Noosing the Bull: Scn.9, Toraq vs Timtom

[timtom]

Bad weather limits air activity. FT for Vella didn't come off for some reason, but the strike on the 228th Rgt. there did. Only I somehow managed to set the altitude to 15,000 feet, so the B-25's didn't hit a thing. All a bit of a muddle. I'm firmly commited to taking Vella, and will commit the 37th ID if necesary.

With some relief on my part, the IJN battlewagons are back at Buka and KB is sighted out to sea northeast of there. CV Victorious arrived in three days. I've never played with it before, but to me it looks like a CVL with a 200 VP pricetag. CV Essex becomes available at Pearl in a few days also, and I'm praying CINCPAC will send it my way.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10 Apr 1943 Weather: Thunderstorms
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at SSE Rabaul:

Japanese Ships:
AG 106, Shell hits 6, and is sunk

Allied Ships:
SS Seadragon, Shell hits 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Lambeti airfield (night attack) from Rabaul:

Japanese aircraft:
G4M1 Betty x 12

Allied aircraft:
P-70A Havoc x 7

Japanese aircraft losses:
G4M1 Betty x 2 destroyed, G4M1 Betty x 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses:
P-70A Havoc x 1 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 destroyed, F4U-1 Corsair x 3 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 20
Vehicles lost 1
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Buka port from Lunga:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M3 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 7
B-17E Fortress x 23

Allied aircraft losses:
P-38G Lightning x 2 destroyed, P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 30

Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

The 169th Rgt. got dumbed off at Vella. Simultaniously, Tony was pushing something into Vila, bringing down the BB's. No contact. Or mining maybe, 'cos we ran into several new fields, APD Gilmer and DD O'Bannon the hard way. LST 353 also hit one at Tassafaronga. None are in danger of sinking, but they're all out of the battle.

It'll be no surprise to anyone that the 169th is now stuck at Vella without supply...

KB is out, at a position 150 miles south of Rabaul. Tony's moved another fighter sqd. to Buka - 88 fighters reported there - stripping Rabaul to 80-odd fighters. This makes me think he might be wanting to LR-CAP something, like fx damaged BB's returning from, say, Vella.

If KB is going to move further south, there's a reasonable chance Tony might hit Gili Gili from Rabaul. GG LRCAP'd...

The Weekly Tally:

Allied/Japanese:

Score at start: 2,514/3,709 = 1.00:1.48

Week 1: 2,687/3,482 = 1.00:1.30
Week 2: 2,883/3,639 = 1.00:1.26
Week 3: 3,242/3,730 = 1.00:1.15
Week 4: 3,431/4,009 = 1.00:1.17
Week 5: 3,729/4,235 = 1.00:1.14
Week 6: 3,802/4,059 = 1.00:1.07
Week 7: 4,065/4,450 = 1.00:1.09
Week 8: 4,500/4,681 = 1.00:1.04

Army Losses:

24/44 = 1.00:1.83

Naval Losses:

Allied ships:
Sunk: 1xCL, 2xDD, 2xDMS, 1xMSW, 1xPG, 3xSS, 2xAP, 2xAK
Damaged: 1xCL, 9xDD, 1xDM, 1xAPD, 7xSS, 5xAP, 3xAK, 1xLST

Japanese ships:
Sunk: 3xCA, 2xCL, 7xDD, 4xAPD, 5xML, 1xPG, 5xPC, 3xMSW, 2xSS, 7xAP
Damaged: 1xCA, 12xDD, 1xAPD, 2xPG, 1xAV, 2xAP

Air Losses:

Total: 464/444 = 1.05:1.00

Week 1: 31/32 = 1.00:1.03
Week 2: 62/63 = 1.00:1.02
Week 3: 43/66 = 1.00:1.53
Week 4: 135/68 = 1.98:1.00
Week 5: 59/63 = 1.00:1.07
Week 6: 40/36 = 1.11:1.00
Week 7: 33/67 = 1.00:2.03
Week 8: 61/49 = 1.24:1.00

Air-to-Air: 161/137 = 1.18:1.00
Destroyed on Field: 51/69 = 1.00:1.35
Destroyed by AAA: 67/20 = 3.35:1.00
Operational Losses: 185/218 = 1.00:1.18

Sorties Flown:

Total: 47,815/37,777 = 1.27:1.00

Week 1: 4,527/5,021 = 1.00:1.11
Week 2: 5,379/4,800 = 1.12:1.00
Week 3: 6,018/3,832 = 1.57:1.00
Week 4: 6,391/5,355 = 1.19:1.00
Week 5: 5,984/4,862 = 1.23:1.00
Week 6: 6,700/4,565 = 1.47:1.00
Week 7: 5,815/5,605 = 1.04:1.00
Week 8: 6,965/3,737 = 1.86:1.00

Loss pr. sortie (excl. DoF): 0.0086/0.0099 = 1.0000:1.1512
Operational loss pr. sortie: 0.0037/0.0058 = 1.0000:1.5676
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11 Apr 1943 Weather: Thunderstorms
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Naval Attacks:

Sub attack at Vila:

Japanese Ships:
SS I-29, Shell hits 5, and is sunk

Allied Ships:
DD Taylor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Sub attack WNW Rabaul:

Japanese Ships:
TK Kuremente Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships:
SS Spearfish
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at Buin from Lunga:

Allied aircraft:
Beaufighter VIC x 12

Japanese Ships:
AG 5048, Shell hits 16
AG 359, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Rabaul port from Port Moresby:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M3 Zero x 14

Allied aircraft:
B-17E Fortress x 36

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

Allied aircraft losses:
B-17E Fortress x 6 damaged

Japanese Ships:
DD Tachikaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Koshu Maru #3, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shinsei Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AV Akitsushima, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 59
Port hits 6
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

KB is near Rossel Island and I guess the old gallop is on again. Got nothing in the immediate danger zone, though.

