Scen 17 pbem. An attempt to capture New Caledonia.

[PzB74]

The luckless fleet oiler Aota finally meets her destiny as another sub put 3 more torps into her.
A Jap sub draws one back by sinking the Callaway of Kira.

Another heavy air raid on Lunga see the usual destruction of Jap fighters while the damaged ships in port are being hit again and again, 3 Forts are lost.

My nightly disruption raids against Kira are continuing to destroy the occasional ac and
reduce moral.

A steady stream of transports are shuttling to and from Nevea - KiraKira/Irau. Not many escorts, so I just have to evaluate potential gains vs potential losses.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/12/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese Ships
SS I-11

Allied Ships
AP Callaway, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 14
Ki-49 Helen x 10

Allied aircraft

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair x 3 damaged


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 7

Runway hits 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
14 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
10 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 29,33

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

Allied Ships
SS Gato


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
A6M3 Zero x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 14
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 7
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 10

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 17
B-17E Fortress x 88

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 1 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 9 damaged

FO G. Weissenberger of VMF-213 is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
AV Sanyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AV Sanuki Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP Uyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Azumasan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AG 116, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 197
Guns lost 1

Port hits 13
Port fuel hits 2

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

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

[PzB74]

Mike was a litt dissappointed when I called the AI my worst enemy, but it's really hard to
match the stunning blows the artificial demon deals me!

Today I finally got ships released, an armada of transports - the only thing I don't need [:(]
Not a single escort was released with them...

Decided to put my naval bombers on naval attack today - as we all know, this is a very risky business.
Never been more true than today, heavy raids were unleashed against sub chasers and landing crafts [:(]
Fortunately 'only' 9 precious Bettys were lost today, but I'm pretty sure that the war will end before I dear
using them again.

Another deliberate attack at Gili reduces fortifications further, but my engineers immediately builds one level back up.
As September draws to a close, an entire armada of small crafts can be seen ferrying supplies and troops to San Cristobal. Very difficult to disrupt this, but hopefully my besieged garrison can buy still more time.

My lead is still solid; 5350 points ahead - but it's crumbling day by day, and when my 50k troops finally give in and Irau falls, it will become even less and open the doors to Lunga and Tulagi.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/21/43

Weather: Overcast

Air attack on Kirakira , at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 17
Ki-49 Helen x 12

Allied aircraft
P-70A Havoc x 10 - Seems like my nightly pests have forced Mike to move in a sqd of night fighters!
I'm sure they'll perform better than tonight in the future. Fortunately my pools are topped with Helens and Sallys....

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally x 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen x 1 damaged


Runway hits 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
12 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
A6M3 Zero x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 15
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 10

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 5 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 damaged


1LT G. Poske of VMF-212 is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
LCI 70, Shell hits 20, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCI 225, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


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

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 15

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 16

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


1LT C. Chamberlain of VMF-212 is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
LCI 70, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCI 225, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCI 66

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

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 9

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 7

no losses

no losses

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


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

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 15
G4M1 Betty x 40

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged


1LT H.Perry of VMF-212 is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
SC 707, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SC 739
LCI 66, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCI 225, on fire, heavy damage
SC 740
SC 706
LCI 224
SC 646, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
2 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

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

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 59161 troops, 667 guns, 251 vehicles

Defending force 55156 troops, 585 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 4

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 4)


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 325

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 640
Guns lost 3


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

[PzB74]

More heavy bombing raids against Lunga and Irau - light losses.
6 C47's are reported lost today - it's obvious that Mike is air lifting in supplies/troops in big
quantities.

Another deliberate attack again reduces fortifications!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/22/43

Weather: Clear

Air attack on Kirakira , at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 14
Ki-49 Helen x 6

Allied aircraft
P-70A Havoc x 12 - Still no kills for the night prowlers!
no losses

no losses

Runway hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
14 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
A6M3 Zero x 8
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 17
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 11

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
PB4Y Liberator x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 2 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5 damaged
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged
PB4Y Liberator x 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 31

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 26

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet

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


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 10
P-38G Lightning x 36
B-24D Liberator x 80


Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 37

Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
12 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
10 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
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
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

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

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 58583 troops, 664 guns, 251 vehicles

Defending force 54609 troops, 581 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 4

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 4)



MAJ G.Kamisaka of G1/Mihoro Daitai bails out and is RESCUED
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 597
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 301
Guns lost 2


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

A picture of one of my Mavis squadrons! The secret 'hideout' for ace pilots who wishes to survive the war [:(]
Think there are 4 99 exp pilots here...
Also got an Irving sqd with 1 ac and 56 pilots.

