The Hawke vs The Condor - Sc 17

[neuromancer]

That was lucky, MLs and MSs don't tend to take torps very well.

[Shadow of the Condor]

25 Jun 42
Wx: Partly Cloudy

No narrative here, just an update. The Hawke is still pushing me all along my defensive line. Today, an 80-man recon force landed at Noumea. Oh well, now he'll get confirmation that two full divisions are at Noumea. Which means I don't have that second division in Oz.

S-43 almost pops an IJN AV (I really like to sink those ships, it forces the IJN to actually build a base to fly planes), and the reduction of Cairns continues. New sightings include a surface combat force north of Townsville - probably to bombard that base, or possibly bait. Also spotted is a single APD on a line for Cairns - most likely AA or an ENG unit for Cairns.

As to my "five carriers" vs. the KB, I'll fight if I ever get five carriers close enough to him.

Here's the CR:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/25/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
AV Sanuki Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-43


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 82nd Naval Garrison Unit, at 7,56


Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 21
P-39D Airacobra x 42
P-40E Kittyhawk x 17


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 44


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

More to come...

[LordHawke]

HQ Combined Fleet, Truk. June 27th, 1942. 1500h.

"Sir, battle report from Admiral Tanaka."

The Admiral received the dispatch eagerly from the orderly and read it, his expression serious and unchanging.

"Gentlemen," he looked up at the assembled throng of staff officers. "Operation Naginata is in progress. We have hit Objective AT hard, perhaps enough to close it. It's still too early for celebrations, though."

The staff looked grim, but determined. The fat was in the fire, so to speak.

"Signal Admiral Maruyama to proceed as scheduled."

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/27/42

Weather: Rain

Sub attack at 10,61

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Maya
CA Chokai
DD Tokitsukaze

Allied Ships
SS S-44


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
DD Shirakumo

Allied Ships
SS S-47, Shell hits 2, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 2 damaged


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 22

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 65


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged

Airbase hits 23
Runway hits 41


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged

Airbase hits 6
Runway hits 17


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 10,59

Japanese Ships
CL Kuma
DD Kazegumo
DD Arashio

Allied Ships
SS S-44, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 7,55

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa

Allied Ships
SS S-40


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Charter Towers , at 8,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
D3A Val x 17
B5N Kate x 27

no losses

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 28

Attacking Level Bombers:
15 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
12 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Cairns , at 7,56


Allied aircraft
A-20B Havoc x 15


no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x A-20B Havoc at 20000 feet
12 x A-20B Havoc at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Cooktown , at 6,53


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 24
B-26B Marauder x 45


no losses

Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 20000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 20000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 20000 feet
3 x Hudson at 20000 feet
9 x B-26B Marauder at 20000 feet
3 x Hudson at 20000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 20000 feet
12 x Hudson at 20000 feet
3 x Hudson at 20000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 20000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 20000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 20000 feet
5 x B-26B Marauder at 20000 feet
7 x B-26B Marauder at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Cairns at 7,56


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 3
P-40E Kittyhawk x 3


Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Uranami, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62


Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 11
B-17E Fortress x 3


no losses

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CL Jintsu
CA Maya

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
6 x B-25D Mitchell at 20000 feet
5 x B-25D Mitchell at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,57

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 17
P-39D Airacobra x 35
P-40E Kittyhawk x 41

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 2 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Umikaze, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Samidare, Shell hits 8
DD Asagumo, Shell hits 4
DD Murasame, Shell hits 16
CL Tatsuta, Shell hits 16, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Yudachi, Shell hits 8


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Isokaze, Shell hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 9

Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 81


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
DD Yugiri
DD Ayanami

Allied Ships
SS S-47, heavy damage


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

[Drex]

I usually don't have time to read AARs but I have to congratulate both Condor and Hawke for providing a most enjoyable read. They have obviously put some thought into their narratives producing a very interesting story. Fight on! Will the Allies survive the onslaught?