I pushed a lot of supply to Vella and at least now the 169th Rgt. is well-stocked. APD Schley struck a mine there, and will join APD Gilmer in the repair yard. I've got three DMS' doing the sweeping, but there seems to a lot of mines indeed. I'm planning to move the 43rd ID in it's entirety, which is another four round-trips. HQ 43rd ID got dumbed off with the supply while loosing its own, so moving in supply and troops simultaniously doesn't do the trick.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12 Apr 1943 Weather: Overcast
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Naval Attacks:

Sub attack N Lambeti:

Japanese Ships:
SS I-16, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships:
DD McCalla
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Sub attack NNE Buin:

Japanese Ships:
AG 5052, Shell hits 8, and is sunk

Allied Ships:
SS Nautilus
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack E Shortland Island:

Japanese Ships:
DD Hagikaze

Allied Ships:
SS Guardfish, Shell hits 2, on fire *sys 24, flt 62*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on 228th Regiment (Vella Lavella) from Lunga:

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 9
B-25J Mitchell x 47

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 29
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Rabaul port from Port Moresby & Lunga:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 47

Allied aircraft:
B-24D Liberator x 33

Japanese aircraft losses:
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses:
B-24D Liberator x 3 destroyed, B-24D Liberator x 24 damaged *10 lost!!!*

Japanese Ships:
AV Akitsushima, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 139
Port hits 8
Port supply hits 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

The bulk of the 103rd Rgt. was delivered at Vella. Not only did it land with supply, but it's fatigue dropped from about 80 to 24! Another two APD's - Dent & Sands - hit mines. Tony must've scrounged every mine in the Empire in this seemingly endless minefield. I've grouped my DMS' one each with each TF's (1 TF, 2 SC TF), and the one's in the SC TF's (set on follow) doesn't seem to sweep any mines. So I'll try putting all the DMS' in the FT TF and hope that'll help. Schley is the only APD so badly damaged that it couldn't be pushed into service in a pinch, though. Yet this is another example of poor planning on my part as I've got 4-5 MSW's sitting at Noumea...

KB has swung into the Solomon Sea. The closest thing to danger is a transport TF unloading the Oz 7th ID at Townsville. I believe Townsville is just out of range for next turn, but you never know with these things. Anyways, I've moved about a 100 fighters and 30 Beauforts there.

CV Victorious arrived along with its 22-plane CAG, although at 2760, it has the most impressive AAA suite I've ever seen in UV. My fleet carriers now hold F54, DB36, TB24, against, I believe, F91, DB85, TB49 (Shok, Zui, Junyo & Ruyho).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 13 Apr 1943 Weather: Clear
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Naval Attacks:

Sub attack NNE Lambeti:

Japanese Ships
SS I-2, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships:
APD Brooks
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Sub attack NNE Buin:

Japanese Ships:
AG 359, Shell hits 16, and is sunk

Allied Ships:
SS Nautilus
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Buna airfield from Rabaul:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 9
G4M1 Betty x 83

Allied ground losses: *airfield 76, service 36*
Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 55
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Lae airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft: *oops - the B-25's were meant to do ground attack*
P-38G Lightning x 26
A-20G Havoc x 45
B-25D Mitchell x 13
B-25J Mitchell x 96

Allied aircraft losses:
A-20G Havoc x 1 damaged
B-25D Mitchell x 1 damaged
B-25J Mitchell x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 97
Airbase hits 22
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 130
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 228th Regiment (Vella Lavella) from Lunga:

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 12
B-25J Mitchell x 49

Allied aircraft losses:
B-25J Mitchell x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 36
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

Weather keeps most aircraft on the ground. Tony's busying himself pumping stuff into, I believe, Munda. The fact the I'm yet to commit the 37th ID might well be what is keeping him on his toes. Fine by me as long as he stays away from Vella.

I tried giving the APD's the "Load Troops" command rather than "Load Troops Only", which resulted in A) TF going nowhere B) 172nd Rgt disruption jump to 41 and fatigue to 97 (!). Must be a case of hurry up & wait.

KB could strike Townsville next turn, which is crawling with shipping, or move southeast to intercept a few transports off Brisbane. Not entirely out of keeping with history, CV Victorious' fighters upgraded to F4U's and all of a sudden I'm not so dismissive of the Royal Navy. They've even gone from 16 to 26 ready fighters, although I'm not sure if they'll stay that way. A F4U is the equal to what? 3-4 F4F's?

So I'm really hoping Tony will have a go at Townsville. It'll be pretty messy, but should cost him a good many aircraft. My carriers, escorted by some 7 CA's, 2 CLAA's, and 4 DD's are moving into a position off Koumac. From there they should then be able to cut across KB's path of retreat...

However with no chance of surprise, my money's on Tony choosing a more conservative option.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 14 Apr 1943 Weather: Thunderstorms
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Sub attack S Rabaul:

Japanese Ships:
PC Ch 32, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships:
SS Seadragon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at Madang from Salamaua:

Allied aircraft:
P-39D Airacobra x 32 *two strikes*

Japanese Ships:
AP Oyo Maru, Shell hits 52, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Buka port from Lunga:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M3 Zero x 10

Allied aircraft:
B-17E Fortress x 32

Allied aircraft losses:
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 96
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

Tony settled for reconning Townsville and Rockhampton. My guess is that he'll forego hitting Townsville and move east to menace Noumea, then head for home. I've formed a small SC TF (DDx6) at Townsville should he detach a bombardment force. It's not much, but better than nothing. My CV's are moving north to a position west of Wunpuku, which keeps me a turn ahead of KB while retaining to option to block its northward retreat. Meanwhile my shipping off Brisbane are out of the danger zone.

With 30 turns to go I'll now start working over Tony's forward bases with regularity, and it appears he intends to do the same to me. Buna and Dobodura are about fully expanded and will certainly get there before the end. They both draw supply from Port Moresby and are thus difficult to get below the the basic requirement level which will cost me VP. Gili Gili is another matter. It's currenly AF 5 Port 6. It start the scn. without an Eng. unit proper, and I'm only now in the business of sneaking one in. GG's a pain to supply unless I mount a major operation to do so. For now, I'm putting together a mosquito fleet to at least keep it afloat.

Koshu Maru #3 reported sunk, making it the 43rd confirmed sinking.

