Scen 17 pbem. An attempt to capture New Caledonia.

[PzB74]

I think the endgame date pushes Mike to committ his forces before they're truly ready.
As this is a scen 17, there were no Midway and the strength of the KB has been enough to
inflict many painfull losses on the Allies.

Another lull in the fighting as the Allied forces again retreats to their bases to gather strength
for another push. Last turn a failed deliberate attack by the Allied troops on Irau took place.
I lost more troops, but odds was 0-1 and fort level stayed at 6.

I really enjoy this game too, a lot of nerve and I got this feeling of impending doom hanging
over me all the time....!-) It's great to load up UV when I've worked on a report for too long,
which is basically anytime there is a turn in my inbox <G> Should really apply to get UV
accepted into my degree [:'(]


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/09/43

Weather: Rain

Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 21


no losses

Japanese Ships
AG 5091, Shell hits 48, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AG 5088, Shell hits 28, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 40,40

Japanese Ships
AG 2067, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Amberjack


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

[PzB74]

I organized a little surprise for Mike this turn! I admit it was a risk, but
it paid off. A battleship tf under Tanaka was ordered to bombard Nevea.
A cl and one of the bb's hit mines, but only the cl suffered damage.

The surprise aboard the Allied transports was complete, and the 151st Base Force
followed the ships to the bottom [:)] Then a tanker was destroyed before another transport
tf with more troops joined the sinkings, more than a 1000 in total troops. A good day!

The bombardment attack didn't yield much of a result though, and the 100 Allied bombers that
bombed my retiring ships scored a single hit which bounced of the armor.

Hopefully I have managed to disturb the flow of supplies and troops again, and I think more
efficient dive bombers will have to replace some of the medium bombers to prevent future visits.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/10/43

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack at 41,38

Japanese Ships
AP Toyo Maru #2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Sturgeon


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Nevea at 50,43

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CL Kinu, on fire
CL Tama
DD Akitsuki
DD Yugumo
DD Yamakaze
DD Murakumo
DD Tachikaze
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
AK Adhara, Shell hits 22, and is sunk
AK Alcyone, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
AK Bootes
AK Alderamin, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 561 [8D]


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Nevea at 50,43

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CL Kinu, on fire
CL Tama
DD Akitsuki
DD Yugumo
DD Yamakaze
DD Murakumo
DD Tachikaze
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
LCM 4/2ESB, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
LCM 8/2ESB, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
LCM 9/2ESB, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
LCVP 12/2ESB, Shell hits 8, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Nevea at 50,43

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CL Kinu, on fire
CL Tama
DD Akitsuki
DD Yugumo
DD Yamakaze
DD Murakumo
DD Tachikaze
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
AO Cuyama, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Nevea at 50,43

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna, Shell hits 4
CL Kinu, on fire
CL Tama
DD Akitsuki
DD Yugumo
DD Yamakaze
DD Murakumo
DD Tachikaze
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
AP President Adams, Shell hits 19, and is sunk
AP John Penn, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 545 [8D]


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Nevea at 50,43

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CL Kinu, on fire
CL Tama
DD Akitsuki
DD Yugumo
DD Yamakaze
DD Murakumo
DD Tachikaze
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
LCVP 2/2ESB, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 5/2ESB, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
LCVP 6/2ESB
LCVP 7/2ESB
LCVP 11/2ESB
LCVP 15/2ESB
LCVP 17/2ESB
LCVP 22/2ESB
LCVP 25/2ESB


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Nevea, at 50,43 - I guess Tanaka had fired all
his shells by the time of the bombardment.


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
no losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 7


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Irau at 42,43

Allied Ships
SS Cabrilla


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 23rd Regiment, at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 30
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 3

Attacking Level Bombers:
10 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 35th Regimental Combat Team, at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48 Lily x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48 Lily x 2 damaged


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 9

Attacking Level Bombers:
15 x Ki-48 Lily at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 49,43 - Another brilliant performance by the Zeros!
Only one torpedo hit, and it's a dud.

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 14
P-38G Lightning x 77
A-20G Boston x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 2 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 7 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 5 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 9 damaged
A-20G Boston x 2 destroyed
A-20G Boston x 4 damaged

1LT K.Anderson of 433rd FS is credited with kill number 6

1LT A.Brors of 40th FS bails out WOUNDED and is RESCUED

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
BB Kongo
DD Murakumo

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x A-20G Boston at 4000 feet
4 x A-20G Boston at 4000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Unkai Maru #3
AP Naniwa Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 49,43 - Attacking battleships from 4000 feet is dangerous...