[Shadow of the Condor]

(Thanks Drex, your comment is much appreciated [:)] )

27 Jun 42
Wx: Rain

1100L…Townsville COIC…plotting room…

Major Jefferies couldn’t remember shaking so badly. A former P-39D pilot, he silently wished his compatriots well when they took off after surviving not one, but three overnight bombardments. He read the report again about the loss of Commander Moore and S-44. The PBY reported the oil slick where Moore was patrolling along the Great Barrier Reef. The major waited for the report of the response the Army’s fighter bombers would deliver to the IJN fleet now marauding Australian waters.

He looked up again at the Perspex plotting board and silently cursed the shortsightedness of the Allied command here. While evacuating Cairns and Cooktown, there hadn’t been time to drain the fuel and destroy the supplies. Now IJN battleships were at Cairns, and cruisers at Cooktown. “Sliding down the Reef” they had taken to calling the operation. Bombard Townsville by night and day, and then return to Cooktown and Cairns to refuel and reload. They could keep this up almost indefinitely.

The engineers at the base, particularly the 808th EAB were performing marvelously. Even after the three shellings overnight, the base was still able to get aircraft off the ground.

Finally, a dispatch from Aitkenvale Weir (my apologies for misspelling it earlier) arrived and the corporal posted the information. Jefferies almost ran over the corporal trying to read it…

1900L…base operations building…briefing room…Noumea, New Caledonia…

The admiral puffed on his cigar, and studied the map of the Australian coastline, and watched as markers representing the opposing task forces were placed. There were too many red markers…

Admiral Pye, theater operations officer, pointed to the sighting just 90 miles ENE of Townsville, along the Reef.

“Four Jap carriers. With escorts. And they haven’t launched anything yet. You suppose they’re waiting for something?”

The Admiral shifted the cigar in his mouth and answered.

“The carriers are showing themselves again. They still want our carriers to engage them.”

Pye rubbed his eyes and yawned. It had been a long three days, and the prospects weren’t good for a lessening of intensity.

“At least,” he said between yawns, “we know where they’re headed.”

The Admiral sighed audibly and gazed over the edge of the map, his eyes unfocused for a bit. He jerked his head a bit and re-focused his eyes on Townsville.

“I’m not so sure……”, he whispered,

Pye glanced back. “What’s that, sir?”

The admiral jammed the cigar back into his teeth and looked directly at Pye.

“Get Ray Spruance in here. I’m going to give them their carrier engagement.”

Pye looked at the Admiral for a moment before reaching for the phone.

[marky]

i agree with drex

wen i see that theres been an addition to this AAR, i ALWAYS look

cant wait for more, let alone the titanic battle about to begin


[:D]

[Shadow of the Condor]

28 Jun 42
Wx: Overcast

1000L…Aitkenvale Weir airfield…near Townsville…

The men in the shelters looked hopefully to the field. The engineers were doing their best to keep the runways operational, but the job was enormous. Every battleship in the IJN fleet must be lobbing shells into the base. Fortunately, the engineers had no shortage of supplies or manpower. Even pilots were helping with the task at hand. If only they had enough time…

1100L…Charter Towers airbase…Queensland, Australia…

They came for the second day…carrier launched aircraft bombing the facilities trying to inflict damage to the base and prevent it from impacting on the IJN plans. This time, however, the P-400s were airborne and dove past the meager fighter escort and tore into the bombers. Although they culled their share from the attack, bombs still fell on the base. Tomorrow, would the enemy send more fighters…?

1232L…Townsville COIC…plotting room…

Major Jefferies was awoke from where he had been sleeping while seated at the briefing table. Inside the bunker for almost 3 straight days, time was beginning to lose meaning. If he had any cobwebs from waking up they disappeared immediately when he saw the report.

…IJN forces on the ground 60 miles WNW of Townsville…estimate 2000+ troops…10 guns…

“How in the hell did they get there??!?” he wondered aloud.

The corporal added, “Carriers, sir. Reports of carriers at the same position.”