[PzB74]

Nothing much happening, but another deliberate attack at Irau reduces fortifications to 3.
Will be interesting to see what the odds say when they're all gone. Hopefully a 1-1 odds is all there'll
be for another few weeks[8D] One can always hope......

I've sent a carrier out to create a little panic in the allied shipping lanes. Seems like this drew something else out of hiding too! A carrier tf at Nevea consisting of 1 CV, 1 CVL and 2 CVE's were spotted, escorted by a battleship and 5 destroyers.
(At least that's what my recon pilot said...quite a few fighters were on CAP above Irau today, so it was quite a deed to come back at all.)

Will not engage the US carriers in their home waters, they will have to come to me later on.
I'm afraid that would be one last engagement, not matter how well my bombers performed. CAP and flak will
shred 80% of my remaining bombers anyway, so we'll save that for a rainy day!)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/23/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Kirakira , at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 3

no losses

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 20,4

Japanese Ships
AP Bengal Maru, Torpedo hits 1 - Fog of war, as we didn't have any ships at this location today.

Allied Ships
SS Ray


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

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 58294 troops, 661 guns, 251 vehicles

Defending force 53984 troops, 574 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 3)


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 510
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 650
Guns lost 2


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

[PzB74]

More of the same, forts are down to lvl 3 and a score Jap fighters are
shot down over KiraKira as they escort a few Sonias towards their target.
A 15-0 kill ratio after 39 fighters engaged 36 is a little extreme though - just shows how futile it is getting when
43 draws to an end.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/24/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on 144th Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 128


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 93

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
A6M3 Zero x 10
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 6
Ki-51 Sonia x 7

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 19
P-40E Kittyhawk x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 9 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 2 destroyed
Ki-51 Sonia x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 damaged

1LT M.Bannister of VMF-212 is credited with kill number 6

Allied Ships
AK Asphalion


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

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 57683 troops, 659 guns, 251 vehicles

Defending force 53176 troops, 566 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 3)


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 682
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 316
Guns lost 2


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

[PzB74]

Been relatively quiet over the last few days, if you disregard the daily raids against Irau and
Lunga that is. I'm continuing to loose aircraft at roughly a 2-1 ratio.

The situation at Irau is worsening, after a few bombardment attacks, a renewed deliberate attack by
67k troops reduced fortifications levels to 2 and killed 1000 defenders to 500 attackers. Not a good sign,
and it doesn't take a great mathematician to see what such numbers will lead to.

There was one very positive incident today though, I-1 attacked the US carrier tf that my scout planes have
been tracing lately. After a few days of analysing the tf's movement pattern, I-1 was ordered to intercept:

One torpedo smacks into the CVL Monterey and sets of a fuel storage explosion [:D]
That should be the last we see of her in this campaign....Adios!-)
(See attached screenshot at the end of the report)

Unfortunately, I-1 paid the ultimate price and now sleeps with the fishes.
The captain was posthumously promoted 2 ranks and awarded the Order of the Chrysanthemum.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/28/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Kirakira , at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 26

no losses

Runway hits 1

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Posarae at 31,35

Japanese Ships
AP Mikage Maru #20

Allied Ships
SS Bonefish


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 45,46

Japanese Ships
SS I-11, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CVL Monterey, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD O'Bannon
DD Sigourney


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
A6M3 Zero x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 7

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 26

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Tokyo Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP Toa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Samidare
AP Denmark Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
A6M3 Zero x 6
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 7

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 16

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

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Toa Maru, on fire
AP Yamagiri Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Denmark Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

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

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

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 67708 troops, 747 guns, 316 vehicles

Defending force 51977 troops, 551 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 2

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


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 1033
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 529
Guns lost 1


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

[wobbly]

ORIGINAL: PzB


Sub attack at 45,46

Japanese Ships
SS I-11, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CVL Monterey, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD O'Bannon
DD Sigourney

You Jammy sod [:D] that would've had the whiley old croc cursing. The small victories become so enchanting as the late game Jap - anything to put a positive spin on horrible combat reports.

[PzB74]

Yes, that must have released a curse or two [8D]
Funny; I've been sailing my carriers around for years, litterally speaking, and the escort has not always been up to par, yet; not a single Jap cv has been torpedoed by the numerous US subs prowling the seas.