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 18
A-20G Boston x 8

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Boston x 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x A-20G Boston at 4000 feet
4 x A-20G Boston at 4000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 49,43 - The Zeros on CAP suffers, but only a single bomb
finds its target but fails to penetrate the armoured belt of the battleship!

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 12
Hudson x 9
P-38G Lightning x 41
B-25J Mitchell x 51

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

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged
B-25J Mitchell x 1 damaged

1LT C. Wooley of 41st FS is credited with kill number 7

LCDR L.Okano of F2/6th Daitai is KILLED

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 1
BB Haruna
DD Tachikaze
CL Tama
DD Yugumo

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
1 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3
B-25J Mitchell x 5

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
Hudson x 2 damaged

LTJG F.Kanzaki of CII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
AP Hakonesan Maru
AP Florida Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
2 x Hudson at 6000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Nevea at 50,43 - A 'suicide' attack, even my
flying boats wants to bomb Nevea [:'(] The Zeros escorting them ain't
as skilled as the earlier ones.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 6
A6M2 Zero x 28
A6M3 Zero x 20
E7K2 Alf x 4

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 4 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
E7K2 Alf x 1 destroyed
E7K2 Alf x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 3 damaged

1LT R.Blair of 433rd FS is credited with kill number 6

LT I.Fujimatsu of FF1/Yokohama Chutai is KILLED

Allied Ships
AP Monrovia, Bomb hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Nevea at 50,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 21

no losses

no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43


LTJG F.Kanzaki of CII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3
Japanese Ships
AG 5033

Allied Ships
PT 168


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
AG 5033

Allied Ships
PT 121
PT 150
PT 170


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Irau at 42,43 - Transport went straight down

Japanese Ships
AP Tamashima Maru, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Cabrilla, Shell hits 3

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 61


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

[PzB74]

Great air battles today as my Allied bombers try to prevent my transports from bringing in
supplies to Irau. My battleship tf diverts some of the attackers and LR CAP claim many kills.
I loose more than 50 ac today, but 30+ Allied ones including 16 B25's and more P38's are downed.
For the first time I encounter Thunderbolts - and manage to shoot down a few.

US subs claim a terrible toll, the 'death route' to San Cristobal is turning into another 'Iron Bottom Sound'.
The light cruiser that hit a mine yesterday was torpedoed, but reached port - where it may sink.
Darned Greenling sank 3 transports in no time - hat trick [:'(]

Half a dozen Allied barges are now sunk each day, I wouldn't have been a barge driver in this war...!
But I did manage to land both troops and supplies, desperately needed to say the least.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/11/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 41,44

Japanese Ships
CL Kinu, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-39


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 41,39

Japanese Ships
AP Kamishima Maru, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Greenling


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 41,39

Japanese Ships
AP Hokuhi Maru, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Greenling

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 83


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 41,39

Japanese Ships
AP Kamishima Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Greenling


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Siodjuru at 42,41

Japanese Ships
AP Karimo Maru, Shell hits 21, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Grampus, Shell hits 6, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 48
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 238th Regiment, at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29
A6M3 Zero x 23
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 23 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
11 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
A6M3 Zero x 23
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 10

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 2 damaged


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
A6M3 Zero x 23
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 5

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 destroyed
B-25J Mitchell x 2 damaged

LCDR O.Kumagaya of F2/201st Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
AP Yamafuku Maru, Bomb hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
A6M3 Zero x 23
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 7
TBF Avenger x 5
P-38G Lightning x 35
P-47C Thunderbolt x 7
A-20G Boston x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 5 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 4 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 3 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 7 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 8 damaged
P-47C Thunderbolt x 1 destroyed
P-47C Thunderbolt x 2 damaged
A-20G Boston x 2 damaged

1LT A. Schinz of 41st FS is credited with kill number 4

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
DD Yamakaze
BB Haruna

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x A-20G Boston at 4000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
A6M3 Zero x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 8
B-25J Mitchell x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
DD Numakaze
BB Haruna

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
A6M3 Zero x 20
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 12

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 9

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 damaged


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 36

no losses

Allied Ships
LCVP 40/2ESB, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 37/2ESB, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 35/2ESB, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 36/2ESB
LCVP 38/2ESB, Shell hits 16, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
A6M3 Zero x 17
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 11
B-25J Mitchell x 35

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 2 damaged
B-25J Mitchell x 9 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Kamoi Maru
AP Kanko Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Zukai Maru
AP Kaito Maru
AP Kenshin Maru

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 80

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
A6M3 Zero x 17
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Yukaze

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
A6M3 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Yukaze

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 36

no losses

Allied Ships
LCVP 38/2ESB, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 35/2ESB, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 37/2ESB, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 40/2ESB, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 46,43

