Bombur vs. AI in a modified Guadalcanal scenario

[Bombur]

-Not a particularly exciting AAR. Main objective is to collect and register extensive data on the modifications I done to Guadalcanal scenario. I hope it will behave in a more realistic way. As Japanese player, I won´t create any house rules to limit myself. Night bombings, ASW TF´s and all stuff. Here are the changes I done to he standard Guadalcanal scenario
Guadalcanal experimental changes
v0.5
1-All bomb loads multiplied by 0,454 (so max bomber load in the screen is expressed in kilograms), except Avengers (800kg)
2-All aircraft ordnance weight multiplied by the same factor, except the torpedos (798)
3-Max AF size downsized (max. possible now is 6)
4-Didn´t change loads for Soviet aircraft as they don´t take part in the game
5-Bombload for naval attack was decreased for a max 4 bombs for all level bombers able to carry more
6-The 18in Mk12 torpedo now has a load cost of 681
7-Starting AF downsized
8-Durability for Nells and Betties decreased to 28
9-Corrected bombloads for each squadron of level bombers
v0.51
1-Shortland starting AF size increased to one
2-Accuracy for depth charges decreased by 50% (rounded to higher)
3-Effect for depth charges decreased by 50% (rounded to higher)

[EUBanana]

Yay, the fat dwarf!

[&o]

[Bombur]

-General strategy

-Troops in Guadalcanal must build and defend the local airfield
-Land troops will be sent to Buna in order to start a land offensive to capture Port Moresby
-Fighters and bombers from Rabaul will fly attack missions against Port Moresby, in order to gain air superiority over New Guinea
-New Guinea and The Salomons Islands must be supplied by a system of convoys. Air cover will be provided by A6M´s from Lae and Rabaul.
-The airfield in Shortland must be enlarged
-The naval forces must prevent the enemy from interfering with our plans. Avoid combat vs. enemy carriers, at least until the arrival of the two Hiyo class CV´s. After the Midway disaster, the enemy achieved parity, or even superiority in terms of carrier forces. Surface forces mus be used in night operations, so we can benefit from our superiority in training, torpedoes and battleships

-04/08/42
-Combat resolution (I will avoid the combat report file which is heavily inaccurate). I will give intel data when possible
-No enemy activity detected
-13 A6M2 escorted 4 Betties in an attack against PM. Intercepted by 5 P-39´s. One P-39 shot down. No losses for our side. One bomb hit in the runway.

[Bombur]

08/05/42

Orders:

-A big raid vs PM was planned. All G4M´s, escorted by 40% of A6M2´s from Rabaul
-Convoys from Truk were sent to Buna and Wewak
-I´m allowing the computer to create some sub TF´s, will change control to human latter as they approach the battlezone

Combat resolution

-Raid vs. PM didn´t go as expected. A total of 41 G4M´s escorted by 17 A6M2 attacked. Opposed by 14 P-39´s. My planes flew at 15,000 feet to take advantage of the poor performance of P-39´s over 10,000 feet. Our A6M2´s, as always, defeated the P-39´s, shooting down 3 of them, with only one loss. However, the surviving P-39´s shot down 4 Betties and another one was lost to AA fire. The G4M´s seem be be unable to survive to even light fighter opposition. Heavier A6M2 escort is needed for these raids.
-A worrying development. A Mavis reported no less than 4 TF´s approaching Guadalcanal. At least 4 cruisers and 4 troop transports identified. No CV´s were seen, but is unlikely the enemy will make an amphibious operations withouth air cover. It´s clear tha Guadalcanal and Tulagi are the targets. With no major naval assets and the big distance from land based support, it will be hard to repel the disembarks. Some action must be took....

[Bombur]

08/06/42

Orders

We were caught off guard with the USA attack on Guadalcanal. Very few Japanese assets to oppose invasion. We asked Tokyo to send us carriers and battleships, but they will take at least 12 days to arrive. The Japanese command decided not to use Betties against the invasion force, instead, they will be kept on attacking PM. The next raid will have massive escort from Zeros and less Betties. We intend to shot down as much enemy fighters as possible. A TF made of 5CA,3CL and 6DD was hastily assembled in Rabaul. They will attempt to engage the enemy force in a night battle. Submarines are being send to the Guadalcanal New Hebrides route. A minelayer was sent to Shortland to improve port defenses. We´re planning Shortland to be a staging base for a future counterattack on Guadalcanal. For now we can´t keep the island.

