are resizable making this endeavor very doable. The initial stage (now underway) is reorganizing air groups aboard CV and CVL ships, to be followed later with CVE’s. Final result of reorganization on British CV and CVL will likely produce air groups on each ship composed mainly of fighters with a smaller torpedo bomber component – similar to air group organization used in US Escort Carrier force. Reorganization process for the British carrier fleet is being driven mainly by availability of carrier planes and trained pilots, as well as total number of existing carrier fighter and torpedo bomber air units aboard all British carriers.
No reported Allied planes destroyed in South Pacific area.
Current base status of Ndeni – 574K supply and 26K fuel on hand. Jap air strike launched against shipping in Ndeni base hex. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, at Ndeni 120,143
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid detected at 26 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Japanese aircraft
G4M2a Betty x 2
Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 9
F4U-1 Corsair x 22
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2a Betty: 1 destroyed
No Allied losses
CAP engaged:
VMF-111 with F4U-1 Corsair (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
VMF-313 with F4U-1 Corsair (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
No.21 Sqn RNZAF with F4U-1D Corsair (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
Current base status of Luganville – 1.63 million supply and 205K fuel on hand. Jap naval air strikes launched against shipping in Luganville base hex. AAR’s follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, at Luganville 120,150
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid detected at 41 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Japanese aircraft
G4M2a Betty x 5
Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 22
F4U-1A Corsair x 11
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2a Betty: 2 destroyed
No Allied losses
CAP engaged:
VMF-218 with F4U-1A Corsair (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 11000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
VMF-222 with F4U-1 Corsair (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 11000, scrambling fighters between 9000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
VMF-225 with F4U-1 Corsair (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 11000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, at Luganville 120,150
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid detected at 67 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes
Japanese aircraft
G4M2a Betty x 3
Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 22
F4U-1A Corsair x 10
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2a Betty: 1 destroyed
No Allied losses
CAP engaged:
VMF-218 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 11000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VMF-222 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
VMF-225 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000, scrambling fighters between 9000 and 36800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
Current base status of Noumea – 3.35 million supply and 2.68 million fuel on hand.
Detected status of Jap base at Lunga – 35 aircraft (all fighters), no ships in port, 6 Jap TF (39 ships total, all small ship types), 12 Jap LCU.
Coastwatcher entries from 9/21 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Dagua
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Manus
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,126 near Lae, Speed 16, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 3, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 16, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 113,137 near Tassafaronga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,125 near Rabaul, Speed 13, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 98,127 near Salamaua, Speed 15, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 4, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,125 near Rabaul, Speed 11, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed 10, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,126 near Rabaul, Speed 16, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,125 near Rabaul, Speed 11, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 6, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 13, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,126 near Rabaul, Speed 12, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,126 near Rabaul, Speed 7, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 9, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,129 near Buna, Speed 9, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 104,126 near Gasmata, Speed 13, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 103,125 near Talasea, Speed 15, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 13, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 6, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,129 near Buna, Speed 10, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,129 near Buna, Speed 10, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 10, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,126 near Lae, Speed 13, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 113,137 near Tassafaronga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,125 near Arawe, Speed 14, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,127 near Rabaul, Speed 14, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,126 near Lae, Speed 13, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,128 near Buna, Speed 15, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed 3, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,125 near Arawe, Speed 10, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,125 near Arawe, Speed 16, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 98,127 near Salamaua, Speed 10, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 11, Moving Northwest
Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – 1.08 million supply and 126K fuel on hand.
Current status of Terapo base – 187K supply and 10K fuel on hand. (unchanged).
No reported Allied or Japanese plane losses this game turn over SW Pacific theatre operations area.
Allied daylight port bombing raids on Buna on reduced level, most 2E and 4E bomber squadrons stood down to rest pilots and/or recover damaged planes.. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid detected at 60 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 12
B-25H Mitchell x 12
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
Assaulting units:
2/4th Armoured Regiment
31st Infantry Division
43rd Infantry Division
754th Tank Battalion
7th Infantry Division
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
Americal Infantry Division
2/6th Armoured Regiment
81st Infantry Division
1st Marine Division
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
193rd Tank Battalion
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
32nd Infantry Division
9th Australian Division
2/9th Field Regiment
134th Field Artillery Battalion
150th USA Base Force
2/11th Field Regiment
205th Field Artillery Battalion
1st Medium Regiment
2nd RAA Jungle Regiment
97th Field Artillery Battalion
I Australian Corps
165th Field Artillery Battalion
155th USA Base Force
857th Engineer Aviation Battalion
2/13th Field Regiment
82nd Mortar Battalion
168th Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Medium Regiment
181st Field Artillery Regiment
11th RAAF M/W Sqn
Defending units:
144th Infantry Regiment
64th Division
104th Division
47th Division
116th Division
13th Division
1st Guards Division
3rd Cavalry Brigade
13th Ind.Mixed Regiment
55th Field AA Battalion
17th Naval Construction Battalion
102nd Machine Cannon AA Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
14th Naval Construction Battalion
23rd Field AA Machinecannon Company
31st Army
62nd Construction Battalion
8th Base Force
7th Base Force /1
South Pacific: Returning amphibious transport from Nauru entering or now within South Pacific theatre sea areas. US Main Carrier force now returning to Noumea for refueling. Estimated return time for most amphibious transports coming back from Nauru is 3-4 days plus unloading of cargo.
Current base status of Ndeni – 575K supply and 26K fuel on hand.
Current base status of Luganville – 1.64 million supply and 205K fuel on hand.