Jefferies was sure he was still dreaming. “Carriers..?” , he thought…"inside the Reef?”

1300L…Brisbane Naval Yard…

The ships pulled out of the harbor. The enemy had a monstrous armada waiting for them, but they had to sail. They had to at least try…

1400L…briefing room…base operations building…Noumea, New Caledonia…

“Finally", thought Pye. This new theater commander sure didn’t see the obvious at times. He looked the authorization just signed by his commander. It had taken some time to get the old man to sign off, but operation Arc Light was about to begin…

1410L…briefing room…base operations building…Noumea, New Caledonia…

The admiral looked at the map. Pye had his authorization to begin Arc Light. Perhaps his operations officer was right. Perhaps they could commit everything here in an attempt to throw back the Japanese.

But something still seemed……

…wrong.

1830L…Aitkenvale Weir airfield…near Townsville…

The pilots had done their best. So had the engineers. Just before they were ready to go a few hours ago, another bombardment had caused enough damage to postpone flight operations for another few hours. And the sun was setting soon. Townsville would not hit back today…

The CR:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/28/42

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
PC Toshi Maru #3

Allied Ships
SS Tautog


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 2 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 2 destroyed

Airbase hits 6
Runway hits 32


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 38


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
no losses

Allied Ships
SS S-47, Shell hits 1, heavy damage

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 9


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Charter Towers , at 8,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
D3A Val x 17
B5N Kate x 29

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 6 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 1 damaged


1LT C. Jones of 39th FS is credited with kill number 4


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 12

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 14

Attacking Level Bombers:
14 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
10 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Cairns , at 7,56


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9


no losses

Port hits 4
Port supply hits 1

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

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

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 10

Allied Ships
SS Tautog


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62

Airbase hits 7
Runway hits 52


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 10
Port hits 1


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

[LordHawke]

Editor's Note: My little tribute to Tora! Tora! Tora!

In B5N torpedo plane No. 12, over Charter Towers. June 29th, 1942. 0900h.

They were late. It was clear to Commander Fuchida and the rest of his crew. The airfield was empty.

"Approaching initial point, sir." His pilot, Lieutenant Matsuzaki, called out to him from the voice tube.

High above him, visible through the scattered clouds, the fighter escort weaved lazily. There were no enemy fighters in sight today. A good thing, since they had allocated most of the Zeros to protect the carriers. Slightly below them, the dive bombers were taking up position. Lieutenant Commander Takahashi would be keeping a good lookout for his Verey flare this time. The rest of the torpedo planes, armed with their larger 1000lb bombs, flew in attack formation behind Fuchida, led by the idomitable Lieutenant Commander Murata.

"No anti aircraft fire," mused Fuchida. "That's good."

"It's a pity, sir. We won't get to destroy their airplanes on the ground," grumbled Matsuzaki.

"Well then, we have to make sure they don't have a base to come back to. Lets make our bombs count, shall we?" Fuchida loaded his Verey pistol and fired one flare.

As the flare flashed into life high above the Australian sky, all 240 naval bombers prepared to execute an immaculate surprise attack on the hapless Allied base.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/29/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 12

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 46


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 2 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 1 damaged

Airbase hits 11
Runway hits 50


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
no losses

Airbase hits 8
Runway hits 20


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
CL Naka, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS S-38


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Townsville , at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
D3A Val x 9
B5N Kate x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 2 damaged


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 10

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 23

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
14 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Townsville , at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 2 damaged

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 27

Attacking Level Bombers:
25 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Charter Towers , at 8,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
D3A Val x 120
B5N Kate x 120

no losses

Airbase hits 39
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 201

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
21 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
24 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
3 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
24 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
21 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
24 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,58


Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 3
P-40E Kittyhawk x 3


Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 2 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,58


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 18


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 3 destroyed
Hudson x 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Kuroshio
CA Mikuma
CA Mogami
CA Suzuya, on fire

