THEY WERE EXPENDABLE: Nagumo vs Spruance PBEM

[racndoc]

Actually I have had Munda for over 2 months now and have flown 1000s of sorties....you are thinking of Lunga. Anyway I thought Id put up some typical screenies of my CVs so you can see what was going on:

[racndoc]

And yet another screenie of the same CVL:

[BPRE]

Hi,

Great AAR guys. I've been catching up on the last months action yesterday and today.

I think there are two reasons for what happened in your carrier battle.

If number of aircraft aboard a carrier exceeds 115% of the capacity only Transfer Missions can be flown according to the manual, page 190, last 5 lines.
Since you have 36 ACs on Belleau Wood that makes the load 120%.

The second one is that according to the flow of Air Ops a unit will join a strike as escort if it doesn't have a different target set. I noticed that your Wildcats on Belleau Wood has PM as target.

Rather unrealistic behaviour but that's the game.

That looks like it could explain Belleau Wood. Could it be the same for the other carriers involved?

Regards
BPRE

[Belphegor]

Agree with BPRE about Belleau Wood's cap. They are pointed at PM and that's where they went or wanted to go. You have to clear that and check your other carriers.

Yeah, I was thinking of Lunga instead of Munda, same issue however, make sure your fighters aren't set to a specific destination.

[Graycompany]

I was also wondering, Why do you have your Wildcats set to 30,000 feet?

[racndoc]

The CV is currently overloaded the turn after the strike as AC flew there from other CVs due to damage. All CVs had normal AC complement before the battle. The bombers all flew so obviously the CVs could not have been overloaded. I included that last screenie in order to show that sufficient carrier ops were left. The question is about the fighters. The more important question is .....why did only 3 AC out of over 120 fly CAP?

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 6-22-43


SOLOMONS CAMPAIGN: BATTLE OF THE NORTHERN SOLOMONS

The 5th major carrier vs carrier battle of the war ended disasterously for the Allies as none of their CAP flew and CV Wasp and 3 CVLs were damaged....some heavily. The Fighter Direction officers on all involved carriers were relieved of duty immediately. Fresh Corsair squadrons were flown in to replace the battered airgroups and LRCAP of P-38Gs from Munda were ordered. The CV TFs will now attempt to limp back to port under threat of futher strikes from KB and land based air. Hopefully the CAP will fly tomorrow.

CV Wasp will probably be out of the war for at least 6 months. At least 2 of the IJN CVs were damaged in the exchange.




EASTERN NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN:

Invasion forces assembled at the SE tip of New Guinea in preparation for the upcoming assault.

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 6-23-43


SOLOMONS CAMPAIGN: GUADALCANAL SECURED

The last IJA remnants were mopped up today in Lunga. Guadalcanal is finally 100% secured after 2 months of fighting.

The damaged CV Wasp and CVLs continued to withdraw towards Munda. The Japanese threw all their naval and land based air available in theatre at them. The British CVs reinforced with 2 Corsair squadrons stood by their damaged American brothers and helped resist the awesome Japanese onslaught.....over 100 Japanese AC were shot down with no further hits scored on the USN carriers.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/23/43

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 54,43

Japanese Ships
DD Hatsuzuki
PG Shinko Maru #5
PG Nanpo Maru
PG Aso Maru

Allied Ships
SS Barb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 54,94

Japanese Ships
SS I-32, hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Philip

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 54,43

Japanese Ships
PG Shinko Maru #5
PG Nanpo Maru
PG Aso Maru
DD Hatsuzuki

Allied Ships
SS Barb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34


Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 27
Beaufighter VIC x 31
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 60
B-25J Mitchell x 68


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
258 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 18
Port hits 8
Port supply hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
11 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
15 x Beaufighter VIC bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
16 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
16 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
12 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Beaufighter VIC bombing at 2000 feet
12 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
21 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Beaufighter VIC bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 32
Liberator VI x 48


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
41 casualties reported

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Liberator VI bombing at 6000 feet
12 x Liberator VI bombing at 6000 feet
9 x Liberator VI bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Liberator VI bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 6000 feet
7 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Liberator VI bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Liberator VI bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Davao , at 41,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 5
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 6 destroyed


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Gili Gili , at 56,94


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 11
Beaufort V-IX x 12
A-20G Havoc x 46
PB4Y Liberator x 55
B-24D Liberator x 31


