Herbie goes Bananas

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Sun Oct 05, 2003 6:52 am

Another bad dday for the allies - Herbie-san is moving his level bomber force around and they again strike GG.
My Carrier force will make the straits of GG tonight but they have no targets - it is the level bombers that are causing the problems.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/09/42

Weather: Clear

Air attack on Munda , at 31,37

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 7

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet

No level bombers at Munda - the hudsons that are damaged do return though.
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Air attack on Buna , at 12,38

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12
B-26B Marauder x 13
A-20B Havoc x 12

Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 72

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
5 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
7 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
1 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet

Keeping the enemy heads down at Buna
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Air attack on 41st Regiment, at 12,38

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 15
Wirraway x 12

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIC x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 19

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Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
A6M3 Zero x 18
G4M1 Betty x 12

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 15
P-40E Warhawk x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 5 destroyed
Wirraway x 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk x 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 1 damaged

PO1 E.Chono of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
AK Algorab, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Asphalion, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Carina, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 27

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

Again the Beeties attack - this time from Gasmate. My Warhawks and Wirriways are not up to the task of holding back an excorted bombing raid. the reported damage is not as it appears however as only one of the transport ships is in trouble (and has to start unloading) the other is fine and the third was actually another of my hapless MSWs.
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Ground combat at Buna

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 16035 troops, 284 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 16574 troops, 128 guns, 52 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 3

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 19

Herbie-sans ground forces are actually in a far better way than they first appeared - with no attacks they have managed to claw back a bit of functionality. My lack of attention from bomber boys the main reason for this.
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Ground combat at Buna

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 13918 troops, 128 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 23141 troops, 330 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 26

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I need the additional units to hit Buna and I need it to happen yesterday. The continuing pressure Herbie-san is putting on my transport ships - loading in the combat zone, is enough to make me wonder if I can pull this off!
The AP TF at Cairns is loading the New Guinea Division (or that which has recuperated after escaping), with them I will attack PM. I don't know if a retreating unit will move to a hex that is under attack or not. At a pinch these guys can also attack Buna.
I get the twin BB surface force in 3 days (Washington and North Dakota) - they are the first surface units I have had in quite some time and are sorely needed.
Tonight I have chosen Lae to recieve an airfield pounding. Recon shows there are bombers there and my guess is he will move his planes here. Both GG and DBD send their bomber forces.

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Mon Oct 06, 2003 1:49 pm

More bad Karma for the Allies as the Japs take their vengence upon their favourite target - Cruiser.
I attempt to put the ACs he has at Lae down but they are better at side stepping me than it first appeared possible. No losses.
My Carriers continue north towards Finshafen hoping to catch an AP convey one of my scouts manages to see.
Things in Buna do not change as my transport division at GG put to sea.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/10/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Lae , at 9,33

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12
Beaufort x 15
F-5A Lightning x 5
B-26B Marauder x 26
A-20B Havoc x 24

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 255

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 50

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
12 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
10 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
7 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
5 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet

Nice supply hits but no ACs on the ground
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Air attack on TF, near Dobadura at 13,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
D3A Val x 5
B5N Kate x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 3 damaged
B5N Kate x 4 destroyed
B5N Kate x 13 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged

CPT E.Scott of VMF-212 is credited with kill number 5

Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL St. Louis, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Fletcher

THe Salt Lake City is in a bad way. I mis-reported it as the ship hit last turn in fact it was the Portland, newly in the fight she has to again retire to Pearl for repairs.
St Louis is fine and will stay on station - however this little force of a crippled CA damaged CL and 5 DDs is all thats left of the surface units I bought up to take GG. The rest have been damaged or sunk.
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Ground combat at Buna

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 15964 troops, 281 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 16561 troops, 128 guns, 52 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 2

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 55
Guns lost 1

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Ground combat at Buna

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 13883 troops, 127 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 23048 troops, 326 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 51

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 2

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Time to put Lae and Gasmata out of action - I send the heavies against Lae again and follow them up with some bombers form DBD. GG is slated to hit Gasmata again. Hudsons plan to hit Munda in a night attack.
I am fearful of surface units cruising down to Buna to hit my landings - best to put the carriers in between their line of attack.
My AP force continues to load troops in Cairns.
To round things off the Wasp is still struggling with phantom aircraft blues - her TF is disbanded.

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Tue Oct 07, 2003 12:42 am

A far better turn for the allies, my carriers find some very worthwhile targets and do a number on them.

My bombers pound Gasmata and Lae

And my transport Tf is 2 hexes out of Buna - at last getting some peace.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/11/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Gasmata , at 17,32

Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 8
B-26B Marauder x 12

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 13

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4

Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

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Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
H6K Mavis x 6

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
H6K Mavis x 2 destroyed
H6K Mavis x 4 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Portland, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 62

Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

My poor poor Cruisers - a night attack by his large seaplanes nets him a bomb strike on the Portland. She is resting at GG trying to get rid of floatation damage caused by earlier AC action. The hit has not appreciably increased the damage but she will be out of the war for some time.
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Air attack on Munda , at 31,37

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 7

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged

Runway hits 3

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet

Again nothing at Munda
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Sub attack at 13,30

Japanese Ships
ML Takashima

Allied Ships
SS Drum

Drum's torpedoes again deny her - this is not all bad though
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Air attack on Gasmata , at 17,32

Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 13
F-5A Lightning x 4
B-26B Marauder x 26
A-20B Havoc x 24

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 261

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 21

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
8 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
8 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
9 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
9 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
4 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x Beaufort at 6000 feet

A large strike from GG hits and hurts Gasmata - nothing is defending his airfields
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Air attack on Lae , at 9,33

Japanese aircraft

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 68
B-24D Liberator x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 244

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 74

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
4 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
4 x B-24D Liberator 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
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 8000 feet
12 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
7 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 8000 feet

Another very satisfying strike - most of my bombers must have participated in this and from 8000 feet they still make a sizable mess. No anti-shipping strikes come from Lae this turn. 2 Forts and one Liberator do not make it back. I hate the loss but for such a long range strike it is to be expected
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Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 6
B-26B Marauder x 8

Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged

Runway hits 3

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
5 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet

almost shouldn't have bothered
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Air attack on TF, near Finschhafen at 11,33

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
SBD Dauntless x 17
TBF Avenger x 13

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
ML Tsugaru, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

And then it begins. herbie-san has pestered me with underwater explosives in every invasion I have mounted. The loss of minesweepers has had me sorely worried. This ML, seeding Finshafen with the pests, is found by ACs from the Enterprise and sunk.
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Air attack on TF at 12,32

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
SBD Dauntless x 51
TBF Avenger x 15

no losses

Japanese Ships
ML Ishizaki, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
ML Hirashima, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
ML Takashima, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
ML Niizaki, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

This is the real treasure trove. Drum radios ahead she has fired on an ML on its way south and that it is partnered with other MLs. These ships are found by scouts of the carriers and Spruance, knowing the damge their cargos have caused, orders massive strikes to hunt and hit them. All sink.
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Air attack on TF at 12,32

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 14

no losses

Japanese Ships
ML Niizaki, on fire, heavy damage
ML Ishizaki, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
ML Takashima, on fire, heavy damage