Resolution

Enemy forces finally arrived to Guadalcanal and started to unload troops

Naval bombardment of Lunga, at 67,97

Allied Ships
DD Hull
DD Dewey
DD Wilson
DD Ellet
CA Vincennes
CA Quincy
CA Astoria

Japanese ground losses:
313 casualties reported

Port supply hits 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Tulagi, at 68,96

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 3 destroyed, 1 damage (that is correct. three Rufes were lost)

Allied Ships
DD Buchanan
DD Monssen
CLAA San Juan

Japanese ground losses:
31 casualties reported

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2

-An enemy sub attacked my Minelayer, with no hits

Daylight bombardment caused more hits to Guadalcanal and Tulagi

Naval bombardment of Lunga, at 67,97

Allied Ships
DD Hull
DD Dewey
DD Wilson
DD Ellet
CA Vincennes
CA Quincy
CA Astoria

Japanese ground losses:
92 casualties reported

Port fuel hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Tulagi, at 68,96

Allied Ships
DD Buchanan
DD Monssen
CLAA San Juan

Japanese ground losses:
73 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1

-Coastal Japanese guns caused some losses to the enemy

Coastal Guns at Lunga, 67,97, firing at TF 1004
TF 1004 troops unloading over beach at Lunga, 67,97


22 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied ground losses:
764 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Tulagi, 68,96, firing at TF 1008
TF 1008 troops unloading over beach at Tulagi, 68,96


18 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DMS Hovey


Allied ground losses:
178 casualties reported

-Some ground combat. Japanese forces attempting to defend the airfield

Ground combat at Lunga

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2304 troops, 17 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 5863 troops, 54 guns, 5 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tulagi

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2928 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1706 troops, 14 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
2 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


-More land combat in the Kokoda Trail
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 54,91

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1426 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2137 troops, 15 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1



Allied ground losses:
264 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

-Our planned raid against PM didn´t happen
-Guadalcanal is dangerously low on supplies. The Island cannot be hold until reinforcements arrive

[Bombur]

08/07/42

Orders

Very few to be done. The raid on PM is ordered again. Hope the weather will help. Surface TF is now 300 miles from Guadalcanal, and surface action will happen this night.

Combat report

The surface action ended in disaster, as IJN fleet was engaged by two enemy surface fleets. In the folowing day one of the crippled cruisers and a destroyer were sunk. Another cruiser is dead in water near Guadalcanal. Many other ships damaged. The allied lost one, possibly two destroyers. Here is what happened.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 67,97

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai, Shell hits 9, on fire
CA Aoba, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
CA Kinugasa
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 2
CA Kako
CL Tenryu, Shell hits 3
CL Tatsuta
CL Yubari, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Mutsuki, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Yayoi
DD Uzuki, Shell hits 1
DD Nagatsuki, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mikazuki
DD Mochizuki

Allied Ships
CA Chicago, Shell hits 1
CA Australia, Shell hits 5
CA Canberra, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL Hobart, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Mugford, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
DD Ralph Talbot, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Patterson
DD Jarvis
DD Selfridge, Shell hits 4, on fire

intel only registered the sinking of Mugford, up to now

-And when the enemy forces disengaged, our damaged ships were attacked by another TF
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 67,97

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA Aoba, on fire, heavy damage
CA Kinugasa
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Kako, Shell hits 1
CL Tenryu, Shell hits 1
CL Tatsuta, Shell hits 3
CL Yubari, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Mutsuki, on fire
DD Yayoi
DD Uzuki, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Nagatsuki, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mikazuki
DD Mochizuki, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Astoria, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Quincy
CA Vincennes
DD Ellet
DD Wilson
DD Dewey, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hull, Shell hits 1, on fire

Meanwhile, enemy forces went on bombarding our bases

Naval bombardment of Lunga, at 67,97

Allied Ships
DD Selfridge, on fire
DD Jarvis
DD Patterson
CA Canberra, on fire
CA Chicago

Japanese ground losses:
130 casualties reported

Port hits 1
Port supply hits 4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Lunga, at 67,97

Allied Ships
DD Hull, on fire
DD Wilson
DD Ellet
CA Vincennes
CA Quincy
CA Astoria, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
98 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Tulagi, at 68,96

Allied Ships
DD Buchanan
DD Monssen
CLAA San Juan

Japanese ground losses:
85 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Port fuel hits 1

-But we got some revenge. The heavy cruiser Quincy was attacked by one of our submarines in the following day

Sub attack at 69,101

Japanese Ships
SS I-21

Allied Ships
CA Quincy, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hull
DD Wilson
DD Ellet
CA Vincennes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 69,101

Japanese Ships
SS I-21

Allied Ships
DD Hull
DD Wilson
DD Ellet
CA Vincennes

-And then CV based american bombers attacked our crippled ships...