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
27 casualties reported

Port hits 4
Port supply hits 23

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 11000 feet
8 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
8 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
46 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
7 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
5 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
8 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
7 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
2 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Gili Gili , at 56,94


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 11


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 52nd Division, at 67,97


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
F4U-1 Corsair x 3
SBD Dauntless x 41
F-5A Lightning x 1
A-20G Havoc x 14
B-25C Mitchell x 2
B-25J Mitchell x 18


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
200 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
27 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
9 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 10000 feet
11 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
7 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
5 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 64,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 9
A6M3a Zero x 31
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
Barracuda x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Barracuda: 2 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 64,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 4
A6M3a Zero x 17
D3A Val x 17
D4Y Judy x 4
B5N Kate x 8

Allied aircraft
Wildcat V x 36
F4F-4 Wildcat x 67
F4U-1 Corsair x 46
P-38G Lightning x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 4 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 17 destroyed
D3A Val: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged
D4Y Judy: 4 destroyed
B5N Kate: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 64,90

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 30
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 26
Ki-21 Sally x 17

Allied aircraft
Wildcat V x 18
F4F-4 Wildcat x 39
F4U-1 Corsair x 23
P-38G Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 30 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 22 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 13 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 6 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair: 3 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 8 destroyed


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

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 70952 troops, 843 guns, 10 vehicles

Defending force 8033 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 304 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
5563 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported

[racndoc]

BPRE and Gray Company....thanx for your comments. Belphegor and I retested the turn several times and yes I blew it by having a destination set for my fighters...it cancelled out the CAP orders.

And Gray Company...I typically have my CAP at high altitudes to take advantage of the US fighter strengths....if the game is modeled correctly, the Allied fighters should be able to dive on attacking AC and run away...ie not try to turn and manuever with them. Use gravity and keep their speed up. I routinely do sweeps with P-38s at 35,000 ft and they seem to be VERY deadly.

[aztez]

Congrats! [:D] ...Allied offensive seems to be overwhelming the Japanese... looking forward to reading more [:)]

[BPRE]

Thanks AdmSpruance,

Interesting that you could confirm it. Its' still a bit of a mystery to me. I can understand that you didn't get any escort due to the target setting but it doesn't really explain the absence of CAP. Just like you mentioned it couldn't be overload since the bombers flew. I also noticed that more or less all Wildcats (if my guesstimate of your ships is correct) flew CAP during the later attacks.

Something else I thought about was that Belleau Wood had fightrs from other carriers. I guess that means that they actually were in the air when that carrier was hit. But where?

There are two other options I can think of. If some fighters did fly escort they could have missed the bombers and the target. Very realistically modeled. I think since similar things happened IRL.
The only other theory I can think of is that the game modeled a similar mistake by the CAP so firing your fighter directors were probably very accurate. Hopefully a very unusual occurence to have all the CAP run away in the wrong direction but still a possibility.
I hope you don't get upset but I must say that for me, watching the game, I think this will make it more exciting for a while.

Good luck both of you
BPRE

[racndoc]

Thanx BPRE...you are right...this will probably make the game more exciting.


SITUATION REPORT: 6-26-43


EASTERN SOLOMONS CAMPAIGN: INVASION OF GILI GILI


Allied troops surged ashore today led by the newly arrived 3rd USMC Division in their 1st experience under fire. SWPAC command gave the order for a deliberate attack tomorrow.


SOLOMONS CAMPAIGN:

Allied bombers flew base suppression missions against the last 3 Japanese airfields in the south Pacific....Lae, Shortlands and Rabaul.

With the final liquidation of Japanese on Guadalcanal the Allies are in firm control of the southern Solomons. Operations will soon begin to acquire bases in the northern Solomons.

CV Wasp and the damaged CVLs made it back to port. As soon as they stop taking on water they will be sent back to the west coast for refit and repair.