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Air attack on TF at 10,27

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25
TBF Avenger x 11

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
AV Akitsushima, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Teia Maru

This is the AP TF scouted last turn and the reason for the Carriers being so far north. With 2 Trop hits the Akitsushima may be in trouble. More on this later.
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Air attack on TF at 12,32

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 65
TBF Avenger x 15

no losses

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Air attack on TF at 12,32

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 13

no losses

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Ground combat at Buna

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 15952 troops, 280 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 16525 troops, 127 guns, 52 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 2

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 5

His bombardments are loosing steam
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Ground combat at Buna

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 13888 troops, 127 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 23053 troops, 325 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 48

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 2

Mine are still effective
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Spruance is taking a mighty gamble this turn. The AP TF - with the Teia Maru - has size 3000 APs in her midst. The chance to curtail Herbie-san's ability to get supplies and troops forward in a safe environment, on his 3000 APs, is a chance worth taking. Spruance is taking on the minefields we know are laid in the straits and attempt to move up to the open water above Gasmata. Hopefully he can find the Transport TF and crush some of its potential lift capacity - I would expect Herbie-san to run.
The invasion TF is 2 hexes out of Buna carrying most of the 32nd Division, those left behind are being FT'd in by what remains of Lee's surface unit and the other FT TF (made of APDs mainly).
I have moved a few of the medium bomber units out of both DBD and GG and replaced them with fighters. Rotation of LRCAP and CAP missions will require more tools.
The New Guinea Division has finished loading at Cairns and left harbour - she will moving up towards PM and then hold. We will see how Buna fares.
The Wasp's fighters congregate themselves into a 30 plane unit - I moved them back onto the carrier and instantly they reduce themselves to a 20 plane sqd - very frustrating this. The no-plane unit of Havocs is still on board. In happier news the Wasp has repaired 1 Sys damage point though.
Tomorrow I get the twin BB surface group in Noumea - Yah!

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Sat Oct 11, 2003 3:41 am

My Carriers make it through the mined straits without incident and manage to find the transport TF Herbis-san was trying to sneak down to Northern New Guinea. The combat resulting from catching up with the convoy shows they were also carrying men.
The Battleships are here and are formed into a surface group - they are sent towards Munda - getting into position 11 hexes from Munda to try and put a dampener on the bombers situated there.
Unfortunately the Wasp is still having aircraft troubles - the wildcats refuse to return to a 30 plane sqd (is this the planned squadron size change?) and I still have the empty group of Havoc bombers on board.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/12/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Munda , at 31,37

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 15

no losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x Hudson at 6000 feet
9 x Hudson at 6000 feet

The Aussie and Kiwi Hudson sqds are tired and lacking in morale - they fall back to Townsville for some RnR.
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Air attack on Gasmata , at 17,32

Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 13

no losses

Runway hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
10 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
3 x Beaufort at 6000 feet

The Beauforts are in much the same condition as the hudson boys but stay on station resting.
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Air attack on Buna , at 12,38

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 12
A-20B Havoc x 27

Allied aircraft losses
A-20B Havoc x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 42

Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
12 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
9 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet

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Air attack on TF, near Los Negros at 9,23

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
SBD Dauntless x 47
TBF Avenger x 15

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Teia Maru
AP Miike Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Reiyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Meiten Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akitsuki
DD Ayanami, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Taiho Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 129
Guns lost 1

Some good strikes land on the transport TF - 2 ships eventually sinking. The large Teia Maru is hit 3 times with torps that don't fire - she is a jammy ship.
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Air attack on TF, near Los Negros at 9,23

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
SBD Dauntless x 15
TBF Avenger x 15

no losses

Japanese Ships
AO Naruto, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

There is also an oiler at Los Negros, it is sunk - it's back broken.
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Air attack on TF, near Los Negros at 9,23

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 29
SBD Dauntless x 55
TBF Avenger x 22

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Taiho Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Miike Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Taimei Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Akitsuki
DD Ayanami, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tamashima Maru
AP Teia Maru
AP Reiyo Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Meiten Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 154
Guns lost 2

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Air attack on TF, near Basilaki Island at 18,42

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
APD Gregory

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 16000 feet

Very high Betty attacks accomplish nothing on my FT TF
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Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 26
G4M1 Betty x 11

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 7
P-40E Kittyhawk x 14
P-40E Warhawk x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 3 destroyed

PO2 G.Obayashi of F1/252nd Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
DD Aaron Ward

Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x G4M1 Betty at 16000 feet

His zeros are a bit more capable against my GG protection force but their sacrifice has

saved my ships.
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Ground combat at Buna

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 15863 troops, 277 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 16526 troops, 127 guns, 52 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 21

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Ground combat at Buna

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 13877 troops, 127 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 22997 troops, 321 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 24

More tentative probing - my troops wait for the reinforcements.
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Spruance - the bit between his teeth and the scouting of an oiler TF by Kavieng - decides to push his airmen harder still by moving into range of both TFs.
A sqd of Warhawks moves into GG and a sqd of P-39s moves to DBD.
Some troops that have arrivd in Brisbane take to the road to travel up to the stanging ground of townsville.

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Sun Oct 12, 2003 2:13 am

Spruance is lethal to Herbie-san's transport TF and sinks most of what remains. I don't know how many men made it to shore on Los negros Island but plenty will be sleeping with the fishes. unfortuantely the tanker TF I was after is given a lower priority by Spruance and is not touched (although it was scouted and in range).
One of my recently releaed subs lays a minefield north of Munda to get ready for the bombardment attack planned for the airfield there.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/13/42

Weather: Clear

Air attack on Buna , at 12,38

Allied aircraft
A-20B Havoc x 27

Allied aircraft losses
A-20B Havoc x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 20

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
8 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
9 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet

Havoc's continue to harass ground troops at Buna as the 32nd division starts unloading.
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Air attack on Buna , at 12,38

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 15
P-40E Kittyhawk x 14
P-40E Warhawk x 21
B-25D Mitchell x 15
B-26B Marauder x 39

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 59
Guns lost 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
11 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
12 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
5 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
7 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

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Air attack on TF, near Los Negros at 9,23

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
SBD Dauntless x 67
TBF Avenger x 28

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Teia Maru, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tamashima Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akitsuki, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Meiten Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Taimei Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Today the Teia Maru is not so lucky - caught by bombs and torpedoes she, like her compatriot ships, sink.
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Air attack on Buna , at 12,38

Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 13
P-39D Airacobra x 14

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 15
Guns lost 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
13 x TBF Avenger at 6000 feet

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Air attack on TF, near Los Negros at 9,23

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15
SBD Dauntless x 60
TBF Avenger x 26

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Tamashima Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akitsuki, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

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Ground combat at Buna

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 15700 troops, 272 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 17449 troops, 137 guns, 52 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 3

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 3

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Ground combat at Buna

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 13885 troops, 127 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 22870 troops, 316 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 23

Bombardments from both sides continue to keep each side's heads down. I have not managed - in all of my bombing raids, to hit his supply. I would love to know how they are faring.
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Spruance retreats - he has pushed a good thing too far - he is going to try and take on the mine infested straits by Finschafen and get back down by Buna.
From there he is travelling over to Munda. There has been some surface ship activity there and I don't want my impending bombardment TF to meet them on the run in. Spruance can either hit them or at least make them retreat.
2 FT groups are on their way carrying more of the 32nd Division that couldn't make it aboard the regular transports.