Japanese Base Points: 4,024
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 15 Apr 1943 Weather: Rain
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Sub attack at Buka:

Japanese Ships:
DD Tokitsukaze

Allied Ships:
SS Sargo, Shell hits 1 *sys 21, flt 29 f 0*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF N Madang:

Allied aircraft:
P-39D Airacobra x 16

Japanese Ships:
AP Oyo Maru, Shell hits 20, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Gili Gili airfield from Rabaul:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M3 Zero x 36
G4M1 Betty x 91

Allied ground losses: *airfield 59, service 23*
Men lost 25
Airbase hits 17
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 49
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Lae airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 20
A-20G Havoc x 35

Allied aircraft losses:
A-20G Havoc x 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 98
Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Madang airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 22
B-17E Fortress x 32

Allied aircraft losses:
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 28
Airbase hits 6
Runway hits 22
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Munda port from Lunga:

Allied aircraft:
F4U-1 Corsair x 12
P-38G Lightning x 15
B-17E Fortress x 28

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 51
Port hits 3
Port supply hits 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 228th Regiment (Vella Lavella) from Lambeti:

Allied aircraft:
F4U-1 Corsair x 8
SBD Dauntless x 14

Allied aircraft losses:
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 34
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

KB pulled back to a position south of Rossel Island, but no further than he can double back and hit Townville in a single turn. I've set one sub trip-line at Rossel, another at Woodlark, although past experience tells me this will likely come to nought. I'm returning my carriers to east of Koumac, although I've flirted with the idea of setting them on react for a surprise (?) attack.

DD Nicholas hit a mine at Vella, while Tony's busying himself at Munda. I hope he's not pulling troops out. I'm sending a SC TF there tonight to snoop around a bit. I'm done pushing troops into Vella and if I could only get my SBD's to attack the 228th Rgt. there, the 43rd ID would soon have an opportunity to show what they're made of, such as it is.

30,000 points of supply and 40,000 fuel is being unloaded at Lunga, while I've begun loading a TF at Noumea bearing the entire 37th ID, HQ 7th Fleet & III.Amph.Corps, 4th Raider Bn., 2 BF's, a CB, and a CD Bn. I should have a couple of turns warning if KB swings back down.

AV Kimikawa strikes mine at Gasmata and is seen limbing back to Rabaul.

Japanese Base Points: 4,006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 16 Apr 1943 Weather: Overcast
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Air attack on TF at Buin from Lunga:

Allied aircraft:
Beaufighter VIC x 13

Japanese Ships:
AG 112, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
AG 113, Shell hits 8
AG 5090, Shell hits 12, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Gili Gili airfield from Rabaul:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 30
G4M1 Betty x 88

Allied ground losses: *airfield 84, service 37*
Men lost 78
Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 46
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Munda port from Lunga:

Allied aircraft:
F4U-1 Corsair x 5
P-38G Lightning x 17
B-25J Mitchell x 63

Allied aircraft losses:
B-25J Mitchell x 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 69
Port hits 4
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gasmata airfield from Port Moresby:

Japanese aircraft:
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 20

Allied aircraft:
B-25D Mitchell x 9

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

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Madang airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 23
B-25J Mitchell x 44

Allied aircraft losses:
B-25J Mitchell x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 92
Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 27
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lae airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 15
A-20G Havoc x 44

Allied aircraft losses:
A-20G Havoc x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 71
Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 27
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

KB appears to be pulling back, and hopefully this is it for now. If anyone is in doubt, let me spell out the efficiancy of these carrier forays. A) KB's strike range in any one turn is about 600 miles. B) KB moves about twice as fast as a transport. A & B combined means that I have to move slow TF's out of the way within a very large zone, basically the entire Coral Sea. Movement within this zone is entirely out of the question, and Port Moresby and Lunga are effectively cut off. Various activities at or out of each base uses 2000-3000 points of supply per turn, so it's no small matter. And the beauty of it is that it costs Tony nothing.

A FT breezed past the four subs guarding the approaches to Lae and dropped off - I believe - supply. Leastways Tony's base VP rose by 27 points not counting 60 VP for getting Munda AF to lvl. 4.

Japanese Base Points: 4,111
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 17 Apr 1943 Weather: Partly Cloudy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Air attack on TF SSE Gasmata from Port Moresby: *SC TF*

Allied aircraft:
B-25J Mitchell x 3

Allied aircraft losses:
B-25J Mitchell x 3 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF E Shortland Island from Lambeti & Russell Islands:

Allied aircraft:
F4U-1 Corsair x 20
P-39D Airacobra x 21
SBD Dauntless x 27
TBF Avenger x 16

Allied aircraft losses:
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 5 damaged
TBF Avenger x 5 damaged

Japanese Ships:
DD Urakaze, Shell hits 8
DD Shimakaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Tokitsukaze, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Uranami, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Shirayuki, Shell hits 16, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF N Finschafen from Nadzab & Dobodura:

Allied aircraft:
P-39D Airacobra x 77 *multiple strikes*

Japanese Ships:
DD Wakazuki, Shell hits 66, Bomb hits 7, and is sunk *crippled by mine at Lae*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Gili Gili airfield from Rabaul & AC TF S Woodlark Island:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 38
A6M3 Zero x 19
D3A Val x 55
B5N Kate x 57
G4M1 Betty x 87

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 115
Airbase hits 23
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 123
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Buka port from Lunga:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M3 Zero x 27

Allied aircraft:
B-17E Fortress x 25

Japanese aircraft losses:
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed, A6M3 Zero x 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses:
B-17E Fortress x 4 damaged

Japanese Ships:
AG 370, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 20
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 228th Regiment (Vella Lavella) from Lunga:

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 9
B-25J Mitchell x 36

Allied aircraft losses:
B-25J Mitchell x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 64
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Madang airfield from Port Moresby:

Japanese aircraft:
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 25

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 25
B-25J Mitchell x 40

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 66
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 25
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Finschhafen airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
B-25D Mitchell x 11

Japanese ground losses:
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 115th Regiment (Lae) from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 15
A-20G Havoc x 41
B-25J Mitchell x 43

Allied aircraft losses:
B-25J Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 71
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

We should be able to commence the attack at Vella in a turn or two, which is none too soon. Over on New Guinea, it appears that Finschafen is defended by two NG Bn's, probably. Should be managable for the 503rd PIR in conjection with an airstrike, but if I'm wrong they'll be in a lot of trouble. Either way, it'll be a week at best before the 503rd can make its jump. I'll also soon begin attacking at Lae, if nothing else to exert pressure on the place and maybe force Tony to commit another Rgt. there. However if it seems that committing the 503rd there might tip the balance, I'll at least have to consider that option.

