Jorge's(A) crusade to the fabled kingdom of PresterJohn(J) DBB-C --- Allied AAR

[Jorge_Stanbury]

And this is tomorrow's main event:
TFs are a bit disorganized, this because I rushed this operation after seeing the KB near Darwin; some ships were under repair and couldn't join earlier
Pretty much the same ships I used for Ndeni; with the addition of TF Fletcher just arriving from Pearl Harbor with 3 slow battleships and 3 "good" CVEs

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Almost everything worked yesterday; a day Japan will certainly remember and mourn.
To sum up:
- Naval bombardment of Lunga and Tabiteau yielded excellent results... Quite horrendous losses, if the game's FOW tally is to be believed... more than 80 airframes lost, 74 due to bombing; see attached picture for the details.

- Previous to this bombing there were two small naval engagements:
* 2 Japanese xAKs and 1 MGB sunk.
* DD Huges severely damaged by a mine; flood 63(41), system 6... should reach Ndeni unless there is another submarine strike

- Amphibious assault went well; Most troops unloaded and the final success of this operation is no longer in question. Enemy spotted:
301st Ind.Infantry Battalion
5th Indpt SNLF Coy
24th Fld AA Machinecannon Company
6th Port Unit
41st JNAF AF Unit

- Very active Japanese submarine efforts: many missed, but in the end they managed to hit CVE Prince William, damage is flood 49(27) and system 3. Another one that should survive as long as it reaches Ndeni. All pilots were already withdrawn, aiframes might need a dock to take out; Ndeni port is at level 2, but shouldn't be a problem to increase to level 3

- No carrier operations over Lunga due to weather. In Tabiteau the Wildcats intercepted 4 unescorted Betties, all went down. Airfield bombing was just ok. On Kirakira, Beaufighters decided not to fly, thereby B-26s/ Hudson flew alone and were intercepted by Oscars. Some losses

- Chungking lost another fort level... it is now at level 3... and the end is near



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 07, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kirakira at 116,141

Japanese Ships
SS I-5, hits 1

Allied Ships
CVE Nassau
BB Warspite
DD Farragut
DD Clark
DD Selfridge
DE Crane
DD Dewey
DD MacDonough
DD Dale
DD Aylwin

SS I-5 launches 4 torpedoes at CVE Nassau
DD Dewey fails to find sub and abandons search
DD MacDonough fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Dale fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Aylwin fails to find sub and abandons search
DD MacDonough fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Dale attacking submerged sub ....
DD Dale is out of ASW ammo
DD Dale fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Kirakira at 117,140

Japanese Ships
SS I-31

Allied Ships
AVD Chincoteague

SS I-31 launches 2 torpedoes at AVD Chincoteague
I-31 diving deep ....
AVD Chincoteague fails to find sub, continues to search...
AVD Chincoteague fails to find sub, continues to search...
AVD Chincoteague fails to find sub, continues to search...
AVD Chincoteague fails to find sub, continues to search...
AVD Chincoteague fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Kirakira at 116,141

Japanese Ships
SS I-5

Allied Ships
SC-521

SS I-5 is sighted by escort
SC-521 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC-521 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC-521 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC-521 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC-521 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 114,138, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MGB G-4, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MGB G-5

Allied Ships
CA Astoria, Shell hits 1
CA Minneapolis
CA San Francisco
CA Vincennes
CL Detroit
DD Fletcher
DD Meredith
DD Hughes
DD Shaw
DD Cushing
DD Perkins
DD Flusser
DD Reid
DD Tucker

Reduced sighting due to 0% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 0% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 27,000 yards...
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
CA Astoria engages MGB G-5 at 2,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages MGB G-5 at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
CA Vincennes engages MGB G-5 at 3,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
CA Astoria engages MGB G-5 at 7,000 yards
MGB G-4 sunk by CA San Francisco at 7,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 114,138, Range 5,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PB Bisan Maru #3, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Ryunan Maru, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
xAK Hokutai Maru, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Astoria
CA Minneapolis
CA San Francisco
CA Vincennes
CL Detroit
DD Fletcher
DD Meredith
DD Hughes
DD Shaw
DD Cushing
DD Perkins
DD Flusser
DD Reid
DD Tucker