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Sun Oct 12, 2003 8:05 am

Herbie-san again brings out the Japanese airforce and manages to find my FT mission as it returns to GG. The TF is not fast enough to get to Buna and back to GG in a double sprint. I had been CAPping them but the thunderstorms that were predicted were enough to make me rest the fighters I had on that duty.
The PM invasion force is ordered to hold - I don't want them going in just yet as the need to defend both Buna invasions and PM invasions will be too much, and as previously stated I may need the forces to attack Buna yet.
Spruance doesn't take on the straits until tonight - fingers are crossed that he can make it through - I am taking the same lines as I did on the way up (no reports of DDs destroying mines on that route).

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/14/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Air attack on Buna , at 12,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 13
P-40E Kittyhawk x 14
P-40E Warhawk x 14

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 12

Attacking Level Bombers:
13 x TBF Avenger at 6000 feet

Very strange - herbie-san has appeared to move some ACs to Buna airfield - what the hell for?
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Air attack on TF at 18,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
D3A Val x 21
B5N Kate x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 4 destroyed
B5N Kate x 6 damaged

Allied Ships
APD Gregory, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
APD Little, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
APD McKean, Bomb hits 1
DD Monssen
DD Anderson

My FT mission is hit by ACs flying from Gasmata - the Little seccumbs to her wounds. THe Mekean is fine but the Gregory will have to dock at GG and get the overworked support crews to work saving her.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 15657 troops, 269 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 22147 troops, 217 guns, 52 vehicles

LCDR L.Nagano of F1/6th Daitai bails out and is RESCUED

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 39

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 13877 troops, 127 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 22764 troops, 313 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The remains of the FT mission will make for GG and relative safety.
It is getting near to the time that the American ground pounders start to do a bit of the work. To this end some of the AKs and APs that have returned to Noumea are put to repair rather than being sent to Pearl, and the transport ships released from Pearl are also allowed to remain until I can get a big enough convoy together.
Unloading continues at Buna - with it being a beach hex the unloading will take at least 2 more days. I continue to CAP it heavily and another FT mission is set up to continue moving more troops to Buna - this justifies some LRCAP this turn

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Mon Oct 13, 2003 11:44 pm

Herbie-san continues his night attacks against the port at GG, my Wirraways actually find the bombers and 2 take damage for their troubles - if he was after shipping it is a moot point as the ships are in TFs.

More mines at Buna are cleared by the MSW Skylark.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/16/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 9

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 20

Port hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x G4M1 Betty at 5000 feet

Nothing the engineers can't fix
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 4
G4M1 Betty x 22

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 5 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 4 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 28

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet

Betties at 1000 this is a pain. I wanted to shut these guys down this coming turn but the BBs are too slow (I did not pay attention to the sprint distance the slower BBs use) so they have to wait another turn to close the place.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 41st Regiment, at 12,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 9

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 21
P-40E Kittyhawk x 15
P-40E Warhawk x 13
B-25D Mitchell x 11
B-26B Marauder x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 2 destroyed
B-26B Marauder x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 75

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
5 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
8 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
8 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet

More attacks on the hapless defenders of Buna.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 41st Regiment, at 12,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 8

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 66
B-24D Liberator x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 103

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 7000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 7000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet

I loose 2 more fortresses - planes that really never get replaced in time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Munda at 31,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 29
SBD Dauntless x 65
TBF Avenger x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 7 damaged
TBF Avenger x 2 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 10 damaged

LTJG R. Kanze of VF-2 is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
CL Tama
DD Usugumo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Nagara, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Oite, Bomb hits 1
DD Ariake, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Yugure
DD Inazuma, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Sazanami, Bomb hits 1

Spruance gets in to position for a long range strike against the surface force Herbie-san has been basing out of Munda. I haven't touched these guys before and I think this was a bit of a surprise for him.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Munda at 31,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 54
TBF Avenger x 11

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
TBF Avenger x 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Tama, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yugure
DD Sazanami, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Usugumo, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Nagara, on fire, heavy damage
DD Oite

More strikes and more damage - the CL Nagara sinks and quite a few other ships are damaged enough to be docked at Munda - others will no doubt be retiring. Spruance has shot his bolt and other than one more task (read later) will retreat to Townsville for RnR - my fighters are at moral 25 and 34!!! 10 ACs lost in the strikes today.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Shortland Island at 29,34

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 27
TBF Avenger x 10

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
TK Genyo Maru
TK Kenyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Some tankers at Shortland are targeted with one torp finding its mark - I would love to stay and hammer these guys but as stated the Carrier flyboys are stuffed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 15465 troops, 267 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 28295 troops, 291 guns, 52 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 12

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 26300 troops, 291 guns, 52 vehicles

Defending force 22571 troops, 310 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 946
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 42

Only a 1 to 1 odd attack but the Japs are hungry and deseased - nearly 1000 of them being killed. the commanders on the ground realise they have made more headway than they first thought possible and are going for another deliberate attack next turn.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spruance retreats around Rossel Island on his way to Townsville. He will CAP the BB force on its way to bombard Munda - there are, at current recon assessment, about 90 fighters and 60 patrols there - no bombers though he has moved them out.
The BB force - under Scott - have to move 2 hexes closer to line up for their bombardment run. With the previous air strikes I may be able to hit shipping at the quay.
Lee, at GG, makes a small bombardment force of DDs to hit Buna with. The Heavies are rested but everyone else is making for ground strikes against the Japs there.
With the encouraging result against the enemy at Buna we don't expect them to hold much longer - the PM invasion is given the green light and will reach PM tomorrow.
The Wasp is still playing plane games - my F4Fs refuse to make a size 30 sqd and the dauntlesses are trying to make size 21 sqds (3 in reserve) she is a haunted ship!
Two more groups of shipping have been released - the Long Island with 4 DD escorts and the CA Minneapolis with 1 CL and 7 DDs.

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Wed Oct 15, 2003 8:57 am

Buna is liberated!
Interestingly the Japs retreat in good order.

