Another passable day
Herbie-san sends the heavy BB squadron towards GG to try and catch my escorted Transport TF.
For the first time the welcome mat at Basilaki Island is found by his forces and he blunders into it taking 2 mine hits on te BB Kirishima and one on the DD Hatsuharu.
They still meet and destroy a couple of PT boats but they don not go on to attack GG.
In the afternoon my GG airfrce finds and hits his retreating (and slowed) TF - but to little effect - the Wirriways conducting their first offensive mission of the war.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/18/42
Weather: Thunderstorms
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40
Japanese aircraft
Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 9
B-26B Marauder x 39
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 70
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 14
Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
11 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
10 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
8 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
The night attacks are still proving fruitful
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Basilaki Island at 18,42
Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima, on fire
BB Musashi
CA Chikuma
CA Atago
CA Haguro
DD Takanami
DD Kuroshio
DD Amatsukaze
DD Samidare
DD Hatsuharu, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
PT 109, Shell hits 24, and is sunk
I am rapidly loossing an effective PT boat force at GG - down to 2. Notice he has the Musashi - haven't seen her sister for a while - she must be feeling a little better after being tied up in dock for so long.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Basilaki Island at 18,42
Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima, on fire
BB Musashi, Shell hits 1
CA Chikuma
CA Atago
CA Haguro
DD Takanami
DD Kuroshio
DD Amatsukaze
DD Samidare
DD Hatsuharu, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
PT 59
PT 66
PT 68, Shell hits 89, and is sunk
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Sub attack at 18,44
Japanese Ships
SS I-3, Shell hits 1
Allied Ships
DD Farenholt, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SC 638
I find and attack one of his offensive subs - it puts a torp in to Farenholt in reprisal.
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Sub attack at 15,39
Japanese Ships
DD Takanami
Allied Ships
SS Tautog
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Sub attack at 15,39
Allied Ships
SS Tautog
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Air attack on TF at 14,37
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 6
Wirraway x 23
P-40E Kittyhawk x 9
P-40E Warhawk x 12
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
Wirraway x 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Hatsuharu, on fire, heavy damage
DD Takanami
BB Kirishima, Bomb hits 1, on fire
1 of the dauntlesses manages to put a 1000 lb bomb through the decks of Kirishima to add to its woes.
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There is more hurt on the horizon - Herbie-san can send surface units to his hearts content while my Carriers are away from the battle field.
My transport TF stays out of GG, but I sent my turn without remembering to put CAP above them - dumb dumb dumb. No doubt he will choose to unleash his airforces again at this inoppotune time. The problem of sourse is that I can't leave them in port as he has markedly superior surface units and I can't leave them out of port as the air force to guard them is based at GG.
GG is now a size 3 airfield with 120 ACs - it is 15% through building to a size 4 and then I will introduce the heavies.
The Carriers make Noumea - Hornet is sent back to Pearl and will be available again in 55 days. The other 3 form a TF and restock the squadrons from Noumea with high morale flyers. I also carry more than the carriers can use and fly missions so that I can deliver some more Naval anti-shipping ACs to the West. Another surface unit under Scott with the flagship CA Portland (returned after being repaired from the very first offensive attack I conducted at the beginning of the game). They set sail for GG. My commitment level is at high and I have 2 BBs, 2 CAs, 1 CLAA, 1 CL and 8 DDs in harbour at Pearl - surely something will be released this turn!
Herbie goes Bananas
Little to report.
My transport unit gets found by one of Herbie-san's subs and a DD takes a torp.
I repay the favour with a sub torp into a DD that my shore batteries hole when he bombards GG.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/19/42
Weather: Thunderstorms
Naval bombardment of Gili Gili, at 17,42
Allied aircraft
Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk x 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 5 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Yudachi, Shell hits 1, on fire
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 38
Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 46
Port hits 1
This bombardment effectively halves the effectivenes of a brand new sqd of Warhawks - they reire and are replaced by another sqd of Warhawks
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Sub attack at 19,41
Japanese Ships
SS I-31
Allied Ships
DD Tucker, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Honolulu
Tucker takes 60% float but only 16% sys - a bit of time in theatre should have her back in action.
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Sub attack at 19,40
Japanese Ships
DD Yudachi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
SS S-40
Yaduchi should survive but is probably out of the fight
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Air attack on TF, near Dobadura at 13,38
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 22
no losses
Japanese Ships
AG 105, Shell hits 4
AG 111, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 108
AG 103, Shell hits 4
AG 109, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
My fighter bombers decide to attack his AGs - only one is reported sunk.
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Air attack on 228th Regiment, at 55,57
Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 32
A-20B Havoc x 12
no losses
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 65
Attacking Level Bombers:
12 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
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Air attack on TF, near Dobadura at 13,38
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
SBD Dauntless x 8
P-40E Kittyhawk x 5
P-40E Warhawk x 5
no losses
Japanese Ships
AG 109, on fire, heavy damage
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Air attack on TF, near Dobadura at 13,38
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 21
no losses
Japanese Ships
AG 114, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 110
AG 103
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Ground combat at Efate Port Vila
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 2896 troops, 44 guns, 6 vehicles
Defending force 2633 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 9
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Ground combat at Efate Port Vila
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 2624 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 4286 troops, 44 guns, 6 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 18
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 6
The beginnings of the battle for efate - he actually tried to shock attack me. Has he more troops than I thought? Yet again the loading of the trnaports has not gone according to plan with half the support troops not loading - I don't understand this either - I had more than enough lift capacity.
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I really need to get this transport TF to unload at GG. IN this vein I put the North Carolina in a Tf with some of the under-exerienced SCs. If he attacks with anythin less than BBs she only has to worry about Torps (which isn't to say she doens't worry) but she may be able to stop the surface units from hurting the transports.
THe radars - of the base units flown into GG - are loaded into 2 APs for transport to the beleagured island.
The 5 APDs previously on anti-sub duty go to the aid of an approaching fuel convoy - I am going to be very careful of what happens to these ships.
My transport unit gets found by one of Herbie-san's subs and a DD takes a torp.
I repay the favour with a sub torp into a DD that my shore batteries hole when he bombards GG.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/19/42
Weather: Thunderstorms
Naval bombardment of Gili Gili, at 17,42
Allied aircraft
Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk x 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 5 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Yudachi, Shell hits 1, on fire
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 38
Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 46
Port hits 1
This bombardment effectively halves the effectivenes of a brand new sqd of Warhawks - they reire and are replaced by another sqd of Warhawks
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Sub attack at 19,41
Japanese Ships
SS I-31
Allied Ships
DD Tucker, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Honolulu
Tucker takes 60% float but only 16% sys - a bit of time in theatre should have her back in action.
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Sub attack at 19,40
Japanese Ships
DD Yudachi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
SS S-40
Yaduchi should survive but is probably out of the fight
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Air attack on TF, near Dobadura at 13,38
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 22
no losses
Japanese Ships
AG 105, Shell hits 4
AG 111, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 108
AG 103, Shell hits 4
AG 109, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
My fighter bombers decide to attack his AGs - only one is reported sunk.
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Air attack on 228th Regiment, at 55,57
Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 32
A-20B Havoc x 12
no losses
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 65
Attacking Level Bombers:
12 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
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Air attack on TF, near Dobadura at 13,38
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
SBD Dauntless x 8
P-40E Kittyhawk x 5
P-40E Warhawk x 5
no losses
Japanese Ships
AG 109, on fire, heavy damage
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Air attack on TF, near Dobadura at 13,38
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 21
no losses
Japanese Ships
AG 114, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 110
AG 103
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Ground combat at Efate Port Vila
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 2896 troops, 44 guns, 6 vehicles
Defending force 2633 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 9
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Ground combat at Efate Port Vila
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 2624 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 4286 troops, 44 guns, 6 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 18
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 6
The beginnings of the battle for efate - he actually tried to shock attack me. Has he more troops than I thought? Yet again the loading of the trnaports has not gone according to plan with half the support troops not loading - I don't understand this either - I had more than enough lift capacity.
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I really need to get this transport TF to unload at GG. IN this vein I put the North Carolina in a Tf with some of the under-exerienced SCs. If he attacks with anythin less than BBs she only has to worry about Torps (which isn't to say she doens't worry) but she may be able to stop the surface units from hurting the transports.
THe radars - of the base units flown into GG - are loaded into 2 APs for transport to the beleagured island.
The 5 APDs previously on anti-sub duty go to the aid of an approaching fuel convoy - I am going to be very careful of what happens to these ships.
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Efate port Villa Liberated
Herbie-san does not attack GG this turn with his surface forces - therefore the North Carolina is spared from fighting in a pretty severely wounded state.
Interestingly I think it was because he intercepted my transport TF NE of GG. Transmission intercepts noted a high level of readiness, and preparedness for more invasions (he queried me on more attacks). I have come to the conclusion he thought I was heading to Woodlark.
Maybe surface units heading to GG headed to Woodlark instead???
One important occurence this turn: Efate is back in allied hands.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/20/42
Weather: Thunderstorms The terrible weather continues - all the good work I did on hammering the southern Jap airfields is being undone.
Air attack on TF at 15,39
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 23
no losses
Japanese Ships
AG 108
AG 105, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AG 101, Shell hits 4
AG 110
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 53
The Wirriways continue their attacks against the AGs and it looks like he is carrying something on them. These guys are starting to loose morale so I retire them and replace them with some P-39s.
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Ground combat at Efate Port Vila
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 2996 troops, 52 guns, 6 vehicles
Defending force 2562 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles
Allied assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)
Allied forces CAPTURE Efate Port Vila base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 3272
Guns lost 8
One short, sharp,shock and the beleagured Efate garrison go into captivity - they have been living on worms and shellfish for weeks. The ships are loading the troops again and returning them to Noumea - I have plans for them!
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GG level 4 is 40% complete now and will be getting an injection of more of the 7th seabees vehicles - hopefully Herbie-san will allow me to unload them; in this case the weather is helping me also.
My carrier force and the new surface force are about 3 days out of GG.
I think the first mission for the carrier ACs will be anti-sub - he has plenty of them floating around GG and they are seriously hampering my ability to get wounded ships out and supplies in.
Speaking of this the 3 TFs: 1 holding supplies (about 30K), one holding a 200 size base unit, and one holding the radars of the base units flown in, will all have to negotiate these underwater perils.
Still no release of shipping from Pearl - they are holding half the pacific fleet there!
Interestingly I think it was because he intercepted my transport TF NE of GG. Transmission intercepts noted a high level of readiness, and preparedness for more invasions (he queried me on more attacks). I have come to the conclusion he thought I was heading to Woodlark.
Maybe surface units heading to GG headed to Woodlark instead???
One important occurence this turn: Efate is back in allied hands.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/20/42
Weather: Thunderstorms The terrible weather continues - all the good work I did on hammering the southern Jap airfields is being undone.