Day Air attack on TF at 65,96


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 41
SBD Dauntless x 93
TBF Avenger x 40


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai, Bomb hits 16, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Nagatsuki, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

-Both ships are sunk. Aoba will sink, as it is dead in water with 98 sys and 91 float plus 32 FL.

The raid on PM have good results for the Japanese. Ten P-39´s were shot down by our Zeros and one C-47 was destroyed in the ground by our bombers. We lost 3 Zeros and 2 Betties. Took part in the action 34 Zeros, 14 Betties and 34 P-39´s.

The assault on Guadalcanal and Tulagi starts....

Ground combat at Lunga

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2072 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 5797 troops, 52 guns, 5 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tulagi

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2847 troops, 14 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 3804 troops, 16 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tulagi

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3774 troops, 16 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 4149 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
164 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
134 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lunga

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5789 troops, 51 guns, 5 vehicles

Defending force 4170 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
170 casualties reported

[Bombur]

08/08/42

Orders

No new orders. Betties won´t attack this turn. Must recover from losses and rest the crews. Waiting for the survivors of the surface task group to get beack to Rabaul. Most of them damaged and unfit for further action.

Resolution phase

Japanese submarines inflicted heavy damage to another DD and also torpedoed a CA. However, USA surface units sank two Japanese submarines. It´s interesting the fact that, while I toned down ASW effectiveness, it seems the IJN subs became MORE effective instead. Up to know we have 2 CA damaged (one heavily) and 1 DD damaged (heavily) by Japanese subs. I hope at least one of these ships will sunk. This was achieved at the cost of 2 IJN subs. Let us see what happens. One more time the enemy was unable to capture Guadalcanal/Lunga

Here is the resolution phase

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/08/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Tulagi, 68,96, firing at TF 1008
TF 1008 troops unloading over beach at Tulagi, 68,96


4 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 69,100

Japanese Ships
SS I-21

Allied Ships
DD Hull
DD Wilson
DD Ellet
CA Vincennes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 66,98

Japanese Ships
SS RO-33, hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Gwin, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Balch
DD Benham
DD Maury
DD Grayson
CLAA Atlanta
BB North Carolina
CV Enterprise

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Tulagi, at 68,96

Allied Ships
DD Buchanan
DD Monssen
CLAA San Juan

Japanese ground losses:
51 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 68,98

Japanese Ships
SS I-122, hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Vincennes, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Hull
DD Wilson
DD Ellet


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lunga

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1951 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 5783 troops, 50 guns, 5 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tulagi

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2757 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 4002 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tulagi

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4002 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 3880 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
93 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
49 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lunga

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5783 troops, 50 guns, 5 vehicles

Defending force 3923 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

[Bombur]

08/09/42

-My minelayer TF is approaching Shortland, they were order to mine the local port. Am unexpected development is happeing. Japanese flying boats detected, one, possibly more carrier forces moving to the west of the Guadalcanal. They are entering the effective range of Betties. All Betties and Zeros from Guadalcanal (a total of 60 bombers and 40 figthers) are ordered to attack the enemy task fleet if it moved further (range=10 for bombers). Another transport group was created. Objective is to transport the 66th Nav Gd to Shortland.

Resolution:

-As the dawn comes, my air recon detects a huge CV force of 2-3 CV´s approaching the Shortlands. They are only 300 miles from Rabaul. Their target is my minelayer TF. In a decisive attack, their bombers sunk three ships (1 ML, 1 MSW and one DD) while another PG was left close to sinking. Now it´s my time to get the revenge. The first wave is made of 41 Zeros and 42 Betties. Intercepted by 58 F4F´s. In the bloody air battle that followed, lots of Zeros and F4F were shot down, but almost all Betties were able to release their torpedoes. The Enterprises got 5 fishes and two massive anmo explosions. The ship is doomed. North Carolina also receives one torpedo. The second wave is made only of figthers, with three bombers. No damage is achieved. The third wave of unescorted Betties scores another hit on the Enterprise. The disoriented and tired F4F´s pilots failed to do any damage to bombers. However, these attacks had a heavy cost to the Japanese. A total of 20 Zeros are lost in air combat. Few Betties were lost to enemy fighters (4) but the enemy flak shot down 13 bombers. The enemy lost 26 F4F´s in air combat, but we expect that they will have much more operational losses. And more land combat happens in the Salomons. Tulagi is holding but Guadalcanal will fall soon. A final comment. Surviving Betties (38+14+3=54) had 7 torpedo hits (13%). Overall losses were close to 30% of all attacking Betties (of course, they had massive escort), but 80% of losses were due to flak. I wonder to what extent this reflects the excessive power of Betties or the excessive stupidity of the AI. To sail carriers too close t the range of the enemy air base is neither historical nor wise...[:'(]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/09/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 64,91