The day is not all mine though as Herbie-san manages to unleash his naval pilots at my transport lads again and they do massive damage. I am falling into the complacency trap - trying to do too much and I can't cover it all.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/17/42

Weather: Clear

Naval bombardment of Buna, at 12,38

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 138

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 45
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Lee does extrordinarily well for the make-up of his force 7 or so DDs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 29th Regiment, at 12,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 3
P-40E Kittyhawk x 15
P-40E Warhawk x 12
B-25D Mitchell x 13
B-26B Marauder x 34

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 68

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
11 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
8 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
5 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
5 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

Aerial bombardment of his troops continues
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
B5N Kate x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 10 damaged

Allied Ships
AP McCawley
AP Arthur Middleton
AP George F. Elliot
AP Barnett, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP President Adams, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Fuller, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 113
Guns lost 2

Now the results of this are bad enough but in reality about 3 more ships than the ones reported are crippled - the Fuller sinks taking much of the Kanga force with it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 29th Regiment, at 12,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 7

Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 13
P-40E Kittyhawk x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged

FLT E.Blackwell of No. 76 Sqn RAAF is credited with kill number 3

Attacking Level Bombers:
12 x TBF Avenger at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Buna at 12,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
B5N Kate x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed

1LT O.Stewart of VMF-212 is credited with kill number 7

Allied Ships
AK Idomeneus, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Algorab

More Kates strike more landings at Buna - they were beginning to think they would escape, and in fact they do - the FOW plays its hand again as no ships are damaged upon inspection.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 14826 troops, 266 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 29681 troops, 299 guns, 52 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 48

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 27655 troops, 299 guns, 52 vehicles

Defending force 21444 troops, 307 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 932
Guns lost 5

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 16

OK - so no victory message and no cheering of troops but on the next day all his non-coms and small inf units have started retreating towards PM. Buna is in my hands.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The infantry will continue to attack the remaining two large inf units at Buna.
My BB force under Scott is reconned this turn. I am throwing caution to the wind and attacking Munda anyway. My biggest worry is mines - I don't have a DSM with the TF - they are in high demanad or in the wrong place.
Spruance is retreating back to Townsville to rest his weary aviators.
Slowly but surely, back in Noumea, the AKs and AP are gathering to bring the Americans to this war.
The Wasp offloads its faulty 30 plane F4F sqd (only 20 are available the other 10 in reserve) and will load up a marine unit tomorrow. I really want to add another sqd here for ferrying but can't due to the phantom A-20 still hangingin around.

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Wed Oct 15, 2003 11:30 am

Terrible turn for my surface forces again! My bombardment group going into Munda hits 2 mines - one for the South Dakota and one for the DD Balch, more about this later.

Buna TF retires and heads for Townsville.

A recon mission finds many CAs and DDs up at Los Negros. This could be a long range attack - most of my shipping is getting ready to retire form them. Subs huddle around the Finschafen straits.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/18/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Night Time Surface Combat, near Munda at 31,37

Japanese Ships
DD Shiratsuyu, Shell hits 1
DD Yugure, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Ariake, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Inazuma, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Usugumo, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB Washington, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
BB South Dakota, Shell hits 2
CA Indianapolis, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Duncan
DD Lansdowne
DD McCalla, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Benham
DD Drayton
DD Selfridge
DD Balch, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Aylwin, Shell hits 1, on fire

The Japs get surprise!
Both BBs are at early teens in damage. The Washington has a small fire as well so is likely to get worse. I may be able to keep the South Dakota around but the Washington probably has to retire. My poor old CAs - Indianapolis is likely to sink - she is in dire straits and trying to head for GG.
On the positive side the Ariake and one other DD sunk.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Munda, at 31,37

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 6 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 15 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 61

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 36

No bombers into the bag

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 11325 troops, 116 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 29888 troops, 299 guns, 52 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 4

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 17

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Ground combat at Buna

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 27552 troops, 299 guns, 52 vehicles

Defending force 11321 troops, 116 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 704

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 79

Continuing attacks against the infantry brigades at Buna - they stubbornly hold on.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As seems to be the theme of my tenure I am again short of surface units of any size. The most important TFs being a fuel transport TF and my 3000 type AP group at GG. Judging by it's size the surface unit that I saw at Los Negros is aiming to disrupt happenings In New Guinea. With the remaining DDs from the Bombardment group retiring from Munda I will have to make a later judgement call as to how I handle the enemy.
All Northern bomber groups - especially the 1 dauntless and 1 Avenger sqd - are put on naval attack and secondary airfield attack orders (the airfields targeted are Lae and Gasmata).
A small FT TF picks up 500 men of the 14th Aus Brigade and head them at Lae Lae to attempt to cut off PM retreating units. Another small transport TF of supplies only heads to PM also. F4Fs LRCAPing here shoot down a topsy flying into the base.
The Wasp, having unloaded it's proper F4F group has loaded a marine unit (of 24) and is heading to townsville to join up with the Enterprise and Saratoga. It looks like they may be needed soon - it is a worry about the way my fighter boys on the carriers are at the moment.
Both Hudson sqds move back to GG having restored most of the morale and all of their numbers.

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Thu Oct 16, 2003 2:50 am

Air attacks on Lae and Gasmata go ahead and other than that little to report.
PM invasion continues with Herbie-san throwing in a powerful deliberate attack at PM - his units there are still quite strong.

My Buna invasion forces retreat out of the danger zone. I will CAP them for one more turn

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/19/42

Weather: Overcast

Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 4

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 4 damaged

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet

More 1000ft attacks at night from Herbie-san - he is having to fly from Rabaul now and this appears to be lowering the numbers he can commit. For the success he has had - and really that has been 1 MSW and one PG boat sunk (damage to other ships granted - but these were usually removing floatation damage in order to retire to Pearl anyway) - he has lost one hell of alot of priceless Betties and Nells doing this.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 20,3

Japanese Ships
TK Shinkoku Maru

Allied Ships
SS Albacore

The Albacore - hiding up by Truk - gets a shot at a passing tanker. I move her one hex further away from Truk to try and escape retribution.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 29,32

Japanese Ships
AP Hokuriku Maru

Allied Ships
SS Flying Fish

The flying fish joins the fun but is using the same detonators as the Albacore. There is a large contingent of PGs and PCs escorting this TF.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gasmata , at 17,32

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 15
B-25D Mitchell x 14
B-26B Marauder x 55

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 92

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 41

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 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
9 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
10 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 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
8 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
5 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lae , at 9,33

Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 15
P-39D Airacobra x 24
F-5A Lightning x 2
A-20B Havoc x 27

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 117

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 31

Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
12 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
9 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
9 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
3 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
3 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet

According to Recon both Gasmata and Lae are closed for business. I am going to repeat the dose today to further compound the bases chances of not being able to fly missions. It is likely that Herbie-san may try and use some other locations to fly his lesser legged naval planes from. I will start a greater recon effort to ascertain likely locations..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 18212 troops, 203 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 12934 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 184

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 260

2 very healthy full Jap inf Brigades still reside at PM. My plan was to hump the aussies at Buna over to help which will take some time - and of course they will be STUFFED. But the weight of numbers should tell. My ACs will start pounding his troops as soon as I am happy the closer enemy airfields are unable to hamper my shipping.
The FT mission from Townsville arrives and drops off its troops at Lae Lae unmolested.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 10765 troops, 112 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 29772 troops, 299 guns, 52 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 21
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 8

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 27424 troops, 299 guns, 52 vehicles

Defending force 10745 troops, 111 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 5689
Guns lost 40

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 70

One of the remaining Jap brigades gives up and goes into captivity. The victorious Aussies know there is more to do and will push on with mopping up the other Japs. Then it will be the arduous journey over the Owen Stanleys to help the New Guinea Division in PM.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My BBs are crippled by there attack at Munda. The Washington is at 30 sys damage - with the time this takes to fix I wont see her again for 180 days or so. The South Dakota is up to 15 and is likely to get higher before she makes it to Townsville.
On the positive side I have high hopes for the Indianapolis and the Balch making it to GG. They seem to have gotten the fires under control and the flooding is slow enough that they may just make it (Indianapolis definately and the Balch - touch and go).