Air attack on TF at 15,39
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 23
no losses
Japanese Ships
AG 108
AG 105, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AG 101, Shell hits 4
AG 110
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 53
The Wirriways continue their attacks against the AGs and it looks like he is carrying something on them. These guys are starting to loose morale so I retire them and replace them with some P-39s.
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Ground combat at Efate Port Vila
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 2996 troops, 52 guns, 6 vehicles
Defending force 2562 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles
Allied assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)
Allied forces CAPTURE Efate Port Vila base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 3272
Guns lost 8
One short, sharp,shock and the beleagured Efate garrison go into captivity - they have been living on worms and shellfish for weeks. The ships are loading the troops again and returning them to Noumea - I have plans for them!
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GG level 4 is 40% complete now and will be getting an injection of more of the 7th seabees vehicles - hopefully Herbie-san will allow me to unload them; in this case the weather is helping me also.
My carrier force and the new surface force are about 3 days out of GG.
I think the first mission for the carrier ACs will be anti-sub - he has plenty of them floating around GG and they are seriously hampering my ability to get wounded ships out and supplies in.
Speaking of this the 3 TFs: 1 holding supplies (about 30K), one holding a 200 size base unit, and one holding the radars of the base units flown in, will all have to negotiate these underwater perils.
Still no release of shipping from Pearl - they are holding half the pacific fleet there!
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Two days covered in this report - yesterday's nothing happened so I have amalgamated the two days.
The weather continues to be the winner on the day and I may loose my chance to keep Dobadura closed - rain forecast for tomorrow but that of course does not mean I have too greater likelihood of getting flights off.
My CV group is within strike distance of GG and is on ASW duty - nothing found so I will give it another day - they are not scouted yet.
My 2 transport TFs - one of supplies and one of a large (200 size) base unit make it to GG without trouble and begin unloading.
The new surface force is within ange and will pull in tonight.
During the night Herbie-san sent in a detachment of men to take Basilaki island. The mines sown around it have stopped his ability to sneak surface units into GG. For this reason I can't let it go ahead without doing something in return. All of the APDs and some of the DDs at GG form a FT mission and are taking one of teh 32nd division's regiments to Basilaki to repel the attackers.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/22/42
Weather: Thunderstorms
Air attack on TF, near Finschhafen at 11,33
Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 13
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
ML Ishizaki
ML Takashima
ML Hirashima
The longer reach of the newly arived Avengers enables them to fly an anti shipping mission against some of Herbie-sans pesky minelayers. Since bombing is not really their forte they hit nothing
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Air attack on TF, near Goodenough Island at 16,39
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 24
no losses
Japanese Ships
AG 107, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AG 108, Shell hits 16
AG 115, Shell hits 12
AG 104, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 113, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 101
My P-39s on the other hand are far better at culling the AG numbers. These AGs took a load of troops to Goodenough island.
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Ground combat at Goodenough Island
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 500 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 18 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Goodenough Island base !!!
These same troops conquer empty goodenough and lower my options for new bases.
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Plans are in motion though. A transport TF is formed at Townsville and starts loading the whole Aussie 7th plus a tank regiment - bound for Dobadura.
GG is maybe one turn off being level 4 - the 2 engine bombers are rested ready to be moved.
Another TF of casualties - resting at GG to get rid of floatation damage - is formed and heads for Townsville.
Depressingly nothing is released from Pearl yet to replace these losses - the numbers at Pearl are starting to mount.
Herbie has a number of engineering units moving over the Kokado trail - from PM to Buna I think - he is starting to see how untenable PM is.
3 more fortress sqds nearing release.
The weather continues to be the winner on the day and I may loose my chance to keep Dobadura closed - rain forecast for tomorrow but that of course does not mean I have too greater likelihood of getting flights off.
My CV group is within strike distance of GG and is on ASW duty - nothing found so I will give it another day - they are not scouted yet.
My 2 transport TFs - one of supplies and one of a large (200 size) base unit make it to GG without trouble and begin unloading.
The new surface force is within ange and will pull in tonight.
During the night Herbie-san sent in a detachment of men to take Basilaki island. The mines sown around it have stopped his ability to sneak surface units into GG. For this reason I can't let it go ahead without doing something in return. All of the APDs and some of the DDs at GG form a FT mission and are taking one of teh 32nd division's regiments to Basilaki to repel the attackers.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/22/42
Weather: Thunderstorms
Air attack on TF, near Finschhafen at 11,33
Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 13
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
ML Ishizaki
ML Takashima
ML Hirashima
The longer reach of the newly arived Avengers enables them to fly an anti shipping mission against some of Herbie-sans pesky minelayers. Since bombing is not really their forte they hit nothing
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Air attack on TF, near Goodenough Island at 16,39
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 24
no losses
Japanese Ships
AG 107, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AG 108, Shell hits 16
AG 115, Shell hits 12
AG 104, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 113, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 101
My P-39s on the other hand are far better at culling the AG numbers. These AGs took a load of troops to Goodenough island.
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Ground combat at Goodenough Island
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 500 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 18 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Goodenough Island base !!!
These same troops conquer empty goodenough and lower my options for new bases.
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Plans are in motion though. A transport TF is formed at Townsville and starts loading the whole Aussie 7th plus a tank regiment - bound for Dobadura.
GG is maybe one turn off being level 4 - the 2 engine bombers are rested ready to be moved.
Another TF of casualties - resting at GG to get rid of floatation damage - is formed and heads for Townsville.
Depressingly nothing is released from Pearl yet to replace these losses - the numbers at Pearl are starting to mount.
Herbie has a number of engineering units moving over the Kokado trail - from PM to Buna I think - he is starting to see how untenable PM is.
3 more fortress sqds nearing release.
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More manouvering.
My carriers are sighted below GG and are hemmed in by weather so don't hit the one sub I scout. Therefore they continue their job.
My surface unit has made it to GG and the transport TFs are unloading.
GG is officially size 4 and instanly accommodates 3 sqds of 2 engine bombers. This brings me up to 200 ACs at GG and any more will reduce their efectiveness anyway - building continues to size 5.
My FT missions have another job for the meantime anyway. The troops unloaded at Basilaki Island don't take any supplies with them. I am going to have to send the surface units back with supplies. Their mission is a success though as they stop the enemy from taking the island and then magically muddling the mines I laid up.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/23/42
Weather: Rain
Air attack on TF at 15,38
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 21
no losses
Japanese Ships
AG 111, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 110, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 108, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 102, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
The stock of AGs he has wont last for ever - with a bomb hit each they all sink. The P-39s are proving more capable at this job than the wirriways.
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Ground combat at Basilaki Island
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 681 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 3021 troops, 58 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 59
A nasty surprise for his Naval Garrsion force. Told to take an "empty" island, they find they are outnumbered 5 to 1.
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Without supplies I will hold fire against the japs this turn. I have attacked with my forces like this and it chews them up something horrible. I am not under pressure and the men doing the job don't get to retire to Oz to recuperate, so I am going to get them to do the job as easily as they can.
The transport Tf aiming for Dobadura are still loading - I will probably have to FT supplies into the landing zone as the APs will be mainly loaded with men.
My carriers are sighted below GG and are hemmed in by weather so don't hit the one sub I scout. Therefore they continue their job.
My surface unit has made it to GG and the transport TFs are unloading.
GG is officially size 4 and instanly accommodates 3 sqds of 2 engine bombers. This brings me up to 200 ACs at GG and any more will reduce their efectiveness anyway - building continues to size 5.
My FT missions have another job for the meantime anyway. The troops unloaded at Basilaki Island don't take any supplies with them. I am going to have to send the surface units back with supplies. Their mission is a success though as they stop the enemy from taking the island and then magically muddling the mines I laid up.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/23/42
Weather: Rain
Air attack on TF at 15,38
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 21
no losses
Japanese Ships
AG 111, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 110, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 108, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 102, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
The stock of AGs he has wont last for ever - with a bomb hit each they all sink. The P-39s are proving more capable at this job than the wirriways.
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Ground combat at Basilaki Island
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 681 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 3021 troops, 58 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 59
A nasty surprise for his Naval Garrsion force. Told to take an "empty" island, they find they are outnumbered 5 to 1.
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Without supplies I will hold fire against the japs this turn. I have attacked with my forces like this and it chews them up something horrible. I am not under pressure and the men doing the job don't get to retire to Oz to recuperate, so I am going to get them to do the job as easily as they can.
The transport Tf aiming for Dobadura are still loading - I will probably have to FT supplies into the landing zone as the APs will be mainly loaded with men.
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Much planned
Herbie-san starts LRCAPing dobadura and this brings down a liberator and 3 P-39s in todays action.
My CV TF hasn't managed to find a single sub in 3 days of ASW missions - they are changing to Naval attack and moving up by Woodlark.
Herbie has hinted that he knows what I am up to (hope he tells me so I can get a few ideas) and is going to start a bold new plan to stop me. I am not sure if this will be direct action against my postions of strength - around GG. More likely he will try to attack me where I am not. To help offset this the brass hats at Pearl release some ships: 2 BBs (Washington and South Dakota), 1 CA a CL and 10 DDs - a very nice addtion to my forces. With my ships over by GG he may try to attack against SOPAC. I think I will bolster the defenders of Luganville and keep a few warships back from the front line. Because Noumea is my location of recuperation of Naval attack ACs I will be able to use them if he comes this way, so he will bleed from Wunpuko or Gavigmana if he attempts this.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/24/42
Weather: Overcast
Air attack on Dobadura , at 13,38
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 15
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 54
B-24D Liberator x 11
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 394
Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 91
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
A very effective attack by the heavies for the loss of one liberator - I get 12 more of the heavy fortresses this turn - 2 are repairing so I
will wait until I move them to Cairns; my staging area. Then I will attack, long range, at Lae.
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Air attack on TF, near Dobadura at 13,38
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 14
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 15
no losses
Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 6 damaged
Japanese Ships
AG 101, Shell hits 8
AG 112, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AG 114
An expensive attack expecially since I get nothing for sinking the barges. I retire my P-39s and replace them with more Wirriways.
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Air attack on TF, near Dobadura at 13,38
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 13
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
SBD Dauntless x 14
TBF Avenger x 13
P-39D Airacobra x 11
P-40E Kittyhawk x 18
P-40E Warhawk x 18
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 3 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kaika Maru, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Jusan Maru, Shell hits 4, on fire
A better attack by my naval ACs (although 2 of those bomb hits are by P-39s) for no losses.
These ships are in Dobadura harbour - i am unsure as to whether they are unloading supplies or loading troops- they loose no men so aren't loaded with troops. The DD should sink.
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Alot happening behind the scenes this turn.
The North Carolina has at last got rid of enough water to depart GG for Noumea - with 2 more BBs released she can be returned for repair.