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 33
SBD Dauntless x 75
TBF Avenger x 25


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
PG Shinko Maru #2, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
DD Minekaze, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
ML Ma 2, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Wa 4, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 64,91


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
SBD Dauntless x 17
TBF Avenger x 14


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 61,93

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31
A6M3 Zero x 10
G4M1 Betty x 42

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 58

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 42 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 8 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 33 destroyed, 13 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 40 destroyed, 10 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
BB North Carolina, Torpedo hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 61,93

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
A6M3 Zero x 7
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 14 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 5 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 12 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Wasp

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 61,93

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 14

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged


Allied Ships
CV Enterprise, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lunga

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1811 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 5729 troops, 49 guns, 2 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tulagi

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 3980 troops, 15 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 3689 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
157 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
306 casualties reported
Guns lost 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lunga

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5729 troops, 49 guns, 2 vehicles

Defending force 3770 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
245 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

[Bombur]

10/08/42


Orders
-Time to look at the costs of my yesterday victory. Rabaul is poorly defended now. I have only 16 Zeros able to fly. I hope the enemy will retire, since I don´t have enough escorts for another attack. I ordered all Betties to rest and placed Zeros in 90% CAP. My surface fleet is ordered to depart Rabaul for Truk as soon as possible. With two carriers in the vincinity and few Zeros, they are quite vulnerable. The surviving PG of the mine warfare TF is ordered to go to Shortland. I-168 ordered to go after the Enterprise, since it is placed only 60 miles from the crippled CV. I will try to intercept thr enemy carrier to make sure it will sink.

Resolution.
-Dawn arrives I, to my surprise the enemy is only 120 miles from Rabaul. Fortunately, my surface fleet is out of range. The enemy launches a massive attack (20 F4F plus 31 SBD´s) to deal with solitary PG, that was going to sink anyway. Rufes from Shortland shot down 2 SBD´s. On the other side, I forgot to place one of the Betty sqadrons on rest. They attacked the enemy carriers, losses were 4 F4F, 4 A6M and 1G4M. No hits to the enemy ships. A D3A flying ASW patrol was shot down by an enemy fighter. More land combat in Guadalcanal and Tulagi, withouth decisive results. Tomorrow I have no alternative. Must send my remaining fighters and Betties against the enemy. There is a transport fleet departing Truk for the Shortlands and I want it to disembark their troops and supplies.

Combat resolution

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/10/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Shortlands at 63,93

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 20
SBD Dauntless x 31

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
PG Shinko Maru #2, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 61,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M3 Zero x 3
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 5 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Wasp

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 11th Naval Construction Battalion, at 67,97


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 13


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
51 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 13000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lunga

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1483 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 5627 troops, 48 guns, 1 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
3 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tulagi

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 3529 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 3484 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
113 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
64 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lunga

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 5621 troops, 47 guns, 1 vehicles

Defending force 3362 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
82 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

[Bombur]

11/08/42

I must take a decision with those Carriers at my door. Another attack will be launched will all Zeros and Betties. Expect heavy losses, but there is no alternative. My transport group is close to Lae, enroute to Buna, the lack of air cover will be a trouble when they reach the range of enemy level bombers. I-168 reported to had no contact with Enterprise. An enemy surface fleet spotted close to Munda, moving East. Are they survivors of the Enterprise TF? We are sure the carrier won´t survive, but intel couldn´t get confirmation of her sinking. IJN submarines are patrolling the waters Southeast of Guadalcanal in an attempt to sink enemy ships. As the situation in Guadalcanal is critical, some barges were sent from Shortland. Supply level in Lunga is at 69, only 15% of the requirements. I hope we can deliver at least 300 supplies to the forces in Lunga. If necessary, unescorted Betties will attack the ships there, as the enemy lack air cover.