Current base status of Noumea – 3.34 million supply and 2.68 million fuel on hand.
Convoy detachment WP-257B (5 ships) arrives in Suva from mainland US, cargo includes 31K supply and 2500 fuel, Main body of WP-257 and another detachment of this convoy still enroute to Noumea and Luganville.
Detected status of Jap base at Lunga – 32 aircraft (all fighters), no ships in port, 5 Jap TF (27 ships total, all small ship types), 12 Jap LCU.
Coastwatcher entries from 9/22 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,125 near Arawe, Speed 16, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 9, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 14, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, 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 15, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 12, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,126 near Rabaul, Speed 9, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 16, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 6, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,129 near Buna, Speed 9, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 104,126 near Gasmata, Speed 10, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 104,126 near Gasmata, Speed 12, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,125 near Cape Gloucester, Speed 11, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 103,125 near Talasea, Speed 10, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tassafaronga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Dagua
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 98,127 near Salamaua, Speed 11, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,125 near Cape Gloucester, Speed 12, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 101,125 near Cape Gloucester, Speed 15, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 14, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 95,119 near Dagua, Speed 2, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 7, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 11, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 113,137 near Tassafaronga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 103,125 near Talasea, Speed 12, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 103,127 near Gasmata, Speed 9, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed 10, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 104,127 near Gasmata, Speed 10, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 103,125 near Talasea, Speed 13, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,120 near Mussau Island, Speed 8, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 103,127 near Gasmata, Speed 12, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 98,127 near Salamaua, Speed 8, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,125 near Cape Gloucester, Speed 16, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 104,126 near Gasmata, Speed 13, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,124 near Long Island, Speed 15, Moving Northeast
Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 9/22 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Wale Is and Eniwetok. Detected statuses of the two bases show no visible Japanese forces or activity at either location.
Australia: Fast transport convoy EX-83 (11 ships) arrives from mainland US. Cargo aboard the convoy includes 72K supply, 19K fuel, no LCU or air units.
Western Pacific: US patrol sub in action with Japanese surface combat TF in sea area off NW coast of New Guinea. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Peleliu at 93,105 (SE of Peleliu)
Allied Ships
SS Gato, hits 1 (system damage 4, sub remains on patrol)
SS Gato launches 4 torpedoes at DD Harukaze
Gato diving deep ....
DD Yunagi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Asanagi fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hayate attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 220 aircraft (188 fighters, 22 bombers), oil production 200(101), refinery 96(5), 25 Jap LCU. Pillager has resumed repair of Magwe oil production facilities.
Fighter sweeps and ground attack bombing strikes against Japanese LCU along Burma-India border area continue. No Japanese planes encountered. Seven Jap LCU detected in hex location 56, 43 on the Burma side of the border E of Cox’s Bazar, four identified in the series of air actions below. Jap 35th Infantry Division previously identified in this hex but not involved in this action. AAR’s follow.
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Morning Air attack on 33rd Army, at 56,43, near Chittagong
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 25
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 18000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 33rd Army, at 56,43, near Chittagong
Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 25
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 18000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 33rd Army, at 56,43, near Chittagong
Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 25
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 18000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 14th Division, at 56,43, near Chittagong
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 16
Liberator B.VI x 32
Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Liberator B.III bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x Liberator B.VI bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x Liberator B.VI bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
Also attacking 15th Division ...
Also attacking 5th Mortar Battalion ...
Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – 1.08 million supply and 126K fuel on hand (unchanged).
Current status of Terapo base – 187K supply and 10K fuel on hand. (unchanged). Jap ground attack bombing raid on 8 Australian Division at Wau, one Jap Ki-67 Peggy bomber reported lost (ops). AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 8th Australian Division, at 98,126 (Wau)
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 18
No Japanese losses
Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 11000 feet
Ground Attack: 3 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea plus Rabaul.
Japanese planes reported destroyed – N1K1 George plane losses below possibly over-reported as some planes of this type also destroyed in actions over Burma.
• 58 Ki-84 Frank (51 air-to-air, 7 ops)
• 20 Ki-44 Tojo (19 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 35 N1K1-J George (exact breakdown of losses not known)
• 3 J2M3 Jack (2 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 1 Ki-67 Peggy (ops)
CAP engaged:
S-305 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 17 scrambling)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 36000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K1-J George (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 14000.
Raid is overhead
S-901 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 16000.
Raid is overhead
332 Ku S-1 with J2M3 Jack (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Raid is overhead
S-602 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Raid is overhead
S-407 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 14000.
Raid is overhead
18th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 19000.
Raid is overhead
20th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 13 on standby, 21 scrambling)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 21000 and 33000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
51st Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 irborne, 6 on standby, 8 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 33000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
52nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 12 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 17 on standby, 26 scrambling)
17 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 34000, scrambling fighters between 22000 and 34440.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lae, at 99,126
Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
Japanese aircraft
J2M3 Jack x 6
N1K1-J George x 38
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 35
Ki-84a Frank x 80
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x P-47D25 Thunderbolt sweeping at 30000 feet
CAP engaged:
S-305 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
15 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 34000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K1-J George (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Raid is overhead
S-901 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (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 16000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
332 Ku S-1 with J2M3 Jack (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 1000, scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
S-407 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
18th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
20th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
20 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
51st Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 17270 and 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
52nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 12 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 11 scrambling)
26 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 34000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 34440.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lae, at 99,126
Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Japanese aircraft
J2M3 Jack x 3
N1K1-J George x 30
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 28
Ki-84a Frank x 59
Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 50
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 75
Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-47D25 Thunderbolt sweeping at 30000 feet
22 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 30000 feet
22 x P-47D25 Thunderbolt sweeping at 30000 feet
18 x P-47D25 Thunderbolt sweeping at 30000 feet
23 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 30000 feet
CAP engaged:
S-305 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
10 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 34000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters to 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
S-901 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000, scrambling fighters to 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
332 Ku S-1 with J2M3 Jack (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
S-407 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters to 32000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
18th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 19000.