I get a new sub which I set up as a mine layer and aim it at GG (no mines there as he sunk my ship minelayers
I put all the warships that aren't injured into a surface unit under Lee, to attack Dobadura during the night. I don't expect he will stay there to allow me to get away with this, but if you don't try you wont get anywhere.
My Dobadura invasion force has sailed from Townsville - mines are my biggest worry (they damaged more ships than all other enemy weapons in teh GG mission) with more MSWs destroyed during the GG attack than I could really afford.
The TF of AKs transporting supplies to GG make it in and out, dropping their supplies without losses for the second time. These guys are good luck, I'm not changing that TF!!!
2 AOs make port in Noumea and join with 2 recently released TKs and head for GG with more fuel - they are escorted by 2 MSWs - which will help with mines if any remain at dobadura.
The oilers harbouring at GG, full of fuel, now make a TF to offload the fuel to the land.
The 4 E bombers take a rest but the 2 E bombers at Cooktown are attacking PM again (during the day this time). From GG the 2 sqds of hudsons are attacking the port at Rabaul while 1 sqd or marauders are attacking Gasmata airport.
The 1st marines are returning to Noumea after their successful action at Efate Port Vila, again the ships don't load everyone and leave 1 supply squad behind - why oh why does this happen?
To finish things off the 32nd Divsion are going to attack the Naval garrison unit at Basilaki Island tomorrow (the FT'd supplies are divided out to the men). That should result in more prisioners. The remains of the surface unit attacking dobadura will then help with picking up these men.
My CV TF hasn't managed to find a single sub in 3 days of ASW missions - they are changing to Naval attack and moving up by Woodlark.
Herbie has hinted that he knows what I am up to (hope he tells me so I can get a few ideas) and is going to start a bold new plan to stop me. I am not sure if this will be direct action against my postions of strength - around GG. More likely he will try to attack me where I am not. To help offset this the brass hats at Pearl release some ships: 2 BBs (Washington and South Dakota), 1 CA a CL and 10 DDs - a very nice addtion to my forces. With my ships over by GG he may try to attack against SOPAC. I think I will bolster the defenders of Luganville and keep a few warships back from the front line. Because Noumea is my location of recuperation of Naval attack ACs I will be able to use them if he comes this way, so he will bleed from Wunpuko or Gavigmana if he attempts this.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/24/42
Weather: Overcast
Air attack on Dobadura , at 13,38
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 15
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 54
B-24D Liberator x 11
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 394
Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 91
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
A very effective attack by the heavies for the loss of one liberator - I get 12 more of the heavy fortresses this turn - 2 are repairing so I
will wait until I move them to Cairns; my staging area. Then I will attack, long range, at Lae.
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Air attack on TF, near Dobadura at 13,38
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 14
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 15
no losses
Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 6 damaged
Japanese Ships
AG 101, Shell hits 8
AG 112, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AG 114
An expensive attack expecially since I get nothing for sinking the barges. I retire my P-39s and replace them with more Wirriways.
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Air attack on TF, near Dobadura at 13,38
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 13
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
SBD Dauntless x 14
TBF Avenger x 13
P-39D Airacobra x 11
P-40E Kittyhawk x 18
P-40E Warhawk x 18
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 3 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kaika Maru, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Jusan Maru, Shell hits 4, on fire
A better attack by my naval ACs (although 2 of those bomb hits are by P-39s) for no losses.
These ships are in Dobadura harbour - i am unsure as to whether they are unloading supplies or loading troops- they loose no men so aren't loaded with troops. The DD should sink.
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Alot happening behind the scenes this turn.
The North Carolina has at last got rid of enough water to depart GG for Noumea - with 2 more BBs released she can be returned for repair.
I get a new sub which I set up as a mine layer and aim it at GG (no mines there as he sunk my ship minelayers
I put all the warships that aren't injured into a surface unit under Lee, to attack Dobadura during the night. I don't expect he will stay there to allow me to get away with this, but if you don't try you wont get anywhere.
My Dobadura invasion force has sailed from Townsville - mines are my biggest worry (they damaged more ships than all other enemy weapons in teh GG mission) with more MSWs destroyed during the GG attack than I could really afford.
The TF of AKs transporting supplies to GG make it in and out, dropping their supplies without losses for the second time. These guys are good luck, I'm not changing that TF!!!
2 AOs make port in Noumea and join with 2 recently released TKs and head for GG with more fuel - they are escorted by 2 MSWs - which will help with mines if any remain at dobadura.
The oilers harbouring at GG, full of fuel, now make a TF to offload the fuel to the land.
The 4 E bombers take a rest but the 2 E bombers at Cooktown are attacking PM again (during the day this time). From GG the 2 sqds of hudsons are attacking the port at Rabaul while 1 sqd or marauders are attacking Gasmata airport.
The 1st marines are returning to Noumea after their successful action at Efate Port Vila, again the ships don't load everyone and leave 1 supply squad behind - why oh why does this happen?
To finish things off the 32nd Divsion are going to attack the Naval garrison unit at Basilaki Island tomorrow (the FT'd supplies are divided out to the men). That should result in more prisioners. The remains of the surface unit attacking dobadura will then help with picking up these men.
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An interesting day in the South Pacific.
Lee finds some targets at Dobadura sinking them. The damaged ships from the day before have run so miss out. They, however, are found by the GG airforce and sunk.
Long range strikes on Rabaul go ahead.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/25/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0
Japanese Ships
AG 101, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
AG 114, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
AG 115, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
Allied Ships
CA Portland
CA Salt Lake City
CL Leander
CL St. Louis
CL Honolulu
DD Fletcher
DD Grayson
DD Monssen
DD Aaron Ward
DD Laffey
DD Woodworth
DD Stockton
DD Anderson
DD Hammann
DD Ellet
DD Stack
DD McCall
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Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0
Japanese Ships
AP Jusan Maru, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
Allied Ships
CA Portland
CA Salt Lake City
CL Leander
CL St. Louis
CL Honolulu
DD Fletcher
DD Grayson
DD Monssen
DD Aaron Ward
DD Laffey
DD Woodworth
DD Stockton
DD Anderson
DD Hammann
DD Ellet
DD Stack
DD McCall
No contest - more good night time exp though
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Air attack on Rabaul , at 21,28
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 30
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
Hudson x 2 damaged
Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 3
Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
9 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
The hudsons do little damage and Herbie had just moved the ships in port out. I loose 2 and these buys are now heavily fatigued and worse morale is low with the Aussies, the Kiwi's morale is fine - made of sterner stuff.
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Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 24
B-25D Mitchell x 16
B-26B Marauder x 68
Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 377
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 78
Attacking Level Bombers:
11 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
8 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
11 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
7 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
10 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
11 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
11 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
PM takes another pounding - with 3 more supply hits - this must be starting to become an issue. THe 2 engine fliers need another rest.
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Air attack on TF at 13,36
Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 13
Beaufort x 9
Wirraway x 23
P-40E Kittyhawk x 18
P-40E Warhawk x 16
no losses
Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kaika Maru, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
1 x Beaufort at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
The Wirriways are pathetic compared to the P-39s. But the job is done.
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Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 21,28
Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 12
Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 4 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Akikaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Asakaze
DD Matsukaze
Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
Unfortunately I did not change the mitchells at GG to airport attack of Gasmata - they instead fly to Rabaul to attack shipping there.
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Air attack on TF at 13,36
Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 12
TBF Avenger x 13
Beaufort x 11
Wirraway x 21
P-40E Kittyhawk x 10
P-40E Warhawk x 9
no losses
Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kaika Maru, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort at 200 feet
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Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 21,28
Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 7
Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 7 damaged
Japanese Ships
CL Naka
DD Arashi
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
The Mitchells go again - bombing at 1000 feet proves too costly over this range - 5 mitchells are lost and their morale is 10!
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Ground combat at Basilaki Island
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 3021 troops, 58 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 601 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles
Allied assault odds: 8 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 745
Guns lost 1
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 8
As expected the enemy unit at Basilaki is mopped up
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My Carriers that had moved north to Woodlark are not scouted (despite turning some enemy transport TFs around). With no air cover at Rabaul and 4 surface ship TFs there I am moving the carriers into strike distance of Rabaul. If I damage his remaining surface units there it will be some time until he can muster ships from further north to offset the up and coming invasion of Dobadura.
Speaking of this the invasion forces are half way to GG now.
Lee gets his change of orders and is off to pick up the unit at Basilaki Island and return them to GG.
I move the new B-17 unit to Cairns and 2 new mitchell sqds to Cooktown.
Lee finds some targets at Dobadura sinking them. The damaged ships from the day before have run so miss out. They, however, are found by the GG airforce and sunk.
Long range strikes on Rabaul go ahead.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/25/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0
Japanese Ships
AG 101, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
AG 114, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
AG 115, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
Allied Ships
CA Portland
CA Salt Lake City
CL Leander
CL St. Louis
CL Honolulu
DD Fletcher
DD Grayson
DD Monssen
DD Aaron Ward
DD Laffey
DD Woodworth
DD Stockton
DD Anderson
DD Hammann
DD Ellet
DD Stack
DD McCall
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Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0
Japanese Ships
AP Jusan Maru, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
Allied Ships
CA Portland
CA Salt Lake City
CL Leander
CL St. Louis
CL Honolulu
DD Fletcher
DD Grayson
DD Monssen
DD Aaron Ward
DD Laffey
DD Woodworth
DD Stockton
DD Anderson
DD Hammann
DD Ellet
DD Stack
DD McCall
No contest - more good night time exp though
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Air attack on Rabaul , at 21,28
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 30
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
Hudson x 2 damaged
Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 3
Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
9 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
The hudsons do little damage and Herbie had just moved the ships in port out. I loose 2 and these buys are now heavily fatigued and worse morale is low with the Aussies, the Kiwi's morale is fine - made of sterner stuff.
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Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 24
B-25D Mitchell x 16
B-26B Marauder x 68
Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 377
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 78
Attacking Level Bombers:
11 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
8 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
11 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
7 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
10 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
11 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
11 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
PM takes another pounding - with 3 more supply hits - this must be starting to become an issue. THe 2 engine fliers need another rest.
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Air attack on TF at 13,36
Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 13
Beaufort x 9
Wirraway x 23
P-40E Kittyhawk x 18
P-40E Warhawk x 16
no losses
Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kaika Maru, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
1 x Beaufort at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
The Wirriways are pathetic compared to the P-39s. But the job is done.
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Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 21,28
Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 12
Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 4 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Akikaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Asakaze
DD Matsukaze
Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
Unfortunately I did not change the mitchells at GG to airport attack of Gasmata - they instead fly to Rabaul to attack shipping there.
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Air attack on TF at 13,36
Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 12
TBF Avenger x 13
Beaufort x 11
Wirraway x 21
P-40E Kittyhawk x 10
P-40E Warhawk x 9
no losses
Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kaika Maru, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort at 200 feet
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Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 21,28
Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 7
Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 7 damaged
Japanese Ships
CL Naka
DD Arashi
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
The Mitchells go again - bombing at 1000 feet proves too costly over this range - 5 mitchells are lost and their morale is 10!