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 9

no losses

Allied Ships
LCVP 25/2ESB
LCVP 6/2ESB, Shell hits 4
LCVP 7/2ESB


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 46,43

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 9

no losses

Allied Ships
LCVP 25/2ESB
LCVP 15/2ESB, Shell hits 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Nevea at 50,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 33
A6M3 Zero x 33
E7K2 Alf x 3

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 10
P-38G Lightning x 22
P-47C Thunderbolt x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 5 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 9 destroyed
E7K2 Alf x 1 destroyed
E7K2 Alf x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 6 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 4 damaged
P-47C Thunderbolt x 2 destroyed
P-47C Thunderbolt x 2 damaged

LTJG U.Emerson of VF-71 is credited with kill number 10

LCDR A.Bando of F2/2nd Daitai is KILLED

Allied Ships
AK Mercury


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

[PzB74]

*yuck* This was almost as bad as the Pedestal convoy....but it was a success, although
rather expensive.

Wave after wave of heavy, medium, dive and torpedo bombers bombed my shipping of Irau
today. Several transports are on fire, but fortunately I didn't loose anymore troops!
My battlewagons remained on station and bombed Allied troops at Irau - and absorbed waves
of bombers. Many 500lb bombs hit, but they all bounced off [8D] Obviously the range from
Nevea -> Irau doesn't permit the Dauntlesses to carry their deadly 1000lb ordonance.

(Didn't I mention in my last report that I was sure Mike would move in some dive bombers
to increase his anti shipping capacity!?)

The Beufort torpedo bombers are a little more successful, a torp slams into a battleship -
but damage is only in the early teens.

Air losses are moderate, and quite a few Allied planes have to ditch in the drink as well!
It's almost hopeless to shoot down medium/heavy bombers, but damage and fatigue takes
its toll! Morale is also plumeting as several sqn's turn back.

Russell Isl and Lunga also receive a pounding - seems like I've managed to break up the
concentrated raids on either Irau or Lunga. It's difficult to close down so many bases - and
keep them so!

An Allied deliberate attack on Kira claims many Japanese victimes, but only gets a 1-1 odds.
Not far away from achieving a 2-1 ratio, so I either have to reinforce or evacuate the place
and leave all the mosquitos to the yanks - what a loss [;)]

The cursed subs also claim their daily victim(s) - but that's getting a habit, although an unpleasent one.

Fresh troops including AA and CD units have been unloaded at Irau together with a load of
supplies - which I'm quite certain is going to be torched by the flying menaces any time now [:(]
Should be possible to build a "Fuehrer bunker" and stash it in there <G>


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/12/43

Weather: Clear

Sub attack near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
AP Kamoi Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-39


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CL Tama
DD Akitsuki
DD Yugumo
DD Yamakaze
DD Murakumo
DD Tachikaze
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
LCVP 36/2ESB, Shell hits 3, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Irau, at 42,43


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 10


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Russell Islands , at 35,39


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 27


no losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 6

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 34

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily x 5 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily x 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator x 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 56

Airbase hits 16
Runway hits 38

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
9 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M3 Zero x 7
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 10

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Ryotaku Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
A6M3 Zero x 5
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3
B-25J Mitchell x 28

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Naniwa Maru
AP Ryotaku Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Shirogane Maru
AP Unkai Maru #3, Bomb hits 1
AP Taiho Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP Yamafuku Maru
AP Tenzan Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M3 Zero x 7
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 10

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 8

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
CL Tama

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M3 Zero x 7
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 10

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M3 Zero x 7
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 10

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 13

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 2 damaged


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 11

no losses

Allied Ships
LCVP 9/2ESB, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 8/2ESB, Shell hits 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
A6M3 Zero x 11
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 4

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
A6M3 Zero x 11
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Taiho Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Neikai Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire
AP Ryotaku Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tenzan Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
A6M3 Zero x 11
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 12
SBD Dauntless x 17
Beaufort x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 6 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged
Beaufort x 1 destroyed
Beaufort x 2 damaged

LCDR O.Kumagaya of F2/201st Daitai is KILLED

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1
CL Tama
BB Haruna

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 3

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 9

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Yamakaze
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 1
CL Tama

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kirakira

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 30797 troops, 304 guns, 100 vehicles

Defending force 16556 troops, 187 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 911
Guns lost 3

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 176
Vehicles lost 1


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

[PzB74]

T-storms mostly hid my transports and bases yesterday - a good thing, and
more bad weather today!

The daily sub sinking took place, and another few barges were dispatched to
King Neptun.....