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,58


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 10
Beaufort x 8
P-40E Kittyhawk x 23
B-25D Mitchell x 25
B-26B Marauder x 15
A-20B Havoc x 9


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 3 damaged
Beaufort x 2 damaged
B-25D Mitchell x 1 destroyed
A-20B Havoc x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
CA Mogami
CA Suzuya, on fire
DD Inazuma
DD Hatsukaze
CL Sendai
CL Nagara
CA Mikuma
DD Maikaze

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
1 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
2 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
1 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 8,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
A6M3 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 3
P-400 Airacobra x 19
P-39D Airacobra x 11
A-24 Dauntless x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 2 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 1 damaged
A-24 Dauntless x 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
AP Kenshin Maru, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hiyoshi Maru, Shell hits 8
AP Horaisan Maru, Shell hits 16
AP Shirogane Maru
AP Yoshinogawa Maru
AP Aiyo Maru
AP Jusan Maru, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 97

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 8,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
A6M3 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 10
P-39D Airacobra x 30
P-40E Kittyhawk x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 4 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 damaged

FLT L.Shannon of No. 75 Sqn RAAF is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
AP Aiyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kenshin Maru, Shell hits 24, on fire, heavy damage
AP Iwaki Maru, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 1
AP Horaisan Maru, Shell hits 4
AP Kaiko Maru, Shell hits 4
AP Kaisho Maru, Shell hits 4

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 48
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62


Allied aircraft
A-20B Havoc x 3


Allied aircraft losses
A-20B Havoc x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Furutaka

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
no losses


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 20

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 83


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Innisfail

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 39 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 4)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Innisfail base !!!



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

[Drex]

I am waiting with baited breath( what is baited breath anyway?)

[LordHawke]

ORIGINAL: Drex

I am waiting with baited breath( what is baited breath anyway?)

Hi Drex,

It's "bated" breath (no 'i'). [;)]

Now, 'baited breath' is what you get when you've eaten too much garlic [:D]
Or, if you're a Fear Factor participant [:'(]

Just kidding, ok? [;)]

[LordHawke]

The Great Barrier Reef, 60 miles N of Townsville. June 30th, 1942. 0800h.

The Allied ships were almost near the relative safety of Townsville's harbour, and within range of their (presumed) targets, the armada of IJN landing ships unloading troops at Townsville, when they were spotted by the Tone's No. 3 floatplane.

It took less than 10 minutes for the message to reach Admiral Yamaguchi on the Akagi's flightdeck, and the order to launch was given. This time, the Kido Butai's mighty aerial fleet were armed for their primary mission: sinking ships.

Lieutenant Commander Murata had the honour this time. There were more than 200 planes in the sky, including some of the new improved Zero fighter, the Model A6M3. But they saw almost no action today. The skies were clear of enemy fighters. The surface bombardment forces had worked Townsville over pretty good the night before, and now the pilots of IJN were going to reap the rewards.

Murata counted 3 cruisers and 6 destroyers, steaming full tilt towards Townsville. He fired a green Verey flare from his torpedo plane. The attack began.

The torpedo plane sections peeled off one after the other to execute their deadly hammer-and-anvil attacks from the bows of their targets. From above 10000 feet, the divebombers screamed down to wreck the ship's anti-aircraft mounts and cover the torpedo planes' attacks.

The Allied ships' agonies were mercifully short. In a little over 15 minutes, 7 ships were settling gradually into the clear blue seas of the Barrier Reef, while 2 destroyers struggled on to survive.