Japanese Base Points: 4,048

The Weekly Tally:

Allied/Japanese:

Score at start: 2,514/3,709 = 1.00:1.48

Week 1: 2,687/3,482 = 1.00:1.30
Week 2: 2,883/3,639 = 1.00:1.26
Week 3: 3,242/3,730 = 1.00:1.15
Week 4: 3,431/4,009 = 1.00:1.17
Week 5: 3,729/4,235 = 1.00:1.14
Week 6: 3,802/4,059 = 1.00:1.07
Week 7: 4,065/4,450 = 1.00:1.09
Week 8: 4,500/4,681 = 1.00:1.04
Week 9: 4,562/4,757 = 1.00:1.04

Army Losses:

33/51 = 1.00:1.55

Naval Losses:

Allied ships:
Sunk: 1xCL, 2xDD, 2xDMS, 1xMSW, 1xPG, 3xSS, 2xAP, 2xAK
Damaged: 1xCL, 10xDD, 1xDM, 4xAPD, 9xSS, 5xAP, 3xAK, 1xLST

Japanese ships:
Sunk: 3xCA, 2xCL, 9xDD, 4xAPD, 5xML, 1xPG, 5xPC, 3xMSW, 3xSS, 9xAP
Damaged: 1xCA, 13xDD, 1xAPD, 2xPG, 1xPC, 2xAV, 2xAP

Air Losses:

Total: 524/493 = 1.06:1.00

Week 1: 31/32 = 1.00:1.03
Week 2: 62/63 = 1.00:1.02
Week 3: 43/66 = 1.00:1.53
Week 4: 135/68 = 1.98:1.00
Week 5: 59/63 = 1.00:1.07
Week 6: 40/36 = 1.11:1.00
Week 7: 33/67 = 1.00:2.03
Week 8: 61/49 = 1.24:1.00
Week 9: 64/49 = 1.31:1.00

Air-to-Air: 172/152 = 1.13:1.00
Destroyed on Field: 51/71 = 1.00:1.39
Destroyed by AAA: 89/21 = 4.24:1.00
Operational Losses: 212/249 = 1.00:1.18

Sorties Flown:

Total: 55,314/43,686 = 1.27:1.00

Week 1: 4,527/5,021 = 1.00:1.11
Week 2: 5,379/4,800 = 1.12:1.00
Week 3: 6,018/3,832 = 1.57:1.00
Week 4: 6,391/5,355 = 1.19:1.00
Week 5: 5,984/4,862 = 1.23:1.00
Week 6: 6,700/4,565 = 1.47:1.00
Week 7: 5,815/5,605 = 1.04:1.00
Week 8: 6,965/3,737 = 1.86:1.00
Week 9: 7,499/5,909 = 1.30:1.00

Loss pr. sortie (excl. DoF): 0.0086/0.0097 = 1.0000:1.1279
Operational loss pr. sortie: 0.0038/0.0057 = 1.0000:1.5000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 18 Apr 1943 Weather: Clear
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Naval Attacks:

Naval bombardment of Dobadura:

Allied ground losses: *airfield 19, service 20*
Men lost 229
Vehicles lost 1
Airbase hits 39
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 145
Port hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF SSE Gasmata from Port Moresby & Buna: *SC TF*

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 3
Beaufort x 12
B-25J Mitchell x 6

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 1 destroyed, Beaufort x 11 damaged *7 lost*
B-25J Mitchell x 3 destroyed, B-25J Mitchell x 7 damaged *6 lost*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Wewak airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
Hudson x 12
B-17E Fortress x 20

Japanese ground losses:
Airbase hits 16
Runway hits 23
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lae airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
A-20G Havoc x 15

Allied aircraft losses:
A-20G Havoc x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 17
Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 15
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 115th Regiment (Lae) from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
P-40E Warhawk x 11
B-25J Mitchell x 67

Allied aircraft losses:
B-25J Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 27
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Maizuru 2nd SNLF (Hopei) from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
P-40E Warhawk x 15
A-20G Havoc x 12

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 13
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Munda airfield from Lunga:

Allied aircraft:
F4U-1 Corsair x 6
P-38G Lightning x 9
B-24D Liberator x 12

Allied aircraft losses:
B-24D Liberator x 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 228th Regiment (Vella Lavella) from Lunga & Russell Islands:

Allied aircraft:
F4U-1 Corsair x 15
P-38G Lightning x 7
SBD Dauntless x 24
B-25J Mitchell x 38

Allied aircraft losses:
SBD Dauntless x 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 144
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

Wet. Very few flights. KB off Bougainville - maybe he's looking to strike my troops at Vella? Forgot to LRCAP the place for next turn as a precaution. DD Chevalier hit yet another mine at Vella and is down and out. This while escorting the delivery of supplies and the rest of 754th Tk Bn and the 3rd USMC Df Bn to Vella. The latter and 3rd Raiders are still without supply, which will be pushed in tonight.

Tony's making another AG run on Shortland or Buin and I'm sending a TF to Shortland. PT's are going to Vila in the erstwhile hope of intercepting a ML sighted off Buin - Vella is taken care of by the APD's covering force.

Japanese Base Points: 4,045.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 19 Apr 1943 Weather: Thunderstorms
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Naval Attacks:

Sub attack NNW Lambeti:

Japanese Ships:
SS I-159

Allied Ships:
APD Dent, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage *sys 58, flt 83, fire 26*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Sub attack at NNE Buin:

Japanese Ships:
AG 107, Shell hits 10, and is sunk

Allied Ships:
SS Triton
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on 115th Regiment (Lae) from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 14
A-20G Havoc x 23
B-25J Mitchell x 66

Allied aircraft losses:
B-25J Mitchell x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 56
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

It's with distinct pleasure that I can report the PT's ambushed ML Hirashima at Vila, hosing its exposed gundeck with automatic fire, then putting two tinfish into its hull. DIE! DIE!! DIE!!! Ehrm, sorry. Tony-san must have organised a another pot-and-pan drive in the Home Islands, or scrapped the Shinano or something, 'cos the mines around New Georgia seems endless. This nights victim is CL Hobert, struck while patrolling the waters off Munda. She moderately damaged, just enough to knock her out of the battle.