Another Allied deliberate attack at KiraKira succeeds as I already had marched
most of the troops back to Irau. I no longer found it practical to have a presence
on both places. If Mike has decided to build something on Kira, I'll let him [;)]
I he still wants Irau, there are more digging, marching and bleeding to be done.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/13/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 40,42

Japanese Ships
AP Muko Maru, Shell hits 32, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Trout


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 24


no losses

Japanese Ships
AG 120, Shell hits 16, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AG 5049, Shell hits 24, on fire
AG 367, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 108, Shell hits 16
AG 2052, Shell hits 16, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
AG 108
AG 361
AG 370
AG 5049, on fire
AG 5052
AG 2052, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
PT 168


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
AG 108
AG 361
AG 370
AG 5049, on fire
AG 5052

Allied Ships
PT 121
PT 150
PT 170


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Irau

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 32392 troops, 499 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 16370 troops, 174 guns, 139 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
Men lost 20


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kirakira

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 30652 troops, 304 guns, 99 vehicles

Defending force 7973 troops, 78 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 0)


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 1010
Guns lost 3

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 37


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

[PzB74]

Today, finally - a powerful BB tf hit Irau! I had feared this for some time as
my ole Kongo Bongo battleships would have been blow straight out of the water.
The catchs was a handful of barges and four 2000 cap transports. They unload slower
than the smaller types - which I'm running short of.

A bombardment run summed it all up, but at least my newly arrived coastal
guns were able to lob a few shells back.

The daily sub sinking then took place before a shock attack at Irau faile to dislodge
the marines. Casualties were pretty even, and I got 3 times more men - so I may
have to keep the pressure up.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/14/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
AG 361
AG 370, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AG 5052, Shell hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Massachusetts
CA Baltimore
CLAA Atlanta
CLAA Oakland
CLAA Reno
CL Cleveland
CL Mobile
CLAA Van Heemskerck
DD Strong
DD Thatcher
DD Wadsworth
DD Luce
DD Calahan
DD Eaton
DD Mugford


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0

Japanese Ships
AG 361, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
AG 370, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Massachusetts
CA Baltimore
CLAA Atlanta
CLAA Oakland
CLAA Reno
CL Cleveland
CL Mobile
CLAA Van Heemskerck
DD Strong
DD Thatcher
DD Wadsworth
DD Luce
DD Calahan
DD Eaton
DD Mugford


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
AG 354, Shell hits 63, heavy damage
AG 358, Shell hits 33, on fire, heavy damage
AG 360

Allied Ships
BB Massachusetts
CA Baltimore
CLAA Atlanta
CLAA Oakland
CLAA Reno
CL Cleveland
CL Mobile
CLAA Van Heemskerck
DD Strong
DD Thatcher
DD Wadsworth
DD Luce
DD Calahan
DD Eaton
DD Mugford


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
AG 354, heavy damage
AG 358, on fire, heavy damage
AG 360

Allied Ships
BB Massachusetts
CA Baltimore
CLAA Atlanta
CLAA Oakland
CLAA Reno
CL Cleveland
CL Mobile
CLAA Van Heemskerck
DD Strong
DD Thatcher
DD Wadsworth
DD Luce
DD Calahan
DD Eaton
DD Mugford


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0

Japanese Ships
AG 5049, Shell hits 12, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Massachusetts
CA Baltimore
CLAA Atlanta
CLAA Oakland
CLAA Reno
CL Cleveland
CL Mobile
CLAA Van Heemskerck
DD Strong
DD Thatcher
DD Wadsworth
DD Luce
DD Calahan
DD Eaton
DD Mugford


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0

Japanese Ships
AG 108, Shell hits 6, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Massachusetts
CA Baltimore
CLAA Atlanta
CLAA Oakland
CLAA Reno
CL Cleveland
CL Mobile
CLAA Van Heemskerck
DD Strong
DD Thatcher
DD Wadsworth
DD Luce
DD Calahan
DD Eaton
DD Mugford


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0

Japanese Ships
AP Hakuyo Maru, Shell hits 34, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Massachusetts
CA Baltimore
CLAA Atlanta
CLAA Oakland
CLAA Reno
CL Cleveland
CL Mobile
CLAA Van Heemskerck
DD Strong
DD Thatcher
DD Wadsworth
DD Luce
DD Calahan
DD Eaton
DD Mugford


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0

Japanese Ships
AP Florida Maru, Shell hits 29, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Massachusetts
CA Baltimore
CLAA Atlanta
CLAA Oakland
CLAA Reno
CL Cleveland
CL Mobile
CLAA Van Heemskerck
DD Strong
DD Thatcher
DD Wadsworth
DD Luce
DD Calahan
DD Eaton
DD Mugford