I-11 was actually my last sub <EG>...they're all one shot charlies.(

Managed to overwrite the combat txt for this turn!
The deliberate attack at Irau achieved a 1-1 odds today, forts still at lvl2 - but Jap casualties were again high.
I would be surprised if Irau held on for much longer now. Not sure I wish to bring in reinforcements; the cost to bring them in would be great - and the extra troops would most likely be destroyed anyway without much actual gain.

Will consider it if my garrison holds out for another week or two!
The KB is now rested and refitted - should be possible to cross swords with the reduced US carrier tf. 1 cv and 2 cve's shouldn't be a match for 4 cv's and 2 cvl's.

[PzB74]

A few more days with vicious attacks against Irau an Lunga sees the last forts fall.
Still only a 1-1 odds, but a 1000 Jap troops are dying each day.
The end is in sight, but the last rations of sake are distributed among the troops, and they
all swear to go down fighting!


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/02/43

Weather: Clear

Air attack on Russell Islands , at 35,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 74

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed


Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 51

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 10
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 90

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 329
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 28
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 72

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
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
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
5 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
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
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 144th Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 127


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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 169
Guns lost 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
11 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
10 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
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
16 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
5 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
5 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet

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

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 66680 troops, 742 guns, 320 vehicles

Defending force 49054 troops, 535 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 0

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

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 1096

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 149


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

[PzB74]

I've accumulated a new barge fleet that now supplies the island chain below Shortland.
US subs are busy hacking away at em!

Another expensive day at Irau, keep on loosing 5 men for each marine.
My engineers are rebuilding one level of fortifications each day - and that helps.
Hopefully all the Allied troops will be worn out and not ready for another bloody round of combat within the timeframe of this scenario!

Got more transports and the CS Chitose released today [:(]
I had just sent her back, and she was returned to me the day she arrived at Tokyo ¤#%¤#&& Argh....

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/03/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack near Posarae at 31,35

Japanese Ships
AG 363, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Bonefish


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 34,37

Japanese Ships
AG 2051, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Swordfish


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Posarae at 31,35

Allied Ships
SS Bonefish


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

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 66443 troops, 742 guns, 320 vehicles

Defending force 48033 troops, 527 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 1189
Guns lost 3

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 263
Guns lost 2


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

[PzB74]

Another 1000 men lost today, but still holding.
Swordfish is rather active and attacks the same convoy and the same ship
twice, finally scoring a hit.

Not much glory to bask in these days, so I performed a quick 'head count' ;
83 DD's
10 APD's
4 DMS's
3 DML's
= 100 US destroyers of all types sunk [:)]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/04/43

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack at 34,37

Japanese Ships
AP Yamafuku Maru
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
SS Swordfish


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 34,37

Japanese Ships
AP Yamafuku Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Swordfish

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 10


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

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 66266 troops, 740 guns, 320 vehicles

Defending force 46864 troops, 520 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 1026
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 376


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

[PzB74]

The day to day struggle on Irau continues! IJN losses are increasing,
but the odds is still firmly stuck between 0-1 and 1-1.

The Yamafaku Maru that were torpedoed by USS Swordfish yesterday unloaded its supplies
an tried to seek emergency harbour at Lunga, but the Blackfish put another 3 torps into
her, instantly sinking her.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/06/43

Weather: Clear

Sub attack at 36,39

Japanese Ships
AP Yamafuku Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Blackfish


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

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 66748 troops, 738 guns, 333 vehicles

Defending force 45559 troops, 502 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 0

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

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 1234

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 140


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

[PzB74]

After a prolonged and bloody battle, the garrison at Irau finally succumbs to
superior enemy forces!

My lead in points dropped to 4740 as the loss of 36k troops was kinda expensive.

Counted at least 17 Allied brigades and regiments in the last attack.
Well, time to prepare for the last 12 weeks of the battle! Still have a few cards
left to play [;)]

Does anyone know how WitP handles land combat? I think the UV models land combat ok
until a base is actually captured. I sincerely doubt that 36k troops can be killed
in one day for the cost of 174 Allied casualties. A prolonged action would have been needed
to clear the island of the remaining enemy troops after the base was captured.