Pumped another 2,000 supply into Vella. Most of it went to the 169th Rgt., which now has 15x its stated supply requirement. Meanwhile, 3rd Raiders are still at bingo, and 3rd DF Bn. and 754th Tk Bn. are breaking even or below requirement. That said, I'm not bothered to wait any longer and will launch the first assault this coming turn.

Japanese Base Points: 4,047.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 20 Apr 1943 Weather: Rain
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Sub attack W Torokina:

Japanese Ships:
PC Ch 30, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships:
SS Amberjack
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at S Rabaul:

Japanese Ships:
AG 114, Shell hits 10, and is sunk

Allied Ships:
SS Amberjack
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at Vila:

Japanese Ships:
ML Hirashima, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships:
PT 36
PT 38
PT 39
PT 40
PT 46
PT 48
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF SSE Gasmata: *SC TF*

Allied aircraft:
Beaufort x 8

Allied aircraft losses:
Beaufort x 11 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at Buin from Lambeti & Lunga:

Allied aircraft: *multiple strikes*
P-39D Airacobra x 40
Beaufighter VIC x 15

Japanese Ships:
AG 101, Shell hits 36, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
AG 111, Shell hits 8
AG 112, Shell hits 20, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
AG 115, Shell hits 4
AG 2049, Shell hits 8
AG 2050, Shell hits 4
AG 5071, Shell hits 4
AG 5089, Shell hits 16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF E Finschafen:

Japanese aircraft:
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 34

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 11
P-39D Airacobra x 16
Beaufort x 3

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

Allied aircraft losses:
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships:
MSW W20, Shell hits 32, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Salamaua airfield from Rabaul:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M3 Zero x 26
G4M1 Betty x 81

Allied ground losses:
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Wewak airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
Hudson x 14
B-17E Fortress x 29

Allied aircraft losses:
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 10
Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 46
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Madang airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
B-25J Mitchell x 41

Allied aircraft losses:
B-25J Mitchell x 1 destroyed, B-25J Mitchell x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 137
Guns lost 3
Airbase hits 7
Runway hits 56
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 228th Regiment (Vella Lavella) from Lunga, Russell Islands & Lambeti:

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 19
P-40E Warhawk x 9
F4U-1 Corsair x 8
SBD Dauntless x 58
B-25J Mitchell x 47

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 11 damaged
B-25J Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 98
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

To my great surprise, 43rd ID managed to capture Vella in the very first attempt, without air support at that. What remains to be seen is how Tony will react. I've got nothing more ambitious in mind at this stage than to build the place up. This will put Buka within TBD range and presumably cause its resident BB's to decamp for Rabaul.

Meanwhile, should Tony come forward to contest, things could become extremely unpleasant, not helped by the fact that North Carolina just ran over a (expletive) mine, cutting her speed to 18 knots. I'd send her back if it wasn't for the 6 IJN BB's sitting round the corner.

Tony pushed a FT TF through to Finschafen, carrying, I must presume, troops.

Japanese Base Points: 4,157
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 21 Apr 1943 Weather: Partly Cloudy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Air attack on TF at Madang from Nadzab:

Allied aircraft:
P-39D Airacobra x 20

Japanese Ships:
AP Oigawa Maru, Shell hits 40, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on 115th Regiment (Lae) from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
P-40E Warhawk x 26
B-25J Mitchell x 39

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lae airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
P-40E Warhawk x 12
P-38G Lightning x 18
A-20G Havoc x 40

Allied aircraft losses:
A-20G Havoc x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 41
Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 28
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Madang airfield from Port Moresby:

Japanese aircraft:
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 13

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 18
B-25J Mitchell x 35

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

Allied aircraft losses:
B-25J Mitchell x 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 155
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 33
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Munda airfield from Lunga:

Allied aircraft:
F4U-1 Corsair x 20
B-17E Fortress x 29

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 37
Airbase hits 8
Runway hits 25
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Ground Attacks:

Ground combat at Vella Lavella:

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 13990 troops, 204 guns, 78 vehicles

Defending force 5319 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Allied forces CAPTURE Vella Lavella base !!!

Japanese ground losses: *228th Rgt., Sasebo 5th AAA Bn., 8th AAA Bn.*
Men lost 321
Guns lost 6

Allied ground losses: *103rd, 169th, 172nd Rgt's, 754th Tk Bn., USMC 3rd DF Bn.*
Men lost 216
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

Tony pulled the AAA bn's off Vella this night. Next turn we'll try to intercept if he attempts to get the 228th Rgt. off as well - and he can hardly afford just to let me destroy it.

My little Gili Gili mosquito fleet has commenced operations and is busy unloading engineers and supply, minesweeping and doing ASW work. This will no doubt elicit a response. For now, I've LRCAP'd GG, a not entirely riskfree move as I'm also unloading a 25-ship TF at Port Moresby.

The clock is ticking and at the moment I'm trailing 300 VP, although several of my forward bases on New Guinea are currently below their supply requirement. Vella will at best net 180 VP, so short of capturing Lae (highly unlikely), it's all things equal starting to shape up as a draw - probably the best result the Japanese player can hope for in this scn. I'm very much in doubt about Finschafen. In order to capture the place by airdrop, it'd need to be both weakly defended and with a low fort lvl. If it's not captured in a turn or two, Tony would be able to move in reinforcements, not only closing the book on that deal but also exposing the 503rd PIR to potential destruction.