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0

Japanese Ships
AP Hakonesan Maru, Shell hits 22, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Massachusetts
CA Baltimore
CLAA Atlanta
CLAA Oakland
CLAA Reno
CL Cleveland
CL Mobile
CLAA Van Heemskerck
DD Strong
DD Thatcher
DD Wadsworth
DD Luce
DD Calahan
DD Eaton
DD Mugford


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0

Japanese Ships
AP Hanakawa Maru, Shell hits 33, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Massachusetts
CA Baltimore
CLAA Atlanta
CLAA Oakland
CLAA Reno
CL Cleveland
CL Mobile
CLAA Van Heemskerck
DD Strong
DD Thatcher
DD Wadsworth
DD Luce
DD Calahan
DD Eaton
DD Mugford


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Irau, at 42,43

Allied Ships
CLAA Oakland, Shell hits 3
CLAA Van Heemskerck, Shell hits 1
DD Calahan, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Eaton, Shell hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 100

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 53
Port hits 14
Port supply hits 13


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 40,42

Japanese Ships
AP Ryotaku Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Trout


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Irau

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 48862 troops, 680 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 17437 troops, 174 guns, 139 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 754
Guns lost 5

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 683
Guns lost 1


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

[PzB74]

A few 'quiet' days... FT tf's are running the gauntlet from Nevea to Irau,
having sporadic duels with my batteries.

More bombings of Lunga and Irau, mostly opposed by AA.
Another of my subs got hit today, it had 30 sys dam before the
depth charging, and amazingly enough I think it'll make it home.
(Btw, it was an APD that hit it.)

My Lily's sqd's need both better pilots and better ac to actually
manage to hit something, so it's my trusty ole Nicks that
plow up the daily PT boat or landing craft.

I've sent home quite a few ships lately, pumps have been working
overtime and ships like the ca Tone (which you may remember from
her duel with a fast battleship.) had 99 sys and 80 flood when she
reached port, 93/0 when she left for Tokyo last morning. 200 days in the
yards...

More Nicks and Tony will arrive shortly, but I'm really not sure
where I can put them, guess Mike will have to make a few
openings for em [;)]


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/18/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 48,43

Japanese Ships
SS I-5, Shell hits 2, heavy damage

Allied Ships
APD Talbot


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 35

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 9 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 105

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 27

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Irau , at 42,43


Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 24
F-5A Lightning x 4
B-25J Mitchell x 15


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 12

Attacking Level Bombers:
7 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
8 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 23
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 12
Ki-48 Lily x 25

no losses

Allied Ships
LCI 340, Shell hits 20, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
1 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet

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

[PzB74]

Not much happening, just as well since I've been to busy to update the AAR for a few days - now that's BAD!
Taking 5 subjects at QUT this semester and I'm in a world $hit right now!
Well, as long as I can squeeze in a turn or 5 of UV each day, I'll survive [;)]

A convoy headed towards Irau today, my bombers tried to attack but were repulsed by CAP consisting
of Lightnings, Corsairs, Spitfires and Thunderbolts!!! Now that's also bad....
Lost about 20 ac today, but 11 Allied ones also came down.

The good thing about keeping my fighter bombers tired is that they turn back at the first sign
of resistance - just the way I want it to keep em from getting slaughtered.

Put some heavy LRCAP over Irau and ordered my bombers to attack, so it'll be interesting to
see whether they obeyed or not. Next turn is already in the mail [:)]

To be continued shortly....

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/24/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 42,44

Allied Ships
SS S-39


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 237th Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 14
B-25J Mitchell x 70


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 destroyed
B-25J Mitchell x 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 77

Attacking Level Bombers:
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
5 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
10 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
11 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 237th Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 54


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 destroyed (The new AA I put on Irau really put sticks in the wheels for Mikes bombers:)
B-25J Mitchell x 8 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 57

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
14 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
7 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 35th Regimental Combat Team, at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 14
Ki-48 Lily x 13

no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
13 x Ki-48 Lily at 1000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 5
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 13

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 9
Spitfire IX x 5
P-38G Lightning x 18
P-47C Thunderbolt x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 5 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-47C Thunderbolt x 1 destroyed

2LT E. Roddy of 342nd FS is credited with kill number 3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 6
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 5

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 9
Spitfire IX x 5
P-38G Lightning x 18
P-47C Thunderbolt x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire IX x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 2 damaged
P-47C Thunderbolt x 1 destroyed

LTJG U.Emerson of VF-71 is credited with kill number 11


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 18
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 15

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 9
Spitfire IX x 4
P-38G Lightning x 15
P-47C Thunderbolt x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 6 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47C Thunderbolt x 1 damaged

PO S.Greenwell of No. 79 Sqn RAAF is credited with kill number 2


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

[PzB74]