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Fri Oct 17, 2003 5:11 am

herbie has sent me the combat summary for another game he is playing so I can't comment on what occurred this turn, by the way, whoever you are I pity the position you are in, looks like the back foot something shocking.

Anyway, within the turn file a few things can be gleaned. It appears my PM invasion force has been successful in unloading unhindered this turn although it appears one of the damaged APs has sunk. My F4Fs at DBD continue to CAP them.
DBD has hit the pink in supplies so I have sent a couple of slightly damaged single ship supply TFs to DBD (from Townsville) to bump up the supplies a bit. I will also turn Lee's DD bombardment force into a FT mission and courier some more from GG (who now has 31K supplies).
The last Japs at Buna are captured (I think - they don't appear to have retreated) so my Aussies get into their walking boots and begin the long trek over the owen stanleys - I am leaving Buna unguarded - I hope he takes the bait.
A large force of surface ships is treking down from Truk to Shortland. I only have one sub in the way of it so I am unlikely to do anything to stop them.
This force does point towards a possible attack - probably a late grab at a auto-victory hex. Anything in Oz would now be suicide. Even with most of my Aussies in PNG there are still plenty of troops on the homeland and he will have to accomplish things without many/any carriers and be a very long way from home. So I figure it will be Luganville. Therefore I bolster the number of fighters and naval bombers there and at Wunpuko and the TF of transports heading there will increase the amount of supplies for a seige. I have ~800 assault points of troops at Noumea so I think I am still safe.
The Wasp turns around and can be my main anti-shipping weapon this side of the Coral sea. The Enterprise and the Saratoga will just have to work together without their mate.

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Sat Oct 18, 2003 2:58 am

A quiet turn.
I hit the bombing hoards at Madang but the force i sent is too small to really dent his fleet. I'll take what I got though, no complaints.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/21/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Madang , at 7,30

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3

no losses

Airbase hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet

With only 3 going this was never going to do too much
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet

Again at 1000 ft...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Madang , at 7,30

Japanese aircraft

Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 2
A-20B Havoc x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged
D3A Val x 2 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 134

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 18

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
9 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet

The Havocs manage to destroy some of his parked ACs but will have to rest this turn - they are tired.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1746 troops, 30 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 12569 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12569 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 20075 troops, 241 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 6

My bombardment does more damage to me than his does!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have built a bombardment force around the South Dakota - I may as well use it for this even though it will compound the system damage issue - and send it against PM.
Washington removes the last of her floatation damage and heads back to Noumea and then to Pearl - what a waste!
With clear weather next turn it is likely Herbie-san will get his bombers up and try to attack GG and the shipping around it. I am diligent and set a fighter sqd at GG to guard each transport TF coming in and about to depart.
Lee changes hats again and uses his DDs to FT some supplies to DBD.
Something I forgot to add yesterday. My small force of Aussies managed to capture Lae Lae.
My PM invasion TF retires - the F4Fs continue to LRCAP it.

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Sun Oct 19, 2003 12:13 am

Herb has again given me someone elses combat file.
From what I can glean my FT mission to DBD was unsuccessful - one of the DDs hits a mine and that is enough to scare everyone into returning with their supplies still loaded. I am guarding an MSW and going to try and get rid of the mines.
The Heavies hit PM again although it doesn't look like much damage has occurred - and I lost a fort.
The bombardment force is in position - South Dakota has incurred 2 more sys damage in moving around. I think I will use her to bombard PM and when (IF?) I take the place she will be retired.
Herbie-san has a large force of CAs at Munda. He is either after GG or going further south.
My carriers and LBA are my best defence against them but I must start looking at emptying GG in case he tries to stroll in for a bit of disruption.
Luganville continues to prepare to meet them - I may have to bolster efate as well - something I didn't really want to do.

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Mon Oct 20, 2003 8:53 am

The rising sun pokes its ugly head out from behind the rock it has been hiding behind.
The sea between GG, Woodlark and Shortlands is suddenly alive with enemy shipping - including one TF of surface units and a carrier force.
Worse, a small enemy carrier force appears in the shipping lanes between GG and Noumea finding a fuel tanker force.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/23/42

Weather: Clear

Sub attack at 20,3

Allied Ships
SS Albacore

Up by truk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 3 damaged

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet

The beginning of his air assault
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 12

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 9

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 12

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 7

Attacking Level Bombers:
12 x G4M1 Betty at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 94

Airbase hits 1
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 3

My naval bombardment does next to nothing at PM - the supply hits are nice though.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Dobadura , at 13,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 9

no losses

Alot of these fighter sweeps - probably to cut down on my fighters - his timing finds all my fighters resting.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Dobadura , at 13,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 15
G3M Nell x 13
G4M1 Betty x 7

Allied aircraft

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
F-5A Lightning x 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 10

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 7

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 11000 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
9 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 11000 feet

With resting fighters his bombers get in and manage to damage DBD knocking out a couple of planes - damage is all fixed by days end though.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Dobadura , at 13,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 14
A-20B Havoc x 26

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 103

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
9 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
5 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
12 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
9 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 29
P-40E Warhawk x 22
B-25D Mitchell x 14
B-26B Marauder x 24

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 78

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
12 x Hudson at 6000 feet
8 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
5 x Hudson at 6000 feet

More bombing raids at PM - Herbie san continues to keep it open though.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 26

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 2

no losses

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,32

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 14

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Heiyo Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 82
Guns lost 1

I don't know what these guys were about. The ship gets hammered and must be very close to sinking.
Maybe herbie-san was trying to sneak in a single ship TF and not twitch the feelers of the ACs at DBD.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 32,52

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 9
B5N Kate x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
TK Kurumba, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

A lovely little move by my opposite number here: Herbie-san must have watched sore ships leaving, and supply ships entering, GG from Noumea. He sneaks a little CV with an escort or two down to the middle of the Coral Sea and then searchs for targets. Finding my 4 ship fuel transport TF he hammers Kurumba and she explodes; only the lateness of the day and the relative lack of bombers on his CV saves me from loosing
more tankers.
I head this TF to Gavigmana and just hope he doesn't follow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Dobadura , at 13,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 9

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Dobadura , at 13,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 18

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 13

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk x 1 destroyed

Early warning enables a few Warhawks to get airborne only to have 1 shot down for no return.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 32,52

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 9
B5N Kate x 5

no losses

Fortune fortune fortune. I think Kurumba separated from the rest of the tankers here and the planes attacked her rather than the healthy ships (in the same hex). Karumba is a target in name only.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 20,3

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 12

Allied Ships
SS Albacore

This time Albacore tries to get a shot in - both sides will be remembered for their lack of marksmanship.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1696 troops, 30 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 12567 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12553 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 19743 troops, 241 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 9