Resolution
-The enemy Carriers finally retreated. The attack against the carriers went uncoordinated and poorly escorted. A total of 5 Betties were able to launch torpedoes and one hit was reported in the Wasp. Given the fact found by our pilots, it seems there was another CV in the area, but it wasn´t indentified. A total of 7 Zeros and 5 Betties were lost. Zeros sqadrons in Rabaul are at 15% of their full strenght now, I wonder what kind of idiots are coming to replace our fallen pilots.....
A final note: Up to now, we had 59 Betties releasing topedoes and 8 hits (13,5% hits). I think I will take a decision on Betty accuracy when I have 200 planes attacking. Let us see.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/11/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 63,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
A6M3 Zero x 6
G4M1 Betty x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 35

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 10 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 6 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Wasp, Torpedo hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 63,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 4
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 5 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tulagi

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3568 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 3292 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
190 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
44 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lunga

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 5613 troops, 46 guns, 1 vehicles

Defending force 3205 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
41 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
78 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

[Bombur]

12/08/42
Orders

-The battle against US carriers has left Rabaul virtually defenseless, only 9 Zeros survived the bloodbath of the last 2 days. Many pilots with over 90 exp. are lost. As the transport TF approaches Lae, it was ordered to drop their suplies there. No way to reach Buna withouth air cover. The Zeros from Lae will protect the ships. My barges are approaching Guadalcanal.

Combat resolution

-One more time a IJN sub, the I-123 was caught by enemy ships. This time it was a transport ships, with APD´s. The sub was sunk. Third IJN sub lost. Two cruisers and one DD damaged by subs.
-Good news, the sinking of Enterprise in confirmed by intel.
-For the second day, B-17´s appear over Lunga, causing 62 casualties
-Disaster. In decisive attacks, both Tulagi and Lunga fall, forces in Guadalcanal retreated to Tassafaronga.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/12/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 81st Naval Guard Unit, at 67,97


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 24


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
62 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 68,99

Japanese Ships
SS I-123, hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
AK Alchiba
AP St. Mihel
AP Katoomba
AP Harris
APD Stringham
APD Manley


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tulagi

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3618 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 3073 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Allied forces CAPTURE Tulagi base !!!


Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 8 destroyed
H6K4 Mavis: 4 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
111 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
124 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 54,91

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1156 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2299 troops, 16 guns, 0 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lunga

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 5527 troops, 45 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 3026 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Allied forces CAPTURE Lunga base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
81 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
72 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

[Bombur]

13/08/42

Orders.

Few orders to be issued. Barges redircted to Tassarafonga, they are 60 miles from their destination and I hope my defeated troops will get some supplies tomorrow. My surface TF reached Rabaul yesterday and was disbanded. No way to build attacks with LBA until I get replacements for my Zeros. A second convoy is sent to Shortland, onboard the Kure 5th SNLF. The sinking of Enterprise will give me a chance of engaging the enemy fleet with my carriers.

Resolution.

An enemy submarine attacked my convoy enroute to Shortlands. One AK suffered moderate damage. My escorts failed to hit the sub.
As expected, my convoy to New Guinea was heavily attacked by enemy planes while unloading supplies at Lae. In two waves, the enemy attacked with 16 P-39, 20 B-26 and 21 B-24. Two P-39´s hit 100lbs bombs with no damage. One B-24 hit a 500lb bomb with moderate damage to one of the AK´s.
NOTE: It´s the first allied level bomber attack vs. Japanese ships. I have the impression the effect of level bombers vs ships was toned down. Must check for more confrontations. But, up to now, we have 41 level bombers attacking and only one hit.
Combat goes on in Tulagi, withouth decisive results, I must supply my troops or evacuate them. I think it is impossible to recapture both bases until I get local airsuperiority, so I will probably evacuate Tulagi and make an effort to retake Lunga.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/13/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lae at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 12
P-39D Airacobra x 16
B-26B Marauder x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 2 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Fukoku Maru, Bomb hits 1
AK Kennichi Maru
PG Chohakusan Maru, Bomb hits 1
AK Taiyu Maru
PG Chiyo Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 12000 feet
2 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 12000 feet
9 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 12000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 12000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 12000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 12000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lae at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 21

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Shinsoku Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
PG Chiyo Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 14000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 14000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 14000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 66,81

Japanese Ships
AK Tamahoko Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
PG Takunan Maru #8
MSW Noshiro Maru #2
PC PC-106

Allied Ships
SS Tambor

Japanese ground losses:
20 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tulagi

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3488 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2783 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
45 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
27 casualties reported

[Bombur]

14/08/42

Orders:

-With Rabaul withouth air cover and the invasion of PM postponed until we retake Guadalcanal, the Japanese command decided to retreat all ships current in Rabaul. They will be send to Truk. Two TF including 11 DD and 27 Transports, with other ships were assembled. A small ASW TF, with 2 DD´s, 1 PG and 1 PC was assembled in Truk in order to hunt subs operating in the route to Shortlands. Meanwhile, the transport TF in Lae is still unloading supplies, confident in the poor performance of level bombers.