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Ground combat at Basilaki Island
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 3021 troops, 58 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 601 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles
Allied assault odds: 8 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 745
Guns lost 1
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 8
As expected the enemy unit at Basilaki is mopped up
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My Carriers that had moved north to Woodlark are not scouted (despite turning some enemy transport TFs around). With no air cover at Rabaul and 4 surface ship TFs there I am moving the carriers into strike distance of Rabaul. If I damage his remaining surface units there it will be some time until he can muster ships from further north to offset the up and coming invasion of Dobadura.
Speaking of this the invasion forces are half way to GG now.
Lee gets his change of orders and is off to pick up the unit at Basilaki Island and return them to GG.
I move the new B-17 unit to Cairns and 2 new mitchell sqds to Cooktown.
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It's been a while since I posted a report. herbie ans I had a mail mix up and were once again waiting for each other to provide a turn.
My Carriers find his surface units which have moved off to the east of Rabaul - why I have no idea.
Herbie-san mounts a night bombin raid that is very effective - teh ships at GG can no longer sit and recuperate their wounds in piece.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/26/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 12
G4M1 Betty x 47
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 16 damaged
Allied Ships
AV Ballard, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
APD Manley, Bomb hits 1, on fire
APD Stringham, Bomb hits 1
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 13
Vehicles lost 1
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1
Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
8 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
8 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
8 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
10 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
12 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
I have to scuttle the Ballard and the 2 APDs will be returning to Pearl. At 1000 ft he suffers 8 lost bombers - more expensive than the cost of a scuttled AV. THey also hit me from munda so are on the wrong side to hit the invasion fleets of Dobadura.
By the same token - if he is looking to hit Luganville say - he is gathering strength.
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Air attack on TF at 26,27
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 23
SBD Dauntless x 66
TBF Avenger x 26
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged
TBF Avenger x 3 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Arashi, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Naka, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
DD Oyashio, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatsuyuki
DD Murakumo, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
On the other foot my carriers find his surface units well out to the east and sink 2 DDs and the CL Naka.
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Air attack on TF at 26,27
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17
SBD Dauntless x 32
TBF Avenger x 15
no losses
Japanese Ships
CL Naka, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatsuyuki, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Murakumo, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
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Air attack on TF at 26,27
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 40
SBD Dauntless x 91
TBF Avenger x 25
no losses
Japanese Ships
DD Murakumo, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
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Air attack on TF at 28,26
Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 13
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 13 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Asakaze, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yayoi
Only 2 avengers are actually lost - they seem very hardy machines.
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The invasion fleet at Dobadura will be getting close this turn - I don't think they will make land fall. I get surface and antimine units ready.
My heavy bombers are set up to hit Lae. Some Kittyhawks are put on LRCAP duty above the invasion fleet and the Carrriers are bought back to the West.
I make a new transport TF in Noumea to take another RCT to Luganville - almost all of the 1st and 2nd marines are at Noumea in case he tries there.
My Carriers find his surface units which have moved off to the east of Rabaul - why I have no idea.
Herbie-san mounts a night bombin raid that is very effective - teh ships at GG can no longer sit and recuperate their wounds in piece.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/26/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 12
G4M1 Betty x 47
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 16 damaged
Allied Ships
AV Ballard, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
APD Manley, Bomb hits 1, on fire
APD Stringham, Bomb hits 1
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 13
Vehicles lost 1
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1
Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
8 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
8 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
8 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
10 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
12 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
I have to scuttle the Ballard and the 2 APDs will be returning to Pearl. At 1000 ft he suffers 8 lost bombers - more expensive than the cost of a scuttled AV. THey also hit me from munda so are on the wrong side to hit the invasion fleets of Dobadura.
By the same token - if he is looking to hit Luganville say - he is gathering strength.
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Air attack on TF at 26,27
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 23
SBD Dauntless x 66
TBF Avenger x 26
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged
TBF Avenger x 3 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Arashi, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Naka, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
DD Oyashio, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatsuyuki
DD Murakumo, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
On the other foot my carriers find his surface units well out to the east and sink 2 DDs and the CL Naka.
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Air attack on TF at 26,27
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17
SBD Dauntless x 32
TBF Avenger x 15
no losses
Japanese Ships
CL Naka, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatsuyuki, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Murakumo, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
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Air attack on TF at 26,27
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 40
SBD Dauntless x 91
TBF Avenger x 25
no losses
Japanese Ships
DD Murakumo, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
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Air attack on TF at 28,26
Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 13
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 13 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Asakaze, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yayoi
Only 2 avengers are actually lost - they seem very hardy machines.
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The invasion fleet at Dobadura will be getting close this turn - I don't think they will make land fall. I get surface and antimine units ready.
My heavy bombers are set up to hit Lae. Some Kittyhawks are put on LRCAP duty above the invasion fleet and the Carrriers are bought back to the West.
I make a new transport TF in Noumea to take another RCT to Luganville - almost all of the 1st and 2nd marines are at Noumea in case he tries there.
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I have been a bit remiss in keeping this up to date. Too much real life has been in the way lately.
The invasion of Dobadura begins with the age old mine damage! 1 sc 1 ap and the CL Louisville all hit mines. The SC sinks and the Louisville has to retreat to GG.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/28/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 25
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 11 damaged
Allied Ships
TK Suamico, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 1
Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
7 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
He is still attacking my port at GG heavily and even though he doesn't seem to be able to hit the facilities he is putting bombs in to my anchored ships with too much regularity.
I take even the wounded ships out of dock and keep them in TFs in the harbour.
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Air attack on Lae , at 9,33
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 27
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 41
B-24D Liberator x 8
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 4 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 44
Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 21
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
D@mn - I forgot to take these guys off attack so they go again. There doesn't appear to be any bombers located here anyway.
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THe unloading at Dobadura continues and the troops will conduct a bombardment to see what I am up against.
The carriers are still floating around North of Dobadura and will stay here. No sign of subs as yet.
The invasion of Dobadura begins with the age old mine damage! 1 sc 1 ap and the CL Louisville all hit mines. The SC sinks and the Louisville has to retreat to GG.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/28/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 25
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 11 damaged
Allied Ships
TK Suamico, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 1
Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
7 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
He is still attacking my port at GG heavily and even though he doesn't seem to be able to hit the facilities he is putting bombs in to my anchored ships with too much regularity.
I take even the wounded ships out of dock and keep them in TFs in the harbour.
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Air attack on Lae , at 9,33
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 27
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 41
B-24D Liberator x 8
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 4 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 44
Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 21
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
D@mn - I forgot to take these guys off attack so they go again. There doesn't appear to be any bombers located here anyway.
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THe unloading at Dobadura continues and the troops will conduct a bombardment to see what I am up against.
The carriers are still floating around North of Dobadura and will stay here. No sign of subs as yet.
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More night atttacks by Herbis-san into GG - no ships for him to it this time but the AAA still has plenty of capacity to strike back.
The mines are taking their toll on my smaller ships - 2 SCs sunk and an AP struck. But minesweeping ships are clearing the area and things are going well.
After wondering where the subs were last turn I find them during this one. The PG Moa, that hit a mine last turn is found by a sub this turn and sunk. While Herbie tries to take out ships in GG - maybe trying to get ships I don't leave docked. Either way it ends up with his sub resting on the bottom - never to rise again.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/29/42
Weather: Thunderstorms
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 9
G4M1 Betty x 10
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 8 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 9 damaged
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 16
Port fuel hits 1
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
8 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
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Sub attack at 15,38
Japanese Ships
SS I-174
Allied Ships
PG Moa, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
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Sub attack near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese Ships
SS I-17, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
DD Anderson
APD Gregory
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Air attack on TF at 11,34
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15
SBD Dauntless x 15
no losses
Japanese Ships
AP Brazil Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
The carriers at last find a target and this 3000 type transport is sunk.
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Air attack on TF at 11,34
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
TBF Avenger x 15
no losses
Japanese Ships
AP Brazil Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
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Ground combat at Dobadura
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 11001 troops, 108 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 2825 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
There are no combat troops at Dobadura - unbelieveably - my recon is correct! The Aussies will put in their first deliberate attack tomorrow.
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With the subs appearing I put the bombers at GG onto ASW work - they wont be needed to surpress dobadura I doubt.
Another seabee unit and a base unit are loaded at Noumea to be shipped to GG - one of the units there will be put into dobadura to start flying more aircraft (once it is held).
My extra RCT arrives at Luganville and starts unloading.
Some of the damaged ships in the GG invasion are making it to Noumea now, they are being sent back to Pearl. The North Carolina is about 5 days out of harbour.
The mines are taking their toll on my smaller ships - 2 SCs sunk and an AP struck. But minesweeping ships are clearing the area and things are going well.
After wondering where the subs were last turn I find them during this one. The PG Moa, that hit a mine last turn is found by a sub this turn and sunk. While Herbie tries to take out ships in GG - maybe trying to get ships I don't leave docked. Either way it ends up with his sub resting on the bottom - never to rise again.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/29/42
Weather: Thunderstorms
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 9
G4M1 Betty x 10
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 8 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 9 damaged
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 16
Port fuel hits 1
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
8 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
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Sub attack at 15,38
Japanese Ships
SS I-174
Allied Ships
PG Moa, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
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Sub attack near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese Ships
SS I-17, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
Allied Ships
DD Anderson
APD Gregory
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Air attack on TF at 11,34
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15
SBD Dauntless x 15
no losses
Japanese Ships
AP Brazil Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
The carriers at last find a target and this 3000 type transport is sunk.
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Air attack on TF at 11,34
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
TBF Avenger x 15
no losses
Japanese Ships
AP Brazil Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
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Ground combat at Dobadura
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 11001 troops, 108 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 2825 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
There are no combat troops at Dobadura - unbelieveably - my recon is correct! The Aussies will put in their first deliberate attack tomorrow.
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With the subs appearing I put the bombers at GG onto ASW work - they wont be needed to surpress dobadura I doubt.
Another seabee unit and a base unit are loaded at Noumea to be shipped to GG - one of the units there will be put into dobadura to start flying more aircraft (once it is held).
My extra RCT arrives at Luganville and starts unloading.
Some of the damaged ships in the GG invasion are making it to Noumea now, they are being sent back to Pearl. The North Carolina is about 5 days out of harbour.
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Dobadura steps into the light
The Japs are overwhelmed at Dobadura, their numbers far from enough to hold out against the landing Aussies, but the retreat in good order to Buna.
My Carriers find a mine-layer seeding the shallow grounds up by Finshafen, she is sunk.