Allied Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Japanese TF suspends unloading operations and begins to get underway
Reduced sighting due to 0% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 0% moonlight: 5,000 yards
Range closes to 27,000 yards...
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 5,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 5,000 yards
Lee, Willis "Ching crosses the 'T'
CA Vincennes engages xAK Ryunan Maru at 5,000 yards
PB Bisan Maru #3 sunk by CA Minneapolis at 5,000 yards
xAK Hokutai Maru sunk by DD Perkins at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
CA Vincennes engages xAK Ryunan Maru at 2,000 yards
CA Vincennes engages xAK Ryunan Maru at 2,000 yards
CA Vincennes engages xAK Ryunan Maru at 2,000 yards
xAK Ryunan Maru sunk by CA Vincennes at 2,000 yards
xAK Ryunan Maru sunk by CA Vincennes at 2,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 212 encounters mine field at Lunga (114,138)

Allied Ships
DD Hughes, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Lunga at 114,138

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 53 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 4 destroyed on ground
A6M3 Zero: 61 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 6 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 48 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 7 destroyed on ground
A6M2 Zero: 26 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed on ground
E13A1 Jake: 23 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied Ships
CA Vincennes
CA San Francisco
CA Minneapolis
CA Astoria
CL Detroit
DD Reid
DD Flusser
DD Perkins
DD Cushing
DD Shaw
DD Meredith
DD Fletcher

Japanese ground losses:
505 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 10 destroyed, 47 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 16 (9 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Vehicles lost 8 (4 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Airbase hits 36
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 104

CA Vincennes firing at Lunga
CA San Francisco firing at 33rd Division
CA Minneapolis firing at Lunga
OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for CA Astoria
CA Astoria firing at Lunga
CL Detroit firing at Lunga
DD Reid firing at Lunga
DD Flusser firing at Lunga
DD Perkins firing at Lunga
DD Cushing firing at 33rd Division
DD Shaw firing at Lunga
DD Meredith firing at 33rd Division
DD Fletcher firing at 33rd Division


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Lunga at 114,138

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 38 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 4 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 55 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 3 destroyed on ground
Ki-49-Ia Helen: 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 71 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 4 destroyed on ground
E13A1 Jake: 25 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 4 destroyed on ground
A6M2 Zero: 13 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed on ground

Allied Ships
CA New Orleans
CA Salt Lake City
CA Indianapolis
CA Portland
DD Hammann
DD Anderson
DD Barton
DD McCalla
DD Duncan
DD Laffey
DD Monssen
DD Grayson

Japanese ground losses:
791 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 19 destroyed, 64 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 23 (14 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Airbase hits 23
Airbase supply hits 17
Runway hits 93

CA New Orleans firing at Lunga
CA Salt Lake City firing at Lunga
CA Indianapolis firing at 33rd Division
CA Portland firing at Lunga
DD Hammann firing at Lunga
DD Anderson firing at Lunga
DD Barton firing at Lunga
DD McCalla firing at Lunga
DD Duncan firing at Lunga
DD Laffey firing at Lunga
DD Monssen firing at Lunga
DD Grayson firing at Lunga


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Kirakira (116,140)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

20 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
AVD Chincoteague
AVD Casco

AVD Chincoteague fired at enemy troops
AVD Casco fired at enemy troops


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Kirakira (116,140)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

33 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CL Concord
APD Rathburne
DM Montgomery

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

CL Concord firing at 6th Port Unit
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Kirakira (116,140)

TF 146 troops unloading over beach at Kirakira, 116,140

Allied ground losses:
543 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 82 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 78 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 39 (0 destroyed, 39 disabled)
Vehicles lost 16 (1 destroyed, 15 disabled)

15 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 1st Marine Div /16
Motorized Support lost in surf during unload of 1st Marine Div /21


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Kirakira (116,140)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

22 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
AVD Gillis
AVD Thornton
AVD Hulbert
AVD William B. Preston
AVD McFarland
AVD Ballard

AVD Gillis fired at enemy troops
AVD Thornton fired at enemy troops
AVD Hulbert fired at enemy troops
AVD William B. Preston fired at enemy troops
AVD McFarland fired at enemy troops
AVD Ballard fired at enemy troops


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Kirakira (116,140)

TF 181 troops unloading over beach at Kirakira, 116,140



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Kirakira (116,140)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

20 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CL Concord
APD Rathburne
DM Montgomery

Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Kirakira (116,140)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

10 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
AVD Chincoteague
AVD Casco

AVD Chincoteague fired at enemy troops
AVD Casco fired at enemy troops


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Kirakira (116,140)

TF 20 troops unloading over beach at Kirakira, 116,140



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Kirakira (116,140)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

7 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
AVD Gillis
AVD Thornton
AVD Hulbert
AVD William B. Preston
AVD McFarland
AVD Ballard