SEAC:

The Japanese sent a transport TF to Rangoon only to be hit by massive naval air attacks from Akyab and Chandpur. Four ships were sunk today.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/26/43

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1002 encounters mine field at Gili Gili (56,94)

Allied Ships
MSW Token
MSW Lithgow
MSW Deloraine
MSW Baroda
MSW Strive
MSW Wollongong
MSW Wagga
MSW Ipswitch
MSW Colac

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1035 encounters mine field at Gili Gili (56,94)

Allied Ships
DMS Hamilton
DD King, Mine hits 1, on fire
DD Bailey

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1038 encounters mine field at Gili Gili (56,94)

Allied Ships
DMS Lamberton
DMS Zane

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1089 encounters mine field at Gili Gili (56,94)

Allied Ships
MSW Requisite
MSW Wasaga
MSW Bungaree
MSW Guysborough
MSW Nipigon
MSW Courtenay
MSW Quatsino
MSW Bobolink
MSW Grebe
MSW Tern
MSW Champion
MSW Sage
MSW Whyalla
MSW Geelong
DD Alden
DD McCalla, Mine hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Gili Gili, at 56,94

Allied Ships
CA Wichita
CA San Francisco
CA Astoria
CA Louisville
CA Northampton
BB Massachusetts
BB Indiana
BB Washington

Japanese ground losses:
45 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Gili Gili, at 56,94

Allied Ships
CL Marblehead
CA Quincy
CA Salt Lake City
CA Chicago
CA Houston
CA Indianapolis
BB South Dakota
BB Pennsylvania
BB Colorado

Japanese ground losses:
101 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Gili Gili, at 56,94

Allied Ships
CL Newcastle
CL Glasgow
CL Birmingham
CL Emerald
CL De Ruyter
CL Java
CA Frobisher
CA Hawkins
CA Cornwall
CA Devonshire
CA Shropshire
BB Resolution
BB Revenge
BB Valiant
BB Prince of Wales

Japanese ground losses:
93 casualties reported

Port supply hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1002 encounters mine field at Gili Gili (56,94)

TF 1002 troops unloading over beach at Gili Gili, 56,94


Allied Ships
MSW Token
MSW Lithgow
MSW Deloraine
MSW Baroda
MSW Strive
MSW Wollongong
MSW Wagga
MSW Ipswitch
MSW Colac
DD Van Ghent
LCT LCT-154, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hammann
DD Caldwell
DD Evertsen
DD Welles


Allied ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


Allied ground losses:
1720 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1002 encounters mine field at Gili Gili (56,94)

TF 1002 troops unloading over beach at Gili Gili, 56,94


Allied Ships
MSW Token
MSW Lithgow
MSW Deloraine
MSW Baroda
MSW Strive
MSW Wollongong
MSW Wagga
MSW Ipswitch
MSW Colac
DD Welles
DD Van Ghent, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Evertsen
DD Caldwell
DD Hammann


Allied ground losses:
880 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 36,63

Japanese Ships
DD Kuretake
DD Mikazuki
DD Samidare

Allied Ships
SS Cachalot

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

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 24
B-25J Mitchell x 63

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
156 casualties reported

Airbase hits 8
Runway hits 27

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
15 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
15 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Gili Gili , at 56,94


Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 2


No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Gili Gili , at 56,94


Allied aircraft
Beaufort V-IX x 12
A-20G Havoc x 43
PB4Y Liberator x 52
B-24D Liberator x 21


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 11000 feet
6 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
9 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
32 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 6000 feet
9 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
7 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
9 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
6 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
5 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Gili Gili , at 56,94


Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 1


No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Gili Gili , at 56,94


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 1


No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 20

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 72
B-17E Fortress x 62

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 21 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 2 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 10 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 40

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Shortlands , at 63,93

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 50
PB4Y Liberator x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
67 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 56

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
9 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
15 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
11 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
2 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 2

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Beaufighter VIC bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Davao , at 41,61

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 28
P-38G Lightning x 24
B-25C Mitchell x 47
B-24D Liberator x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 1 destroyed


Japanese ground losses:
97 casualties reported

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 36

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
7 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
22 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
18 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
18 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
7 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Gili Gili , at 56,94


Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 3


No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Gili Gili , at 56,94


Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 1


No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Gili Gili , at 56,94


Allied aircraft
PBM Mariner x 1


No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Gili Gili , at 56,94


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 1


No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Rangoon at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 28
Beaufighter VIC x 32
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 18
P-40B Tomahawk x 64
B-25J Mitchell x 64

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 8 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Batopaha Maru, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hokuroku Maru, Bomb hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
APD APD-33, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
PG Yoshida Maru, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Beaufighter VIC bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Beaufighter VIC bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Beaufighter VIC bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Beaufighter VIC bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Beaufighter VIC bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufighter VIC bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufighter VIC bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufighter VIC bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufighter VIC bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufighter VIC bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Rangoon at 29,34