Raid is overhead
20th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
51st Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 19000 and 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 9 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 34000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 34000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
Allied daylight port bombing raids and sweeps on Buna continue. Many 2E and 4E bomber squadrons remain stood down to rest pilots and/or recover damaged planes. AAR’s follow.
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Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 27,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 24
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 27000 feet
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Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 27,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 24
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 27000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 12
B-24J Liberator x 12
B-25H Mitchell x 3
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 15
B-25H Mitchell x 12
Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied aircraft
P-51B Mustang x 25
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-51B Mustang sweeping at 20000 feet
Assaulting units:
31st Infantry Division
754th Tank Battalion
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
2/6th Armoured Regiment
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
Americal Infantry Division
1st Marine Division
43rd Infantry Division
32nd Infantry Division
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
7th Infantry Division
2/4th Armoured Regiment
81st Infantry Division
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
193rd Tank Battalion
9th Australian Division
181st Field Artillery Regiment
165th Field Artillery Battalion
2nd RAA Jungle Regiment
1st Medium Regiment
168th Field Artillery Regiment
2/13th Field Regiment
155th USA Base Force
857th Engineer Aviation Battalion
2/11th Field Regiment
205th Field Artillery Battalion
97th Field Artillery Battalion
2/9th Field Regiment
I Australian Corps
150th USA Base Force
2nd Medium Regiment
134th Field Artillery Battalion
82nd Mortar Battalion
11th RAAF M/W Sqn
Defending units:
144th Infantry Regiment
1st Guards Division
13th Division
64th Division
47th Division
116th Division
104th Division
3rd Cavalry Brigade
13th Ind.Mixed Regiment
14th Naval Construction Battalion
17th Naval Construction Battalion
102nd Machine Cannon AA Battalion
55th Field AA Battalion
23rd Field AA Machinecannon Company
8th Base Force
62nd Construction Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
31st Army
7th Base Force /1
Mainland US: US 637 TD Bn (destroyed at Nauru Is) was purchased tp rebuild, due to re-enter the game as reinforcement at San Francisco in 34 days. Purchase cost to rebuild the unit was 2 PP.
Central Pacific: US patrol subs in contacts with Japanese transport TF’s near Eniwetok and south of the Marianas. AAR’s follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Guam at 108,100 (SSE of Guam)
Japanese Ships
AK Hokuroku Maru
AK Goyo Maru
xAP Ural Maru
xAP Manzyu Maru
DD Maki
Allied Ships
SS Ling
SS Ling is sighted by escort
DD Maki fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Eniwetok at 126,108 (adjacent hex W of Eniwetok)
Japanese Ships
E No.2
xAK Nissen Maru
E W-33
Allied Ships
SS Hardhead
SS Hardhead launches 2 torpedoes at E No.2
Hardhead diving deep ....
E W-33 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
Sigint entries for 9/23 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Wale Is and Eniwetok. Detected statuses of the two bases show no visible Japanese forces or activity at either location.
Contact between US patrol sub and unidentified Japanese TF (4 ships including one E) east of Rabaul at hex location 113, 125. Jap TF is visible on map and reported moving on E heading. No report of Japanese aircraft in this sea area.
CAP fighter from US Escort Carrier force covering withdrawal of Nauru invasion force TF shoots down H6K4 Mavis naval search plane. Current position of US Escort Carrier force is hex location 132, 139 SW of Tabiteuea.
Western Pacific: US patrol sub reporting contact with possible Jap carrier aircraft NW of Babeldaob (hex location 87,95). No detected Japanese ships or TF in sea area around this hex location.
Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – 73 aircraft (50 fighters, 23 bombers), no Jap TF, manpower 4(0), resources 21(0), refinery 72(129), light industry 9(32), 16 Jap LCU.
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – no report of aircraft based in Magwe, oil production 201(100), refinery 96(5), 25 Jap LCU.
British patrol sub in contact with possible Japanese surface ASW off Rangoon. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Rangoon at 52,55 (S of Rangoon)
Japanese Ships
PB Wa 1
Allied Ships
SS Stonehenge
SS Stonehenge is located by PB Wa 1
Stonehenge bottoming out ....
PB Wa 1 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in the Burma-India border area.
Japanese planes reported destroyed – N1K1 George plane losses below possibly under-reported as many planes of this type also destroyed in actions over Lae.