My minesweeping fleet have retreated for some reason and the morning finds them back by GG retreating. Patrol orders managed to keep them there for long enough and I am at loss as to why they left.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/30/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Air attack on TF at 13,30
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
SBD Dauntless x 17
no losses
Japanese Ships
ML Hoko, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
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Air attack on TF at 13,30
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17
TBF Avenger x 15
no losses
Japanese Ships
ML Hoko, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
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Ground combat at Dobadura
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 16658 troops, 120 guns, 52 vehicles
Defending force 2825 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Allied assault odds: 41 to 1 (fort level 0)
Allied forces CAPTURE Dobadura base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 118
Dobadura is mine. As you can see the Japs have retreated in very good order. I notice that one of the retreating units is the 11th air HQ - nice to catch them at Buna!
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My next TF of supplies is approaching Dobadura - I am getting a little anxious about this one: the port at Dobadura is level 0 so the unloading is over the beach and will take an eternity. My carrier fighters are way down on moral and I am having to retreat them back to Cairns.
DbD itself is still heavily damaged by my earlier bomber raids and I only have 1 engineer there to tidy it up, so aircover from its own airfield is a couple of days off.
The Aussies at DbD begin the march to Buna - the 7th cavalry and the engineers stay put. THe APs at DbD will continue to unload supplies for one more turn then retreat back to Townsville.
The next phase in the plan will start soon as they arrive...
My Carriers find a mine-layer seeding the shallow grounds up by Finshafen, she is sunk.
My minesweeping fleet have retreated for some reason and the morning finds them back by GG retreating. Patrol orders managed to keep them there for long enough and I am at loss as to why they left.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/30/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Air attack on TF at 13,30
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
SBD Dauntless x 17
no losses
Japanese Ships
ML Hoko, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
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Air attack on TF at 13,30
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17
TBF Avenger x 15
no losses
Japanese Ships
ML Hoko, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
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Ground combat at Dobadura
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 16658 troops, 120 guns, 52 vehicles
Defending force 2825 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Allied assault odds: 41 to 1 (fort level 0)
Allied forces CAPTURE Dobadura base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 118
Dobadura is mine. As you can see the Japs have retreated in very good order. I notice that one of the retreating units is the 11th air HQ - nice to catch them at Buna!
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My next TF of supplies is approaching Dobadura - I am getting a little anxious about this one: the port at Dobadura is level 0 so the unloading is over the beach and will take an eternity. My carrier fighters are way down on moral and I am having to retreat them back to Cairns.
DbD itself is still heavily damaged by my earlier bomber raids and I only have 1 engineer there to tidy it up, so aircover from its own airfield is a couple of days off.
The Aussies at DbD begin the march to Buna - the 7th cavalry and the engineers stay put. THe APs at DbD will continue to unload supplies for one more turn then retreat back to Townsville.
The next phase in the plan will start soon as they arrive...
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A bit of a shock when a jap sub manages to find my carrier group. Fortunately the escorts find the sub and manage to damage it with depth charges before driving it off.
The minesweepers make it back into Dobadura harbour and clear more of the pesky nuisances, no ships hit mines today - phew.
8 ships are sent back to Pearl today with varying levels of damage. One of which is the BB North Carolina - holy hell - they don't half take a lifetime to be repaired: 299 days for
55 sys damage.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/01/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Sub attack at 17,38
Japanese Ships
SS I-6, Shell hits 1, on fire
Allied Ships
DD Balch
CL Helena
Only Herbie-san knows the level to which we hurt it.
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Air attack on Gasmata , at 17,32
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
Hudson x 15
B-26B Marauder x 28
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 damaged
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 16
Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 24
Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
8 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
This appears to have been a very good move. The airfield is loaded with bombers and fighters - his lack of CAP allows me to damage the runways and destroy a few planes. They are returning tomorrow and the Avengers are going to join them.
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Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40
Japanese aircraft
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 24
B-25D Mitchell x 16
B-26B Marauder x 52
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 191
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 44
Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
16 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
11 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
15 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
More bombing of PM to keep the airfield closed - he still has some aircraft there so this will also keep them grounded. They rest this turn.
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Herbie-san was very unhappy with this turn: most specifically with his ACs for not attacking (if I am deciphering the code properly). He also thinks his airforces days are numbered now, the only way I can see this is if he thinks I am going to keep surpressing gasmata and then invade. I just don't have the lift capacity at the moment.
To this end though the APs that delivered the Dobadura invasion force have retired this turn, I set a sqd of Kittyhawks to take over from the wildcats at LRCAPing this retreating force.
The next force of ships carrying supplies is approaching dobadura - it is going to be LRCAPed by another sqd of Kittyhawks.
I retire the wildcats that have given me great service and replace them with some Warhawks.
The heavies are going to hit Buna this turn, he has based some planes there again - hopefully I don't loose any of the big fellas.
A reasonably large force of APDs and DDs at GG go on FT duty and move one of the smaller air base units to Dobabdura: it has no airstrip damage anymore (but about 75% air service damage).
My Carrier continue to retire, the Wasp is still at 11 Sys and the other two are at 9 and 10 sys, they need a break. Last time I did this though the Japs went on the rampage.
GG is almost size 5 though so more fighters to defend the bases; 350 ACs wait in townsville for usage.
The minesweepers make it back into Dobadura harbour and clear more of the pesky nuisances, no ships hit mines today - phew.
8 ships are sent back to Pearl today with varying levels of damage. One of which is the BB North Carolina - holy hell - they don't half take a lifetime to be repaired: 299 days for
55 sys damage.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/01/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Sub attack at 17,38
Japanese Ships
SS I-6, Shell hits 1, on fire
Allied Ships
DD Balch
CL Helena
Only Herbie-san knows the level to which we hurt it.
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Air attack on Gasmata , at 17,32
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
Hudson x 15
B-26B Marauder x 28
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 damaged
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 16
Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 24
Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
8 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
This appears to have been a very good move. The airfield is loaded with bombers and fighters - his lack of CAP allows me to damage the runways and destroy a few planes. They are returning tomorrow and the Avengers are going to join them.
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Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40
Japanese aircraft
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 24
B-25D Mitchell x 16
B-26B Marauder x 52
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 191
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 44
Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
16 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
11 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
15 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
More bombing of PM to keep the airfield closed - he still has some aircraft there so this will also keep them grounded. They rest this turn.
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Herbie-san was very unhappy with this turn: most specifically with his ACs for not attacking (if I am deciphering the code properly). He also thinks his airforces days are numbered now, the only way I can see this is if he thinks I am going to keep surpressing gasmata and then invade. I just don't have the lift capacity at the moment.
To this end though the APs that delivered the Dobadura invasion force have retired this turn, I set a sqd of Kittyhawks to take over from the wildcats at LRCAPing this retreating force.
The next force of ships carrying supplies is approaching dobadura - it is going to be LRCAPed by another sqd of Kittyhawks.
I retire the wildcats that have given me great service and replace them with some Warhawks.
The heavies are going to hit Buna this turn, he has based some planes there again - hopefully I don't loose any of the big fellas.
A reasonably large force of APDs and DDs at GG go on FT duty and move one of the smaller air base units to Dobabdura: it has no airstrip damage anymore (but about 75% air service damage).
My Carrier continue to retire, the Wasp is still at 11 Sys and the other two are at 9 and 10 sys, they need a break. Last time I did this though the Japs went on the rampage.
GG is almost size 5 though so more fighters to defend the bases; 350 ACs wait in townsville for usage.
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Bushmaster
- Posts: 54
- Joined: Sun Aug 31, 2003 1:43 pm
The weekend has arrived and I can catch up on the happenings in the South Pacific. THanks for your words of incouragment Bushmaster - that sort of support is much appreciated, it's great to hear we are providing a show.
My supply TF will hit Dobadura next turn. Speaking of DBD, it is 50% air support damaged now so I can look to move some ACs there next turn maybe.
My FT mission form GG to DBD with a base unit didn't go for some reason - i will try again this turn. Recon shows there are masses of units at Buna, including many infantry. I dont' know the sizes but I wouldn't be surprised if some of them aren't big ones. My division of Aussies may have their work cut out for them clearing the base.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/02/42
Weather: Clear
Sub attack near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese Ships
SS I-27
Allied Ships
DMS Southard
that was lucky - I am sorely tested in my minesweeping capacity another DMS on the bottom would have made things even worse.
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Air attack on Gasmata , at 17,32
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 6
B-26B Marauder x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
no losses
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
Hudson x 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 7
Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4
Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
Without fighter support this attack is far more piecemeal. It also looks like Herbie-san has moved all his ACs out.
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Air attack on Buna , at 12,38
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 15
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 22
Wirraway x 13
P-40E Warhawk x 15
B-17E Fortress x 15
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 23
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 6
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
I loose another fortress - I really can't keep these losses up. The heavies will no longer be a fighting force if this continues.
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Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
D3A Val x 12
B5N Kate x 12
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 11
P-40E Warhawk x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 damaged
B5N Kate x 2 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 2 destroyed
WO N.Nakajima of BI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4
Allied Ships
DMS Southard
DMS Zane, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Cessnock
There I was worrying about minesweepers and his targeting is perfect - the zane will make it though (she will have to retire however).
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Air attack on Gasmata , at 17,32
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 13
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
LTJG D.Ohara of EIII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 28
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 4
Attacking Level Bombers:
12 x TBF Avenger at 6000 feet
Again, no fighter support and the bombers do little damage.
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The Zane will need to dock, put out fires and remove flooding. The weather forecast is for thunderstorms so nightly bombing from Munda should not be an issue. My carreris spilt into 2 groups, the Wasp is heading towards Koumac where some of her fighters still remain.
My supply TF will hit Dobadura next turn. Speaking of DBD, it is 50% air support damaged now so I can look to move some ACs there next turn maybe.
My FT mission form GG to DBD with a base unit didn't go for some reason - i will try again this turn. Recon shows there are masses of units at Buna, including many infantry. I dont' know the sizes but I wouldn't be surprised if some of them aren't big ones. My division of Aussies may have their work cut out for them clearing the base.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/02/42
Weather: Clear
Sub attack near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese Ships
SS I-27
Allied Ships
DMS Southard
that was lucky - I am sorely tested in my minesweeping capacity another DMS on the bottom would have made things even worse.
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Air attack on Gasmata , at 17,32
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 6
B-26B Marauder x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
no losses
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
Hudson x 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 7
Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4
Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
Without fighter support this attack is far more piecemeal. It also looks like Herbie-san has moved all his ACs out.
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Air attack on Buna , at 12,38
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 15
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 22
Wirraway x 13
P-40E Warhawk x 15
B-17E Fortress x 15
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 23
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 6
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
I loose another fortress - I really can't keep these losses up. The heavies will no longer be a fighting force if this continues.
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Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
D3A Val x 12
B5N Kate x 12
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 11
P-40E Warhawk x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 damaged
B5N Kate x 2 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 2 destroyed
WO N.Nakajima of BI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4
Allied Ships
DMS Southard
DMS Zane, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Cessnock
There I was worrying about minesweepers and his targeting is perfect - the zane will make it though (she will have to retire however).