I forgot to mention that the Kido Butai sortied again to intercept the allied convoy....
Had managed to scrounge 400 new ac, so I had to burn up a few [:'(]

Lost many Zeros today against P38's on LR CAP over Irau, 30 in air-air and another 28 in op losses.
Managed to bring down 13-14 Lightnings though. The actual air raids were kinda dissappointing: As usual
those who shouldn't fly flew and vice versa [:(] The useless Lily's managed to smash themselves against
the flak put up by bb's and claa's. The 30 dive bombers put a few holes in a few transports, Nagumo
managed to send off 150 Zeros with that strike. All the remaining bombers stayed home. *DANG*

Only 11 out of 120 Betties/Nells took of, and they scored a torpedo hit on the Massachusetts.
Can only dream of what would have happened if they all had gotten airborne. With average exp
of 70-80 and 99 morale, they would have made an impact.

On the second phase, weather grounded almost all my planes - exept for the Lily's.
Who said luck had nothing to do with it?

T-storms tomorrow, so I doubt much more will happen. Will have to find 50 new ac for KB. *sigh*

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/25/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Irau , at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
A6M3 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 4

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
F-5A Lightning x 1 destroyed


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 237th Regiment, at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
A6M3 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 65

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

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 60

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
11 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 14

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Oigawa Maru
AP Reiyo Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Nana Maru

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 9

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Nana Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Reiyo Maru
AP Nako Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
2 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 66
A6M3 Zero x 77
D3A Val x 13
D4Y Judy x 21

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 16 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 13 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 2 damaged
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 10 damaged
D4Y Judy x 5 destroyed
D4Y Judy x 10 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 12 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 4 damaged

FO E.Wilborn of 433rd FS is credited with kill number 5

FO E.Wilborn of 433rd FS is KILLED (One ace less to worry about:)

Allied Ships
APD Gilmer
CLAA Atlanta
LST 396, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LST 399, Bomb hits 1
CLAA Reno
CLAA Van Heemskerck


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
Ki-48 Lily x 42

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily x 18 destroyed (What a great kamikaze mission...I love Lily's, going to send em back to China to bomb rice paddies, which is the only thing they excell at.)
Ki-48 Lily x 37 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 2 damaged

2LT G. Mcmurry of 7th FS is credited with kill number 5

Allied Ships
BB Massachusetts
DD Eaton
CLAA Oakland, Bomb hits 1
DD Thatcher
CA Baltimore
DMS Hopkins

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
2 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
2 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
0 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
0 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
1 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
2 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 11

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 4 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 10 damaged


Allied Ships
BB Massachusetts, Torpedo hits 1 (Damage us unknown, probably not serious - but damage accumulates quickly and repairs slowly aboard those big crates.)
CLAA Oakland

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Irau , at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29
A6M3 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 2

no losses

no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 10

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Oigawa Maru
AP Nako Maru
AP Reiyo Maru

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 7

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Reiyo Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
A6M3 Zero x 9
Ki-48 Lily x 3

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
Ki-48 Lily x 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed

2LT L. Succop of 7th FS is credited with kill number 2

1LT R.Blair of 433rd FS is KILLED

Allied Ships
LST 446, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48 Lily x 9

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48 Lily x 2 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily x 8 damaged


Allied Ships
BB Massachusetts
CLAA Oakland

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
2 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily at 5000 feet

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

[PzB74]

Very little to report over the last few days. My carriers launched 2 major strikes against a few barges [:(]
This happens way to often and no sane commander would have invested heavily in bombing them.
A large fast transport convoy was left unscatched.

The 35000 Marines at Irau launched a deliberate attack against the 50+k Japanese defendes, getting a 0-1 odds
while reducing fortifications from 6-5. (Rebuilt to lvl 6 today:)

I'm in no position to get the Marines off San Cristobal anymore, it's only a question about holding on for as
long as possible to deny the base to the Allies. When Irau falls, it will most likely take every last Jap defender
with it. With only 5 months left to go, this may be acceptable as an invasion of New Guinea or Lunga would require
substantial time and resources.

Mike is slowly eating up my lead, but still 5400 points ahead. The extremely high amount of op losses is the major
contributor here. I can't fly big strikes without loosing 10-20 planes.

I've discovered that I'm going to receive even worse ac than the Lily's [:@] A 9 plane sqd of Sonias is due in not long.
What a horribly outclassed model to send to a warzone!! *annoyed*

[pauk]

PzB, I know how your feel when you recive so-called reinforcments with very "usable" planes [:@](Lilly's gonna be my favourite kamikaze plane[:D]....
my "dearest" reinfocments is recon Datai with 27 Dinah[:)]

But, keep the good work with epic defence of the Solomons, we all enjoy with your AAR. Also, credits to the Crocky[:)]

[PzB74]

'Epic defense of the Solomons' [:D] I can live with that!