• 4 N1K1-J George (exact breakdown of losses not known)
• 23 Ki-61 Tony (20 air-to-air, 3 ops)
Allied planes reported destroyed
• 1 Spitfire VIII (ops)
USAAF and RAF fighter sweeps and ground attack bombing strikes by RAF 4E bombers against Japanese LCU along Burma-India border area. AAR’s follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 35th Division, at 56,44, near Cox's Bazar
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 7
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 5
Ki-61-Ic Tony x 5
Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 30000 feet
CAP engaged:
S-315 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
47th Sentai with Ki-61-Ic Tony (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
1st Sentai with Ki-61-Ib Tony (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 35th Division, at 56,44, near Cox's Bazar
Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes
Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 6
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 6
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 30000 feet
CAP engaged:
S-315 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 16000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
1st Sentai with Ki-61-Ib Tony (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 33rd Army, at 56,43, near Chittagong
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 25
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 18000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 33rd Army, at 56,43, near Chittagong
Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 25
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 18000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 33rd Army, at 56,43, near Chittagong
Raid spotted at 41 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 25
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 18000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 35th Division, at 56,44, near Cox's Bazar
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 1 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes
Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Liberator B.III bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
S-315 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (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 20000 and 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 35th Division, at 56,44, near Cox's Bazar
Raid spotted at 2 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes
Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 2
Ki-61-Ic Tony x 3
Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Liberator B.VI bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
47th Sentai with Ki-61-Ic Tony (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead
S-315 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 35th Division, at 56,44, near Cox's Bazar
Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 1
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 1
Ki-61-Ic Tony x 3
Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Liberator B.VI bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-61-Ib Tony (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Raid is overhead
S-315 Hikotai 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 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
47th Sentai with Ki-61-Ic Tony (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 35th Division, at 56,44, near Cox's Bazar
Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 1
Ki-61-Ic Tony x 4
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 30000 feet
CAP engaged:
47th Sentai with Ki-61-Ic Tony (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 59 minutes
S-315 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
Manchuria: Sigint entry for 9/23 reports Jap 2 Recon Rgt (sub-unit of 2nd Infantry Division) now located at the Manchuria-USSR border (hex location 114, 28) – this unit transferred to Manchuria from the DEI. I’ve had occasional Sigint report entries indicating preparation of Japanese LCU for objectives inside the USSR border. This falls within a pattern starting to indicate Pillager is likely preparing the Kwantung Army and parts of Japanese land forces in northern China for Russian entry. I have been upgrading Russian air and ground units throughout this campaign to the extent possible as well as pilot training for Russian air units. My overall plans include using Russian forces to the maximum extent possible when these become available. Given the overall Allied strategic situation in this PBEM campaign, anything that becomes available on the Allied side needs to be used and ready for use when it becomes available.
South Pacific: Current base status of Ndeni – 576K supply and 26K fuel on hand.
Current base status of Luganville – 1.64 million supply and 205K fuel on hand (unchanged).
Current base status of Noumea – 3.37 million supply and 2.65 million fuel on hand. Surface naval and bombardment TF returning from Nauru invasion operation arrived in Noumea, 16 ships now undergoing dockside repair for minor system damage. Other TF from the Nauru operation expected to gradually return to Noumea over the next 5-6 days based on current point in transit and movement speed.
Detected status of Jap base at Lunga – 56 aircraft (23 fighters), no ships in port, 5 Jap TF (27 ships total, all small ship types), 12 Jap LCU.
Coastwatcher entries from 9/23 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 98,127 near Salamaua, Speed 13, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 113,136 near Russell Islands, Speed 8, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,126 near Lae, Speed 10, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,126 near Rabaul, Speed 11, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,122 near Kavieng, Speed 10, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,122 near Kavieng, Speed 12, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 7, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 1, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,124 near Long Island, Speed 13, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 100,124 near Long Island, Speed 18, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 103,124 near Talasea, Speed 14, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 12, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 107,124 near Rabaul, Speed 9, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,120 near Mussau Island, Speed 9, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,126 near Lae, Speed 13, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 12, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Dagua
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Toyama Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 9, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 107,124 near Rabaul, Speed 9, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,126 near Rabaul, Speed 19, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 5, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 8, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 11, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 111,134 near Munda, Speed 12, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 102,125 near Arawe, Speed 16, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,125 near Rabaul, Speed 7, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 15, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 110,133 near Vella Lavella, Speed 8, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,125 near Cape Gloucester, Speed 10, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 9, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 10, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed 8, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 111,132 near Choiseul Bay, Speed 11, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 10, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,120 near Rambutyo, Speed 8, Moving West
Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – 1.09 million supply and 126K fuel on hand. Transport convoy arriving from NE Australia with 4 Australian Tank Brigade plus supply cargo. 4 Tank Brigade fully prepped for Buna but had become lost in the shuffle – needed or not, it was dispatched to New Guinea. A second convoy with US I Corps Combat Engineer Rgt plus fuel and more supply from NE Australia also arrived in Port Moresby and now unloading.