"All enemy ships sunk." Murata reported triumphantly over the radio. He beamed as he flew east into the rays of the rising sun, bursting through the storm clouds far away. It was a good day.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/30/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 38,36

Japanese Ships
AP Enju Maru

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


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


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 20

Airbase hits 29
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 231
Port hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 3 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 4 damaged
A-24 Dauntless x 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 23

Airbase hits 22
Runway hits 219


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 3 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 2 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 1 destroyed
B-26B Marauder x 3 damaged
A-24 Dauntless x 1 destroyed
A-24 Dauntless x 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 21

Airbase hits 16
Runway hits 117


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Townsville at 10,62

Allied Ships
SS S-38


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 54
A6M3 Zero x 6
D3A Val x 105
B5N Kate x 97

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 5 damaged
B5N Kate x 4 destroyed
B5N Kate x 11 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Australia, Bomb hits 17, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Anderson, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Bagley, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Walke, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CL Hobart, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CL Leander, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Jarvis, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Morris, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
B5N Kate x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Leander, on fire, heavy damage
DD Bagley, on fire, heavy damage
DD Morris, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA Australia, on fire, heavy damage
DD Arunta, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
D3A Val x 24
B5N Kate x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Hobart, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Townsville , at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3
G4M1 Betty x 1

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 1 damaged


Runway hits 3

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet
2 x G3M Nell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 63
A6M3 Zero x 6
D3A Val x 99
B5N Kate x 105

no losses

Allied Ships
DD Anderson, on fire, heavy damage
CA Australia, on fire, heavy damage
CL Leander, on fire, heavy damage
DD Bagley, on fire, heavy damage
CL Hobart, on fire, heavy damage
DD Jarvis, on fire, heavy damage
DD Walke, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
D3A Val x 20
B5N Kate x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Australia, on fire, heavy damage
DD Morris, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 8,61

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

Allied Ships
SS S-37


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Townsville at 10,62

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

Allied Ships
SS S-38


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Luganville

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 1174 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 70 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Luganville base !!!



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

[neuromancer]

Yeep man!

You are one of them there hyper aggressive IJN players aren't you?


At least Condor is doing better than me. You're laying the hurt down on him, but at least he hasn't lost Noumea, and is thus still in the fight!

[LordHawke]

ORIGINAL: neuromancer

Yeep man!

You are one of them there hyper aggressive IJN players aren't you?

Well, my motto as the IJN is "Use it or Lose it". [8D]

Didn't work out as well when I played Allied, however. [:(]

[Philwd]

This is going to be great reading. In scen 17 the IJN has a narrow window to attack Oz with the 2nd and 38th div before the USN gets the 2 US div.

Of course even if the Hawke takes Townsville he has to keep it supplied[:)]

Yep this is going to be fun.

Quark

[LordHawke]

Aboard the Akagi, SE of Townsville. July 2nd, 1942. 1700h

He should've seen it coming.

Admiral Yamaguchi shook his head slowly as he scanned the damage to his fleet through his binoculars. The Kaga was still burning somewhat, but miraculously afloat despite taking 4 bombs. Shokaku and Soryu had had a bomb apiece, and their crews were working furiously to contain the damage.

It had all started to go wrong in the morning. The Tone's No. 4 scout had reported only a battleship and a destroyer due North. The Myoko's No. 1 scout, however, had reported yet another cruiser force sailing up the Great Barrier Reef to contest the landings at Townsville.

"Let Admiral Nagumo handle the battleship, we'll attack the cruisers." And thus did he set in motion the whole sorry chain of events.

The attack on the cruisers had gone smoothly enough. Again and again the attack planes poured out of the sky and bombed and torpedoed the hapless ships. Only 2 destroyers had managed to slip into a passing squall and escaped the punishment being dealt out to their sister ships.

Then the divebombers appeared over the fleet...

"At least the Combat Air Patrol was ready," mused Yamaguchi. Eventually, they managed to shoot down over a hundred enemy planes. But it had not been enough to prevent them from exacting their price. Yamaguchi had managed to launched a late afternoon counterstrike, but it was too small and uncoordinated to make an impression.

"Sir, perhaps we should make for port?" Commander Genda, his tone downcast.