The bombardment duel is going the way of the hated Imperials.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With what remains of the Japanese navy bearing down on me a radical change takes place in the headings of the ships in the danger zone. Everyone without guns heads to safer waters.
As stated the tanker fleet mid-ocean attempts a run towards Gavigmana - I can only hope this is not the direction Herbie-san moves his carrier and I can save the other 3 tankers.
The Bombardment TF retiring to Carins is given react orders and a home base of GG - I don't think they will make it to GG in time to help stave off the incoming surface fleet hoards.
That job is reserved for Lee and his fleet of 8 DDs: there are BBs in the incoming fleet and we are likely to suffer heavily.
There is also a six boat PT squad here. All other shipping Tfs are ordered back to mainland Oz or disbanded to port.
At DBD the MSW skylark with 2 DD escorts is clearing mines. Although I cannot see any bad guys coming at me it is possible. I really don't want to loose anymore MSWs - or DDs for that matter. There is also a 5 boat PT force here.
Spruance is called back from a barramundi fishing trip he had been taking to command the hastily recreated Air Combat Tf at Townsville - the fighter pilots aren't that much more impresed (their morale only just made it above 60). He will sail directly towards GG.
Mitscher is handed the Wasp plus escort and moves North on the Western side of New Caledonia. He is chasing the perpetrators of the Tanker attack.
Level bombers at DBD and GG are set to Naval attack at 1000 feet. 2 Sqds of Kittyhawks and one of Warhawks are set to Cap GG - the rest of my fighters are set to escort.
My DC-3s at Townsville pick up the Aussie 4th Brigade of the 3rd Division and prepare to drop them into GG.
A transport TF is hastilly created at Townsville and picks up the 2 rested and battle hardened Brigades of the 6th Division - they also head to GG.
Let the games begin. My stated plan is to keep GG open she is the key to holding my current gains.

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 6:41 am

The Japanese avalanche falls on GG as expected but also hits DBD - I didn't see this coming.
My tanker force manages to go in exactly the same direction as herbie-sans retreating carrier force - hence they get hit again!
My surface forces at GG take a pounding but manage to stop the bombardment I am sure was supposed to follow up the air attacks.
My carriers steam further into danger but still cannot get the range.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/24/42

Weather: Clear

Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet

night stuff again and to little avail.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Dobadura at 13,38

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi, Torpedo hits 1
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Hibiki
DD Amagiri, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Woodworth, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Ellet, Shell hits 5, on fire
MSW Skylark

The Monster BB cruises into DBD harbour and meets my minesweeping TF. The Ellet wears a 18 inch shell and sinks but manages to hit the monster with a torp in reply. The MSW gets away scott free.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Dobadura at 13,38

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi, Shell hits 2
DD Suzukaze
DD Hibiki
DD Amagiri

Allied Ships
PT 64
PT 112
PT 123, Shell hits 67, and is sunk
PT 124, Shell hits 63, on fire, heavy damage
PT 122

No luck - another torp would have made my day
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei, Shell hits 1
CA Kumano, Shell hits 7
DD Makigumo, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Umikaze, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Ushio

Allied Ships
DD Fletcher, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Monssen, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
DD Aaron Ward, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Laffey, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Anderson, Shell hits 49, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Drayton
DD Selfridge, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Aylwin, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

This was disappointing - Lee is a victim of surprise and has his force gutted by the incoming surface forces.
One other ship has to be scuttled after the battle. Including DBD attacks this is 4 DDs lost.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei, Shell hits 3
CA Kumano, Shell hits 3
DD Makigumo, on fire
DD Umikaze, on fire
DD Ushio

Allied Ships
PT 59, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
PT 66, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
PT 110
PT 143

Again the torps are wayward. I have no PTs in the tank so I will have ot make do with what is left.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 13,37

Japanese Ships
AG 360, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Drum

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 27

herbie-san has loaded his AGs with troops it seems - fighter bombers are changed to 100" naval strafe missions!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Dobadura, at 13,38

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 5 damaged

Airbase hits 9
Runway hits 29

DBD is till operational
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 9
G4M1 Betty x 10

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 19
P-40E Warhawk x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 9 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Kittyhawk x 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 2 destroyed

FO W. Arthur of No. 76 Sqn RAAF is credited with kill number 3

LTJG R.Kojima of AII-1 Daitai is KILLED

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x G4M1 Betty at 5000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 5000 feet

Fighters rise to defend the airfields - if he had these guys attacking the ships it would be nasty. Betties aren't that effective against defended airfields.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 17
G3M Nell x 12
G4M1 Betty x 53

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 17
P-40E Warhawk x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 5 destroyed
G3M Nell x 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 20 destroyed !!Awesome!!
G4M1 Betty x 11 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk x 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 1 damaged

FLT E.Blackwell of No. 76 Sqn RAAF is credited with kill number 3

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 20000 feet
0 x G4M1 Betty at 20000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 20000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 20000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 20000 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 20000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 20000 feet
2 x G3M Nell at 20000 feet
8 x G4M1 Betty at 20000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 20000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 20000 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 20000 feet
0 x G4M1 Betty at 20000 feet
1 x G3M Nell at 20000 feet

A massive strike with the bombers set to fly high. I had the aussies (in their kittyhawks) set up to defend at 16K" and they manage to climb into the attacking bombers. Carnage insues and the gutted wrecks of Jap bombers litter the airfield, lagoon and return to base path of the bombers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Finschhafen at 11,33

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
A-20B Havoc x 15

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Heiyo Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 92

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x A-20B Havoc at 1000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 1000 feet
2 x A-20B Havoc at 1000 feet
1 x A-20B Havoc at 1000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 1000 feet

Havocs at 1000" put paid to this 3000 type AP - I don't know how many men got off.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Sag Sag at 12,31

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
SBD Dauntless x 9
Beaufort x 13
P-39D Airacobra x 24
A-20B Havoc x 6

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 6 damaged
Beaufort x 1 destroyed
Beaufort x 10 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged
A-20B Havoc x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 4
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 40, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
1 x Beaufort at 200 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 1000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 1000 feet
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 1000 feet

Musashi is found and attacked - watching the combat reply shows that the bombs were bouncing off all over the place.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Sag Sag at 12,31

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 26
B-25D Mitchell x 13
B-26B Marauder x 19

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
Hudson x 3 damaged
B-25D Mitchell x 1 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi, Bomb hits 6, on fire
DD Suzukaze, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Hudson at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
1 x Hudson at 1000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 1000 feet
3 x Hudson at 1000 feet
1 x Hudson at 1000 feet
1 x Hudson at 1000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 1000 feet
4 x Hudson at 1000 feet
3 x Hudson at 1000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 1000 feet
1 x B-26B Marauder at 1000 feet
4 x Hudson at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 1000 feet
4 x Hudson at 1000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet

More low level 2e bombing attacks that again accomplish nothing - I really didn't want these guys attacking BBs but there you go.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
D3A Val x 19
B5N Kate x 9
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 31

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 16
P-40E Warhawk x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 4 destroyed
D3A Val x 6 damaged
B5N Kate x 2 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Kittyhawk x 5 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 5 damaged
P-40E Warhawk x 4 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 2 damaged

1LT R. Wire of 9th FS is credited with kill number 4

Allied Ships
DD Laffey, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Aylwin, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Selfridge
DD Fletcher, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Drayton
DD Monssen, heavy damage