Well, My 27 ac Dinah recon sqd is grounded at Truk - don't have the base force capacity for
such a huge amount of useless ac [:'(]

It was a clear and fine day today, so I sent my level bombers on a nightly visit to Nevea.
Not great results, but ok...losses were not that heavy either, 2 Betties lost.

A surface tf blows up a few of my barges at Irau while my coastal defenses exchange
salvoes with yet another fast transport delivering supplies and reinforcements.
The salvos must have hit home, cause I-1 torpedoed an already burning apd Sands on
its way back home. It went down [:)]

B25's raids Irau again, this time with a P38 escort. 37 Oscar II's intercepted and shoots
down 3 Lightnings (1 kill + 2 damaged ones - a total of 3 P38's reported lost today)
and damages a few Mitchells. 2 Oscars goes down, but op losses claims another 4...

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/30/43

Weather: Clear

Air attack on Nevea , at 50,43

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 7
G4M1 Betty x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Neville, Bomb hits 1, on fire
APD Talbot, Bomb hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 18

Port hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 10000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty at 10000 feet
7 x G4M1 Betty at 10000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty at 10000 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 10000 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0

Japanese Ships
AG 101, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
AG 123, Shell hits 7, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Cleveland
CL Mobile
DD Strong
DD Wadsworth
DD Daly
DD Eaton
DD Mugford
DMS Long
DMS Hamilton


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0

Japanese Ships
AG 5050, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
AG 2053, Shell hits 6, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Cleveland
CL Mobile
DD Strong
DD Wadsworth
DD Daly
DD Eaton
DD Mugford
DMS Long
DMS Hamilton


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 43,43

Japanese Ships
SS I-11

Allied Ships
APD Sands, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 237th Regiment, at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 37

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 24
B-25J Mitchell x 54

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 2 damaged
B-25J Mitchell x 5 damaged

2LT G. Mcmurry of 432nd FS is credited with kill number 6

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 68

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
5 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
7 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

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

[PzB74]

I had anticipated heavy bombing raids against Lunga today, and had prepared 5 Daitai's.
2 Oscar II's, 2 Zeros + the Nicks. Thought the latters heavy armament could contribute.

As expected - 2 waves of Libs arrived! 23 were damaged and 1 destroyed by the CAP and
flak. Lost a dozen or so fighters to defensive fire and bombing.

Incredible enough only 3 Libs went down today, and I do feel a bit cheated. Quite a few of
those B24's should have been write offs! Well, it did show that Lunga is a hot potato and it
will take a lot of effort to hammer it into submission.

I'm rotating sqd's on a weekly basis and thereby manage to gaing experience without suffering
too heavy losses in any individual Daitai.

Nicks sank another 5 barges, I actually think Mike is finally running low now [:'(]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/31/43

Weather: Clear

Air attack on Lunga

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
A6M3 Zero x 6
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 9

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 59

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 6 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 1 destroyed
B-24D Liberator x 19 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 151

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 87

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
A6M3 Zero x 6
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9 damaged
E13A1 Jake x 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator x 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 111
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 41

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
9 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 32

no losses

Allied Ships
LCM 5/2ESB, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 1/2ESB, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 7/2ESB, Shell hits 20, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 3/2ESB, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 29

no losses

Allied Ships
LCM 1/2ESB, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 3/2ESB, Shell hits 20, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 5/2ESB, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
Ki-21 Sally x 12
Ki-49 Helen x 6

no losses

Allied Ships
LCM 1/2ESB, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 40,40


COL J.Bellamy of No. 11 Sqn RAAF bails out and is RESCUED
Allied Ships
SS S-45


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

[PzB74]

Thunderstorms prevented much flying, but another couple of Allied LCVP's
got 'Nicked'!

A deliberate attack by the Marines on Irau was repulsed with heavy losses [:-]
Do you know the only thing worse than staying on a size 1 malaria infested base?
Staying on a size 0 malaria infested base [:D] Guess the marines fighting capabilities
are waning fast, but is it fast enough?

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/01/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 27

no losses

Allied Ships
LCVP 20/2ESB, Shell hits 20, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 3/2ESB, Shell hits 24, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Irau

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 38968 troops, 453 guns, 225 vehicles

Defending force 49295 troops, 633 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 6)


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 190
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 447


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

[Crocky]

Yuck [:@]

[PzB74]

Lots of t-storms, not much happening!
Saw a thread on the cv Victorious on the main page: definetly not much of a fleet carrier compared to the big US and Jap cv's - but she's better armoured and worth quite a bit more than any cvl!