Current status of Terapo base – 191K supply and 10K fuel on hand. (unchanged). Jap ground attack bombing raid on 8 Australian Division at Wau continues. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 8th Australian Division, at 98,126 (Wau)
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 22
Ki-84a Frank x 33
No Japanese losses
Aircraft Attacking:
22 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 11000 feet
Ground Attack: 3 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Allied daylight port bombing raids and sweeps on Buna continue. Latest AAR’s follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 30,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 24
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 27000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 24
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 27000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
Allied aircraft
P-51B Mustang x 25
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-51B Mustang sweeping at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 16
B-24D1 Liberator x 3
B-25H Mitchell x 18
No Allied losses
Port hits 4
Port supply hits 3
Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Mitchell II bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 9
B-24J Liberator x 12
No Allied losses
Port hits 6
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25H Mitchell x 12
No Allied losses
Port hits 1
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
Assaulting units:
81st Infantry Division
43rd Infantry Division
2/4th Armoured Regiment
32nd Infantry Division
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
7th Infantry Division
754th Tank Battalion
193rd Tank Battalion
1st Marine Division
2/6th Armoured Regiment
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
Americal Infantry Division
31st Infantry Division
9th Australian Division
1st Medium Regiment
205th Field Artillery Battalion
150th USA Base Force
2nd RAA Jungle Regiment
97th Field Artillery Battalion
168th Field Artillery Regiment
134th Field Artillery Battalion
181st Field Artillery Regiment
2/13th Field Regiment
82nd Mortar Battalion
857th Engineer Aviation Battalion
2/9th Field Regiment
165th Field Artillery Battalion
I Australian Corps
155th USA Base Force
2nd Medium Regiment
2/11th Field Regiment
11th RAAF M/W Sqn
Defending units:
13th Division
47th Division
3rd Cavalry Brigade
144th Infantry Regiment
104th Division
116th Division
64th Division
1st Guards Division
13th Ind.Mixed Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
17th Naval Construction Battalion
14th Naval Construction Battalion
23rd Field AA Machinecannon Company
62nd Construction Battalion
102nd Machine Cannon AA Battalion
31st Army
55th Field AA Battalion
8th Base Force
7th Base Force /1
Two unidentified Japanese TF detected off northern coast of New Guinea, two other unidentified Jap TF in Dagua and Wewak base hexes (one TF at each location) – these TF spotted by Catalina I naval search patrols flying from Terapo. Exact composition of Jap TF’s is not known – one TF containing 8 ships; the other Jap TF with 5, 6 and one ship. Movement headings of the Jap TF’s vary (both east and west bound). US patrol sub off northern coast of New Guinea intercepted at least one Jap TF, AAR’s follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Wewak at 98,118 (N of Wewak)
Japanese Ships
TK Hakko Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
Allied Ships
SS Pargo
TK Hakko Maru is sighted by SS Pargo
SS Pargo launches 2 torpedoes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Wewak at 98,118
Japanese Ships
TK Chiyoda Maru, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
E No.1
Allied Ships
SS Pargo
SS Pargo launches 4 torpedoes at TK Chiyoda Maru
Pargo diving deep ....
E No.1 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
Another unidentified Japanese TF (6 ships including 2 DD) spotted off northern New Guinea by Catalina naval search patrol. Reported movement of this TF is SW heading at 15 kts speed. No reported contacts with Japanese carrier aircraft in this sea area by US subs. US Marine LBA dive and torpedo bomber squadrons now activated for naval strike in the event an Allied naval air strike becomes possible. Additional Allied naval search planes being routed into this sea area. CAP fighter defenses over Terapo activated to counter possible Jap air strikes.
Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 9/24 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Kwajalein, detected base status shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.
Australia: Fast transport convoy EX-83 (11 ships) arrives from Eastern US via Capetown, cargo includes 72K supply and 19K fuel.
Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – 73 aircraft (52 fighters, 21 bombers), 1 Jap TF (5 TK), manpower 4(0), resources 21(0), refinery 72(129), light industry 9(32), 16 Jap LCU.
USAAF and RAF fighter sweeps continue over Japanese LCU along Burma-India border area, no contact with Japanese aircraft. AAR’s follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 1st Raiding Regiment, at 57,42, near Chittagong (two sweeps, identical AAR, first one only shown)
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
Allied aircraft
Thunderbolt I x 16
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Thunderbolt I sweeping at 32000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 33rd Army, at 56,43, near Chittagong (two sweeps, identical AAR, first one only shown)
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid spotted at 46 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 25
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 18000 feet
South Pacific: Current base status of Ndeni – 575K supply and 26K fuel on hand.
Current base status of Luganville – 1.64 million supply and 205K fuel on hand (unchanged).
Current base status of Noumea – 3.40 million supply and 2.65 million fuel on hand.
Detected status of Jap base at Lunga – 58 aircraft (33 fighters), no ships in port, 5 Jap TF (28 ships total, all small ship types), 12 Jap LCU. Unidentified Jap aircraft shown based on airfields at Tassafronga and Thousand Islands Bay – detected statuses of these bases showing size 2(3) airfields at each location.
Coastwatcher entries from 9/24 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,120 near Rambutyo, Speed 8, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 10, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 16, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 11, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 113,136 near Russell Islands, Speed 3, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 103,125 near Talasea, Speed 16, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,125 near Cape Gloucester, Speed 7, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 11, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 103,125 near Talasea, Speed 13, Moving East
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Dagua
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: xAP Kitano Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 0, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 13, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,125 near Rabaul, Speed 15, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 104,126 near Gasmata, Speed 10, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 104,127 near Gasmata, Speed 16, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,128 near Buna, Speed 10, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 13, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,125 near Rabaul, Speed 8, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,125 near Arawe, Speed 14, Moving East
Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – 1.11 million supply and 132K fuel on hand.
Current status of Terapo base – 190K supply and 10K fuel on hand. (unchanged). Jap ground attack bombing raid on 8 Australian Division at Wau continued, this raid intercepted by P-38 LRCAP fighters dispatched over Terapo in anticipation of possible Japanese air strikes against Terapo. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 8th Australian Division, at 98,126 (Wau)
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 22
Ki-84a Frank x 24
Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 25
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 2 destroyed
Aircraft Attacking:
22 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 11000 feet
Ground Attack: 3 x 250 kg GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
49th FG/8th FS with P-38J Lightning (25 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(25 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
25 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
Also attacking 158th(Sep) Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 8th Australian Division ...