-Resolution phase:
-A big setback for the Transport TF, as the land bombers returned and now got a lot of hits. Only three Zeros scrambled to protect the ships, they shot down one B-24, but two Zeros were lost to P-39´s. This time the enemy attacked with 33 B-26 and 22 B-24. They got a total of 12 hits (21%). It´s possible that docked ships are more vulnerable targets, I didn´t pay attention to the status of my ships yesterday. It´s also possible that the damage inflicted to one of the AK´s reduced the TF speed making the other ships more vulnerable? I reaaly don´t know. Must pay attention to these details. In Tulagi, the Japanese forces are slowly losing the battle.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/14/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lae at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 8
P-39D Airacobra x 40
B-26B Marauder x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Fukoku Maru
PG Chiyo Maru
AK Kennichi Maru, Bomb hits 1
AK Taiyu Maru, Bomb hits 1
AK Shinsoku Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 14000 feet
1 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
7 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 14000 feet
3 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
9 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 14000 feet
4 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lae at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Taiyu Maru
PG Chohakusan Maru, Bomb hits 1
AK Kennichi Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lae at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 8
P-39D Airacobra x 34
B-26B Marauder x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed


Japanese Ships
PG Chiyo Maru
AK Kennichi Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Fukoku Maru, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AK Taiyu Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Shinsoku Maru
PG Chohakusan Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 14000 feet
3 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 14000 feet
3 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
9 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 14000 feet
4 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
4 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lae at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
PG Chohakusan Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tulagi

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3468 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2704 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
120 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported

[Bombur]

15/08/42

-Good news for the Japanese. No less than 81 Betties and 27 Zeros arrived Truk. However, the new fighters are A6M3, which are unable to escort Betties in attacks vs. PM. As most of the new fighters we are promised to get are those new versions, there is no way to go on with daylight bombing against PM. Betties will be used in night attacks against PM and Lunga. The new Betties, however, were assigned ASW missions, as submarine activity near Truk is increasing. A small raid with only 1 Betty squadron was ordered against PM. The transport TF in Lae was ordered to retreat, however, 2 AK´s and 1 PG were so damaged that they remained in Lae´s harbour for repairs. The three ships are expected to sink, however. The ASW TF moves souhteast looking for the Tambor, who attacked and damaged an AK two days ago. Combat in Tulagi is still resulting in heavy losses for Japan.
-More good news. A huge fleet with 2 CV´s, one CVL and lots of enemy ships is going to arrive at Truk in three days. I´m still thinking for the arrival of the Hiyos to engage the enemy carriers, but maybe it will be possible to use the Kongs in night operations against Lunga.

Resolution.
-One of my AK´s in Lae finally sank due to damage
-6 G4M´s attacked PM with only one hit to the runway. A dameged Betty crashed while returning to Rabaul.
-Betties from Truk located at least 4 enemy subs. One of them was also attacked by escorts from a TF coming from Rabaul to Truk. Despite multiple attacks by DD´s, no damage was done to the sub. Up to now, USA submarines damaged one AK and suffered no losses.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/15/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 61,83

Japanese Ships
PC Toshi Maru #3
PG Sozan Maru
PG Chosa Maru
MSW Tama Maru #5
MSW Aoi Maru
MSW W.21
MSW W.20
APD APD-46
APD APD-39
APD APD-38
APD APD-37
APD APD-32
APD APD-31
DD Numakaze
DD Namikaze
DD Nokaze
DD Tachikaze
DD Yunagi
DD Asanagi
DD Oite
DD Harukaze
DD Asakaze
DD Kamikaze
DD Yuzuki

Allied Ships
SS S-40


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tulagi

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 3508 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2617 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
139 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
71 casualties reported

[Bombur]

08/16/42

Orders
-All quiet in South Pacific Front. The Japanese cannot do nothing before the arrival of the Combined Fleet while the Allies became much less agressive after the loss of Enterprise. Meanwhile the Japanese are still toying with night bombing. This night 2 Betty squadrons (or what remained of them...) will attack PM.