Yamaguchi took a deep breath. "No, signal Combined Fleet. Enemy carriers sighted. We are engaging them."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/01/42

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
AP Kaika Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Yura

Allied Ships
SS S-38

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 33


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima
BB Nagato
BB Yamato
CL Naka
CL Kuma
DD Kazegumo
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Yamagumo
DD Fubuki
DD Usugumo
DD Uranami

Allied Ships
DD Arunta, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 1 destroyed
B-26B Marauder x 3 damaged


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 156
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 17
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 201


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged

Airbase hits 6
Runway hits 73


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 9,60

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

Allied Ships
SS S-40


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 10,61

Japanese Ships
SS I-21

Allied Ships
DD Henley, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Cairns , at 7,56


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 27


no losses

Port hits 3
Port supply hits 1

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
5 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 TF at 18,67

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34
D3A Val x 68
B5N Kate x 51

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 26 damaged
B5N Kate x 13 destroyed
B5N Kate x 23 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Canberra, Bomb hits 2
CA Portland
CA Chicago, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Helm
CL Honolulu, Bomb hits 6, on fire
CA New Orleans, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Monssen, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Gridley, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Mugford


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 18,67

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
D3A Val x 22
B5N Kate x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 10 damaged
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 7 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Canberra, Bomb hits 7, on fire
CL Honolulu, on fire
DD Gridley, on fire
CA Portland, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 18,67

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 14 damaged

Allied Ships
CA New Orleans, on fire, heavy damage
CA Portland, on fire
DD Mugford


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 18,67

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
D3A Val x 26
B5N Kate x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 10 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Portland, Bomb hits 6, on fire
CA Canberra, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA Chicago, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Monssen, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Helm
DD Patterson, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
A6M3 Zero x 6
D3A Val x 9

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 8 damaged


Allied Ships
DD Hughes, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,67

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 64

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15
SBD Dauntless x 34
TBD Devastator x 15

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

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 16 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 18 damaged
TBD Devastator x 4 destroyed
TBD Devastator x 8 damaged

CPO W.Handa of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku
CV Akagi
CV Kaga
CV Shokaku
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,67

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 52

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

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 14 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 6 damaged

LTJG R.Ikura of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
CV Kaga
DD Ariake, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,67

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 53

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 16
SBD Dauntless x 34
TBD Devastator x 15

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

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 7 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 11 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 23 damaged
TBD Devastator x 2 destroyed
TBD Devastator x 12 damaged

CPO P.Sagara of AI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi
CV Shokaku
CV Soryu, on fire
CV Kaga


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,67

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 59

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 30
SBD Dauntless x 34
TBD Devastator x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 5 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 11 damaged
TBD Devastator x 4 destroyed
TBD Devastator x 9 damaged

CPO W.Handa of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4

Japanese Ships
CV Soryu, on fire
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 4, on fire
DD Shigure
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 16,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
A6M3 Zero x 8

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 18
TBD Devastator x 13

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 14 damaged
TBD Devastator x 5 destroyed
TBD Devastator x 7 damaged

PO1 C. Isozaki of F1/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CVL Ryujo
CV Junyo
CVL Zuiho
DD Makigumo, Bomb hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 17,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
A6M3 Zero x 5
D3A Val x 6
B5N Kate x 8

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9
F4F-4 Wildcat x 52

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 6 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed

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


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 17,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 39
D3A Val x 16

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9
F4F-4 Wildcat x 50

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 7 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged
D3A Val x 11 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 4 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged

WO M.Kawakubo of AI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3

LCDR C. Fenton of VF-42 bails out and is RESCUED

Allied Ships
CV Hornet
CV Lexington


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Shell hits 2
CA Atago, Shell hits 6
CA Maya, Shell hits 7
CA Chokai, Shell hits 1
CA Nachi, Shell hits 1
CA Ashigara
CL Jintsu
DD Yukikaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Tokitsukaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Urakaze
DD Shikinami, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Ayanami
DD Yugiri
DD Akebono