Well, still 3 reduced regiments left on Irau - they're ordered to make one last BANZAI charge!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/07/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 36,39

Allied Ships
SS Blackfish


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Posarae at 31,35

Japanese Ships
AP Yamakisan Maru

Allied Ships
SS Bonefish


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

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 75045 troops, 847 guns, 353 vehicles

Defending force 44680 troops, 499 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Allied forces CAPTURE Irau base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 36442
Guns lost 249

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 174
Guns lost 1


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

[PzB74]

Last action on Irau...
Should be in for a few quiet weeks now as both sides prepares for the final phase!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/08/43

Weather: Overcast

Ground combat at Irau

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 10711 troops, 116 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 82470 troops, 844 guns, 395 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 1260


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

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 74990 troops, 844 guns, 353 vehicles

Defending force 9669 troops, 116 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 64 to 1 (fort level 0)


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 11699
Guns lost 111


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

[PzB74]

Another 5 days have passed, and there hasn't been much action - except from the usual
sub and bombing attacks that is. Had to scuttle one transport of Lunga yesterday, and another few got
hit by torps and bombs.

Trying to prepare a good defense for the 'last wave'.

One good news today - 18!!! heavies went down as op losses, 12 B17's and 6 Libs [8D]
Me like alot...maybe the AI wanted to present me with a few gifts on the Norwegian National Day!?
Some 100 years since we got rid of the Swedes today [:D]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/13/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 8
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 95

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

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
AG 2060, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 69

Port hits 9
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
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
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
7 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
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 TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 8
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 7
F4U-1 Corsair x 19
TBF Avenger x 4
P-40E Kittyhawk x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 destroyed

2LT E. Pedersen of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 6

2LT E. Pedersen of VMF-112 bails out and is CAPTURED

Japanese Ships
AP Meiyo Maru


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 27

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Batavia Maru
AP Josho Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Makinami
AP Meiyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Koyo Maru

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

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

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

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 6
F4U-1 Corsair x 16
TBF Avenger x 4
P-40E Kittyhawk x 8

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


Japanese Ships
AP Koyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 22

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Makinami, Bomb hits 1
AP Josho Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Meiyo Maru, on fire
AP Koyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

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

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

[PzB74]

Another few quiet days.... My asw planes have reportedly attacked numerous
subs and hit 3!

Today a small force captured the 0 size Rennell Isl just south of Irau/Lunga.
It is believed to be a faint. Several Allied ac have been lost for no apparent
reason lately, making me believe that a change of operational focus is taking place.
Therefore, reinforcements are being shipped to New Guinea and the surronding bases.

The arrival of another 2 full divisions in September made it possible to strengthen most
of the important bases and retain a powerful counterstrike force.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/15/43

Weather: Rain

Ground combat at Rennell Island

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 97 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 8 to 1 (fort level 2)

Allied forces CAPTURE Rennell Island base !!!



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

[PzB74]

Irau has increased its airfield, size 2 now.
An LCI hit a mine and sank today, so did a damaged Jap transport
at Tulagi. Another msw is sunk by a sub, they're blocking every entrance to my major
bases and msw's seems to be their prime targets...

SS-45 was reported hit by asw ac, think this was the second time? Sink you bugger, sink!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/17/43

Weather: Rain

Sub attack at 28,34

Japanese Ships
MSW Seki Maru #3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Corvina


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 36,39

Allied Ships
SS Blackfish


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

[PzB74]

Heavy air raid against Vila today, and quite a few planes are destoyed on the ground.
Well, I can replace the ac as long as their pilots doesn't get killed.

23 Jap ac destroyed vs 12 US, including 9 B24's.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/18/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 36,39

Allied Ships
SS Blackfish


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Vila , at 32,36

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 7

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 73
B-24J Liberator x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 10 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 5 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 3 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 4 damaged
Ki-49 Helen x 1 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen x 5 damaged
J1N1-C Irving x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 73

Airbase hits 26
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 75

Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24J Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator at 6000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24J 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
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
8 x B-24J Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 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 Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 8
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 10

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 18

no losses

no losses


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 6
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 10

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 damaged

2LT J. DeBlanc of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 3


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

[grraven2004]

Hey PzB.

What is the score right now?

[PzB74]

Have you been reading threads on the WitP forum?-)
Your question fits quite well into the discussion on the use of having a score system!

I think the Allies now have 12000 points vs 16700 for Japan.

It is quite interesting to see how well this 4700 point maring illustrates the difference in the current
situation compared to the historical one on this date.

Had Japan not lost 4 carriers at Midway and been able to deploy them in the South Pacific, this could
perhaps have been the result. The historical situation has been improved by at least 8 months.