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Air attack on Gasmata , at 17,32
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 13
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
LTJG D.Ohara of EIII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 28
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 4
Attacking Level Bombers:
12 x TBF Avenger at 6000 feet
Again, no fighter support and the bombers do little damage.
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The Zane will need to dock, put out fires and remove flooding. The weather forecast is for thunderstorms so nightly bombing from Munda should not be an issue. My carreris spilt into 2 groups, the Wasp is heading towards Koumac where some of her fighters still remain.
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Not much to report today.
My transport TF makes it to DBD and starts unloading.
Al ACs bar CAP and some recon are resting while teh weather continues to be rubbish.
The Aussies continue marching to Buna - their fatigue now is at 41% - their effectiveness falling.
this time my FT mission from GG to DBD is effective and the base unit arrives. The air support damage is down to 17% so I move in a sqd of P-39s and the beauforts form GG.
More wirraways are moved up to GG.
I notice an enemy group of DDs and a CA noth of Hoskins - they may be able to sprint into DBD so I build a surface combat TF - put Lee at the helm and move them to DBD with orders to patrol. The to minesweeping ships I have left move to Buna to try and clean up mines there.
More thunderstorms forecast so more rest for the pilots.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/03/42
Weather: Thunderstorms
My transport TF makes it to DBD and starts unloading.
Al ACs bar CAP and some recon are resting while teh weather continues to be rubbish.
The Aussies continue marching to Buna - their fatigue now is at 41% - their effectiveness falling.
this time my FT mission from GG to DBD is effective and the base unit arrives. The air support damage is down to 17% so I move in a sqd of P-39s and the beauforts form GG.
More wirraways are moved up to GG.
I notice an enemy group of DDs and a CA noth of Hoskins - they may be able to sprint into DBD so I build a surface combat TF - put Lee at the helm and move them to DBD with orders to patrol. The to minesweeping ships I have left move to Buna to try and clean up mines there.
More thunderstorms forecast so more rest for the pilots.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/03/42
Weather: Thunderstorms
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Another incredibly action packed day - or not. A AO hits a mine in GG harbour- MSWs are despatched to clear up the mines.
Basically I am reorganising myself. i have attached a shot of the situation - you can see the swath of units Herbis-san has at Buna. I can't see my one division managing to despatch that many troops unless I can reduce his supply to nothing. To that end I have sent 2 more sqds of Marauders and one of Hudsons to GG - which has just increased in size to 5. Also a sqd of Havocs moves to DBD.
There are exactly 250 ACs there so I should get maximum bang for my buck. It may be prudent to move my Air HQ up to GG. Although I currently have the HQ making sure my heavies fly (from Cairns).
The FT TF at GG loads the other small base unit and runs it up to DBD - more bombers there soon for the attack on Buna.
Moving the Heavies up is also an option but Herbis-san might start bombing them and I can't afford to loose any more than I currently am.
The rest of the 2nd Marine division is all but camped in Noumea, but I am suffering from an accute lack of lift capacity. I have 3 major transport TFs doing work at the moment:
1 TF of APs conducting invasions - this gets whittled down every time - mainly due to losses to mines - currently it has a lift capacity of 21,000 - about 1 Division.
1 TF of AKs that follow the APs - loaded with supplies. It also has a lift capacity of 21,000. THis TF is Mister lucky and has done 3 trips into the combat zone without loosing a ship.
1 TF of size 3,000 APs that moves from Brisbane to Townsville bringing in supplies to shorten the distance for the AK TF. It also has a lift capacity of 21,000.
There are about 4 other small TFs but they are all over the place. I may have to consolodate them. I have the troops just don't have the ability to get them into combat.
2 DDs split from Lee's command and run up to Lea to have a crack at the AGs he has stationed there - 2 TFs. Hopefully it is me dishing out the damage not him like last time.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/04/42
Weather: Thunderstorms
THunderstorms again tomorrow - so all this air attack capacity could be in vain.
Basically I am reorganising myself. i have attached a shot of the situation - you can see the swath of units Herbis-san has at Buna. I can't see my one division managing to despatch that many troops unless I can reduce his supply to nothing. To that end I have sent 2 more sqds of Marauders and one of Hudsons to GG - which has just increased in size to 5. Also a sqd of Havocs moves to DBD.
There are exactly 250 ACs there so I should get maximum bang for my buck. It may be prudent to move my Air HQ up to GG. Although I currently have the HQ making sure my heavies fly (from Cairns).
The FT TF at GG loads the other small base unit and runs it up to DBD - more bombers there soon for the attack on Buna.
Moving the Heavies up is also an option but Herbis-san might start bombing them and I can't afford to loose any more than I currently am.
The rest of the 2nd Marine division is all but camped in Noumea, but I am suffering from an accute lack of lift capacity. I have 3 major transport TFs doing work at the moment:
1 TF of APs conducting invasions - this gets whittled down every time - mainly due to losses to mines - currently it has a lift capacity of 21,000 - about 1 Division.
1 TF of AKs that follow the APs - loaded with supplies. It also has a lift capacity of 21,000. THis TF is Mister lucky and has done 3 trips into the combat zone without loosing a ship.
1 TF of size 3,000 APs that moves from Brisbane to Townsville bringing in supplies to shorten the distance for the AK TF. It also has a lift capacity of 21,000.
There are about 4 other small TFs but they are all over the place. I may have to consolodate them. I have the troops just don't have the ability to get them into combat.
2 DDs split from Lee's command and run up to Lea to have a crack at the AGs he has stationed there - 2 TFs. Hopefully it is me dishing out the damage not him like last time.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/04/42
Weather: Thunderstorms
THunderstorms again tomorrow - so all this air attack capacity could be in vain.
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The weather is really the winner on the day. A few aircraft fly but a concentrated strike is not possible.
The DDs attempting to cull some AGs at Lae arrive as the target leaves teh vacinity. My DDs retreat and are 2 hexes out of GG.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/05/42
Weather: Thunderstorms
Sub attack near Momote at 10,23
Japanese Ships
AO Naruto
Allied Ships
SS Albacore
The Albacore has two strikes at shipping around the Northern port of Momote. All to no avail however as aim or dud torpedoes provide no hits.
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Sub attack near Momote at 10,23
Japanese Ships
AP Kinryu Maru
DD Yukikaze
Allied Ships
SS Albacore
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Air attack on Buna , at 12,38
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 13
A-20B Havoc x 9
Allied aircraft losses
A-20B Havoc x 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 29
Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
A few hits men fall victim but I am really after supply hits.
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Air attack on Buna , at 12,38
Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 11
P-39D Airacobra x 13
Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 4 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 9
Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
5 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
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Air attack on Buna , at 12,38
Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 12
Wirraway x 11
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 10
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x TBF Avenger at 6000 feet
9 x TBF Avenger at 6000 feet
The paltry attacks the weather allows all fail to get teh well hidden supplies
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My Aussies have made it to Buna so all planes bar the Heavies are put on port strikes. The Aussies will do an exploratory bombardment.
They will be helped by more aircraft readying for strikes. I will have to get more supplies into GG - the bombing runs are sponging up my supplies.
The DDs attempting to cull some AGs at Lae arrive as the target leaves teh vacinity. My DDs retreat and are 2 hexes out of GG.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/05/42
Weather: Thunderstorms
Sub attack near Momote at 10,23
Japanese Ships
AO Naruto
Allied Ships
SS Albacore
The Albacore has two strikes at shipping around the Northern port of Momote. All to no avail however as aim or dud torpedoes provide no hits.
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Sub attack near Momote at 10,23
Japanese Ships
AP Kinryu Maru
DD Yukikaze
Allied Ships
SS Albacore
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Air attack on Buna , at 12,38
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 13
A-20B Havoc x 9
Allied aircraft losses
A-20B Havoc x 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 29
Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
A few hits men fall victim but I am really after supply hits.
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Air attack on Buna , at 12,38
Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 11
P-39D Airacobra x 13
Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 4 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 9
Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
5 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
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Air attack on Buna , at 12,38
Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 12
Wirraway x 11
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 10
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x TBF Avenger at 6000 feet
9 x TBF Avenger at 6000 feet
The paltry attacks the weather allows all fail to get teh well hidden supplies
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My Aussies have made it to Buna so all planes bar the Heavies are put on port strikes. The Aussies will do an exploratory bombardment.
They will be helped by more aircraft readying for strikes. I will have to get more supplies into GG - the bombing runs are sponging up my supplies.
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A few more ACs get in on the bombing front. I am not hitting any supplies though.
Herbie notices I am at Buna and launches an attack with what appears to be the whole Jap Army!
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/06/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Air attack on Buna , at 12,38
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 5
B-26B Marauder x 15
A-20B Havoc x 12
Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 101
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
6 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
12 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
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Air attack on Buna , at 12,38
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 29
P-40E Kittyhawk x 18
B-25D Mitchell x 15
B-26B Marauder x 40
no losses
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 103
Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
9 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
8 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
5 x Hudson at 6000 feet
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Air attack on Buna , at 12,38
Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 10
Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 4 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 2
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
7 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
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Air attack on Buna , at 12,38
Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 12
P-40E Kittyhawk x 15
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 31
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x TBF Avenger at 6000 feet
9 x TBF Avenger at 6000 feet
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Sub attack near Momote at 10,23
Japanese Ships
AP Kinryu Maru, Torpedo hits 1
Allied Ships
SS Albacore
At last Albacore - around Momote - scores a hit. From the animation in the combat round the hit was pretty insubstantial though.
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Ground combat at Buna
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 19998 troops, 296 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 16390 troops, 120 guns, 52 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 663
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 52
Masses of troops squeeze into the base at Buna - they are conspicuous by there lack of size, type or (and most importantly) capability. It appears the lack of supplies and time with malaria have severely wasted their ability to attack. His shock attack is heavily repulsed.
My men are starting to show fatigue from their successful attacks at Dobadura and the March to Buna though.
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Ground combat at Buna
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 8800 troops, 80 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 23604 troops, 333 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 32
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 2
Unnecesary for sounding him out after the heavy attack
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My aussies are going to try and attack this turn. All the bombers that attacked this turn are repeating the does. This time most of the heavies are joining in. Also Lee is going ot bombard - give the aussies every chance to fulfill their chances at taking the place.
Attached is a snapshot of the forces I am up against - you can see they are not very effective anymore.
Herbie notices I am at Buna and launches an attack with what appears to be the whole Jap Army!
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/06/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Air attack on Buna , at 12,38
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 5
B-26B Marauder x 15
A-20B Havoc x 12
Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 101
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
6 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
12 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
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Air attack on Buna , at 12,38
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 29
P-40E Kittyhawk x 18
B-25D Mitchell x 15
B-26B Marauder x 40
no losses
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 103
Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
9 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
8 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
5 x Hudson at 6000 feet
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Air attack on Buna , at 12,38
Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 10
Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 4 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 2
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
7 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
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Air attack on Buna , at 12,38
Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 12
P-40E Kittyhawk x 15
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 31
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x TBF Avenger at 6000 feet
9 x TBF Avenger at 6000 feet
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Sub attack near Momote at 10,23
Japanese Ships
AP Kinryu Maru, Torpedo hits 1
Allied Ships
SS Albacore
At last Albacore - around Momote - scores a hit. From the animation in the combat round the hit was pretty insubstantial though.