Japanese Base Points: 4,144
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 22 Apr 1943 Weather: Partly Cloudy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Naval Attacks:

Sub attack at Gili Gili:

Japanese Ships:
SS RO-107, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships:
DD Drayton
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Wewak airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 9
B-24D Liberator x 12

Allied aircraft losses:
B-24D Liberator x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 20
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Madang airfield from Port Moresby:

Japanese aircraft:
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 22
B-25J Mitchell x 43

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

Allied aircraft losses:
B-25J Mitchell x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 81
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 115th Regiment (Lae) from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 6
P-40E Warhawk x 19
A-20G Havoc x 42
B-25J Mitchell x 21

Allied aircraft losses:
A-20G Havoc x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Buka (fighter sweep) from Lambeti:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M3 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 30

Japanese aircraft losses:
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses:
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 228th Regiment (Vella Lavella) from Lambeti & Russell Islands:

Allied aircraft:
P-40E Warhawk x 12
F4U-1 Corsair x 17
SBD Dauntless x 54

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 91
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Munda airfield from Lunga:

Allied aircraft:
F4U-1 Corsair x 20
B-25J Mitchell x 60

Allied aircraft losses:
B-25J Mitchell x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 20
Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 45
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Ground Attacks:

Ground combat at Vella Lavella:

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 14591 troops, 203 guns, 78 vehicles

Defending force 4423 troops, 63 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese ground losses: *228th Rgt.*
Men lost 439
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses: *103rd, 169th, 172nd Rgt's, 754th Tk Bn., USMC 3rd Raider Bn., USMC 3rd DF Bn.*
Men lost 35
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

The airstrikes shifted onto the 66th Rgt. at Lae this turn, and I'll launch an attack before the 115th Rgt. recovers too much. My expections are rather low, but an attempt must be made.

8 BB's are now reported at Buka. Positive ID's include Yamato, Mushashi, Nagato, Mutso, Kongo and Haruna. None of the remaining four has been sighted. A BB has been sitting at Rabaul for a while and has now departed. I presume this to be the Haruna, now repaired. I was going to FT a BF and some engineers to Vella, but on second thought decided against until the water's been emptied out of the North Carolina and another SC TF is brought up from Lunga.

Vella is now clear of mines, although that didn't keep CA Australia and CL Helena from striking one each at Vila. The former is out of the battle, while damage to the Helena is minor. Did I mention I'm sick of mines?

Japanese Base Points: 4,144
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 23 Apr 1943 Weather: Partly Cloudy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Sub attack SW Rabual:

Japanese Ships:
DD Hatsuyuki, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships:
SS Seadragon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Russell Islands from Shortland Island (fighter sweep):

Japanese aircraft:
A6M3 Zero x 18

Allied aircraft:
F4U-1 Corsair x 16
P-40E Kittyhawk x 15

Japanese aircraft losses:
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses:
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed, P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Salamaua airfield from Rabaul:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M3 Zero x 18
G4M1 Betty x 92

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 182
Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 25
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Finschhafen airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
P-40E Warhawk x 26
A-20G Havoc x 44

Japanese Ground losses:
Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 66th Regiment (Lae) from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
P-40E Warhawk x 25
B-25J Mitchell x 60

Allied aircraft losses:
B-25J Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 49
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Vila airfield from Lunga:

Allied aircraft:
F4U-1 Corsair x 28
B-25J Mitchell x 51
B-17E Fortress x 19

Allied aircraft losses:
B-25J Mitchell x 3 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 100
Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 35
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 228th Regiment from Lambeti & Russell Islands:

Allied aircraft:
P-40E Kittyhawk x 8
F4U-1 Corsair x 22
SBD Dauntless x 62

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 47
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Ground Attacks:

Ground combat at Vella Lavella:

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 14511 troops, 203 guns, 78 vehicles

Defending force 4106 troops, 62 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 249

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

The Ozzies got nowhere at Lae and incurred heavy losses in the process. There's 300-400 Japanese assault points worth of troops at Lae, depending on disruption. I've 275-odd points, so reinforcements might well tip the scales. Whether they can get there in time to beat down the lvl. 9 fort is another matter altogether.

I'm at a bit of a loss what to do, actually. The 37th ID remains uncommited, but I'm not particularly keen on doing an off-the-cuff invasion of, well, anywhere - Vila being probably the most likely candicate. I've been waaay to slow about things.

B-25's triggered against a TF off Kavieng. Unfortunately, out of lazyness I'd set them to Primary: Naval Attack, Secondary: Ground Attack with no dedicated naval attacks sdq's (other than the P-39's, Beaufighters and Beauforts in forward areas). Hence they bombed from 6,000 feet. After 70 turns of round the clock bombing, the crew are pretty good though, and still managed a good number of hits.

Bombing of Tony's bases doesn't seem to do much...

Japanese Base Points: 4,180
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 24 Apr 1943 Weather: Partly Cloudy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Air attack on TF W Kavieng from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
B-25J Mitchell x 46

Japanese Ships:
PG Nikkai Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Chihaya Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Meiten Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Akashisan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Akibasan Maru, Bomb hits 3,
TK Fujisan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
TK Shinkoku Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Gili Gili airfield from Rabaul:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 47
G4M1 Betty x 86

Allied aircraft losses:
C-47 Dakota x 4 destroyed, C-47 Dakota x 5 damaged *there to airlift the 147th Rgt.*
Beaufort x 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 16
Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 48
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Wewak airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
Hudson x 14
B-17E Fortress x 27

Allied aircraft losses:
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 30
Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 70
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 115th Regiment (Lae) from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
A-20G Havoc x 24
B-25J Mitchell x 54

Allied aircraft losses:
B-25J Mitchell x 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Vila airfield from Lunga:

Allied aircraft:
F4U-1 Corsair x 16
B-25J Mitchell x 60

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 37
Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 23
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 228th Regiment (Vella Lavella) from Lambeti & Russell Islands:

Allied aircraft:
P-40E Kittyhawk x 9
F4U-1 Corsair x 20
SBD Dauntless x 14

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 103
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Ground Attacks:

Ground combat at Vella Lavella:

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 14479 troops, 203 guns, 78 vehicles

Defending force 3801 troops, 61 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 25 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 4333
Guns lost 80

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 29
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lae:

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 19330 troops, 159 guns, 0 vehicles *4th, 15th, 16th, & 17th Bgd's, 2nd Pioneer Bn., 43rd Eng. Rgt.*

Defending force 32145 troops, 289 guns, 8 vehicles *66th, 78th, 102nd & 105th Rgt's, 51st Recon Rgt., 15th NG Bn., 15th AA Bn., Maizuru 2nd AA Bn., Maizuru 2nd Cst Gun Bn., 15th, 24th & 86th BF,*

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 107

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 500
Guns lost 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

The engineers have been unloaded at Vella and the airstrip should become operational in a few days, barring enemy intervention.