AVD Gillis fired at enemy troops
AVD Thornton fired at enemy troops
AVD Hulbert fired at enemy troops
AVD William B. Preston fired at enemy troops
AVD McFarland fired at enemy troops
AVD Ballard fired at enemy troops


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Tabiteuea at 137,134

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 62 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 4

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-35 with F4F-4 Wildcat (17 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
17 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tabiteuea , at 137,134

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 38
TBF-1 Avenger x 36

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 damaged

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

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 25

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 301st Ind.Infantry Battalion, at 116,140 (Kirakira)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
Hudson III (LR) x 9
B-26 Marauder x 19

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson III (LR): 1 damaged
B-26 Marauder: 2 destroyed, 6 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 2000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 2000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 2000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
66th I.F.Chutai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead

Also attacking 24th Fld AA Machinecannon Company ...
Also attacking 301st Ind.Infantry Battalion ...
Also attacking 24th Fld AA Machinecannon Company ...
Also attacking 301st Ind.Infantry Battalion ...
Also attacking 24th Fld AA Machinecannon Company ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 41st JNAF AF Unit , at 116,140 (Kirakira)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 1

Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 9

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 2000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
66th I.F.Chutai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 67 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 41st JNAF AF Unit , at 116,140 (Kirakira)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 23 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 1

Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 21
B-26B Marauder x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 2000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-26B Marauder bombing from 2000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 2000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
66th I.F.Chutai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 2000.
Raid is overhead

Also attacking 6th Port Unit ...
Also attacking 41st JNAF AF Unit ...
Also attacking 6th Port Unit ...
Also attacking 41st JNAF AF Unit ...
Also attacking 6th Port Unit ...
Also attacking 41st JNAF AF Unit ...
Also attacking 6th Port Unit ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kirakira at 117,141

Japanese Ships
SS I-177

Allied Ships
CVE Prince William, Torpedo hits 1
BB Washington
DD Bagley
DD Conyngham
DD Sterett
DD Gridley

SS I-177 launches 6 torpedoes at CVE Prince William
DD Conyngham fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Sterett fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Gridley fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Tabiteuea at 137,134

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 45 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 4 destroyed on ground
E13A1 Jake: 12 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 2 destroyed on ground

Allied Ships
BB West Virginia
BB Colorado
BB Maryland
CL Cleveland
CL Richmond
DD Radford

Japanese ground losses:
1049 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 20 disabled
Non Combat: 27 destroyed, 52 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 24 (9 destroyed, 15 disabled)

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 34
Port hits 30
Port supply hits 3

BB West Virginia firing at 61st Naval Guard Unit
BB Colorado firing at Tabiteuea
BB Maryland firing at Tabiteuea
CL Cleveland firing at Tabiteuea
CL Richmond firing at Tabiteuea
DD Radford firing at Tabiteuea


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

Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 208579 troops, 2203 guns, 1459 vehicles, Assault Value = 6025

Defending force 166102 troops, 208 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1412

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Japanese adjusted assault: 2281

Allied adjusted defense: 1081

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 3

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

Japanese ground losses:
16610 casualties reported
Squads: 175 destroyed, 1264 disabled
Non Combat: 12 destroyed, 162 disabled
Engineers: 33 destroyed, 107 disabled
Guns lost 136 (35 destroyed, 101 disabled)
Vehicles lost 34 (3 destroyed, 31 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
18020 casualties reported
Squads: 524 destroyed, 340 disabled
Non Combat: 338 destroyed, 587 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 63 (42 destroyed, 21 disabled)
Units destroyed 6

Assaulting units:
41st Division
36th Division
17th Division
3rd Division
8th Ind Engineer Regiment
34th Division
32nd Division
6th Division
69th Division
1st Tank Division
63rd Division
104th Division
37th Division
26th Division
15th Division
110th Division
40th Division
59th Division
2nd Tank Division
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
23rd Army
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
China Expeditionary Army
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
7th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
1st Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
12th Army
2nd Hvy.Artillery Regiment
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
6th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment
4th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Army
21st AA Regiment
21st Mortar Battalion
11th Army
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
24th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
88th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
2nd Group Army
5th War Area
32nd Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
57th AT Gun Regiment
61st Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
37th Group Army
51st Chinese Corps
China Command
21st Group Army
8th New Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
36th Group Army
4th War Area
7th Chinese Base Force
43rd Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
7th War Area
1st Chinese Base Force
9th Group Army
38th Group Army
62nd Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Base Force
49th AA Regiment
Lusu War Area
22nd Group Army
21st Chinese Corps
11th Chinese Base Force
Red Chinese Army
13th Group Army
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
1st Artillery Regiment
48th Chinese Corps
17th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
6th Chinese Base Force
11th Construction Regiment
CAF HQ
35th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Base Force
12th Chinese Corps
41st AA Regiment
69th Chinese Corps
7th Group Army
56th AT Gun Regiment
81st Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
56th Chinese Corps
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
16th Construction Regiment
8th Chinese Base Force
32nd Group Army
5th Chinese Base Force
34th Chinese Corps
NCAC
Central Reserve
45th Chinese Corps
5th New Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
15th Chinese Base Force