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Ground combat at Buna
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 19998 troops, 296 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 16390 troops, 120 guns, 52 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 663
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 52
Masses of troops squeeze into the base at Buna - they are conspicuous by there lack of size, type or (and most importantly) capability. It appears the lack of supplies and time with malaria have severely wasted their ability to attack. His shock attack is heavily repulsed.
My men are starting to show fatigue from their successful attacks at Dobadura and the March to Buna though.
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Ground combat at Buna
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 8800 troops, 80 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 23604 troops, 333 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 32
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 2
Unnecesary for sounding him out after the heavy attack
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My aussies are going to try and attack this turn. All the bombers that attacked this turn are repeating the does. This time most of the heavies are joining in. Also Lee is going ot bombard - give the aussies every chance to fulfill their chances at taking the place.
Attached is a snapshot of the forces I am up against - you can see they are not very effective anymore.
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A day and night full of action. As no doubt you will know Herbie-san attacked at full throttle.
Surface action at Buna and at dobadura.
Massive aerial attacks of his positions at Buna suppress the 41st Regiment only and my numbers aren't enough despite the apparent state the enemy are in.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/07/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Sub attack at 13,30
Japanese Ships
DD Yayoi
Allied Ships
SS Drum
Drum is perfectly placed to hit his surface groups as they move towards the invasion hexes but can't make the attackers pay.
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Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 12
G4M1 Betty x 25
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 6 damaged
Allied Ships
AV Tangier, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 5
Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 4
Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
12 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
The bombers are back on their night runs - the hit to he Tangier is nothing to worry about - what is a worry is the supply hits. The are officially in the warning zone.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Buna at 12,38
Japanese Ships
CL Tenryu
DD Hatsukaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 1
DD Oshio
DD Arashio, Shell hits 2
DD Natsugumo, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Minegumo
DD Asagumo
Allied Ships
CA Portland, Shell hits 1
CA Salt Lake City, Shell hits 2
CL Leander
CL St. Louis
DD Fletcher, Shell hits 1
DD Grayson, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Aaron Ward
DD Woodworth
DD Hammann, Shell hits 1
DD Ellet, Shell hits 1
DD Stack
DD McCall, Shell hits 1, on fire
Lee, going to dobadura to bombard meets Tanaka commanding a small anti-transport surface TF. Initially things start out even - the McCall takes a particularly nasty hit. The Japs however seem more injured.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Buna at 12,38
Japanese Ships
CL Tenryu, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Hatsukaze, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Oshio, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Arashio, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Natsugumo, Shell hits 27, on fire, heavy damage
DD Minegumo
DD Asagumo
Allied Ships
CA Portland
CA Salt Lake City
CL Leander
CL St. Louis, Shell hits 2
DD Fletcher
DD Grayson, on fire
DD Aaron Ward, Shell hits 1
DD Woodworth, Shell hits 1
DD Hammann
DD Ellet
DD Stack
DD McCall, on fire
The TFs back off but then find each other again and with the help of knowledge and RADAR Lee manages to hand out far more than he receives.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Buna at 12,38
Japanese Ships
CL Tenryu, on fire
DD Hatsukaze, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Oshio, on fire
DD Arashio, on fire
DD Natsugumo, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
DD Minegumo, Shell hits 1
DD Asagumo
Allied Ships
CA Portland
CA Salt Lake City
CL Leander
CL St. Louis
DD Fletcher
DD Grayson, on fire
DD Aaron Ward
DD Woodworth
DD Hammann
DD Ellet
DD Stack
DD McCall, on fire
Again they meet - this time I even hit with a torpedo - granted from the Kiwi boat Leander rather than the Yanks. It is the cous de grace for the Hamakaze - she sinks.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Dobadura at 13,38
Japanese Ships
DD Shirayuki
DD Yayoi
DD Harukaze
DD Matsukaze
DD Akikaze
Allied Ships
AP Heywood
AP Wharton
AP Kanimbla, Shell hits 1, on fire
AP Katoomba
Herbie-san has been busy though and also attacks DBD which is far less heavily defended. The enemy finds an unescorted transport TF - put a hole in one of the transports and then move further into the bay. This could have been carnage.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Dobadura at 13,38
Japanese Ships
DD Shirayuki, Shell hits 2
DD Yayoi
DD Harukaze
DD Matsukaze
DD Akikaze
Allied Ships
PT 40, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT 59
PT 66
PT 110
PT 111, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
It's the PT boats to the rescue - for the cost of two PTs they see the tentative Japs back out to sea.
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Naval bombardment of Dobadura, at 13,38
Allied aircraft
Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 1 destroyed
B-26B Marauder x 8 damaged
Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 15
Not before the bombard though - my marauder sqd is forced to rest.
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Sub attack at 13,30
Japanese Ships
DD Yayoi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
Allied Ships
SS Drum
The retreating DBD attackers go back though the area patroled by the drum and this time she makes amends.
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Air attack on 41st Regiment, at 12,38
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12
P-39D Airacobra x 21
B-26B Marauder x 10
A-20B Havoc x 9
Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 2 damaged
A-20B Havoc x 2 destroyed
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 29
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
7 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
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Air attack on 41st Regiment, at 12,38
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 19
Beaufighter VIC x 24
Wirraway x 3
B-25D Mitchell x 12
B-26B Marauder x 27
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged
Beaufighter VIC x 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 28
Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
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Air attack on 41st Regiment, at 12,38
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 67
B-24D Liberator x 10
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 65
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
10 x B-24D Liberator at 8000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
The Heavies join the rest of the lighter bombers hitting the ground forces. Not very effective though.
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Air attack on TF, near Madang at 7,30
Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 13
Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
CL Tenryu
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
3 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
2 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
4 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
The Beauforts notice the retreated Buna attack force but can't add to their woes. No planes lost though.
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Air attack on TF, near Madang at 7,30
Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 3
no losses
Japanese Ships
CL Tenryu
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
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Air attack on TF at 12,37
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
P-39D Airacobra x 20
no losses
Japanese Ships
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatsukaze, Shell hits 20, on fire, heavy damage
Off the coast of Buna the ships damaged in the nights attacks are found and beleagered by straffers.
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Air attack on TF at 12,37
Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 13
TBF Avenger x 12
Beaufighter VIC x 19
Wirraway x 5
no losses
Japanese Ships
DD Hatsukaze, Shell hits 40, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
...Then the GG forces arrive and hammer them below the waves. 3 DDs for 2 PTs (and a few damaged DDs) I'll take that!
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Ground combat at Buna
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 15396 troops, 122 guns, 52 vehicles
Defending force 23514 troops, 333 guns, 0 vehicles
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 284
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 124
Guns lost 1
As you will notice the Japs outnumber me - they are heavily disrupted but I am too few in numbers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The continuing problems of the invasion of Buna are going to try and be remedied by the AP TF going to Cairns and picking up the New Guinea Division and the TK TF which is at GG taking its defenders to Buna.
This will leave GG very open and I will have to find some troops to help defend GG. I always have the DC-3s standing by to whisk in defenders where necessary.
Lee has made it most of the way back to GG and is low on fuel, he'll continue - refuel and rearm.
The transport TF at DBD ups anchor and returns to GG to drop off what it still holds in supplies - GG needs them more now.
The Wasp makes port in Noumea - I am having troubles with Havocs appearing on-board again - she is 12 SYS damage.
The Enterprise and Saratoga both loose one unit of SYS damage at Townsville port.
Surface action at Buna and at dobadura.
Massive aerial attacks of his positions at Buna suppress the 41st Regiment only and my numbers aren't enough despite the apparent state the enemy are in.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/07/42
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Sub attack at 13,30
Japanese Ships
DD Yayoi
Allied Ships
SS Drum
Drum is perfectly placed to hit his surface groups as they move towards the invasion hexes but can't make the attackers pay.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 12
G4M1 Betty x 25
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 6 damaged
Allied Ships
AV Tangier, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 5
Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 4
Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
12 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
The bombers are back on their night runs - the hit to he Tangier is nothing to worry about - what is a worry is the supply hits. The are officially in the warning zone.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Buna at 12,38
Japanese Ships
CL Tenryu
DD Hatsukaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 1
DD Oshio
DD Arashio, Shell hits 2
DD Natsugumo, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Minegumo
DD Asagumo
Allied Ships
CA Portland, Shell hits 1
CA Salt Lake City, Shell hits 2
CL Leander
CL St. Louis
DD Fletcher, Shell hits 1
DD Grayson, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Aaron Ward
DD Woodworth
DD Hammann, Shell hits 1
DD Ellet, Shell hits 1
DD Stack
DD McCall, Shell hits 1, on fire
Lee, going to dobadura to bombard meets Tanaka commanding a small anti-transport surface TF. Initially things start out even - the McCall takes a particularly nasty hit. The Japs however seem more injured.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Buna at 12,38
Japanese Ships
CL Tenryu, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Hatsukaze, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Oshio, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Arashio, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Natsugumo, Shell hits 27, on fire, heavy damage
DD Minegumo
DD Asagumo
Allied Ships
CA Portland
CA Salt Lake City
CL Leander
CL St. Louis, Shell hits 2
DD Fletcher
DD Grayson, on fire
DD Aaron Ward, Shell hits 1
DD Woodworth, Shell hits 1
DD Hammann
DD Ellet
DD Stack
DD McCall, on fire
The TFs back off but then find each other again and with the help of knowledge and RADAR Lee manages to hand out far more than he receives.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Buna at 12,38
Japanese Ships
CL Tenryu, on fire
DD Hatsukaze, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Oshio, on fire
DD Arashio, on fire
DD Natsugumo, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
DD Minegumo, Shell hits 1
DD Asagumo
Allied Ships
CA Portland
CA Salt Lake City
CL Leander
CL St. Louis
DD Fletcher
DD Grayson, on fire
DD Aaron Ward
DD Woodworth
DD Hammann
DD Ellet
DD Stack
DD McCall, on fire
Again they meet - this time I even hit with a torpedo - granted from the Kiwi boat Leander rather than the Yanks. It is the cous de grace for the Hamakaze - she sinks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Dobadura at 13,38
Japanese Ships
DD Shirayuki
DD Yayoi
DD Harukaze
DD Matsukaze
DD Akikaze
Allied Ships
AP Heywood
AP Wharton
AP Kanimbla, Shell hits 1, on fire
AP Katoomba
Herbie-san has been busy though and also attacks DBD which is far less heavily defended. The enemy finds an unescorted transport TF - put a hole in one of the transports and then move further into the bay. This could have been carnage.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Dobadura at 13,38
Japanese Ships
DD Shirayuki, Shell hits 2
DD Yayoi
DD Harukaze
DD Matsukaze
DD Akikaze
Allied Ships
PT 40, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT 59
PT 66
PT 110
PT 111, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
It's the PT boats to the rescue - for the cost of two PTs they see the tentative Japs back out to sea.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Dobadura, at 13,38
Allied aircraft
Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 1 destroyed
B-26B Marauder x 8 damaged
Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 15
Not before the bombard though - my marauder sqd is forced to rest.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 13,30
Japanese Ships
DD Yayoi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
Allied Ships
SS Drum
The retreating DBD attackers go back though the area patroled by the drum and this time she makes amends.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 41st Regiment, at 12,38
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12
P-39D Airacobra x 21
B-26B Marauder x 10
A-20B Havoc x 9
Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 2 damaged
A-20B Havoc x 2 destroyed
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 29
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
7 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 41st Regiment, at 12,38
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 19
Beaufighter VIC x 24
Wirraway x 3
B-25D Mitchell x 12
B-26B Marauder x 27
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged
Beaufighter VIC x 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 28
Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 41st Regiment, at 12,38
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 67
B-24D Liberator x 10
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 65
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
10 x B-24D Liberator at 8000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
The Heavies join the rest of the lighter bombers hitting the ground forces. Not very effective though.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Madang at 7,30
Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 13
Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
CL Tenryu
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
3 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
2 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
4 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
The Beauforts notice the retreated Buna attack force but can't add to their woes. No planes lost though.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Madang at 7,30
Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 3
no losses
Japanese Ships
CL Tenryu
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,37
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
P-39D Airacobra x 20
no losses
Japanese Ships
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatsukaze, Shell hits 20, on fire, heavy damage
Off the coast of Buna the ships damaged in the nights attacks are found and beleagered by straffers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,37
Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 13
TBF Avenger x 12
Beaufighter VIC x 19
Wirraway x 5
no losses
Japanese Ships
DD Hatsukaze, Shell hits 40, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
...Then the GG forces arrive and hammer them below the waves. 3 DDs for 2 PTs (and a few damaged DDs) I'll take that!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 15396 troops, 122 guns, 52 vehicles
Defending force 23514 troops, 333 guns, 0 vehicles
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 284
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 124
Guns lost 1
As you will notice the Japs outnumber me - they are heavily disrupted but I am too few in numbers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The continuing problems of the invasion of Buna are going to try and be remedied by the AP TF going to Cairns and picking up the New Guinea Division and the TK TF which is at GG taking its defenders to Buna.