AAR of latest Allied daylight port bombing raids and sweeps on Buna follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 16
B-25H Mitchell x 9
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Mitchell II bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 3
B-25H Mitchell x 24
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25H Mitchell x 12
No Allied losses
Port hits 1
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 28,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 24
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 27000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 24
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 27000 feet
Assaulting units:
2/4th Armoured Regiment
Americal Infantry Division
754th Tank Battalion
81st Infantry Division
193rd Tank Battalion
1st Marine Division
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
2/6th Armoured Regiment
31st Infantry Division
32nd Infantry Division
7th Infantry Division
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
43rd Infantry Division
9th Australian Division
205th Field Artillery Battalion
134th Field Artillery Battalion
150th USA Base Force
2/13th Field Regiment
1st Medium Regiment
2nd RAA Jungle Regiment
168th Field Artillery Regiment
97th Field Artillery Battalion
155th USA Base Force
I Australian Corps
82nd Mortar Battalion
857th Engineer Aviation Battalion
181st Field Artillery Regiment
2/11th Field Regiment
165th Field Artillery Battalion
2/9th Field Regiment
2nd Medium Regiment
11th RAAF M/W Sqn
Defending units:
144th Infantry Regiment
64th Division
104th Division
13th Division
116th Division
1st Guards Division
3rd Cavalry Brigade
47th Division
13th Ind.Mixed Regiment
62nd Construction Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
102nd Machine Cannon AA Battalion
14th Naval Construction Battalion
23rd Field AA Machinecannon Company
31st Army
8th Base Force
55th Field AA Battalion
17th Naval Construction Battalion
7th Base Force /1
South Pacific: Current base status of Ndeni – 576K supply and 26K fuel on hand.
Current base status of Luganville – 1.66 million supply and 205K fuel on hand. Convoy detachment WP-257C (5 ships) arrives with 31K supply and 2500 fuel cargo.
Current base status of Noumea – 3.40 million supply and 2.64 million fuel on hand. Main body of transport convoy WP-257 (1 APD, 12 transports) arrives from mainland US, cargo includes 50K supply and 61K fuel.
Detected status of Jap base at Lunga – 44 aircraft (30 fighters), no ships in port, 5 Jap TF (28 ships total, all small ship types), 12 Jap LCU.
Coastwatcher entries from 9/25 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Dagua
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 10, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 110,133 near Vella Lavella, Speed 7, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 104,126 near Gasmata, Speed 13, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 110,130 near Shortlands, Speed 13, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 14, Moving East
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: AK Yamabiko Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Namatanai
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 104,126 near Gasmata, Speed 10, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,122 near Kavieng, Speed 11, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 109,128 near Buka, Speed 6, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 111,132 near Choiseul Bay, Speed 10, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,122 near Kavieng, Speed 7, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 15, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 14, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 110,130 near Shortlands, Speed 10, Moving Northwest
Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 9/25 report intercepted radio transmissions from unidentified Japanese TF(s) at sea in several locations - hex 118, 101 (NE of Truk), also hex 142, 94 (NE of Wake Is). Jap TF are not visible on game map in either location, no other information available. A US patrol sub returning to base (Pearl Harbor) is being routed through the sea area NE of Wake in an attempt to pick up and obtain additional information on the contact.
Australia: Two transport convoys arriving from mainland US – WX-20 (4 DE, 32 transports) and WX-21 (4 DE, 30 transports). Cargo aboard the two convoys include 193 USAAF Base Force, two air units, 301K supply and 74K fuel. DE arriving with the convoys being detached for assignment to South/SW Pacific theatre naval forces. Two transport ships (1 TK, 1 large xAK) moderately damaged in an at-sea ship collision will remain in Australia after unloading for shipyard repair.
Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – 79 aircraft (63 fighters, 16 bombers), 1 Jap TF (10 ships – including 2 CA, 3TK, 3 AO), manpower 4(0), resources 21(0), refinery 72(129), light industry 9(32), 15 Jap LCU (-1 from last report).
RAF ground bombing attack on Japanese LCU along Burma-India border area, no contact with Japanese aircraft. AAR’s follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 35th Division, at 56,44, near Cox's Bazar
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 5 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Liberator B.VI bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
14 x Liberator B.VI bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – 1.11 million supply and 132K fuel on hand (unchanged).
Current status of Terapo base – 190K supply and 10K fuel on hand. (unchanged). No reported Japanese air or ground combat activity in Terapo bridgehead area.
Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea plus Rabaul.
No reported Japanese plane losses this game turn over New Guinea operations area.
Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Mitchell II bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 18
No Allied losses
Port hits 6
Port supply hits 1
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 12
Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak
Port hits 7
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Raid spotted at 3 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 12
No Allied losses
Port hits 5
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129
Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25H Mitchell x 12
No Allied losses
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
Assaulting units:
31st Infantry Division
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
2/4th Armoured Regiment
81st Infantry Division
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
7th Infantry Division
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
43rd Infantry Division
Americal Infantry Division
193rd Tank Battalion
1st Marine Division
754th Tank Battalion
32nd Infantry Division
2/6th Armoured Regiment
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
9th Australian Division
97th Field Artillery Battalion
1st Medium Regiment
2/9th Field Regiment
165th Field Artillery Battalion
2nd Medium Regiment
82nd Mortar Battalion
2nd RAA Jungle Regiment
155th USA Base Force
134th Field Artillery Battalion
205th Field Artillery Battalion
181st Field Artillery Regiment
2/13th Field Regiment
I Australian Corps
857th Engineer Aviation Battalion
168th Field Artillery Regiment
2/11th Field Regiment
150th USA Base Force
11th RAAF M/W Sqn
Defending units:
1st Guards Division
13th Division
144th Infantry Regiment
104th Division
64th Division
47th Division
116th Division
3rd Cavalry Brigade
13th Ind.Mixed Regiment
31st Army
102nd Machine Cannon AA Battalion
8th Base Force
55th Field AA Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
62nd Construction Battalion
14th Naval Construction Battalion
23rd Field AA Machinecannon Company
17th Naval Construction Battalion
7th Base Force /1
Two unidentified Japanese TF detected off northern coast of New Guinea, two other unidentified Jap TF in Dagua and Wewak base hexes (one TF at each location) – these TF spotted by Catalina I naval search patrols flying from Terapo. Exact composition of Jap TF’s is not known – one TF containing 8 ships; the other Jap TF with 5, 6 and one ship. Movement headings of the Jap TF’s vary (both east and west bound). US patrol sub off northern coast of New Guinea intercepted at least one Jap TF, AAR’s follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Wewak at 98,118 (N of Wewak)
Japanese Ships
TK Hakko Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
Allied Ships
SS Pargo
TK Hakko Maru is sighted by SS Pargo
SS Pargo launches 2 torpedoes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Wewak at 98,118
Japanese Ships
TK Chiyoda Maru, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
E No.1
Allied Ships
SS Pargo
SS Pargo launches 4 torpedoes at TK Chiyoda Maru
Pargo diving deep ....