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

Ground combat at Kirakira (116,140)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1616 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 73

Defending force 12172 troops, 213 guns, 186 vehicles, Assault Value = 387

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

Allied ground losses:
52 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
301st Ind.Infantry Battalion
5th Indpt SNLF Coy
24th Fld AA Machinecannon Company
6th Port Unit
41st JNAF AF Unit

Defending units:
1st Marine Division
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
225th FA Bn /1
226th FA Bn /1

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Jan 8th was a relatively quiet turn, or as quiet as you can get during an invasion; the good news is of course that Kikakira unloading is almost completed, and the APs are either on its way home or will be relatively soon. This is significant because I only have the AP carrying capacity, roughly speaking, of a full division. So certainly I on't want heavy losses as it can stop the offensive for a long time.

So what was new:
- amphibious TF unloaded unopposed, this also include some supply-only TF sent to Rennel island

- Japanese submarines dropped mines at Kirakira, but I was expecting this and had 2 task forces of DMS (3 ship each). All mines should be cleaned up in the next day or so

- Intense enemy SS activity, but nothing to report other than a midget sub destroyed

- Japanese battleship TF withdrew, but they found S-45 and it put a torpedo on destroyer Maikaze [:)]

- Another nasty bombardment at Lunga, more airframes destroyed. This was precede by an attack against a poor, lone MGB. Bombardments will continue for a very long time.

- One last CVE bombing of Tabiteau airfield. Some enemy losses. Also, 2E bombers hit Kirakira's ground forces, no visible damage, but likely disruption went up a bit.

- 1st Marines will attack tomorrow, we will see how quickly they get the base

- Then 6 Nells tried to get into Kirakira's ships. but they were are intercepted and destroyed by Wildcat's CAP

- 503rd Parachute Rgt jumped over Rennel island; capturing this dot base (soon to be transformed into a big airfield). 7th Indpt SNLF Coy was defeated but not destroyed (yet)

- Last but not least, CVE Prince William reached Ndeni, all Wildcats were safely unloaded. this ship will move to Luganville for emergency repairs, before moving to Sydney


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 193 encounters mine field at Kirakira (116,140)

Allied Ships
DMS Trevor
DMS Wasmuth
DMS Chandler

4 mines cleared


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 171 encounters mine field at 54,54

Japanese Ships
SC Ch 5
SC Ch 3

2 mines cleared


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Buin at 111,130

Japanese Ships
DD Maikaze, Torpedo hits 1
BB Yamashiro
BB Nagato
CA Kako
CA Aoba
CA Mogami
CA Chokai
CL Yubari
CL Tama
DD Yugure
E Otori
DD Fumizuki
DD Uzuki
DD Ikazuchi

Allied Ships
SS S-45, hits 1

SS S-45 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Maikaze
DD Fumizuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Uzuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Ikazuchi fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Fumizuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Fumizuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Fumizuki attacking submerged sub ....
DD Fumizuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Fumizuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Fumizuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 114,138, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MGB G-5, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Washington
DD Bagley
DD Helm
DD Ralph Talbot
DD Craven
DD Gridley

Reduced sighting due to 10% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 10% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 27,000 yards...
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
BB Washington engages MGB G-5 at 2,000 yards
MGB G-5 sunk by DD Craven at 2,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Lunga at 114,138

Japanese Ships
SSX Ha-29, hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Ralph Talbot
DD Gridley
DD Craven

SSX Ha-29 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Ralph Talbot
DD Gridley fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Craven attacking submerged sub ....
Debris floats to surface in area of attack!
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Lunga at 114,138

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed on ground
A6M3 Zero: 2 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
E13A1 Jake: 3 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 3 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 6 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed on ground

Japanese Ships
ACM Tama Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB Washington
DD Gridley
DD Craven
DD Ralph Talbot
DD Helm
DD Bagley

Japanese ground losses:
383 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 19
Port hits 6
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 2

OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for BB Washington
BB Washington firing at Lunga
DD Gridley firing at Lunga
DD Craven firing at 33rd Division
DD Ralph Talbot firing at 33rd Division
DD Helm firing at 33rd Division
DD Bagley firing at 33rd Division