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 9


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Hokuroku Maru, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Beaufighter VIC bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufighter VIC bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufighter VIC bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Rangoon at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 1

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 28
P-40B Tomahawk x 7
B-25J Mitchell x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Shiranesan Maru, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
AK Bushu Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Hachijin Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 38,53

Japanese Ships
PG Chosa Maru
PG Tamo Maru #7

Allied Ships
SS Haddo

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 6-27-43


EASTERN NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN: GILI GILI SECURED

All Japanese defenders of Gili Gili were annihilated today in an Allied deliberate attack. Seabees are on the way to build Gili Gili up into a major airbase(300 plane capacity) for reduction of Rabaul.

Eastern New Guinea is looking pretty green now so the campaign has basically reached a successful conclusion save for the mop up of about 30,000 IJA stragglers in the jungles outside Buna and Port Moresby.

The 3rd USMC Paratrooper Battalion has gone AWOL and is missing in action following the drop on Salamaua. CINCPAC has cancelled all future paradrops until the problem can be identified.

[racndoc]

WARPLANS SUMMER 1943: RINGS AROUND RABAUL


The next Allied objective will be the isolation of New Britain Island and the reduction of its major aerodrome at Rabaul. Ground and naval units of SOPAC and SWPAC will conduct a series of lightening thrusts to capture and develop a circle of bases around New Britain Island.


SOPAC:

US Army and Marine forces will island hop through the northern Solomons and build a series of mutually supporting airfields to support a thrust into the Bismarck Archipelago. These operations will be supported by USN CV and surface TFs and by landbased air at Munda. Land based air at Guadalcanal will suppress the Japanese airfield at Shortlands during this operation.


SWPAC:

Allied ground units will leapfrog NW along the New Guinea coast capturing and developing airbases and will link up with SOPAC in the Bismarck Archipelago to close the ring around Rabaul. These operations will be supported USN and Royal Navy CV and surface TFs and by land based air at Port Moresby and Buna. Gili Gili has already constructed its 1st fighter strips and will soon be enlarged into a massive bomber base to suppress Rabaul.

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 7-4-43...HAPPY 4TH OF JULY FROM THE SOUTH PACIFIC


SOPAC: SOLOMONS CAMPAIGN....INVASION OF TOROKINA

The Americal Division stormed ashore today and secured the beachhead while encountering minimal resistance. Unlike at Buna, USN CVs actually flew SBDs and TBFs in support.


SWPAC: NORTHERN NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN.... INVASION OF LAE

Assault forces formed up at Buna in preparation for Lae operation in 2 days.


Rabaul, Lae and Shortlands are all 90-100% suppressed.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/04/43

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Torokina, at 63,92

Allied Ships
CA Wichita
CA San Francisco
CA Astoria
CA Louisville
CA Northampton
BB Massachusetts
BB Indiana
BB Washington

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 41,51

Japanese Ships
AO Iro

Allied Ships
SS Balao

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 41,51

Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi

Allied Ships
SS Balao

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Hollandia , at 49,79

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 12

Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 4
P-38G Lightning x 42
PB4Y Liberator x 15
B-24D Liberator x 37

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 4 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
77 casualties reported

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 49
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87


Allied aircraft
Beaufort V-IX x 8
B-17E Fortress x 60
PB4Y Liberator x 81
B-24D Liberator x 67


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
348 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 13
Port supply hits 16

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Torokina , at 63,92


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
SBD Dauntless x 162
TBF Avenger x 12


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
159 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 7
Port supply hits 10


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Torokina , at 63,92


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 4
B-17E Fortress x 45


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
33 casualties reported

Port hits 4
Port supply hits 5


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Torokina , at 63,92


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 33
PB4Y Liberator x 23


No Allied losses

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 124th IJNAF Base Force, at 63,92


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
TBF Avenger x 53


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
87 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 12
B-25J Mitchell x 50


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
180 casualties reported

Port hits
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kendari , at 33,71

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 77
B-17E Fortress x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
47 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 17
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 61

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Torokina , at 63,92


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 34


No Allied losses


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


Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 15
B-25J Mitchell x 16


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
66 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 36