E No.1 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
Another unidentified Japanese TF (6 ships including 2 DD) spotted off northern New Guinea by Catalina naval search patrol. Reported movement of this TF is SW heading at 15 kts speed. No reported contacts with Japanese carrier aircraft in this sea area by US subs. US Marine LBA dive and torpedo bomber squadrons now activated for naval strike in the event an Allied naval air strike becomes possible. Additional Allied naval search planes being routed into this sea area. CAP fighter defenses over Terapo activated to counter possible Jap air strikes.
Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 9/26 reports intercepted radio transmissions from Jaluit, detected base status shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.
Contacts between US patrol sub and small Japanese transport north of Solomons, two contacts with identical AAR, only one shown. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Ontong Java at 119,128 (night actions NE of Ontong Java)
Japanese Ships
xAKL Fukuyo Maru
Allied Ships
SS Hoe
xAKL Fukuyo Maru is sighted by SS Hoe
Captain of SS Hoe elects not to launch torpedoes at this target
Philippines: US patrol sub in night action with Japanese surface ASW off southern Mindanao. Jap TF visible on map, includes 4 ships moving on E heading. AAR follows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Dadjangas at 79,94 (adjacent hex SE of Dadjangas)
Japanese Ships
DD Nagatsuki
DD Yuzuki
DD Mochizuki
Allied Ships
SS Baya, hits 2 (system damage 7, float 7, returning to base at 19 kts)
SS Baya launches 2 torpedoes at DD Nagatsuki
Baya diving deep ....
DD Yuzuki attacking submerged sub ....
DD Mochizuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Yuzuki attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yuzuki is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub
Australia: Transport convoy EX-84 (23 ships) arrives from Eastern US from Capetown with two fighter squadrons (50 P-40E total) transferred from 14th USAAF, 81K supply and 63K fuel. Fighter squadrons from 14 USAAF had been employed as pilot training units. Some smaller xAK in EX-84 will be removed from the convoy and remain in Australia for use in local (in-theatre) sea transport operations.
Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – 83 aircraft (56 fighters, 27 bombers), 1 Jap TF (now 6 ships – including 2 CA, 2 TK, 2 AO), manpower 4(0), resources 21(0), refinery 72(129), light industry 9(32), 14 Jap LCU (-1 from last report). It appears some Jap LCU are moving out of Rangoon.
Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 194 aircraft (173 fighters, 13 bombers), oil production 202(99), refinery 96(5), 25 Jap LCU.
USAAF and RAF fighter sweeps over Japanese LCU along Burma-India border area, no contact with Japanese aircraft. AAR’s follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 33rd Army, at 56,43, near Chittagong (two sweeps occurred with identical AAR)
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Allied aircraft
Thunderbolt I x 16
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Thunderbolt I sweeping at 32000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 33rd Army, at 56,43, near Chittagong (three sweeps occurred with identical AAR)
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 25
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 18000 feet
South Pacific: Current base status of Ndeni – 582K supply and 26K fuel on hand.
Current base status of Luganville – 1.68 million supply and 210K fuel on hand.
Current base status of Noumea – 3.46 million supply and 2.67 million fuel on hand. Amphibious TF from the Nauru Island invasion force with surviving LCU aboard have reached Noumea and now unloading. A combination of cargo unloading and re-loading activity plus quick pierside repairs is underway for ships returning from Nauru, this expected to fully complete within 2-3 days. Empty and undamaged transports are being refueled and dispatched to Australia for use in a landing operation already fully prepped on Milne Bay and nearby dot hex objectives – these ships to be followed by ships now loading/unloading cargo or in pierside repair at Noumea. A small number of returning ships from Nauru (4 LCI so far) with more extensive damage levels are being passed on to Sydney or Auckland to undergo shipyard repair – shipyard capacity is available plus these ships not needed for a Milne Bay operation. US Main Carrier force scheduled to arrive in Noumea for refueling next game turn.
Detected status of Jap base at Lunga (after raid below) – 30 aircraft (19 fighters), airfield damage 4, no ships in port, no Jap TF, 12 Jap LCU.
USAAF 4E bombers hit Lunga airfield in a night raid. Five B-24 Liberator bombers lost (3 air-to-air, 2 ops). Japanese plane losses in this action include 3 Ki-45 Nick CAP fighters (all air-to-air), planes destroyed on the ground include 3 L2D2 Tabby and one N1K1-J George. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.