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tabiteuea , at 137,134

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21
TBF-1 Avenger x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 116,140

Weather in hex: Severe storms

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

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
APD Colhoun

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G3M3 Nell bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VRF-3F with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
VRF-5F with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes

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

Ground combat at Rennell Island (113,140)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 826 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 52

Defending force 300 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 16

Allied adjusted assault: 15

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 15 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied forces CAPTURE Rennell Island !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-)

Japanese ground losses:
357 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
45 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
503rd Parachute Rgt /2

Defending units:
7th Indpt SNLF Coy

[Jorge_Stanbury]

I just noticed this... Look who is back!!

We might have a carrier battle in the next 2 turns

[jwolf]

Hmm ... are you seeking a carrier battle or trying to avoid one? The KB still looks very strong.

Other than that, your landings are looking good.

[Bif1961]

Since his recent carrier strikes near Darwin do you assume some of his air groups are depleted with lower morale/higher exhaustion? Is it possible he is low on torpedoes? It is always best not to engage in a battle when your enemy is at his zenith but when he is getting worn out, tired and diminished. Can you pull him away from his escorted LBA and into yours as a force multiplier?

[Jorge_Stanbury]

He most certainly refueled and rearmed, likely in Timor using AKEs/ AOs... wear and tear might be high, I wouldn't be surprised if he has lost a knot in cruise speed due to constantly been at sea for so long

I have also to assume he has replenished pilots and improved moral/ reduced fatigue, after all just a few days of rest would do that. Besides only his fighter squadrons were hit


I am not planning to seek a carrier battle, but I won't pull back if he wants one. So if he plays "safe" and hugs the Papuan coast, then there is not going to be any battle

If in the other hand he plans to interfere with Kirakira/ Rennel island invasions, then there will be fireworks!!

[Jorge_Stanbury]

First, lets talk about last turn:

- Russel Island and Tulagi were naval bombarded, I am surprised to see Vals at Russel island, as it was an obvious risky place, a few destroyed, a lot more damaged. Tulagi was empty.

- Kirakira attack failed, or better to say a 2-to-1 result that reduced fort to level 2.. It should fall tomorrow, otherwise, not a lot to report: unloading of base support, engineers, etc was uneventful, 2E ground bombed for minimal results.

- Patrol squadrons failed to spot the KB, however, S-47 attacked unsuccessfully, what looks like the KB near Pt Moresby (no carrier found, but all the usual companions: BB Kirishima, Hiei, CA Nachi, Myoko, Chikuma, CS Chitose)

- Some attempts by Japanese LBAs to bomb Rennel island, but all failed, with minimal casualties to both. Also at Rennel; 7th independent coy destroyed, with it all opposition eliminated.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Russell Islands at 113,136 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 52 damaged
D3A1 Val: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 17 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-15-II Babs: 3 damaged
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 2 damaged

5 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CA Chicago
CA Louisville
CA Chester
CA Northampton
DD Cummings
DD Russell
DD Mustin
DD Frazier
DD Caldwell
DD Bancroft
DD Bailey
DD Woodworth

Japanese ground losses:
407 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 13 (2 destroyed, 11 disabled)

Airbase hits 32
Airbase supply hits 11
Runway hits 28
Port hits 44
Port supply hits 4

CA Chicago firing at Russell Islands
CA Louisville firing at Russell Islands
CA Chester firing at Russell Islands
OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for CA Northampton
CA Northampton firing at Russell Islands
DD Cummings firing at Russell Islands
DD Russell firing at Russell Islands
DD Mustin firing at Russell Islands
DD Frazier firing at Russell Islands
DD Caldwell firing at Russell Islands
DD Bancroft firing at 10th Special Base Force
10th Special Base Force firing at DD Bancroft
DD Bailey firing at Russell Islands
DD Woodworth firing at Russell Islands


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Tulagi at 114,137

Allied Ships
CA Wichita
CL Columbia
CL Phoenix
DD Drayton
DD Mahan
DD Fanning
DD Dunlap
DD Morris
DD Walke
DD O'Brien
DD Meade
DD Gansevoort

Japanese ground losses:
292 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 28 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Airbase hits 22
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 41
Port hits 25
Port fuel hits 7
Port supply hits 3

OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for CA Wichita
CA Wichita firing at Tulagi
CL Columbia firing at Tulagi
CL Phoenix firing at 41st Naval Guard Unit
DD Drayton firing at Tulagi
DD Mahan firing at Tulagi
DD Fanning firing at Tulagi
DD Dunlap firing at Tulagi
DD Morris firing at Tulagi
DD Walke firing at Tulagi
DD O'Brien firing at 43rd Naval Guard Unit
DD Meade firing at Tulagi
DD Gansevoort firing at Tulagi
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Port Moresby at 97,131

Japanese Ships
DD Takanami
BB Kirishima
BB Hiei
CA Nachi
CA Myoko
CA Chikuma
CS Chitose
DD Hatsushima
DD Murasame
DD Kuroshio
DD Kagero

Allied Ships
SS S-47

SS S-47 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Takanami
S-47 diving deep ....
DD Hatsushima fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Murasame fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kuroshio fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Kagero fails to find sub and abandons search
Escort abandons search for sub


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

Ground combat at Kirakira (116,140)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1591 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 69

Defending force 14011 troops, 249 guns, 250 vehicles, Assault Value = 426

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

Assaulting units:
301st Ind.Infantry Battalion
5th Indpt SNLF Coy
6th Port Unit
24th Fld AA Machinecannon Company
41st JNAF AF Unit

Defending units:
1st Marine Division
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
5th Air Advn Base Force /1
2/542nd Boat&Shore Engr Bn /1
8th USN Special Const Bn /1
1/592nd Boat&Shore Engr Bn /1
225th Field Artillery Battalion
226th Field Artillery Battalion
12th Air Advn Base Force /2
10th Air Advn Base Force /3


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

Ground combat at Kirakira (116,140)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 13128 troops, 233 guns, 226 vehicles, Assault Value = 425

Defending force 3579 troops, 25 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 69

Allied adjusted assault: 154

Japanese adjusted defense: 67

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
601 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 24 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 7 (5 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
55 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
1st Marine Division
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
225th Field Artillery Battalion
8th USN Special Const Bn /1
2/542nd Boat&Shore Engr Bn /1
12th Air Advn Base Force /2
1/592nd Boat&Shore Engr Bn /1
5th Air Advn Base Force /1
226th Field Artillery Battalion
10th Air Advn Base Force /3

Defending units:
301st Ind.Infantry Battalion
5th Indpt SNLF Coy
24th Fld AA Machinecannon Company
6th Port Unit
41st JNAF AF Unit


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

Ground combat at Rennell Island (113,140)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1588 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 51

Defending force 60 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Allied adjusted assault: 16

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 16 to 1

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

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

Assaulting units:
503rd Parachute Rgt /2

Defending units:
7th Indpt SNLF Coy /2

[Jorge_Stanbury]

And the plan for tomorrow... a potential clash of titans:


There are advantages and disadvantages of looking for a showdown againt the KB

The key advantages are:
- Unless he retreats, KB's movements will be obvious
- I am relatively close to the safe Australian coast; this includes big ports and enough naval support to patch up any damaged ship for it's relatively safe journey to Sydney's shipyard. Japan in the other hand has nothing other than Rabaul, then a long trip back to Truk and the Home Islands. A damaged Japanese carrier will be out of action for quite a long time.
- USN fully rested, at full strength, with no recent losses. Japan lost significant number of pilots lately, thereby it's pilots might not be top notch. I am assuming it fully refueled and rearmed, but has not have time for minor wear and tear damage. When the bombs rain down, this can be the difference between survival or sinking.
- I have plenty of supplies of Wildcats and Avengers; Moreover, Corsairs pools are starting to fill, very soon all Marines will give away their Wildcats; losses can be easily replaced.
- Good, naval search capability from Cooktown, Cairns and Townsville Catalinas

Disadvantages:
- Out of LBA support; within long range enemy LBA support
- Nowhere to land in case of carriers sinking; just ditching.
- A6M5 superiority

[IdahoNYer]

Probably not the best location for a CV duel since your out of LBA range. Its a roll of the dice....do you feel lucky?
Can you range some P-38s for additional CAP? How about Heavies on Naval strike - they won't hit anything, but could attrit CAP..

But the biggest question - why risk a fight now with no clear advantage? You may surprise him - true! But alternatively, why not wait till he comes within range of your LBA - I've got to assume he's moving this way to hit you somewhere...

Also, question - surprised you haven't developed Coen or Portland Roads?

In any case, good hunting!!!

[Anachro]

Even should you suffer a relative defeat, I think you'll manage, to pack a punch. Your superior damage control should see you through and, hopefully, you will sink 1-2 CVs. Each is a blow to Japan. You can replace your losses. Let's hope you break through his CAP with the fighter pilots he's lost.

