A toe in the water - wobbly vs herb (I try again)

[wobbly]

Here he comes again! The Jap Carriers have moved down towards Gili (which expanded to a size 1 airfield this turn and is already populated - probably with anti-sub patrol craft) to cover the TF of transports that has targeted PM.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/04/42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 55,95

Japanese Ships
AP Montevideo Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Meigen Maru
AP Maya Maru
MSW Kongo Maru #2
MSW Keinan Maru
MSW Kaiyo Maru #3

Allied Ships
SS S-44

Japanese ground losses:
42 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

S-44 gets in the first shots of round two thumping this large AP. Hopefully it will sink before it gets to PM and hopefully it also holds a large chunk of the new invasion. The sub moves two hexes closer to PM to try and get another bite at the apple.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29


Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 12
Blenheim IV x 14
Wellington III x 11
LB-30 Liberator x 46


No Allied losses

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 58

Calcutta is my main Indian air base and it reaches out on another training mission to Akyab.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Myitkyina , at 36,28

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 11

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 59

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 11 destroyed

Last turn Herb had moved some oscars up to Myitkyina and they intercepted an unescorted raid of Hudsons. I send the AVG in to right the wrongs and they knock another 11 oscars out of the sky. Unfortunately 4 planes crash on landing when they return!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is all about PM again with Herb moving in with the next round of units. I can't see me being able to stop him in any way. He will suffer at the hands of the shore guns and maybe a sub or two (but as you can see from the diagram I am a bit out of position). I would say another division ought to be enough but he should bring some engineers. I have to try, with my limited capability, to exact as much hurt from im in the interim.
PM itself is looking good again without the constant attention from BBs and aircraft. All damage has been repaired and 7 damaged ACs were removed today. My usual trick of moving aircraft in to attack invasion forces will be difficult to accomplish in the extreme as he has the capacity to Bombard my planes on the ground again and the KB can act as fly paper to naval strikes - of course attacking it is just like commiting suicide. With all other services being repaired last turn some progress was made on fortifications!! I don't expect any more reprieves.
All of my resupply efforts appear to be taking their own sweet time to get across the Pacific. Noumea is now very low on supplies.
Herb is on the move in China as well. He has moved off the road to the crossing North of Henchow. I have 4 chinese armies dug in here. It also looks like he is trying to encircle Yunan - I am moving some of the units I have there off the roads to make this more difficult. The decision to keep the AVG in China really appears to be paying dividends here as he is being very cagey about how he attacks Chinese forces.
In Eastern India I have moved some engineers towards Kohima. I want to build it up for the eventual destruction of Mandalay. I think I will also take Andaman. He is concentrating on PM and the south Pacific, I want to make this singlemindedness expensive elsewhere.

[wobbly]

As expect herb comes back with a very large sledgehammer and smashes it into the PM structures. Ouch doesn't quite cover the damage.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/05/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 53,91

Japanese Ships
DD Oboro
DD Yugiri
DD Murakumo
DD Shirakumo
CL Nagara
BB Ise
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso


Allied ground losses:
191 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Runway hits 1
Port hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3
A6M3 Zero x 13
G3M Nell x 42

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 86
G3M Nell x 24
G4M1 Betty x 93

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 1 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 4 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
72 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 22
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 81

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 53,91


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 2 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Oboro
DD Yugiri
DD Murakumo
DD Shirakumo
CL Nagara
BB Ise
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso


Allied ground losses:
1073 casualties reported
Guns lost 13
Vehicles lost 2

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 17
Port hits 4
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 8

This one is particularly nasty. My slowly hoarded supplies are instantly evaporated - all units again revert to half rations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Still no landings in PM though so I imagine I will have to put up with those this turn. Then it is just a matter of time. I can't reinforce, I can only hope to do as much damage as possible to the troops and ships as they unload.

I am going to use my sub transports - currently bringing in supplies - to take out snippets of each of the units caught in PM. I don't know how long it takes to reinforce teh numbes of a whole division, but I think this is the only way I am going to be able to keep the units. They should still be helpful in defence of Oz.

I have placed my B17C and Es in Cooktown on airfield attack with GG as their target. Herb has placed seaplanes here and a bit of a reduction in their capability would be nice. They managed to hit one of my subs this turn (well that is what the combat replay informs me - no damage on opening the turn - but it is a good reminder).

OK folks - it appears Herb is throwing the kitchen sink at this invasion. Even his CVEs are now south of PM. So with all of his units here, I am contemplating two liberations: Akyab and Apamama. Is this too early and am I better to just hold off and wait? Supplies and replacement aircraft are still in a very bad way due to my gaff at PM. I feel like I am letting an opportunity go by at present, but this is a classic potential case of allies moving too soon. I feel Akyab could be possible - and will be nice as an alternative for damage to Northern Burma - but I have slated Kohima for this and it will be a whole lot less likely to cause damage if I just move units in overland - in fact there's a thought - take Akyab via land??? Maybe one of my tank units can race down the coast then reinforce the place with a base unit from the air??
Apamama is a good precursor for Tarawa as he already has troops there and having a base to enable fighter escort for the invasion of Tarawa would be very beneficial - I just think that my be going off half cocked at this time.

[witpqs]

Wobbly,

It sounds too soon to get very close to the meatgrinder just yet. When he's done with PM (if he succeeds) he just might turn around and ... [:(]

As for Akyab, the way I remember it there is no racing to or from Akyab via land!

[wobbly]

Hi Witpqs

Yeah - a certain level of "once bitten twice shy" is prevalent from previous games I have played where I moved too quickly. I suppose what I was attempting was not necessarily taking Apamama to hold but to make him realise he needs to move his carriers away from PM or else he is vulnerable.

If he does move the Carriers away - especially the smaller ones - I can try to attack them with my 5 fleet carriers. I may also be offered more opportunities around PM. The problem with this is that I am relying on my enemy to move the way I want him to. So far Herb has been particularly unhelpful in this regard!

[madflava13]

I'd stay away from Centpac for now -- too easy to race KB up there, there's nearby airfields for him to cycle through, etc.

Go for Akyab if anything - you have your bases nearby, and any damaged ships will likely be saved. Plus it would take weeks for KB to arrive...

[wobbly]

Madflava - Yes, I think that has to be the ultimate decision - the Indian sphere is doing well de to its lack of specific attention. Better to use this lull to the best effect I can. To this end one of the large Indian tank units starts to move overland on Akyab. This is obviously a very long range thing as it will take ages to get there. By that time though I should have a reasonable airforce - defensive anyway.

A quiet day as I wait on the PM invasion - two subs are sunk by his carrier acs today - is there nothing they don't touch?

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/06/42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 53,91

Japanese Ships
AP Uji Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shuko Maru
PG Nanpo Maru

Allied Ships
SS Salmon

Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

At least I get a lick in before the Salmon is sunk.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 53,92

Japanese Ships
DD Mikazuki
DD Yunagi
DD Fumizuki
DD Satsuki

Allied Ships
SS Sculpin, hits 1

Sculpin is the other that follows later in the day - hit repeatedly by bombs from Vals.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Air attack on Gili Gili , at 56,94

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17C Fortress x 18
B-17E Fortress x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
H6K4 Mavis: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17C Fortress: 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
48 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 31

The GG attack works though - and actually manages to kill a Mavis - wonders never cease.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 89
G3M Nell x 24
G4M1 Betty x 87

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 12 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
19 casualties reported

Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 30

Another mighty attack on PM - there is no way I can get any more work done on the forts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To day two where the landings occur - I have cut out most of the losses of troops but many many more make it ashore than are lost. Herb has no time to waste and has bought 3 Division!! I mean - bloody hell!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/07/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Port Moresby, 53,91, firing at TF 30
TF 30 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 53,91


290 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
PG Nanpo Maru, Shell hits 2

Japanese ground losses:
1333 casualties reported

Japanese ground losses:
629 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Japanese ground losses:
1416 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

200 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
1230 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Japanese ground losses:
594 casualties reported

Japanese ground losses:
1282 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

As you can see another 6000 or so casualties. However these divisions must all hold about 25K men each and I am going to be swamped. With only size 3 forts it will all be over very quickly. Luckily last turn I managed to get a portion of the 41st division and the 30th Oz Brigade out of PM. It will take ages but they will eventually be rebuilt. If I look at the losses inflicted on the Japs for this one I still come out very much on the loosing side . I am going to loose about 40K men 250 odd plans - 6 CAs 2 CLs 8 DDs and about 6 subs to his 2 CLs, 4 APDs, 5 DDs 100 ACs and maybe 18K troops. I suppose I have also taken up a month of time - It doesn't seem like an equivalent excercise.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 23605 troops, 260 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 64580 troops, 763 guns, 17 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
49 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

He almost has 3 to 1 and not everyone has landed yet!

[wobbly]

Well many enemy troops have landed and many were lost on the Beach of PM - but so far he has not managed to take the place. It can only be a matter of time as I am now outnumbered 5 to 1. Very bad day for subs - don't care what people say - Jap ASW is just fine potency wise.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/10/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Port Moresby at 53,91

Japanese Ships
PG Shinko Maru #5
PG Chokai Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-37, hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (Sunk)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 53,93

Japanese Ships
AP Kasui Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
MSW W.8
MSW W.9
MSW W.10
MSW W.14
MSW W.7

Allied Ships
SS S-45

Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

This is still heading towards PM so I don't think 5 to 1 is enough for Herb!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASW attack at 53,92

Japanese Ships
DD Yunagi
DD Mikazuki

Allied Ships
SS S-27, hits 6, on fire, heavy damage (sunk) - not good at all!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 38th Division, at 53,91


Allied aircraft
B-17C Fortress x 9
B-17E Fortress x 18


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
107 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

The B-17s at last sortie and hit the PM invasion. He didn't attack this turn which is what I was after - an attack which is reposted because the attackers are disrupted.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub attack near Port Moresby at 53,91

Japanese Ships
AP Kiyama Maru
MSW W.8
MSW W.9
MSW W.10
MSW W.14
MSW W.7

Allied Ships
SS Seal, hits 1, on fire

This just finishes off a very ad day for the sub arm, Seal, so far my most potent sub, is severely damaged and may not make it back to Oz.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 23060 troops, 241 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 80429 troops, 847 guns, 26 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
30 casualties reported

Not good numbers at all considering the men don't have full supplies!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So PM is not a very happy location to be: tonnes of enemies and no solace in chow! Elsewhere though this is starting to be eleviated - Noumea, Fiji, Auckland, Christchurch, Brisbane, Melbourne, Canton Island, Pago Pago; all of these places have now received large dollops of American supplies and fuel.

The 1st and 2nd marines have passed Fiji and are on the home strait to Noumea. This will mean all my fleet carriers are now available. I have a nasty feeling the KB is heading east as I can no longer see them and I have spotted his tankers and they appear to be moving east. I imagine he will want to replenish the bomb and torpedo stores though.

In Pearl an engineering unit and a CD unit are loaded destination: Canton Island.

In india engineers have made it to Kohima so the promotion to a size 4 airfield goes ahead and then it will be time to hit Mandalay and hit it hard! The 1st sqd of hurricanes has been converted to spitfire Vbs and the pilots have an average 72 experience - this should help tame the oscar scourge.

[wobbly]

My manouevering as the battle for PM continues.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/11/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Port Moresby, 53,91, firing at TF 40
TF 40 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 53,91


357 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
MSW W.14, Shell hits 2

Japanese ground losses:
485 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported

The shore batteries at PM have damaged many of the attacking escorts. I don't think I have seen any seccumb so far but I would think there should have been a few MSWs that have been put under. I imagine he is waiting on a complete takeover of the place so he can rest the ships there.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 53,91

Japanese Ships
DD Shiranuhi
DD Isokaze
DD Maikaze
DD Hayashio
DD Yukikaze
DD Hatsukaze
CL Jintsu
CL Sendai
BB Hiei
BB Haruna


Allied ground losses:
169 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Runway hits 1
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 2

Herb was back to bombard PM again but this time it doesn't appear as if the big ships had all their ammo.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 45
Ki-51 Sonia x 91

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 5 destroyed, 13 damaged


Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 39

Herb has had enough of the oscars being thumped and has bought zeros in to defend the bombers - in this case sonias. While the ground installations take a beating 5 sonias are knocked downa dn another 2 crash on landing. The AVG are close by but the fight will be more equal against the zeros.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pagan , at 31,31


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 16
Wellington III x 12
LB-30 Liberator x 48


Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 37

I continue to hit targets in Burma. I am not ready yet to really start an offensive from the air here so I will continue to hit places like Myitkina and Akyab while he has no defences there. My Indian tank unit is making good speed to Akyab. I may have to organise reinforcements in the guise of base units and such a little earlier than I expected. My first spitfire sqd is already half functional with more spits on the way.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 70th Division, at 45,35


Allied aircraft
IL-4c x 12
SB-2c x 26


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

The Chinese are also getting good experience bombing some of the advanced jap units. They have moved from about 45 average experience to about 52 now. I know I am dicing with danger not escorting them but I am checking the closer jap airfields regularly and the closest ones have no fighters. I expect to face mainly oscars and nates - zeros would be a nasty experience.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PM is still the hot location but I don't expect that to be the case for very much longer. He has so many men there that a single shock attack will be enough to force my whole defencive force to give up the ghost. I have taken parts of 4 of the units out but they will be damaged good fro 6 months or so.

Herb APs are leaving PM by traveling through the Torres strait. I don't think he has any fighters with them for escort so I move B-17Cs and hudsons to Darwin and order them to target naval at 2000 ft. The B-17Cs are at 73 experience so it is not an impossibility that I may hit something.

In Seattle an RCT and a CD unit begin loading for delivery to the staging post of Pearl.

3 days until a major reinforcement in ships, aircraft and ground units.

[wobbly]

The KB revealed threatening Noumea. Port Moresby deliberately attacked and on its last legs.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/12/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Port Moresby, 53,91, firing at TF 40
TF 40 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 53,91


11 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
MSW W.10, Shell hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
384 casualties reported

Still Jappers coming ashore. Each arrival changes the land units orders to bombard. I don't really have the supplies for that.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 53,91

Japanese Ships
DD Oyashio
DD Kuroshio
DD Kagero
DD Makigumo
DD Akigumo
DD Yugumo
CL Katori
BB Kirishima
BB Kongo


Allied ground losses:
145 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 2

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 15
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 10 Ouch OUch OUch OUCH!!! It hurtzes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 83820 troops, 889 guns, 24 vehicles

Defending force 32157 troops, 299 guns, 14 vehicles

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1


Japanese ground losses:
2819 casualties reported
Guns lost 89
Vehicles lost 3

Allied ground losses:
538 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

I am still making him pay. I don't know whether the number of men actually lost is close to reality but if there is some comparison, when PM falls, I will have destroyed about the same numbers as he has. So far though he has more points for killing more of my men. Very strange as he has only killed men here in PM and in China really. I know I get less points for killing his ground troops but the numbers don't really tally.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With the KB arrival down south everything bugs out of Noumea. It isn't strong enough by a long way to take on the KB yet. I do have the 5 fleet CVs but you can imagine I am very trepidatious about using them, so they also retire.

With no forts left and far too much damage of the facilities at PM I will loose it either in the next turn or the turn following. He may stop to rest one turn as the men will have gained a bit of disruption with this last venture. I still have B-17s lined up for attack and they flew without finding their targets last turn.

I have lost the retreating APs from PM so I have upped the number of Hudsons on search - they might just have slipped away now.

[wobbly]

Two turns and it is still all about PM. The first day is the first allied benefit match for some time with some positive results against the subs. The second is quieter but is still dominated by happenings in Port moresby.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/13/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 96,93

Japanese Ships
SS I-155, hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Drayton
DD Fanning
DD Dunlap
DD Ellet


Found and sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 71,109

Japanese Ships
SS I-26

Allied Ships
DD Hammann, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Allen
DD Waters
DD Alywin
DD Mustin
DD Monaghan

I-26 is also attacked but retaliates putting the hurt on Hammann. She makes best speed for Noumea and gets there. She should survive baring more damage.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 35,54

Japanese Ships
AP Kizan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
PC Ch 19

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier

Just north of Brunei Grenadier gets a lucky detonator
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 38th Division, at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 21

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
45 casualties reported

Herb attacks me from the air and at last the B-17s are reciprocating. I am trying to lessen his ground forces' continuity.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 71,109

Japanese Ships
SS I-26

Allied Ships
DD Allen
DD Waters
DD Alywin
DD Mustin
DD Monaghan

I-26 has another crack at the ASW unit after it in the afternoon - both sides escape.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 71,109

Japanese Ships
SS I-26, hits 8, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Allen
DD Waters
DD Alywin
DD Mustin
DD Monaghan

Then in the evening the harrying ASW ships latch onto their morning hunter and send her to the bottom.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 81618 troops, 768 guns, 18 vehicles

Defending force 31260 troops, 285 guns, 14 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
481 casualties reported
Guns lost 9

Allied ground losses:
36 casualties reported

Herb's forces then conduct another deliberate attack and they have to be discoordinated as I was almost certain they would take out PM defenders. They grimly hold their ground and more importantly hold the airfield as yet again the dakotas are flying in.

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

So to day two and it is obvious Herbie-san is getting frustrated as he unleashes an armada of aircraft at PM before afternoon attacks by the ground troops.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/14/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 53,93

Japanese Ships
AP Kasui Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-45

A retreating ship - damaged from landing in PM - is hit by S-45.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 83
Ki-49 Helen x 22
Ki-15 Babs x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 1 damaged

A huge attack in China without escort. They fly in at 22K and meet no opposition but they don't do any damage either. I do not move the AVG to cover - this would be the obvious move. I will let him continue to attack while he is doing nothing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pagan , at 31,31


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 13
Wellington III x 12
LB-30 Liberator x 43


Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 damaged
LB-30 Liberator: 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
35 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 28

My attacks against Akyab continue - for the loss of a Liberator today. However I also update a few sqds today. 2 get new Wellingtons and another reverts form Hudsons to Bleheim IVs - I have few more of these than the Hudons (which are more use in the South Pacific as scouts)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 21st Division, at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 5

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
80 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

The forts fly again and this time one doesn't come back. They aren't doing much to the troop numbers but they might be adding morale.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 41st USA Division, at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3
G3M Nell x 37
Ki-21 Sally x 4
Ki-49 Helen x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
52 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 67
G3M Nell x 15
G4M1 Betty x 61

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged


Allied ground losses:
132 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Day Air attack on 111th Base Force, at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 11
Ki-21 Sally x 8

The Japs then unleash their own morale building effort with huge numebrs of bombers spanking the troops at PM - this bodes ill for the afternoon's attacks with the ground troops.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 80302 troops, 749 guns, 18 vehicles

Defending force 30856 troops, 284 guns, 14 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
919 casualties reported
Guns lost 41
Vehicles lost 2

Allied ground losses:
426 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Well I loose alot more troops than the day before but the forts hold and so do the men! I think he needs to rest his troops for a bit - they seem tired.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have not seen the KB after finding them in the middle of the Coral sea. I don't know which way he went but I imagine it was back North. In case, of course, I have to keep everyone at arms length of where I think he might show up.

One of my subs was repeatedly scouted today SE of Gili Gili so this may be the KB - I think it is more likely another bout of bombardment shipping for PM.

I will wait on news of the KB before I continue to reinforce Noumea which at last has about 70K supplies. I really want to make sure the marines get ashore safetly. All 5 fleet carriers are offering cover but they were scouted today so he may know I am about - pesky bloody glens!

PM itself will hold as long as it can. His shipping appears to be retiring and I try to set myself up to interdict with subs both to the East back to Rabaul and East thruoght he Torres Strait. The Dakotas and the subs continue to load supplies in Oz for delivery at PM and today I have sent a 4500 AK on the incredibly perilous journey to PM. I hope it can do another SS ohio but hold out little hope this time. I think though - if I could find some way to get around the supply problem PM could really become a thron in his side. With 3 Divisions and other units landed - that will really restrict what he can do elsewhere!

I may try to bring a few DDs up from Brisbane to try Fast transport runs. I don't want to loose too many more warships though and this is the recipe for that disaster.

Elsewhere I do little. Today saw the delivery of the BB Norht Carolina and other small surface vessels along with 4 fleet subs. They all sortie for Pearl and opportunities.

Another Brigade is released to the Indian defensive army at it moves to Calcutta. The attempts to build up Imphal go ahead well and should be completed in about 3 weeks.

[wobbly]

3 turns but only 2 combat reports. The first turn (without a report) has negative highlights of anonther lost sub and a very disruptive bombardment of PM.

THe second - this one - sees Herb pull a lovely move on me with the AVG. I purposefully did not move them back after 2 days of his bombing but did on the third. On this third he unleashes what must be most of his fighters in the Chinese sphere and does massive damage.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/16/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 96

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 51

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 12 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 38 destroyed

The AVG bring done 13 zeros in the day but loose 41!!! planes themselves. I now have 40 pilots with an average of 70 exp. I will have to reign them in and start using them all over the sphere to try and stop Herb from pulling such feats against them.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 159
Ki-15 Babs x 1

No Japanese losses


He tries another massive sweep but thankfully the AVG are sulking.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The third day is full of happenings - first the KB which has been skulking down towards Noumea shows up and hits shipping there. Another couple of carriers hit transports unlaoding at Luganville.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/17/42


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 35
Ki-51 Sonia x 28
Ki-49 Helen x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged


Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 17

With the obvious withdrawal of the AVG he goes back to bombing Wuchow. There are about 32 units here so most damage is repaired - but it is a drain on the meagre supply level in China.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 64
Ki-21 Sally x 82
Ki-49 Helen x 15
Ki-15 Babs x 5

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
104 casualties reported

Airbase hits 15
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 41

The 2nd big Wuchow strike.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,30

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 15
Blenheim IV x 13
Wellington III x 20
B-24D Liberator x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-15 Babs: 1 destroyed


Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 15

Knowing he has most of his oscars and zeros in China I start hitting Mandalay with my slowly repairing RAF (many have just upgraded). While he continues to attack the Chinese I will try to hit him elsewhere.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Air attack on 21st Mixed Brigade, at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
88 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

The B-17s are raiding PM about every 3 days now and they are doing good work.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 68,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 49
D3A Val x 32
B5N Kate x 22
E13A1 Jake x 5

Allied aircraft
F2A Buffalo x 4
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
Kittyhawk I x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F2A Buffalo: 4 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 6 destroyed

Allied Ships
AK Sagadahoc, Bomb hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
AK Nebraskan, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Atlantic, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK West Cawthon

This is my fault as this TF had retire orders and decided to return to Noumea. I had to break them up and dock most of them. However he would have port orders as well so someone had to be sacrificed. He must be about at the end of his AC sorties!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 72,107

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
B5N Kate x 37

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Boreas, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Antares
AK Castor, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Bridge, Torpedo hits 1

Then - hullo more attackers off the coast of Luganville - they also sink a ship. I have created a single transport TF and am trying to make it look like I am escaping to the East.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 80647 troops, 731 guns, 15 vehicles

Defending force 28359 troops, 251 guns, 7 vehicles

THis is the first bombardment against PM in which the Japs don't destroy anything. Last turn supplies were dolled out to the men to bring them up to full. They are all on the defensive so this appears to allow them more supplies. This instantly brings down fatigue and disruption. Pm is still in a state though so no fortress building for some time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So the excitment - as always - follows the KB. This time my carriers are in touching distance but have the job of defending the 1st and 2nd Marines.

However, the 2nd carrier Tf has me very interested and I may try to wrangle an attack against them. I know the TF that is West of Noumea (by about 3 hexes) has most of his CVs and his refuelers. I am attacking more subs to the East of Luganville this turn so I want him to wander. The 5 Carriers of the Pacific fleet under Berringer and Mitchum are racing North between Fiji and Noumea to try and interdict this smaller TF. The ships they were guarding will head further south into the Southern Pacific. The 5 Heavy BBs of the Pacific fleet are too slow for the race and will stay to guard the flock.

I don't expect to be able to catch the smaller carrier TF but if I don't try and an opportunity arrises I will kick myself.

THis little foray has already halted supply missions form the states.

At PM the Ak Launcelot is 2 hexes out. It should dock in the night and be able to unload some supplies. This all depends on whether another bombardment TF is on the way in or not. So far no cruiser carried float planes have given away such a move. I am sacrificing this guy in the hope he can offload half his cargo - he is only a size 4500. I can't remember the weather but there are definately no fighters to look out for him.

More in Oz is he bleagured CA New Orleans - the only cruiser survivor form the last attempt to supply Pm - has made it to Melbourne. It is damaged enough to try and get back to San Fran and some real repairs - not while KB is about obviously.

Another Oz venture is the creation of a 4 DD Fast transport Tf that will try to keep PM in vitals.

At Pearl I put together a very large bombardment force for Wake. I have to keep trying to run him around. This is a oncer as I have no carriers for cover.

Supply missions from the States may be hampered but those from India are doing well. 1 has just pulled into the training ground at Darwin and another is rounding the Cape by Perth.

In India itself everything is being bent towards the airforce and conquest of Akyab.

[wobbly]

I have been negligent on my duties - 3 turns have gone by and a whole lot has happened. IN the first two I moved mY carriers NOrth (from well SOuth of Noumea) of Luganville to try and get into an attack position against the 2 CVs Herb hit Luganville with. At teh beginning of this turn they had made it to a good attack position without being seen. The trouble was that Herb, who had initially noticed my shipping south of Noumea and had chased, had moved to a position between Noumea and Efate. There was a large chance that he would join the two CV forces together and the loacl superiority I thought I could get would be completely whittled away. So I chose to move the carriers further Norht, continuing to hope I was not seen and look as to what eventuated.
In other areas Herb heavily Bombarded PM and then last turn tried another landing of troops. another 2000 were killed on the beaches and then when he attacked (without any air support) he was repulsed by the 41st with another 3,500 casualties. The forts are still only at level 1 but they have not been completely reduced yet.
The AK Launcelot, that I had attempted to sneak into PM, made it in the morning - managed to unload some of its supplies and was promptly smashed by Nells out of Lae in the afternoon. I had a 99 sys damage ship - and it was put into dock to try and get a bit more supplies off. Again though I think the sacrifice has extended PMs life - the new troops are support types - airbases and AAA.
At Noumea a large bombardment force rolled into harbour - pasted the place and then retired. Herb tells me he has abandoned his next target which was 'easy to guess' - his words - and I take it this meant Noumea. If he had trouble with PM then Noumea would be infinitely more dangerous - although I still haven't managed to unload the 1st and 2nd marines.
So on to today which reveals my reticense on moving in on the twin enemy CVs was very well founded!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/20/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Port Moresby, 53,91, firing at TF 173
TF 173 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 53,91


214 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
AP Miike Maru

Japanese ground losses:
192 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

More unloading at PM - 3 AAA units - 1 engineering regiment, 1 airbase unit.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 53,91

Japanese Ships
DD Oyashio
DD Kuroshio
DD Kagero
DD Makigumo
DD Akigumo
DD Yugumo
CL Katori
BB Kirishima
BB Kongo


Allied ground losses:
136 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

He bombrads here as well but it isn't too effective.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Efate, at 73,109

Japanese Ships
DD Kuretake
DD Wakatake
DD Numakaze
DD Yukaze
DD Okikaze


Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported

Runway hits 4

A bombardment of Efate too?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,30

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 14
Wellington III x 37
B-24D Liberator x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-15 Babs: 1 destroyed


Japanese ground losses:
27 casualties reported

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 35

The strike on Mandalay are starting to make very good headway in closing the place. He has moved all his planes to China in the AVG gambit. While they are away I want to close Mandalay and keep it closed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 75,103

Japanese Ships
SS I-29, hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Crosby
DD Morris
DD Anderson
CV Lexington
DD Crane
DD Kennison
DD Dent
DD Talbot
CV Saratoga

FOUND!! My movements end me up on top of the ss I-29 - she is sunk but Herb knows I am here now. I can't take him on head to head so the only option is to run. I do so, form a location just East of Gavigmana out further to the East. I don't have a massive tonne of fuel but there are tankers out that way and they will be where I aim.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So he continues with his attacks of PM and moves around Noumea.

I start a FT mission from Townsville to keep PM afloat - it will of course be very lucky to get in abnd out without meeting something. I can only hope it is not an incoming Bombardment force.

THis turn I have also snuck a sqd of beauforts into PM. I hope he doesn't turn his Bombardment force around for another go - or that if he does it misfires - but we shall see.

My bombardment force for Wake is making good headway.

[wobbly]

Just a short note as Herb hit me with another turn while I was writing the last one.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/21/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Port Moresby, 53,91, firing at TF 173
TF 173 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 53,91


8 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
56 casualties reported

Landings continue
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 54,95

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
DD Oyashio
DD Kuroshio
DD Kagero
DD Makigumo
DD Akigumo
DD Yugumo
CL Katori

Allied Ships
SS S-43

I thought this was the end of yet another sub!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,30


Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 9
Blenheim IV x 20


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 7

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 14
Wellington III x 36
B-24D Liberator x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-15 Babs: 1 destroyed


Japanese ground losses:
38 casualties reported

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 52

Mandalay is now listed as 89% damaged. I am going to keep this up in order to chance my arm at Rangoon. The RN puts together a new bombardment force - target Rangoon. This is very chancy but I have beaten him back a little here and a nice bombardment might make him move. THe 5 BBs of the Asian fleet put to sea with copious defenses including the Illustrious and the Formidable; which now toughts seafires on her decks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Air attack on 38th Division, at 53,91


Allied aircraft
B-17C Fortress x 6
B-17E Fortress x 15


Allied aircraft losses
B-17C Fortress: 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 8 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
48 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

It is worth adding this attack in too as suddenly I take much heavier damage. This is due to the arrival of the AAA regiments no doubt. I must continue as this must be raising disruption - I will just do it from 15K alititude instead.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91


Allied aircraft
Beaufort V-IX x 5


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Rakuyo Maru
AP Nissen Maru #2, Torpedo hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported

My beauforts are not bombarded and get into the air - landing one torp. There are 10 still airworthy and they fly back to the homeland - 6 to repair.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My carriers continue to run towards Fiji. He did not retire but statyed exactly where he was

If he stays about I think I will try a little trick... Loooking at his attacks so far they have been with very strong defensive screens around his carriers. I think what I may try is to get many TFs under one banner - reduce the number of Carriers I have - but load them with Wildcats. Then mmove into position with no intention of attacking back but instead to hack the poorly defended attackers - he is sure to send at me - out of the sky (such as that is against the KB.

There is now a massive congregation of shipping about 15 hexes south of Noumea waiting for him to go away!

In San Fran the 37th Division, a seabee unit and a base force all start loading with target Noumea.

[wobbly]

Well I have deleted the combat report yet again.

The important impats of the turn were the loss of the 4 DDs I was trying to use to Fast transport supplies ot beleagured Port Moresby. They met a Heavy Cruiser bombardment force and were smashed for little damage to their assailants.

This was always a problem with what I was attempting but a pity I didn't get a single run into the troops.

My numbers of DDs is starting to get too low for these throw away operations - I just find it hard to leave the men in PM to their fate, especially since they have defended themselves so well against overwhelming odds (it would have appeared).

In Burma the attacks against mandalay have increased in power and the base seems a wash out.

The RN continues on its way to bombard Rangoon but I wonder whether the experience of PM shouldn't be waking me up to the possibility that this much larger force could meet the same fate.

At Canton Island the Seabee and Aviation engineering Battalion land along with the 3rd marine CD unit. This is quite an increase in their defensive firepower.

[wobbly]

Interesting turn of events today!!!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/24/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Port Moresby, 53,91, firing at TF 173
TF 173 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 53,91


4 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported

This bloody dribble of troops refuses to let me set my defenders to defend only - they automatically revert to bombard!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Wake Island, at 82,63

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
H6K4 Mavis: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CL Phoenix
CL Detroit
CA Salt Lake City
CA Pensacola
BB Idaho
BB Pennsylvania

Japanese ground losses:
152 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 43

A whole lot of fuel and the bombardment of Wake kills 1 Mavis and gets one supply hit - wippy do. I try to do a bit of psy-ops on Herb telling him they are a preliminary bombardment - I give it about a 5% chance at impacting his thinking. The bombardment force will take two days at full speed before dropping back to normal on their way to Pearl.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 73
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 89

No Japanese losses

Herb tries to hit the AVG at Wuchow again - they of course are not available to tangle with him!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 40
Ki-21 Sally x 79
Ki-49 Helen x 22
Ki-46-II Dinah x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 2 damaged

Heavy Industry hits 12

Just to make sure of things he unleashes all his bombers and a whole gaggle of fighters on Wuchow's heavy industry - it is now officially at level 0 (instead of 5 - where it starts). I can only imagine this is training in depth - man what a heavy exercise if that is the case. In fact the movement of a swag of Hurricanes and Spitfires across to China to trump his fighter sweeps may be a very good idea - make it so Helmsman!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,30


Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 12
Wellington III x 11
B-24D Liberator x 31


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 38

Mandalay continues to be visited, although it appears he has more engineers there now as the airfield is being repaired more rapidly. As yet no more aircraft have been sent there though.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 65th Brigade, at 53,91


Allied aircraft
B-17C Fortress x 13
B-17E Fortress x 14


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

Japanese ground losses:
81 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

The 2nd B-17 attack of the day is successful (the first did damage but suffered it as well). I am standing these guys down for a day - morale is becoming a problem.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 39th Chinese Corps, at 44,38

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 30

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
30 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

This is obviously a training mission and it is this one I am trying to intercept. The AVG LRCAPs some troops these guys hit. It may take a while for this to bear fruit as he is hopping the target around.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Nome, at 106,23

Japanese Ships
DD Kiji
DD Kari
DD Sagi

You What!!!!!!!!!!! DDs bombard up in Nome - the very North of the map - in Alaska. Herb has been smoking himself!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Nome

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 7287 troops, 83 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 8688 troops, 76 guns, 6 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
784 casualties reported
Guns lost 27

Allied ground losses:
76 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Vehicles lost 1

I can only imagine Herb thought there would be no-one in Nome. In fact, I didn't know there was anyone there. That is where we send miscreants and prisoners on hard time. Why the hell would he want to take Nome? Anyway - the miscreants learnt their fighting skills in the Bronx and Harlem; they are no strangers to "gettin it large".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have no idea what Herbie-san is up to in Nome but I imagine he wanted a more easterly base for subs or something. I would never bother about getting it back so he could have it. The issue is I did have an RCT there and I imagine he will just retire his troops. I am not going to try anything to stop him taking his men off. If he ups the anti by bringing in more troops then he is welcome to the place - I'll continue to fight him as long as I can.

I imagine another attack at PM is about ready to roll and with all these support troops he is definately here to hold the place. He wont be pulling back.

The Jap Carriers start to head North - I continue to keep up good levels of scouting - although his damage of the AV at Efate has meant that the PBYs there are not being repaired. The AV is back below a combined damage level of 50 so it should start to do it's work again soon. I will probably replace it anyway.

Canton Island finishes the unloading of the troops, only supplies to follow. I start building up the port (to level 3) with the arrival of the seabee and normal eng unit.

Back in India the bombing offensive continues. I notice there is now a unit at Akyab! My very powerful Indian Tank Brigade should have enough power to oust a base unit, but anything too much more powerful could condemn that little operation to obscurity.

I have 2 sqd converted to spitfires now. As I surmised before I am thinking of providing a really powerful welcoming committee for his attacks on Wuchow. If the Hurricanes and P-40Bs arrive in enough numbers even the zeros may have problems.

My attempt to bombard Rangoon has also hit a snag as the recently upgraded seafires are not repairing as fast as I need them to. There is no real speed requirement for this op so I am not overly worried. The defensive fighters are vital so there is no way I am going ahead until these guys are operational. Another thing I note is that the seafires have a range equivalent to the Fulmars!!! In other words they have a 3-4 range. If only the land based versions were as good!

[wobbly]

INteresting tactics from Herb in China. Nome is not evacuated - although herb says he wanted to do so. I move some airpower there this turn to try and hurt the attacking shipping.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/25/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Port Moresby, 53,91, firing at TF 173
TF 173 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 53,91

PLease make this the last fragment! ALl the supplies have been dolled out to the troops at PM so they have full alotments. PM itself is deeply in the red with only dakotas to try and alleviate the issue.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 71
Ki-21 Sally x 77
Ki-49 Helen x 22
Ki-46-II Dinah x 5

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

Resources hits 26

A massive denial attack at Wuchow smashes the resource centre - this will make getting supplies more difficult. I have started moving the 2 spitfire, 2 Hurricane and 1 Moawk sqds across to China.
I don't quite understand these tactics though. Why smash the resource capacity unless he has no plans to take it?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Nome

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5414 troops, 62 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 6213 troops, 48 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
48 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


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

I am attempting a shock attack at Nome this turn - it could be a very bad idea. Although I would still rather be attacking with a base to crawl back to than all alone.

The KB seems to have moved North but I am not about to move the reinforcments slated for Noumea towards their destination just yet. It would be like the new Herb to feint away and then roar back.

Another very very interesting find this turn was CVs and BBs in the middle of the DEI - just below Jolo. They happened to scout a sub with a Pete (shipborne AC) so I doubt this is a dupe. Is he heading for the Indian ocean?

I cancel my bombardment of Rangoon as a bad idea on this intelligence - especially since the seafires are still only 2 plane operational. Even taking a few days I doubt they will be at a level where I can move against Rangoon before his CVs show up. I am too weak to take on Jap carriers.

[wobbly]

A Quiet day. Herb has pulled out of Nome. He continues to really give Wuchow hell.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/28/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 44,48

Japanese Ships
PC Shonon Maru #10
PC Shonon Maru #3
PC Shonan Maru #7
PC Shonan Maru #6
PC Shonan Maru #2
PC Shonan Maru #1

Allied Ships
SS Grouper, hits 3, on fire, heavy damage - sinks

His little PC ASW groups are awesome - they are taking to my subs like a Jack Russell to your mother in law's leg.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 77
Ki-49 Helen x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 4 damaged

Resources hits 24

Kapow - another tonne of my resources are wiped out. 2 more turns and I will move in the AVG and their Brit helpers!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 11
A6M2 Zero x 37
Ki-21 Sally x 36

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
58 casualties reported

Runway hits 35

PM had been left alone for a bit and I was hoping I might just get the 6% fort requirements for level 2 - should've known better - he is toying with me.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 51st Chinese Corps, at 44,38

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 69

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
32 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
36 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

This is also attractive - he is trying to train his oscars against my troops - I would love to time this with the new airpower in China!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Below Noumea the shipping that has been waiting for a sign of the KB has been given the go-ahead to close on it's destination. There are still 5 CVs with these ships and I am thinking of moving all the wildcats to Noumea in case he pops up again. Once this shipment gets in Noumea is safe.

Around the Phillipines and Japan I pull back my subs. They are going to take positions more mid ocean as I am getting found by his planes and then sunk by his PGs and PCs - talk about ignomy.

The Indian tank Brigade moving on Akyab is in the hex next door so Herb may notice it's coming. I wonder what this will prompt him to do? He has very few ACs in the area - they are all in China.

Herb is pulling the delivery boys out of PM and moving up the West coast of New Guinea. I am going to try for a mid-ocean intercept with a couple of DDs. Not much chance but it would be nice to get one up on him.

[wobbly]

Herb does it again. His timing is un-natural. I had moved all the Spitfires and tomahawks back to Wuchow while also moving hurricanes to the city to the North (damn chinese names). Although he hasn't unleased the zeros for a few turns he does it again this turn and the carnage is great. The difference this time around though is he also sent all his bombers as well. It is not all bad news.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/30/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 45,86

Japanese Ships
AK Tihuku Maru
MSW Kaiyo Maru #1

Allied Ships
SS Pickerel

I am hunting this pair with my 2 DDs as they try to escape north through the Torres strait. haven't pulled it off but will keep trying - the subs don't manage it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34
Ki-49 Helen x 12
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1
Ki-15 Babs x 2

Allied aircraft
Mohawk IV x 12
Spitfire Vb x 18
P-40B Tomahawk x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 17 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Mohawk IV: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
Spitfire Vb: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
P-40B Tomahawk: 8 destroyed, 2 damaged

Resources hits 3

So the first attack is actually an allied victory. The Spitfires do well although the AVG is not the force it was previously.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 85
Ki-49 Helen x 24

Allied aircraft
Mohawk IV x 10
Spitfire Vb x 16
P-40B Tomahawk x 7
I-16c x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 9 destroyed, 8 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Mohawk IV: 4 damaged
Spitfire Vb: 7 damaged
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 damaged
I-16c: 3 damaged

Resources hits 4

Then another assault by his unescorted bombers. This time they have bad morale and this saves many. I also suffere alot of damage from bomber gunners.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 124th IJNAF Base Force, at 30,29


Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 43
P-40E Warhawk x 7
B-24D Liberator x 28


Allied aircraft losses
Wellington III: 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
192 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Herb has noticed the Indian Tank brigade slowly (very slowly) making its way to Akyab. I know the target is a base force now and I have been diligent in damaging the facilities. It looks like he is trying to move troops north through the Jungle as well though. At present my tanks are winning the race but Rangoon is now heavy with aircraft and I can't defend my tanks very well from India. I mainly have Hurricanes there - just a few Wirraways and 20 P-40Es that could LRCAP.
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Day Air attack on 77th Chinese Corps, at 42,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 74
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 78
Ki-49 Helen x 8
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1
Ki-15 Babs x 2

Allied aircraft
Mohawk IV x 10
Spitfire Vb x 16
P-40B Tomahawk x 10
I-16c x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Mohawk IV: 10 destroyed
Spitfire Vb: 14 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 10 destroyed
I-16c: 9 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
24 casualties reported

So then the weather clears over Canton and Herb does it again. A massively escorted strike of zeros and Oscars. I really wanted to get amongst the oscars but to no avail. As you can see he heavily damages the numbers I have. At the end of the day the allies loose 66 to his 47. Of these 9 are I-16s and 7 are Dakotas - yet again intercepted going into PM - there are a few other sundries but mainly my fighter arm takes the losses.
THe AVG is down to 17 planes adn 33 pilots. The SPitfires have about 17 operations ACs and the Mohawks are gutted. He looses 27 zeros all told.
THe loss of the AVG is a great pity but not the death nell it is earlier in the game. With hurricanes and Spitfires from the British I can still look to make training a dangerous game.
I move most of the fighters to Homan where it looks like he is gathering for another attack. there are still 8 damaged spitfires on the ground at Wuchow. I am not so briming with spares that I want them bombed if it can be helped.

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ASW attack at 19,25

Japanese Ships
SS I-16

Allied Ships
MSW Cuttack
PG Nigella
PG Aster
PG Hollyhock
MSW Cromer
MSW Cromarty

Bugger - his ASW is doing better than mine. 2 ships attack but all charges miss.
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Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 87867 troops, 726 guns, 9 vehicles

Defending force 27055 troops, 220 guns, 3 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
716 casualties reported
Guns lost 22

Allied ground losses:
41 casualties reported

This though is a wonderful end to the turn. He is having awful trouble here in PM so I put operation Rekindle into phase 2. The boys in PM have to hang in for a bit but after the 2 marine divisions finish unloading (they make it to Noumea today) the Americal Division will begin loading and will be transported to PM (I don't want to use a marine division quite yet, PM is still in the balance and loosing one of these guys is a real backwards step). This time with some real support. 5 BBs 12 CAs 5 CVs 3 CLs and 25 DDs. I have been saving up and training fighters and they will all be participating.
The plan is to load only the troops and then head across to the Oz side. I will also load a large number of AKs with supplies at Sydney - I want to bring many along and then try to get 2 days of unloading before they break for home. There will still be supplies on board but I don't want them to be there when the KB turns up - as it is likely to do.
The CVs will also unload their fighter arm for the defense of PM. I am likely to keep a BB force there to try and offset surface attacks and just take the hits from the KB through the PM defensive air. Killing a few of his awful bombers and fighters will be well worth a damaged BB or two.

Obviously this is a long way in the future as the 2 Marine divisions (who will stay in Noumea) will need to unload first.

A Kiwi Brigade heads for Luganville and will be joined by a CD unit and a seabees unit in about a week.

The KB has been gone for long enough now that I am starting to get jittery as to where they may pop up. I have pulled all the supply Tfs away from Canton and the other Islands. Canton is now definately powerful enough to stand by itself.

15 days until I get some more reinforcements in all areas - most notably the CV Wasp and the BB Valiant.

[Raverdave]

Mate I really hope that you can hold onto PM. Imagine the mental effect this would have on him if you did. Keep up the good fight!

[wobbly]

Hi Dave - yeah mate - still ahve it by the most tenuous of margins. If the shipping coming is actually transports then I can't see me arriving in time. But if for whatever reason I do get there in time then the extra troops will give him an awful turn!

A couple of turns have gone by on the quiet. The Americal has finished loading and departs Noumea bound for PM, although Herb looks as though he is going to beat me to the punch by some margin - quite a number of TFs between PM and Woodlark.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/04/42

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Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 134

No Japanese losses

A massive strike of oscars against Wuchow - no bombers again yet - so for all of his destruction of my defenders he has at least stopped the bombing offensive.
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Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 11
A6M2 Zero x 29
Ki-21 Sally x 32

No Japanese losses

Runway hits 4

The attacks relentless attacks on PM continue. Despite this the damage is being repaired. It is about time he rolled in another BB destruction crew.
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Day Air attack on 254th Indian Tank Brigade, at 30,28

Japanese aircraft
C5M Babs x 3
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 33
Ki-21 Sally x 75
Ki-49 Helen x 44

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
117 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 3

I wondered when this would happen - a massive aerial attack against the Tanks rolling on Akyab. They are moving so bloody slowly that they will have to put up for this for about 3 weeks! I wonder whether they will be in any condition to take the place by the time they get there. With no long enough range fighters I can't really defend them either!
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Since Herb is trying to move on PM again I also move in a couple of bomber squads to attempt a bit of damage. Previous experience points to the fact this is unlikely to bring much other than damaged planes for me but I like to keep him on his toes.

I have not seent the KB or any of the other smaller CVs in some time now and that starts to make me anxious. Herb has very heavily populated Rangoon with bombers to hit the tanks north of Akyab with. The bombardment operation by the RN is tentatively on again.
I feel this is so very close to folly but I want to at least try and hit back.

Herb also says he is away defending the Australian Homeland in the auspices of a part time Minesweeper so there wont be any updates for a week or so.