Didn't help her much in this game though [8D]
Last cvl has been added to the sunk ship list, and it's quite impressive now.
Anticipate that the Bunker Hill & co will appear in the last few months of the game to make life miserable though.

[PzB74]

Two heavy Allied surface tf's arrived at Irau today, undeoubtedly to unload troops and supplies.
Nicks took off to intercept, and was met by heavy flak - devastating at 100ft [:(]
13 Lost, but the upper works of the heavy cruiser Baltimore was made into a shambles!
At least 2 40mm mounts destroyed.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/04/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 5 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 27 damaged (8!! of these must have crashed since a total of 13 were lost.)

Allied Ships
CL Mobile, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 2
CA Baltimore, Shell hits 32, Bomb hits 3, on fire
DD Luce


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

[PzB74]

More medium bomber strikes against Irau, and more US tf's unloading in the very same place.
Had hoped to initiate a medium bomber offensive, but it's so very very difficult to get the naval
bombers to fly. As it is a mere 20 Sallys escorted by 60 Zeros take off. P38's LR CAP'ing Irau
are more than a match for the fragile Nip fighters and the Sallys, although skilled and armed with
4*250kg bombs, doesn't even score a near miss [:(]

20 Zeros and 6 Sallys lost today, against 6 B25's and 6 P38's.

My minesweepers are quite busy sweeping the field laid almost weekly by subs in the
coastal hexes found along the 'slot' between Shortland and Guadalcanal.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/05/43

Weather: Overcast

Air attack on Irau , at 42,43


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 2


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Irau , at 42,43


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 135 (Is this all you got?-)


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 154
Guns lost 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
5 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
5 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 60
Ki-21 Sally x 20

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 18 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 3 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 10 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 2 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 6 damaged

1LT J. Hagerstrom of 8th FS is credited with kill number 7

LCDR T. Nakajima of F2/Tainan Daitai is KILLED

Allied Ships
CLAA Atlanta --------->
CLAA Oakland ----------> These just ain't the kind of ships you want fragile bombers to attack!
CLAA Reno ----------->
LST 465

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Irau , at 42,43


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 2


no losses


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

[PzB74]

I KNOW that there is no such thing as an efficient Japanese air defense, but I'm still trying.....
52 fighters opposed 93 Forts and 14 P38's over Lunga today - loosing only 1 of their own number in air combat + another
5 on the ground. Of the 15 damaged Forts, 4 crash.

I can live with that as long as I don't loose too many pilots, and I don't think they die when planes are destroyed on the ground!?

I'm having problems activating my barges, 35 available and Rabaul + Shortland are barge hubs. Supply ships arriving from Truk does not activate barges in Shortland. I've loaded supplies in both Rabaul and Shortland and sent vice versa, but still nothing. Only thing left to try is Truk -> Rabaul. Annoying....advice anyone?

Before this game ends, I will have 135 Lilys, 35 Dinahs and 9 Sonias -> almost 200 useless aircraft.
I'm considering selling them to Sweden to get rid of em [:(] Remember that Norway actually bought Italian Caproni bombers in the 30's and paid with clipfish!!! So I was thinking that I could get some Absolut % for the Lily's [:'(]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/08/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
A6M3 Zero x 8
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 24
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 9

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 14
B-17E Fortress x 93

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 15 damaged

1LT C. Wooley of 433rd FS is credited with kill number 9

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 341

Airbase hits 22
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 79

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

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

[PzB74]

Back on track after a few isp problems (not mine, woho:)

The heavies pound Irau and the 'Scourge of San Cristobal' hits apds
and dms of KiraKira! Yep, me thinks the Nicks have deserved that title even
though the Beaufighters have been a pest - shooting up barges is sport, not war [;)]

It's a unviersal rule and very simple: Take a sturdy airframe, but two powerful engines on and arm it with
some heavy duty $hit fireworks and add a few bomb racks, and - voila, something usefull!

Would have traded 100 Lilys for 10 Nicks....

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/09/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on 238th Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
P-47C Thunderbolt x 19
A-20G Boston x 11


Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Boston x 5 damaged (Still some ack ack guns left on Irau!)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 11

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x A-20G Boston at 4000 feet
6 x A-20G Boston at 4000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 238th Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 67


Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 110

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
7 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
APD Gilmer, Shell hits 8
DM Sicard
DM Montgomery, Shell hits 16, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42
A beautiful combo of 60kg bombs, cannons and machine guns rip the tin cans open!

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 16

no losses

Allied Ships
DM Sicard, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 2, on fire
APD Gilmer, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


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