However, I, too, and wondering why you seek this out. Your landings have happened and there is little risk of a CV strike stopping their success.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

It is really eagerness to fight after a year of doing very little in the Pacific. Maybe this will be my doom? [:D] or a hard lesson in restraint. But I think the chance of a slugfest that will diminish the KB's long term value is worth the risk. I hope that the kind of firepower I am presenting here will guarantee heavy losses for both sides and this is something that is worth a try

Why not wait for him to come? I don't think he was coming or better to say he was going to come on his own time line. Likely as a surprise attack in the worst possible moment.

We will see how this ends. Considering the ranges and lack of DL we might end without a fight

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

It is really eagerness to fight after a year of doing very little in the Pacific.

I'm sure most every Allied player in late '42 or early '43, myself included, can relate!!!

All the best!!!

[Jorge_Stanbury]

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

Probably not the best location for a CV duel since your out of LBA range. Its a roll of the dice....do you feel lucky?
Can you range some P-38s for additional CAP? How about Heavies on Naval strike - they won't hit anything, but could attrit CAP..

But the biggest question - why risk a fight now with no clear advantage? You may surprise him - true! But alternatively, why not wait till he comes within range of your LBA - I've got to assume he's moving this way to hit you somewhere...

Also, question - surprised you haven't developed Coen or Portland Roads?

In any case, good hunting!!!

Thanks!!
I have only one P-38 squadron and no heavy bombers at all in the Pacific... actually some has just recently started the long journey from India, but will arrive in the next month or two
And it is too far away for P-38's, I was hoping to have Kirakira's airfield operating by now, a nice level 3(5), but Japan managed to defeat the 1st assault.

As per Coen and Portland roads, because the focus was India up to a few months ago, then the south west pacific, plus I am sure he would have tried to interdict from Port Moresby... but I guess I missed to see its potential

[BBfanboy]

You might want to sail your most valuable ships (APs and AKs that can convert to APA/AKA) but leave the rest in place to split a KB attack. This has been the downfall of many an IJN player since they cannot control which target the AI allocates the strikes to.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

I have two cruiser TF bombing Rossel island, that will hopefully split the KB strike pack

otherwise, the xAPs are too far away. The APs with maybe one or two ship exceptions are already on their way home

[Bif1961]

good luck, you might have the element of surprise as you moved towards him and he would most likely expect you to stay closer to the invasion locations. He might be planning a maximum distance strike and you move inside his range fan. Now the classic who sites whom first and gets off the best coordinated strike.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

January 10th 1943 will be remembered as Salamina, Lepanto, Trafalgar or Tsushima are. A mighty fleet, the undefeated champion of Japanese imperialism, was nearly completely annihilated is what future generations will remember as "The Battle of the Coral Sea". In this, the turning point of the war, the mighty Combined Fleet of the Japanese Empire was defeated near Munda by a superbly lead US Navy.

Allied losses on pilots and airframes were heavy, but other than some small coastal transports& patrol craft destroyed, no major ships were lost. And all damaged ships look in reasonable condition for the journey to Australian shipyards.



KB Damage Assessment:
Sunk or sinking:
CVs Kaga, Hiyo and Zuikaku, CVL Ryujo

Heavy damage:
CVs Hiryu, Akagi,

Moderate damage:
CV Shokaku

Not yet at risk
CV Junyo was torpedoed near Singapore some days ago, should leave the repair yard in a month or so
CV Soryu was not damaged

Details to follow

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Naval engagements:
The turn started with the standard amphibious unloading over Kirakira and Rennel islands:

This was followed by a one sided naval engagement on Russel island; a bombarding cruiser TF found a small Japanese TF of 2 DDs and 1 APD; 2 ships sunk, 1 heavy damaged

Then, naval bombardments on Lunga and Russell island

Finally, CM Okinoshima was torpedoed by SS-42, also near Russell

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Russell Islands at 113,136, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Kisaragi, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Kamikaze, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
APD Fuji, Shell hits 4, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Portland
CA Indianapolis
CA Salt Lake City
CA New Orleans
DD Grayson
DD Monssen
DD Laffey
DD Duncan
DD McCalla
DD Barton
DD Anderson
DD Hammann