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 63,44

Japanese Ships
PG Kozan Maru
PG Kaikei Maru
PG Hayakafuku Maru
PG Chokai Maru
PG Chiyo Maru
MSW Kyo Maru #3
MSW Hinode Maru #18
MSW Hinode Maru #17

Allied Ships
SS Sailfish

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 40,51

Japanese Ships
TK Chiyoda Maru, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Tinosa

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 63,44

Japanese Ships
AP Arizona Maru
PG Kozan Maru
PG Kaikei Maru
PG Hayakafuku Maru
PG Chokai Maru
PG Chiyo Maru
MSW Kyo Maru #3
MSW Hinode Maru #18
MSW Hinode Maru #17

Allied Ships
SS Sailfish

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1229 troops unloading over beach at Torokina, 63,92



Allied ground losses:
768 casualties reported


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

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 16321 troops, 143 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 8087 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 7-5-43


SOPAC:

Allies prepare for deliberate assault tomorrow.


SWPAC:

Allied troops swarm ashore led by the 1st USMC Division. All out deliberate attack ordered for tomorrow.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/05/43

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1229 troops unloading over beach at Torokina, 63,92



Allied ground losses:
190 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1117 troops unloading over beach at Torokina, 63,92



Allied ground losses:
87 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1229 troops unloading over beach at Torokina, 63,92



Allied ground losses:
100 casualties reported

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


Allied aircraft
Beaufort V-IX x 12
A-20G Havoc x 2
B-17E Fortress x 77
PB4Y Liberator x 113
B-24D Liberator x 91


Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 1 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
318 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 14
Port supply hits 24


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Torokina , at 63,92


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
SBD Dauntless x 144
TBF Avenger x 10


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
18 casualties reported

Port hits 3
Port supply hits 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Torokina , at 63,92


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 4
B-17E Fortress x 43


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Port supply hits 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 15th Naval Guard Unit, at 54,87


Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 40


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
77 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Aircraft Attacking:
40 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 27th Special Base Force, at 54,87


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 3
Barracuda x 9
TBF Avenger x 28
Avenger I x 15


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 1 damaged
Avenger I: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
27 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 124th IJNAF Base Force, at 63,92


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
TBF Avenger x 52


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
96 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 56th Brigade, at 54,91


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 8


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 36,63


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 14


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Mikazuki
DD Samidare


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kendari , at 33,71

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 77
B-17E Fortress x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
150 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 71

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Torokina , at 63,92


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 9


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Shortlands , at 63,93


Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 13
B-25J Mitchell x 13


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
30 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 23
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Lae, 54,87, firing at TF 1002
TF 1002 troops unloading over beach at Lae, 54,87


84 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Peary
LCT LCT-168, Shell hits 1


Allied ground losses:
3108 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lae

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2338 troops, 9 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 20711 troops, 211 guns, 10 vehicles



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

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 16345 troops, 144 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 8084 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
37 casualties reported

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 7-6-43


SOPAC: SOLOMONS CAMPAIGN....CAPTURE OF TOROKINA

With the help of overwhelming air support the Americal captured Torokina today and forced the Japanese defenders to retreat towards Buin.


SWPAC:NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN: CAPTURE OF LAE

In a hard fought battle, the Allies secured Lae today along with its massive airfield and sent 20,000 IJA retreating towards Finshafen. The Japanese are reduced to 2 airfields in the theater....Rabaul and Shortlands both of which are 100% suppressed.

[Belphegor]

I'm starting to feel like I'm not welcome in the NG area... [;)]

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 7-10-43


SWPAC: NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN.....MOP UP OPERATIONS ON THE BUNA TRAIL

High up on the Buna Trail in the Owen Stanley Mountains, the 9th Australian Infantry Div., 2nd New Zealand Brigade and the 5th and 8th Australian Tank Regiments launch a successful deliberate attack on the 20,000 Japanese survivors of Port Moresby driving them back to Dobodura.


SOPAC:

The US 43rd Infantry Division successfully waded ashore on Buin yesterday and today launched a deliberate attack to secure the base there. An unknown number of Japanese stragglers fled to the jungle where they eventually will be rooted out.

[racndoc]

SITUATION REPORT: 7-16-43


Airfields at Lae and Torokina are now operational. Amphibious activity has momentarily slowed down as hordes of transports move engineers and supplies across the south Pacific to the newly captured bases. The USN and the Royal Navy should be ready for a new series of assaults to surround Rabaul in a few days.