Resolution

-Almost no action. Only 4 Betties attacked PM and achieved nothing, but at least we lost no bombers....Had some combat in Tulagi...
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/16/42


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tulagi

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3428 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2484 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
58 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 54,91

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1256 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2386 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
2 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

[Bombur]

08/17/42

Orders

-In a worrying development, enemy CV´s (at least 2) and BB´s were seen 180 miles North from Guadalcanal. These carrier groups can threat any attempt to bring reinforcements to Shortlands, so, the TF transporting the 66th Guards was deviated to Rabaul. They are expected to be embarked on barges or Fast transports to arrive at their final destination. Similarly, the ASW TF was ordered back to Truk. It´s clear that enemy Naval units must be defeated before any attempt bring troops to the Salomons. We will insist on another day of night operations with Betties.
-As supplies fall to dangerous levels in Tulagi and the Japanese High command decide to concentrate efforts in the capture of Lunga, an emergency evacuation plan was ordered. Troops from Tulagi will be evacuated by Destroyers in night operations.

Resolution

-More two crippled ships sank in Lae (1PG and 1AK). On the good news, the intel confirms the sinking of an enemy DD by a sub attack happened a few days ago. Now the score for Japanese subs is 1 DD sunk, 2 CA damaged and 3 SS lost. Betties against attacked PM and are intercepted by 6 P-40, the enemy is using them as night fighters. Both the fighters and bombers seem to be useless as the Betties had no losses but also caused no damage[:D].
-Finally the big fleet arrived. Now it´s possible to challenge the enemy fleet near Guadalcanal. The three carriers (2CV and 1CVL) can operate up to 190 planes. The enemy probably has two or three CV´s (170-250 planes). It will be unwise to attack the enemy before we know the exact composition of his carrier force. Meanwhile, the arrival of Junyo and Zuiho would restore the balance even if the enemy has three carriers. For now, the combined fleet won´t be deployed to battle, but the carriers and surface ships will be sent to patrol the sea betwen Rabaul and Shortlands and attempt to react to incursions from the enemy carriers. If they make their foolish mistake of approaching our land bases again, we can engage them with a big advantage, as Rabaul has 43 Zeros again, not to mention the new Betty squadrons that are currently in Truk. The next convoy to Shortlands (already enroute to the island) won´t be deviated.
-A note: With my scenario specific AF size limitations, Rabaul can operate safely 200 aircraft and will suffer a 25% penalty if I base more planes there. I hope this will limit the ability to send hordes of heavily escorted Betties against the enemy.

[Bombur]

08/18/42

-My plans to send carriers to protect transport TF´s reinforcing Shortlands were suddenly cancelled when I realized the three carriers are short on fighters, having in their decks only 65% of the maximum allowed number of Zeros. With only 50 fighters I will have no chance against three USN Carriers, and even against 2 of them I would risk unacceptable losses. So the 5th SNLF was also sent to Rabaul. A small fleet of DD´s and CL´s was also sent there in order to ferry troops and supplies to Shortland. This is a costly and inefficient way to supply Shortland, but I have no choice. Meanwhile, my barge TF is making another trip to Tassafaronga, which has a reasonable supply level. I wonder why the enemy didn´t attempt to sink my barges.

Resolution:

-No news. Betties were able to destroy a grounded P-39 in the night bombing of Port Moresby. Again we suffered no losses (why operational losses at night seem to be so low?), despite the fact the enemy sent 15 P-40´s against us. The DD´s who will make the first evacuation run to Tulagi arrived in Rabaul. The enemy CV´s seem to have retreated, or at least were not reported. More land combat in Tulagi.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/18/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 14

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tulagi

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3408 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2336 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
70 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported

-A note on Betty performance in night bombing. Up to know 24 Betties were able to attack the enemy airfield and one plane was destroyed in the ground. One Betty was lost. Seems reasonable to me. Let us know how the 4E bombers will work...

[Bombur]

08/19/42

-Orders

-TF forces deviated from Shortlands to Rabaul are arriving in one or two days and a Fast transport TF is already in Rabaul to ferry the troops. Another fast transport TF was refueled in Rabaul and ordered to rescur troops in Tulagi. Betties wil do more night attacks on PM

-Resolution

-Another Betty attack with 6 planes on PM. No planes destroyed in the ground. So, up to now, we have 30 Betties attacking and 1 enemy planes destroyed (and one Betty lost)
-Enemy CV´s again are close to Guadalcanal. Despite this, the orders for evacuation of Tulagi were kept.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/19/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 1 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tulagi

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3422 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2250 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
35 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported

[Bombur]

08/20/42

Orders: Enemy carriers are patrolling the seas north of Tulagi. We don´t expect them to make another deep penetration in the "Betty belt", since they must have learned something from the sinking of Enterprise. We think, however, that they can attempt to attack the evacuation group in the trip back to Rabaul. So, 27 A6M3 are ordered to fly LR-CAP over the evacuation fleet. No Betties were placed in antiship attack. They will go on flying at night against PM

Resolution

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/20/42

Night Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet

-So we have 41 Betties bombing PM and only one enemy plane destroyed.