Allied Ships
DD Wilkes, Shell hits 20, and is sunk
DD Blue, Shell hits 20, and is sunk
DD Ralph Talbot, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Worden, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Atago
CA Maya
CA Chokai
CA Nachi
CA Ashigara
CL Jintsu
DD Yukikaze, on fire
DD Tokitsukaze, on fire
DD Urakaze
DD Shikinami, on fire
DD Ayanami
DD Yugiri
DD Akebono

Allied Ships
DD Hughes, Shell hits 7, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 2 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 4 damaged

Allied Ships
SC 522, Shell hits 1

Airbase hits 6
Runway hits 57
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 3 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 16

Airbase hits 19
Runway hits 101


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

[Drex]

It could have been worse but now the allied CVs have many less planes to defend and counterattack. this could be the end of the allied CVs.

[Shadow of the Condor]

1 Jul 42
Wx: Overcast

1900L…bridge, USS Enterprise…at sea

What a difference twelve hours can make…

At seven o’clock this morning, the reports from the land-based PBYs finally reached him, and Spruance found himself smack dab in the middle of two enemy carrier forces. To his southeast were 6 first line carriers, and due west he was faced with one first line carrier and three light carriers. The Japanese had done the unforeseen again, this time coming southeast towards him rather than stand off and use their range to try and hit him first. Spruance couldn’t even get a strike off until the afternoon. But amazingly, the carriers ignored him.

So the afternoon attack waves went off. Losses were horrendous, but they had hit and hurt the IJN fleet. Reports had been encouraging: two enemy carriers had taken single 1000lb bomb hits and were burning. One carrier, later identified as the Kaga had taken four bomb hits and was badly damaged. The strike against the carriers to the west went off without fighter escort. Even more amazing is the fact they got through the CAP and hit the light carrier Shoho, where the pilots reported a massive explosion from the carrier and surmised their fuel stores had ignited. The light carrier was burning badly when the planes left.

Finally aware of the danger in their midst, the enemy carriers launched their own air strikes against him, but they were remnants who were flying their second mission of the day after destroying Ainsworth’s cruisers south of him. Spruance felt bad for Ainsworth and his task force, but their lives bought him another day to fight. Spruance’s task force had over 75 fresh pilots and planes in the air flying CAP. That, along with the AA gunners on the carriers (including the Lexington and Yorktown, who returned to PH to install the new 40mm Bofors AA guns) blunted the attack. Not a bomb had been dropped from the enemy.

Of course, now Spruance had another problem. Every IJN vessel now knew where the American carriers were. His air wings had been mauled for the damage they inflicted. Weather promised clouds tomorrow, but no rain in which to hide. Now the survival of his carriers were in the hands of the pilots and AA gunners, as well as Spruance’s own ability. Should he run directly for Noumea? He would probably out-distance the light carriers if he was lucky, but that was the obvious move. Perhaps he should sail west and continue the attack, but he would still have to come back east again. Still, there were ripe targets available and they were unprotected with the enemy’s carriers east of him. But what did he have to attack with?

Finally, he made a decision. Signal pennants were raised, and the task force came to life, if only for one more day…

[Shadow of the Condor]

3 Jul 42
Wx: Thunderstorms

1700L…Townsville COIC…plotting room…

Major Jefferies couldn’t remember being this busy. Coordinating the ship movements in and out of the harbor, posting sub contact and attack reports, and the unfortunate task of listing the ships lost in the attempted defense of the harbor from the IJN bombardment forces. And on top of that, the IJN started it’s ground offensive in both Townsville and Charter Towers. Jefferies silently breathed thanks that his suggestion to divert Kanga Force to defend Charter Towers was accepted. Reports from the New Guinea force commander in charge of the defense of Townsville were better than expected. The IJN attack was met on almost equal terms by the defenders, and reports of almost 1000 invaders killed were being sent back to the Center. Jefferies learned to immediately divide that number by three. The defenders also reported they lost about 90 men today.