6 x 5th BG/394th BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night
6 x 7th BG/436th BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Lunga, at 114,138
Weather in hex: Light cloud (78% moonlight)
Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAId Nick x 8
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAId Nick: 3 damaged
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed on ground
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
53rd Sentai/A with Ki-45 KAId Nick (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Lunga, at 114,138
Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAId Nick x 6
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 5
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAId Nick: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 5 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
53rd Sentai/A with Ki-45 KAId Nick (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Lunga, at 114,138
Raid detected at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAId Nick x 3
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 4
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAId Nick: 1 destroyed
L2D2 Tabby: 2 destroyed on ground
Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
Runway hits 3
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
53rd Sentai/A with Ki-45 KAId Nick (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Lunga, at 114,138
Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
Japanese aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 4
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 3
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
Coastwatcher entries from 9/26 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Dagua
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Namatanai
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 95,119 near Dagua, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 12, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,131 near Kiriwina Island, Speed 10, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: DD Hakaze reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 7, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 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 102,131 near Kiriwina Island, Speed 8, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 10, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 109,128 near Buka, Speed 16, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 1, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 4, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 105,120 near Mussau Island, Speed 9, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 107,124 near Rabaul, Speed 11, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 104,127 near Gasmata, Speed 12, Moving Northeast
South Pacific: Most US ground units returning from Nauru Island invasion now disembarked in Noumea. Percentages of active (non-disabled LCU elements) and total TOE strength of returning LCU from Nauru follow.
• US 40th Infantry Division (48/83)
• US 4th Marine Division (54/91)
• US 147 Infantry Rgt (4/31)
• HQ V Amphibious Corps (55/60)
Two tank units in the Nauru invasion force still in transit. One US artillery LCU and 112 US Infantry Rgt both completely eliminated on Nauru, these units purchased back from the “dead pile” (PP expenditure) for rebuilding.
US Main Carrier force refueled at sea from replenishment TF off Noumea. Using replenishment TF for at-sea refueling of the Main Carrier force is quicker (all 11 air combat TF refueled in a single day) vs refueling TF in port (5-6 days total at a size 7 port). This procedure appears more effective at least when carrier TF ship refueling only is required.
Current base status of Ndeni – 582K supply and 26K fuel on hand (unchanged).
Current base status of Luganville – 1.69 million supply and 210K fuel on hand.
Current base status of Noumea – 3.46 million supply and 2.67 million fuel on hand (unchanged).
Convoy detachment WP-263B (5 ships) arrives in Suva from mainland US, cargo includes 28K supply and 1000 fuel. Main body of the convoy still enroute to Noumea.
Detected status of Jap base at Lunga (after raid below) – 3 aircraft (all fighters), airfield damage 3, no ships in port, 5 Jap TF (24 ships total, all small ship types), 12 Jap LCU.
USAAF B-29 bombers hit Lunga airfield in a less than productive daylight raid given plane losses. 23 B-29 Superfort planes destroyed (20 air-to-air, 3 ops – number of returning pilots indicate more actual ops losses). Earlier aerial recon and detected status reports of Lunga base may have under-reported actual number of Japanese fighter aircraft based in Lunga. I considered the daylight B-29 raid on Lunga based on the small number of Jap fighter planes that appeared to be in Lunga – my estimate of expected Japanese CAP interception over Lunga below what actually occurred. As seen below, the B-29 (any variant) is certainly not a daylight bomber. Operations Report entries and AAR’s follow.
B-29-1 Superfort from 498th BG/875th BS is written off
Damaged B-29-1 Superfort from 498th BG/875th BS is missing
Damaged B-29-1 Superfort from 498th BG/875th BS is missing
Damaged B-29-1 Superfort from 497th BG/870th BS crashes on return leg, pilot reported killed
B-29-1 Superfort from 498th BG/874th BS is written off
Damaged B-29-1 Superfort from 500th BG/883rd BS shot down on way home
B-29-1 Superfort from 500th BG/881st BS is written off
Damaged B-29-1 Superfort from 497th BG/871st BS crashes on return leg
B-29-1 Superfort from 497th BG/870th BS is written off
B-29-1 Superfort from 497th BG/870th BS is written off
Damaged B-29-1 Superfort from 499th BG/877th BS shot down on way home
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lunga, at 114,138
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes
Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 24
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 14
Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 78
Japanese aircraft losses
L2D2 Tabby: 3 destroyed on ground
Ki-45 KAId Nick: 1 destroyed on ground
Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
S-316 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 18000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
70th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(14 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 14 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
3rd Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 10 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lunga , at 114,138
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid detected at 63 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes
Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 17
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 10
Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 10
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAId Nick: 1 destroyed on ground
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
S-316 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (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 18000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
70th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
3rd Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lunga, at 114,138
Raid detected at 44 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 15
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 3
Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 7
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAId Nick: 1 destroyed on ground
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
S-316 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 18000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 96 minutes
3rd Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
70th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lunga, at 114,138
Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000, scrambling fighters between 9000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
S-316 Hikotai 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 18000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
Kawakubo D. in a N1K1-J George makes head on attack ... forces B-29-1 Superfort out of formation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lunga, at 114,138
Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 90 minutes
S-316 Hikotai 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 18000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 54 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lunga, at 114,138
Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (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 17000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 89 minutes
Coastwatcher entries from 9/27 Operations report follow.
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 9, Moving West
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 14, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,123 near Kavieng, Speed 7, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 10, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 107,124 near Rabaul, Speed 4, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 100,119 near Manus, Speed 16, Moving East