From Gasmata, and these guys show their metal taking out my defenders and hitting the ships they were defending. The Aylwin has to be scuttled.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,37

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 21

no losses

Japanese Ships
AG 121, Shell hits 4
AG 356, Shell hits 4
AG 353
AG 351
AG 354

No bomb hits - ****.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,31

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 19

no losses

Japanese Ships
AG 363, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AG 5048, Shell hits 24, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 374, Shell hits 8

Thats more like it - these guys sink. however they are not the barges loaded with men - wrong target.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Finschhafen at 11,33

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 23
SBD Dauntless x 4
Beaufort x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 3
A-20B Havoc x 14

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Heiyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 27

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 200 feet
2 x A-20B Havoc at 1000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 1000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 1000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 1000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kavieng at 18,24

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 4

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Amatsukaze

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Hudson at 1000 feet

One of those long range attacks that your Hudsons sometimes decide to embark upon - nothing gained.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 39,51

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 8
B5N Kate x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 6 damaged

Allied Ships
AO Tappahannock
TK Bishopdale, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Bugger - found again - the Bishopdale has not sunk but the fires will take her I beleive - she is too far from friends. They turn south and close with the incoming Wasp.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1696 troops, 30 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 12587 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 6

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12582 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 19819 troops, 241 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 2

PM has become a side show.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At the end of day the scores as far as i can tell are:
1 3000 type AP to me
4 AGs
86 assorted ACs (most important 36 betties 7 Nells)

Me
4 DDs and 3 more heavily damaged (2 go into GG port and the other is the woodford that has to return to

GG from DBD)
26 ACs (10 Warhawks and 6 Kittyhawks).

Spruance and Mitscher close on the enemy - there are thunderstorms forecast so neither of them may get

attacks away.
Lee gains the CL Leander and the damaged BB - South Dakota to continue defending GG (along with 3 PT boats that still remain afloat).
My foolhardy setting of medium bombers at 1000" has ment that any that participated are completely stuffed morale wise. All of medium bomber sqd except one of havocs and my beaufort sqd (at DBD) are retired to Townsville. 2 B-25 sqds and 1 havoc sqd replace them. I also move 1 Warhawk sqd - reduced to 19 planes out and move the P-38s from Koumac in. With the weather and fatigue of the new pilots I rest all planes bar fighters which are on 10% CAP (hoping for radar).
DC-3s get 76 assault points of the 4th Brigade into GG - they rest this turn.
My transport TF depositing more supplies at Luganville starts its return journey to Noumea.

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 1:18 am

Is anyone still reading this or is the fact Herbie manages to get his results in first making the allied version loose its thunder?

Anyway...
The weather controls all today.
My Carrier force under Spruance races towards the Carriers Herbie-san hasn't moved in between Woodlark and Munda. Mitscher continues North at best speed.
Lee redies his ships to face what looks like the whole Japanese Cruiser force baring down on GG. I am running out of surface units to defend the place with. Replacements are unavailable for 10 days at Noumea (which of course does not count the time it takes to get to the battle zone).

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/25/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 20,3

Japanese Ships
AP Nojima Maru

Allied Ships
SS Albacore

Albacore expends her last torps (for no hits) and starts teh long return journey to GG.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
J1N1-R Irving x 1

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 5
P-40E Warhawk x 2
P-38G Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
J1N1-R Irving x 1 damaged

Just a recon flight with the most notable difference that Herbie-san will have evidence a new fighter has joined the conflict.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1696 troops, 30 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 12578 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 26

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12558 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 19909 troops, 241 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 2

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spruance was in perfect position to hit the incoming cruiser force - and more likely the carriers - this turn. Unfortunately the weather socks in the TF and nothing is able to get off the decks. I really don't know the composition of the enemy carrier force. I expect it may be a medium (like Junyo or it's sister and one of the crappy little ones). This should not be a hamper for the 2 full size Carriers of Spruance's force. Therefore he orders them to head to the open ocean just beside the opening at the top of the main coral reef beside GG. Spruance has proved his metal before - I have every faith in him.

Mitscher, on the other hand, is untried. He continues charging North and should be off the West coast of Russel Island tomorrow. He is attempting to find the perpetrators of the tanker massacre. If he can't find them it will be an assault on any shipping at Lunga or maybe he will have the range for Munda.

The tankers themselves head south towards Noumea - the damaged one (can't remember it's name) is in dire straits.

The rested (one day) bomber forces at GG and DBD ready themselves for hitting any stragglers from the battle at GG likely to happen in the night. I think I am heavily outnumbered and after tonight this is only going to get worse. He owns the night but I own the day. If he is in range come sun up the airforce will make him pay.

GG harbour is again full of damaged ships and I dont expect to be able to keep them all. Currently Herbie-san is interested in my airfields so my ships are being let off, will this last....

USSMaine · Post by **USSMaine** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 2:40 am

still reading and loving it !

Shaggy · Post by **Shaggy** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 7:38 am

Yeah, I'm reading both sides. Great stuff

. I enjoy getting both sides take on the same events.

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 1:38 pm

Thanks for the notes fellas. Writing this stuff I often wonder if I, like an old man wanting to remember a war he used to want to forget, is talking while others are not really concerned with listening.

A massive day of action in the South Pacific. Carrier battles, surface entanglements and aircraft sacrificing themselves in the 3rd battle of gili gili.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/26/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3
G4M1 Betty x 12

Allied aircraft

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Kittyhawk x 2 destroyed

Runway hits 4

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
3 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

Another night attack at 1000 feet with the 2-e bombers culling two of my fighters.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese Ships
CA Tone, Shell hits 2, on fire
CA Chikuma, Shell hits 3
CA Myoko, Shell hits 1
CA Haguro, Shell hits 6
CA Mogami
CA Mikuma, Shell hits 1
CA Aoba, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 1
CA Kako, Shell hits 2
CL Tatsuta
DD Onami
DD Hayanami, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Kiyonami, Shell hits 1
DD Kuroshio
DD Yukikaze, Shell hits 1
DD Maikaze, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shiranui
DD Urakaze, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Asashio
DD Minegumo
DD Shikinami

Allied Ships
BB South Dakota, Shell hits 6
CL Helena, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1
DD Duncan, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (she sinks later)
DD Lansdowne, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Stockton, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Henley, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Drayton, Shell hits 19, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Farragut, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 210

Then the surface fleet rides into town - only they are carrying troops (and bloody torpedoes). Valiantly Lee tries to hold them off. As you can see they were heavily outnumbered and the torpedoes make a mess of the scant surface units I have left. In a small piece of good news, despite taking 4 8" hits the South Dakota does not incur any more sys damage. She also managed to hit 2 DDs and the Aoba with 16" shells.
Lee scraps together 4 DDs to defend the mighty battleship and reloading is done during the day for the likely attacks this night.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Basilaki Island at 18,42

Allied Ships
SS S-40

No hits but within the turn she has taken damage.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 13,37

Japanese Ships
AG 364, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Drum

When your torpedoes don't work - use the deck gun!
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Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 11
P-40E Warhawk x 11
P-38G Lightning x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 6 destroyed