A powerful SC TF (Yamato & Nagato positive ID, + 2 probably Mushashi & Mutso) is sighted in the middle of the Solomon Sea, in position to strike Dobodura, Gili Gili and Vella. I considered moving my BB's to Vella but decided that it's better to have 4 BB's against 8 than none against 4, or how many he's got. Maybe the one at sea is a "slow" BB group, while the other (Kongo, Haruna) at Buka is a "fast" BB group. However, my recon planes have insisted now for several turn on the presence of 8 IJN BB's.

Tony's stripped Buka of most of it fighters and moved about 100 to Madang. Working on the presumption that he's going to strike Port Moresby, I've put up heavy CAP (hoping for better luck than last) and ordered a powerful strike on Madang.

Tony holds 18 bases for 4,180 VP. His current base total is 4,177 VP. So none of his forward bases are below their supply requirement. I hold 26 bases for 3,744 VP and my current total is 3,647, Gili Gili, Morobe, Salamaua, and Nadzab being the culprits. Not good.

ASW planes got the Grampus 90 miles south of Rabaul and mortally wounded the Spearfish northwest of Rabaul. Being within 90-120 miles of Rabaul is very dangerous...

As a consolation prize, RO-104 sank.

Japanese Base Points: 4,177

The Weekly Tally:

Allied/Japanese:

Score at start: 2,514/3,709 = 1.00:1.48

Week 1: 2,687/3,482 = 1.00:1.30
Week 2: 2,883/3,639 = 1.00:1.26
Week 3: 3,242/3,730 = 1.00:1.15
Week 4: 3,431/4,009 = 1.00:1.17
Week 5: 3,729/4,235 = 1.00:1.14
Week 6: 3,802/4,059 = 1.00:1.07
Week 7: 4,065/4,450 = 1.00:1.09
Week 8: 4,500/4,681 = 1.00:1.04
Week 9: 4,562/4,757 = 1.00:1.04
Week 10: 4,776/4,955 = 1.00:1.04

Army Losses:

41/103 = 1.00:2.51

Naval Losses:

Allied ships:
Sunk: 1xCL, 2xDD, 2xDMS, 1xMSW, 1xPG, 4xSS, 2xAP, 2xAK
Damaged: 1xBB, 1xCA, 1xCL, 10xDD, 1xDM, 4xAPD, 9xSS, 6xAP, 3xAK, 1xLST

Japanese ships:
Sunk: 3xCA, 2xCL, 9xDD, 4xAPD, 6xML, 1xPG, 7xPC, 4xMSW, 4xSS, 12xAP
Damaged: 1xCA, 14xDD, 1xAPD, 3xPG, 1xPC, 2xAV, 5xAP

Air Losses:

Total: 574/516 = 1.11:1.00

Week 1: 31/32 = 1.00:1.03
Week 2: 62/63 = 1.00:1.02
Week 3: 43/66 = 1.00:1.53
Week 4: 135/68 = 1.98:1.00
Week 5: 59/63 = 1.00:1.07
Week 6: 40/36 = 1.11:1.00
Week 7: 33/67 = 1.00:2.03
Week 8: 61/49 = 1.24:1.00
Week 9: 64/49 = 1.31:1.00
Week 10: 50/24 = 2.08:1.00

Air-to-Air: 177/161 = 1.10:1.00
Destroyed on Field: 56/71 = 1.00:1.27
Destroyed by AAA: 106/21 = 5.05:1.00
Operational Losses: 235/263 = 1.00:1.12

Sorties Flown:

Total: 62,877/48,548 = 1.30:1.00

Week 1: 4,527/5,021 = 1.00:1.11
Week 2: 5,379/4,800 = 1.12:1.00
Week 3: 6,018/3,832 = 1.57:1.00
Week 4: 6,391/5,355 = 1.19:1.00
Week 5: 5,984/4,862 = 1.23:1.00
Week 6: 6,700/4,565 = 1.47:1.00
Week 7: 5,815/5,605 = 1.04:1.00
Week 8: 6,965/3,737 = 1.86:1.00
Week 9: 7,499/5,909 = 1.30:1.00
Week 10: 7,563/4,862 = 1.56:1.00

Loss pr. sortie (excl. DoF): 0.0082/0.0092 = 1.0000:1.1220
Operational loss pr. sortie: 0.0037/0.0054 = 1.0000:1.4595
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 25 Apr 1943 Weather: Partly Cloudy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Lae airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
P-40E Kittyhawk x 24
A-20G Havoc x 36

Allied aircraft losses:
A-20G Havoc x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 154
Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 37
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 115th Regiment (Lae) from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
P-40E Warawk x 12
B-25J Mitchell x 76

Allied aircraft losses:
B-25J Mitchell x 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Momote airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
B-24D Liberator x 8

Japanese ground losses:
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Shortland Island port from Lunga:

Allied aircraft:
B-17E Fortress x 24

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 47
Guns lost 1
Port hits 10
Port fuel hits 4
Port supply hits 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Vila airfield from Lunga:

Allied aircraft:
P-40E Warhawk x 11
F4U-1 Corsair x 20
SBD Dauntless x 60
B-24D Liberator x 12

Allied aircraft losses:
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed, SBD Dauntless x 16 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 46
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Munda airfield from Lunga:

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 20
B-25J Mitchell x 57

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 39
Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 32
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

Our digital minions took a day off in the South Pacific to keep out of the rain. I'd send a ASW TF from Cairns to clear Gili Gili. To my surprise, it made the bound in one turn and thus didn't retreat. Tony's keeping some Vals at Gasmata hoping, I presume, to get at some of the light shipping I'm operating around GG. These of course went after the DD's and a hot reception.

I don't know whether Tony's fighters are still at Madang (they're not back at Rabaul or Buka), but it's time to give the place pasting anyway.