-The enemy Carriers moved to 300 miles Southeast of Rabaul and attacked the evacuation force while it was near Shortland (same hex). The Rufes and Zeros were able to shot down 15 enemy planes (intel data-6 F4F+5 SBD +3 TBF), losing only one A6M3, but the USN bombers sunk a DD and damaged heavily another. It seems the enemy force have only one carrier. We hope to get a revenge...tomorrow.

Day Air attack on TF, near Shortlands at 63,93

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
A6M3 Zero x 10

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
SBD Dauntless x 29
TBF Avenger x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 8 destroyed, 3 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 9 destroyed, 6 damaged
TBF Avenger: 8 destroyed, 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Oite
DD Harukaze, Bomb hits 1
DD Asakaze, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kamikaze, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Japanese ground losses:
173 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet

And more land combat

Ground combat at Tulagi

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3402 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1243 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
76 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
41 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 54,91

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1422 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2491 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles

[Bombur]

08/21/42

Orders-The enemy CV´s near Rabaul will prevent any troop/supply transport operations for the next days. We plan to deal with the enemy tomorrow. All Betties placed in Naval attack with a range of 8, to allow escort by A6M3. Rabaul will be left withouth any air cover. All fighters will escort the bombers. The remaining ships of the evacuation forces will stop in Shortland and unload the troops there. Japanese carriers won´t take part in the hunt for USN CV´s

Resolution
-The enemy makes his first movement. His carriers are 180 miles from Rabaul! He uses the CV based bombers to attack ships in Rabaul. The absence of Zeros over the port helps him a lot, since he has virtually no fighter escort

Day Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 61,88


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7
SBD Dauntless x 23
TBF Avenger x 9


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Tatsuta, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kuroshio
CL Tenryu, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Kagero

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet

Now, it´s my time. Vals and Betties, escorted by A6M3, attack the enemy carriers

Day Air attack on TF at 64,88

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
A6M3 Zero x 34
D3A Val x 24 (24 attacked)
G4M1 Betty x 27 (24 attacked)

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 16 destroyed
D3A Val: 13 destroyed, 16 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 13 destroyed, 8 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 51 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 1
CV Wasp, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet

-Well, the Wasp was damaged, but not mortally wounded. Overall accuracy of Betties vs warships in this scenario now is 9 hits in 83 attacks (10,8%)

-Then some idiots decided to attack ships at Gilli Gilli (unescorted)

Day Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 56,94

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 22 (17 attacked)

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 7 destroyed, 3 damaged


Allied Ships
AK Asphalion
AP Wanganella
AK Lycaon, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Westralia, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

-Well, it was not so bad....


-The enemy returns to Rabaul and causes a lot of damage. It seems they have more than one carrier in the area

Day Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 61,88


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 7


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Heiwa Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kinugasa Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 61,88


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 11


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Liverpool Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Tatuno Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Tamahoko Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 61,88


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 27
TBF Avenger x 12


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Tenryu, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kuroshio
DD Kagero, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Takanami, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet

-In the end, two CL´s (Tenryu and Tatsuta) are sunk

-Surviving Japanese aircraft go after the Wasp

Day Air attack on TF at 64,88

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
A6M3 Zero x 24
D3A Val x 6 (6 attacked)
G4M1 Betty x 19 (16 attacked)

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 12 destroyed, 3 damaged
D3A Val: 5 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 14 destroyed, 8 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 6 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Wasp, Torpedo hits 2, on fire (and one massive anmo explosion, it´s strange it´s not heavily damaged)

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Betty accuracy improved to 11/99 (11,1%)

And more ground combat....

Ground combat at Tulagi

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3366 troops, 14 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1223 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
50 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported

-A note on combat/flak losses. I´m somewhat dissapointed with low losses for Betties (of course, the heavy escort is helping) despite the changes I made. Here is data for the present day
F4F: 28 lossses Air combat
A6M3: 13 losses Air combat
D3A: 5 losses to flak (no losses to aircraft)-16% losses
G4M1: 7 losses air combat, 8 losses to flak-22% losses
A6M2: 2 losses air combat

-Again, it does not seem to be that Betties are so overpowered. However, the extreme stupidity of the AI makes this judgement too hard to be made. If the USN had risked their ships too close to enemy bases like the AI is doing, they could have lost a few carriers to Betties. On the other hand, this 10% hit rate could be too high. When I use my Kates I will have data on their accuracy, to be compared with that from Betties.