This will leave GG very open and I will have to find some troops to help defend GG. I always have the DC-3s standing by to whisk in defenders where necessary.
Lee has made it most of the way back to GG and is low on fuel, he'll continue - refuel and rearm.
The transport TF at DBD ups anchor and returns to GG to drop off what it still holds in supplies - GG needs them more now.
The Wasp makes port in Noumea - I am having troubles with Havocs appearing on-board again - she is 12 SYS damage.
The Enterprise and Saratoga both loose one unit of SYS damage at Townsville port.
[center]
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On first impressions a Japanese dominated day. Foolishly the commander at Gili Gili rests
his fighter pilots on a day that turns on the blue skies from end to end. Only a sqd of
Wirraways - pretending to be fighters are the opposition for the approaching attack. The
Munda commander of bombers is not as remiss and sends his pilots and navigators off in
their Betties and Nells to hit the massed shipping within GG harbour.
However, I loose 1 SC and a small AK (the Draco) - he looses 22 Betties and 2 Nells. I
don't think (baring other attacks) I will loose any of the surviving injured ships (maybe
one PG). It is the injured ships and the loss of carrying power for the next wave of Buna
attackers that has really thrown a cat amongst the pigeons.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/08/42
Weather: Clear
Air attack on Townsville , at 10,62
Japanese aircraft
H6K Mavis x 7
Japanese aircraft losses
H6K Mavis x 1 destroyed
H6K Mavis x 6 damaged
This is the first time I have ever seen this - flying boats attacking, whats more at
night.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 29th Regiment, at 12,38
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12
P-39D Airacobra x 19
B-26B Marauder x 11
A-20B Havoc x 5
no losses
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 43
Guns lost 1
Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
5 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
5 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
Continuing attacks against the troops at Buna.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 29th Regiment, at 12,38
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 19
Beaufighter VIC x 24
Wirraway x 15
B-26B Marauder x 30
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 56
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 13
G4M1 Betty x 30
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 8 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Asphalion, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
MSW Pursuit
AK Arided, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Neleus
AK Alchiba, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (actually not that bad - 50 flt, 9sys)
AK Celeno, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
SC 517
AK Titania
AK Alhena, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
PG Tui
SC 522, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 86
Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Basilaki Island at 18,42
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 7
no losses
Allied Ships
AP Heywood
AP Wharton
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
One of these actually suffers a hit - quite badly damaged.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 11
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 8 damaged
Allied Ships
AO Tappahannock, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
SC 701
AO Kankakee, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
TK Bishopdale
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
THese attacks nowhere near as successful as they look - ships empty.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 4 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Mintaka
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Buna , at 12,38
Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 12
Wirraway x 12
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 3
Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x TBF Avenger at 6000 feet
3 x TBF Avenger at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 2 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Monssen
Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 9
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Draco, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 40
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 2 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Arided, on fire
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 5 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 1 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Fletcher
CL St. Louis
Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
You can't see any hits - neither could I but the St Louis and Salt Lake city suffer
extensive damage.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 4
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 5 damaged
Allied Ships
AV Tangier
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 11 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 1 damaged
Allied Ships
AO Guadalupe, Torpedo hits 1
AO Kaskaskia
AO Brazos, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 16026 troops, 280 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 16604 troops, 128 guns, 52 vehicles
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 5
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 28
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 13928 troops, 128 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 23091 troops, 327 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 65
More bombardment attacks from both sides
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One of the really interesting things of the attacks is no hits against Lee's surface force
during the combat reply but on opening the turn I notice the CA Saltlake city is suffering
from 50% sys 35% float. Another cruiser suffers from my beligerence.
I am in a bit of a quandary - these attacks have seriously hampered my already stretched
transport capacity - the attacks against Buna have to be heavily repaired. The lift of men
will have to be changed.
The transport TF at Cairns starts loading the New Guinea force. They know the hills of the
target and may have to go to Buna (or possibly PM....)
The Enterprise and Saratoga put to sea - their ACs are still not that happy morale wise
but it appears they are needed. They have also hardly seen the repair yards. It is a more
bullish Herbie-san that has forced this move - I need to cover my invasions better.
At last I acquiess to Herbie-sans night port attack and put some Kittyhawks on night
defence duty - I doubt his bombers will be up to an attack but there are targets if he so
decides.
I also set my 2 hudson sqds to night bomb munda - I need to surpress these bombers!
When my 2 BBs are at Noumea that will be their first target. The wasp, now harbouring in
Noumea, will provide air support.
his fighter pilots on a day that turns on the blue skies from end to end. Only a sqd of
Wirraways - pretending to be fighters are the opposition for the approaching attack. The
Munda commander of bombers is not as remiss and sends his pilots and navigators off in
their Betties and Nells to hit the massed shipping within GG harbour.
However, I loose 1 SC and a small AK (the Draco) - he looses 22 Betties and 2 Nells. I
don't think (baring other attacks) I will loose any of the surviving injured ships (maybe
one PG). It is the injured ships and the loss of carrying power for the next wave of Buna
attackers that has really thrown a cat amongst the pigeons.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/08/42
Weather: Clear
Air attack on Townsville , at 10,62
Japanese aircraft
H6K Mavis x 7
Japanese aircraft losses
H6K Mavis x 1 destroyed
H6K Mavis x 6 damaged
This is the first time I have ever seen this - flying boats attacking, whats more at
night.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 29th Regiment, at 12,38
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12
P-39D Airacobra x 19
B-26B Marauder x 11
A-20B Havoc x 5
no losses
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 43
Guns lost 1
Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
5 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
5 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
Continuing attacks against the troops at Buna.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 29th Regiment, at 12,38
Allied aircraft
Hudson x 19
Beaufighter VIC x 24
Wirraway x 15
B-26B Marauder x 30
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 56
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 13
G4M1 Betty x 30
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 8 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Asphalion, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
MSW Pursuit
AK Arided, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Neleus
AK Alchiba, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (actually not that bad - 50 flt, 9sys)
AK Celeno, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
SC 517
AK Titania
AK Alhena, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
PG Tui
SC 522, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 86
Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Basilaki Island at 18,42
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 7
no losses
Allied Ships
AP Heywood
AP Wharton
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
One of these actually suffers a hit - quite badly damaged.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 11
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 8 damaged
Allied Ships
AO Tappahannock, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
SC 701
AO Kankakee, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
TK Bishopdale
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
THese attacks nowhere near as successful as they look - ships empty.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 4 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Mintaka
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Buna , at 12,38
Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 12
Wirraway x 12
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 3
Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x TBF Avenger at 6000 feet
3 x TBF Avenger at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 2 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Monssen
Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 9
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Draco, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 40
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 2 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Arided, on fire
Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 5 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 1 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Fletcher
CL St. Louis
Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
You can't see any hits - neither could I but the St Louis and Salt Lake city suffer
extensive damage.
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Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 4
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 5 damaged
Allied Ships
AV Tangier
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
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Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 11 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 1 damaged
Allied Ships
AO Guadalupe, Torpedo hits 1
AO Kaskaskia
AO Brazos, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
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Ground combat at Buna
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 16026 troops, 280 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 16604 troops, 128 guns, 52 vehicles
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 5
Allied ground losses:
Men lost 28
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Ground combat at Buna
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 13928 troops, 128 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 23091 troops, 327 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 65
More bombardment attacks from both sides
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One of the really interesting things of the attacks is no hits against Lee's surface force
during the combat reply but on opening the turn I notice the CA Saltlake city is suffering
from 50% sys 35% float. Another cruiser suffers from my beligerence.
I am in a bit of a quandary - these attacks have seriously hampered my already stretched
transport capacity - the attacks against Buna have to be heavily repaired. The lift of men
will have to be changed.
The transport TF at Cairns starts loading the New Guinea force. They know the hills of the
target and may have to go to Buna (or possibly PM....)
The Enterprise and Saratoga put to sea - their ACs are still not that happy morale wise
but it appears they are needed. They have also hardly seen the repair yards. It is a more
bullish Herbie-san that has forced this move - I need to cover my invasions better.
At last I acquiess to Herbie-sans night port attack and put some Kittyhawks on night
defence duty - I doubt his bombers will be up to an attack but there are targets if he so
decides.
I also set my 2 hudson sqds to night bomb munda - I need to surpress these bombers!
When my 2 BBs are at Noumea that will be their first target. The wasp, now harbouring in
Noumea, will provide air support.
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