Japanese Base Points: 4,174
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 26 Apr 1943 Weather: Thunderstorms
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Naval Attacks:

Air attack on TF at Gili Gili: *ASW TF*

Japanese aircraft:
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 17
D3A Val x 15

Japanese aircraft losses:
D3A Val x 5 destroyed, D3A Val x 11 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

Another wet day. The Madang strike came off, costing me 10 P-38's to 9 Zero's. At least we got a good number of supply hits. Vella reached AF lvl. 1. I'll leave it be for now, LRCAP it next turn in the hope that Tony will recon first, then put in an air attack while there's time - but I doubt it. I won't interfere for now should he bring the BB's down - unless subs and PT's can be said to qualify.

Japanese Base Points: 4,138
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 27 Apr 1943 Weather: Rain
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Naval Attacks:

Sub attack NE Noumea:

Japanese Ships:
SS I-27

Allied Ships:
CL Hobart, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage *sys 91, flt 95, f 41*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Salamaua airfield from Rabaul:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 19
G4M1 Betty x 91

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

Allied ground losses: *airfield 41, service 29*
Men lost 239
Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 39
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Madang airfield from Port Moresby:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 36
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 72
B-25J Mitchell x 84
B-17E Fortress x 31

Japanese aircraft losses:
A6M2 Zero x 8 destroyed, A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses:
P-38G Lightning x 7 destroyed, P-38G Lightning x 10 damaged
B-25J Mitchell x 3 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 250
Guns lost 4
Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 122
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Shortland Island port from Lunga:

Allied aircraft:
B-24D Liberator x 12

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 23
Port hits 8
Port fuel hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

CL Hobert sank, while the I-27 proceeded to torpedo another Vella mine casualty, APD Schley - all the while avoiding the two ASW TF & 30 aircraft looking for her.

KB is out south of the Admiralties, in what appears to be some sort of ASW, escort, harassment mission or whatever. I guess time we'll know soon enough what he's up to this time.

The IJN BB's are also being outed, having moved to the 200-miles or so gap between Papua and New Georgia not covered by my air. We've got the first positive ID on BB Fuso, so let's presume the Yamashiro is there too. Could be a bombardment run, could even be a resupply run on Munda for all I know.

Japanese Base Points: 4,196
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 28 Apr 1943 Weather: Thunderstorms
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Naval Attacks:

Sub attack at Noumea:

Japanese Ships:
SS I-27

Allied Ships:
APD Schley, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Sub attack NNW Kavieng:

Japanese Ships:
AP Asakasan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships:
SS Sailfish
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF S Momote:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 28

Allied aircraft:
P-39D Airacobra x 16

Allied aircraft losses:
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships:
APD 38, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akitsuki, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Salamaua airfield from AC TF S Momote:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 13
D3A Val x 58
B5N Kate x 57

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 85
Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 55
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili airfield from Rabaul:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M3 Zero x 30
G4M1 Betty x 88

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 17
Airbase hits 15
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 70
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Lae airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 12
A-20G Havoc x 29

Allied aircraft losses:
A-20G Havoc x 9 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 55
Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 37
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Shortland Island port from Lunga:

Allied aircraft:
B-17E Fortress x 25

Allied aircraft losses:
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 63
Port hits 4
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[timtom]

IJN BB's still pottering about in the middle of the Solomon Sea. Positive ID on the Yamashiro. A lot of my bombers trickered against these TF's, but, as if often the case, failed to locate the target. A few hits were scored, one of which demolished one of CA Ashigara's 8" turrets, but I'd be surprised if any real damage was done. I lost 9 aircraft to AAA and 10 operational in these useless attacks.

A month late or so, Vella jumped to AF lvl. 2. Not surprisingly, a regular stampede is observed out of Buka. I now have four SOPAC bases to cover with 10 fighter sqd's, so they're fairly overworked. Tony's could probably push past the F4U's with relative easy if he wanted to because of their low morale. I'm trying to rotate at least one sqd. to maintain one with decent morale over the 40-50 ships I keep at Lambeti.

Tony's air attacks round New Guinea will prevent me from maxing them out and getting full value for them. I basically don't have enough fighters to all keep my bases covered and provide escorts as well - it should be clear that I'm not even trying on the basis that I'd rather be strong somewhere than weak everywhere. My own bombing doesn't seem to do the least bit difference, but hopefully persistance will pay off.

Japanese Base Points: 4,211
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 29 Apr 1943 Weather: Overcast
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Naval Attacks:

Sub attack S Rabaul:

Japanese Ships:
PC Ch 24, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships:
SS Greenling
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF S Momote from Port Moresby: *AC TF*

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 40

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 7
B-25J Mitchell x 6

Japanese aircraft losses:
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses:
B-25J Mitchell x 7 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at Buka from Lambeti:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M3 Zero x 17

Allied aircraft:
B-25J Mitchell x 14

Allied aircraft losses:
B-25J Mitchell x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships:
AG 2050, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
AG 2051, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 5069, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF E Kiriwani from Lambeti:

Allied aircraft:
F4U-1 Corsair x 4
P-38G Lightning x 14
TBF Avenger x 12
B-25J Mitchell x 5

Allied aircraft losses:
TBF Avenger x 11 damaged *4 lost*
B-25J Mitchell x 6 damaged

Japanese Ships:
CA Ashigara, Bomb hits 1
CA Chikuma, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Mutsu, Bomb hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Air Attacks:

Air attack on Nadzab airfield from AC TF S Momote:

Japanese aircraft:
A6M2 Zero x 27
D3A Val x 59
B5N Kate x 55

Allied ground losses: *airfield 35, service 20*
Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 25
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Air Attacks:

Air attack on Lae airfield from Port Moresby:

Allied aircraft:
P-38G Lightning x 6
A-20G Havoc x 9

Allied aircraft losses:
A-20G Havoc x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 24
Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Shortland Island port from Lunga:

Allied aircraft:
PB4Y Liberator x 19
B-24D Liberator x 12

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 87
Port hits 13
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Vila airfield from Lunga & Russell Islands:

Allied aircraft:
P-40E Warhawk x 11
SBD Dauntless x 28
B-25J Mitchell x 26

Allied aircraft losses:
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed, SBD Dauntless x 14 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 5
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------