At Charter Towers, the situation was not as good. Kanga Force was defending, and had been augmented by the base force stationed there. More defenders were there, but Jefferies didn’t have that information yet as to who they were. No doubt, the movement orders were somewhere in the sea of papers that had accumulated in the plotting room.

The IJN strategy seemed clear enough now. The bombardment was to obviously eliminate any air threat from the two bases. The IJN also landed a force south of Townsville, most likely in an attempt to block supplies from Brisbane along the coast highway. But the IJN also appeared to have split their force in an attempt to take both bases at once. Perhaps their recon showed the base at Charter Towers only manned by the base force. The last recon of Townsville also probably just showed a couple of regiments, when, in fact, the base had five full combat regiments ready to meet the attackers.

At sea the news was slightly more hopeful. Spruance had pulled off a small miracle with his carriers – getting in the middle of the IJN CVs, hitting Kaga with four bombs, and setting three other carriers on fire; and he managed to do so without any damage at all to the American carriers. And, he escaped clean back to Brisbane, while PBY contacts showed the IJN carriers now in two task forces, headed north.

The submarines had also been busy, sinking at least three IJN transports, as well as the big news of the day, putting a torpedo into the IJN battleship Kirishima!

On the negative side of the ledger, the American cruisers and destroyers had valiantly ~ of perhaps, foolishly ~ had thrown themselves into the frenzy at Townsville. The IJN ships did take damage, but Jefferies could count the number of Allied ships that got back out again on one hand.

2000L…briefing room…base operations building…Noumea, New Caledonia…

The Admiral didn’t need to read the reports again. The Allies were doing all they can to defend Townsville. The IJN were being slowed down, if even fractionally, but the cost was staggering. Washington was sending more of everything, (no doubt in response to a ‘visit’ from the Australian ambassador), but it had to be gathered and shipped across half an ocean. Would there be enough time…?

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/03/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 10,61

Japanese Ships
DD Michishio
BB Yamato
CL Kuma
DD Usugumo

Allied Ships
SS S-39


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 7

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 169
Port hits 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 10,61

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

Allied Ships
SS S-39

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 36


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,66

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
D3A Val x 59
B5N Kate x 47

no losses

Allied Ships
DM Gamble, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,66

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
B5N Kate x 19

no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,66

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 3
D3A Val x 9

no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
CA Aoba, Shell hits 2
CA Kinugasa, Shell hits 3
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 3
CA Kako, Shell hits 2
CL Tenryu, Shell hits 3
DD Nowaki, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shirakumo, Shell hits 1
DD Shirayuki, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Fumizuki, Shell hits 1
DD Nagatsuki, Shell hits 2

Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Sims, Shell hits 20, and is sunk
DD Ellet, Shell hits 22, and is sunk
DD Fanning, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Balch, Shell hits 3, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa
CA Furutaka
CA Kako
CL Tenryu
DD Nowaki, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shirakumo
DD Shirayuki, on fire
DD Fumizuki
DD Nagatsuki

Allied Ships
DD Balch, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa
CA Furutaka
CA Kako
CL Tenryu
DD Nowaki, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shirakumo
DD Shirayuki, on fire
DD Fumizuki
DD Nagatsuki

Allied Ships
DD Balch, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa
CA Furutaka
CA Kako
CL Tenryu
DD Nowaki, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shirakumo
DD Shirayuki, on fire
DD Fumizuki
DD Nagatsuki

Allied Ships
DD Balch, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima, Torpedo hits 1
DD Michishio
DD Fubuki

Allied Ships
SS S-38, Shell hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 4 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 17
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 121
Port hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Charter Towers

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 13740 troops, 167 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 5580 troops, 30 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 9)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 8


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 581

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 26


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Townsville

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 38121 troops, 476 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 37739 troops, 237 guns, 20 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 8

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 8)


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 900

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 138


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

[Drex]

You could use another 1000 troops at Charter Towers. Can you fly them in? Townsville is secure as long as he doesn't land another division (or march them in). Allies seem to be pulling it off.

[marky]

isnt townsville in australia?