SLDR L. Jackson of No. 75 Sqn RAAF is credited with kill number 3

Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x G4M1 Betty at 20000 feet

With no fighters the unescorted bombers are all brought down.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Basilaki Island at 18,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 13
Wirraway x 21
P-40E Kittyhawk x 11
P-40E Warhawk x 9
P-38G Lightning x 15
B-25D Mitchell x 8
B-26B Marauder x 14

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 14 damaged
Wirraway x 5 destroyed
Wirraway x 1 damaged
B-25D Mitchell x 2 destroyed
B-25D Mitchell x 1 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1
CA Kako, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Minegumo
CA Mikuma
CA Haguro
DD Onami
CA Mogami, Bomb hits 1
CL Tatsuta
DD Urakaze, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage (sinks)
CA Myoko

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 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
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
2 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet

The damage they suffered at GG is just enough to have them close to my base at day break. Many flak casualties but some hits as well.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Basilaki Island at 18,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 20
A-20B Boston x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 3 damaged
A-20B Boston x 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Kako, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CA Myoko, Shell hits 8
CA Chikuma
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 4
CA Tone, Shell hits 4

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x A-20B Boston at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston at 6000 feet

Kako takes 3 more 500 pounders and must be in a bad way.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Munda at 31,37

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
SBD Dauntless x 34
TBF Avenger x 10

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Kashiwa Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Naniwa Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ryuosan Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Oigawa Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Meiyo Maru

Mitscher, sneaking up the West Coast of the Solomons cannot take part in the massive Carrier action later in the day, but he does manage to find a supply convoy at Munda.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 27,41

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 30

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 17 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 2, on fire

With only 2 hits I thought this was terrible shooting by my bombers (although I was happy they made it through without loss from the defensive fighters). I looked in the lost ships column though and there is the Shoho - sunk. Does this intelligence screen lie?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 26,41

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
A6M3 Zero x 35

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2
SBD Dauntless x 17
TBF Avenger x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 11 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 8 damaged
TBF Avenger x 7 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 7 damaged

LTJG F.Katsuma of EIII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CV Hiyo

With only 2 fighters I am surprised we hit anything, but i will take it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 26,41

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 35

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 40
SBD Dauntless x 17
TBF Avenger x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 5 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 13 damaged
TBF Avenger x 2 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 14 damaged

LTJG L. Godson of VF-6 is credited with kill number 2

LCDR J. Banks of VF-2 is KILLED

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CV Hiyo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Atago

Morale of my fighter units tells. They keep bugging out before the air battle is finished. However more hits are scored against herbie-san's Carriers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 37
D3A Val x 13

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 11
P-40E Warhawk x 11
P-38G Lightning x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 5 destroyed
D3A Val x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 12 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Kittyhawk x 2 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk x 1 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged

2LT E. Dent of 7th FS is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
BB South Dakota
CL Helena

Attacks from Gasmata are not effective. The p-38s open their account.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 9
P-40E Warhawk x 11
P-38G Lightning x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged

MAJ S. Wells of 7th FS is credited with kill number 4

Allied Ships
CL Helena

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 24,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
D3A Val x 16
B5N Kate x 13

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 10 destroyed
D3A Val x 10 damaged
B5N Kate x 8 destroyed
B5N Kate x 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Leander

Now, my gun-shy fighters do not stay to defend the birdfarms and, at last, I pay. This one bomb hit has the Saratoga at 32 sys 55 float and 43 fire. What did that bomb hit??!!!!
She has to retreat - her air groups going to Enterprise and GG.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 24,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 12
B5N Kate x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 5 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise
CV Saratoga, on fire

Only Flak is saving the day.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Munda at 31,37

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
SBD Dauntless x 31
TBF Avenger x 12

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Atlantic Maru, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ryuosan Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Naniwa Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Oigawa Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Meiyo Maru

Mitscher continues his good work.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 26,41

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
A6M3 Zero x 32

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
SBD Dauntless x 11

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 3 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 10 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Hiyo, on fire

Another hit on Zuikaku - the bombers going it alone as the fighters split.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 26,41

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
A6M3 Zero x 26

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 13
SBD Dauntless x 9
TBF Avenger x 7

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 7 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 7 damaged

ENS L.Morioka of F2/6th Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Hiyo, on fire

And another
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Basilaki Island at 18,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
P-39D Airacobra x 17

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
CA Aoba, Shell hits 36, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Maikaze, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage (sinks)

P-39s from DBD do great work at basilaki Island.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Basilaki Island at 18,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 5
P-40E Kittyhawk x 9
P-40E Warhawk x 9
P-38G Lightning x 11
B-25D Mitchell x 6
B-26B Marauder x 8

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 3 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 1 destroyed
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged

PO2 W.Ichimura of BI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
DD Hayanami, on fire
DD Yukikaze
CA Tone
CA Kako, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
2 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet

Just pain PAIN! Oh the humanity

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29
D3A Val x 3

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 8
P-40E Warhawk x 10
P-38G Lightning x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 1 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed

LTJG H.Nomura of F1/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 24,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
D3A Val x 4

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged

LCDR F.Nagashima of DIII-2 Daitai is KILLED

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 1

And now the other Carrier is hit. this strike also cripples the ship. She has 42 Sys damage and float of 15 with a small fire. Spruance's much vaunted Carriers are out of the race. Now the battle is just to save them and their AC sqds.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 24,42

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake x 1 destroyed
E13A1 Jake x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Shortland Island at 29,34

Japanese Ships
DD Shiratsuyu

Allied Ships
SS Flying Fish, Shell hits 1, on fire

D@mn, another sub is hit. This guy though has no damage - FoW.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1706 troops, 30 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 12561 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 15

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12549 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 20019 troops, 241 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The surface ships at GG were carrying the better part of 2 infantry brigades. I have 1 brigade in place to repell them (along with the fortifications - he has no engineers). The DC-3s are set up to bring in the rest of the 4th and now the better part of the 10th Aussies brigade as well. The weather is again thunderstorms so I am likely to loose a few transport planes.

The AGs that snuck down the coast were carrying troops to take Basilaki Island. This will turn my minefield there against me.

My 2 damaged carriers head for Aussie ports. In a quirk of fate, if they make it, I will now have the naval attack aircraft for GG defence I have sorely missed.
Mitscher, with the undamaged Wasp, is the only Carrier (allied or otherwise) left in the fight. He sets himself up to get amongst it for a second day.

Lee, as stated, gathers 4 DDs to him to try and continue the defence of GG.
I find the transport TF I formed at Townsville to pick up the two 6th Aussie brigades has left most of them behind. They turn around to go and do the job properly.

The BB washington heads back to sea to go to Noumea and repair.
More fighters are bought in to GG, they don't get much down time anymore but anythin to replace the lost morale.

PzB74 · Post by **PzB74** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 2:06 pm

FoW is indeed feeding you with a lot of unaccurate reports these days!

From Herbies report: "In return Im told my pilots hit saratoga 3 torps, and a bomb, and enterprise with a bomb"

The Saratoga is a tough ship and a single bomb hit would not have caused much flood damage...

Herbie goes Bananas

No combat summary

No combat summary

Will the future hold the search for a sunk allied Carrier???