Reduced sighting due to 17% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 17% moonlight: 10,000 yards
Range closes to 27,000 yards...
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 10,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 10,000 yards
Burke, Arleigh A. crosses the 'T'
CA Salt Lake City engages DD Kisaragi at 10,000 yards
DD Anderson engages DD Kamikaze at 10,000 yards
DD Kamikaze sunk by DD Barton at 10,000 yards
DD Kisaragi engages DD Laffey at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
DD Kisaragi engages CA New Orleans at 9,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages DD Kisaragi at 9,000 yards
DD Anderson engages APD Fuji at 9,000 yards
DD Kisaragi engages DD Monssen at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
DD Laffey engages DD Kisaragi at 5,000 yards
CA New Orleans engages APD Fuji at 5,000 yards
DD Kisaragi engages DD Hammann at 5,000 yards
DD Kisaragi engages DD McCalla at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
DD Kisaragi engages DD Monssen at 3,000 yards
DD Laffey engages DD Kisaragi at 3,000 yards
DD Grayson engages APD Fuji at 3,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
CA New Orleans engages DD Kisaragi at 5,000 yards
APD Fuji sunk by CA Salt Lake City at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
DD Laffey engages DD Kisaragi at 6,000 yards
DD McCalla engages DD Kisaragi at 6,000 yards
DD Kisaragi engages DD Monssen at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
CA New Orleans engages DD Kisaragi at 9,000 yards
DD Monssen engages DD Kisaragi at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
CA New Orleans engages DD Kisaragi at 12,000 yards
Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Lunga at 114,138

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 7 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 4 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground
A6M2 Zero: 5 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Vincennes
CA San Francisco
CA Minneapolis
CA Astoria
CL Detroit
DD Reid
DD Flusser
DD Perkins
DD Cushing
DD Shaw
DD Meredith
DD Fletcher

Japanese ground losses:
372 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 17
Port hits 5

CA Vincennes firing at Lunga
CA San Francisco firing at 33rd Division
CA Minneapolis firing at Lunga
OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for CA Astoria
CA Astoria firing at 33rd Division
CL Detroit firing at Lunga
DD Reid firing at 33rd Division
DD Flusser firing at 33rd Division
DD Perkins firing at 33rd Division
DD Cushing firing at Lunga
DD Shaw firing at Lunga
DD Meredith firing at 33rd Division
DD Fletcher firing at 33rd Division


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Russell Islands at 113,136 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 42 damaged
D3A1 Val: 3 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 12 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground

14 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CA New Orleans
CA Salt Lake City
CA Indianapolis
CA Portland
DD Hammann
DD Anderson
DD Barton
DD McCalla
DD Duncan
DD Laffey
DD Monssen
DD Grayson

Japanese ground losses:
506 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 13 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 23 (9 destroyed, 14 disabled)

Airbase hits 17
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 37
Port hits 19
Port supply hits 1

CA New Orleans firing at Russell Islands
CA Salt Lake City firing at Russell Islands
CA Indianapolis firing at Russell Islands
OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for CA Portland
CA Portland firing at Russell Islands
DD Hammann firing at 10th Special Base Force
10th Special Base Force firing at DD Hammann
DD Anderson firing at Russell Islands
DD Barton firing at Russell Islands
10th Special Base Force firing at DD McCalla
DD McCalla firing at 10th Special Base Force
DD Duncan firing at 10th Special Base Force
10th Special Base Force firing at DD Duncan
DD Laffey firing at Russell Islands
DD Monssen firing at Russell Islands
DD Grayson firing at Russell Islands


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Russell Islands at 112,135

Japanese Ships
CM Okinoshima, Torpedo hits 1
DD Yamagumo

Allied Ships
SS S-42

SS S-42 launches 4 torpedoes at CM Okinoshima
DD Yamagumo attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yamagumo attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yamagumo is out of ASW ammo
DD Yamagumo is out of ASW ammo
DD Yamagumo is out of ASW ammo
DD Yamagumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yamagumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yamagumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

[Jorge_Stanbury]

AM Phase:
There was a heavy cloud over the Allied carriers, thereby no Allied aircraft were launched from carriers and no enemy strikes aimed to CVs.

Instead, Japan launched several small strikes against the very irrelevant amphibious task force that finished unloading at Rennell island. Notice there was also bad weather over Rennell which is probably why the focus was on the small TF leaving.

That said, LBAs launched against Rennell, and they found BB South Dakota, hitting it with the weakest torpedo I have ever seen: system 7, flood 3(0), engine 1(0)



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rennell Island at 113,140

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 9

Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 2 damaged
G3M3 Nell: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
BB South Dakota, Torpedo hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x G3M3 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
12th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(25 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rennell Island at 113,141

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
A6M5 Zero x 11
B5N2 Kate x 10

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AM Token
SC-638
xAP Elcano, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAP Kajang, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rennell Island at 113,140

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 9

Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 4 damaged
G3M3 Nell: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
BB South Dakota

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G3M3 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
12th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(25 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes