Andy Mac v PZB ....The Allies Fight Back

[Andy Mac]

p.s. I am posting the full combat return as we dont see many games at this stage. If it is not adding much I can try to cut it down a little (if it was another 41 start I wouldnt bother)

are there any screenshots folk would particularily like to see periodically ?

Andy

[Andy Mac]

My air stayed home today which is annoying as my Rabaul force goes in tommorrow I wish I had delayed and not went in now but I have sent the turn so its to late cest la vie...

A follow on deliberate attack thats weird easily repulsed the shock attack is coming and thats going to be the real test.

Tommorrow I have the best part of 3 Divisions hitting Rabaul .... god speed to them they are going to need it 300+ transports with only 5 Cruisers and 20 DD's for NGS.

Follow on waves are en route from Australia (1st and 4th Divs) and after shipping is available from Gasmata (9th Div)

OK now onto other news I have decided on the order and assault value for the fight in the Marshalls.

Stage 1 40th Div, 18th and 19th Engineer regts (100% prepped at mo) will land on Maloep they will load at Johnstone Island.

Stage 2 24th Div, 24th RCT and the 503rd Airborne Regt will hit Wotje (they are 20% prepped and should be near 70% at point of invasion)

Stage 3 6th 33rd and 37th Div 161st RCT and 18th/ 19th Engineers regts will land on Kwal in about 45 days.

Thats the plan assuming limited reaction from PZB.

Now my slow CV TF (Colorado slows it down) is covering the early phases but I am staying inside my own LBA. (My first Apache Grp has just arrived in theatre to assist)

My 2 Fast CV Gps Halsey and Spruance with 500 Carrier Aircraft will sit back and wait to see what happens.

In about 45 days I should have 2 more Fast BB's out of yard hands which would allow my 3rd CVTF to act as a fast TF as well and 2 or more slow BB's for Bpombardment use as well.

I am over concentrating my carriers and I know it ideally I should have 5 fast TF's rather than 2 fast and 1 slow but I dont have the escorts so I do what I can and try to avoid unsupported Carrier fights until early 44 when I will have more Carriers and more escorts.

(Ironic or wot to many sodding Carriers to escort a choice of 5 fast CV TF's at about 5,000 AA or 2 fast and 1 Slow at about 10k - 12k AA) I have went for the latter only because I am not going to engage outside of LB Corsair range

Andy


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/03/43

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


Allied aircraft
P-70A Havoc x 12


Allied aircraft losses
P-70A Havoc: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x P-70A Havoc bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 62,80

Japanese Ships
MSW Tomozono Maru #3
MSW Kaiyo Maru #3

Allied Ships
SS Narwhal

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 60,82

Japanese Ships
DD Hatsukari
DD Manazuru
PC Iki
DD Wakatake
DD Numakaze
DD Namikaze
DD Yakaze

Allied Ships
SS Haddo, hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wotje , at 82,79


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 10


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 8 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 7000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 7000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Maloelap , at 82,81


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 3


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 3 damaged

Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 1


No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kavieng , at 61,86

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11

Allied aircraft
P-40N Warhawk x 9

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


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Samo , at 62,88


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 7


No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 62nd Chinese Corps, at 42,36

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 32

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
16 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
9 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
5 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 55th Chinese Corps, at 43,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 48
A6M3 Zero x 27
A6M5 Zeke x 27
D3A Val x 54
B5N Kate x 24
B6N Jill x 7
G4M2 Betty x 9
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 64

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
32 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
32 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
9 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
27 x A6M3 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
48 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
27 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
24 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
27 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
7 x B6N Jill bombing at 6000 feet
27 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 55th Chinese Corps, at 43,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 44
D3A Val x 26
B5N Kate x 74
G4M1 Betty x 23
G4M2 Betty x 49

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 19th/A Division, at 82,81


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 11
PBY Catalina x 1
P-40N Warhawk x 33
A-20G Havoc x 12
B-25J Mitchell x 29


Allied aircraft losses
P-40N Warhawk: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
A-20G Havoc: 8 damaged
B-25J Mitchell: 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
138 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
14 x P-40N Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
12 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 6000 feet
29 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 8

Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 1

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 8

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 72

Japanese aircraft losses


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


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 1


No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 61,82

Japanese Ships
PC Oki
PC Sado
PC Kunashiri
APD APD-46
APD APD-39
DD Hakaze
DD Minekaze

Allied Ships
SS Thresher


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kavieng

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 58409 troops, 541 guns, 4 vehicles

Defending force 21449 troops, 119 guns, 125 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
601 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
72 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 2

[Andy Mac]

Holy Crap...

For some goddammed reason only one of my TF's reached Rabaul last night and unloaded 1st Marines (1 Bde and 5NZ Bde) - this may be the best luck I have ever had......

Out of 100 ships in the TF I lost 51 outright to the shore guns and mines 51 [X(][X(] with many others damaged

I lost outright 1 DD, 7 MSW's, 5 SC's, 9 PT Boats, 1 LST, 2 LCI's and 25 LCT's.

The land forces got ashore in one piece more or less so I guess the escorts did there job but with the main landing due tomorrow I have to say I am second guessing myself and am seriousl considering landing the remaining 40,000 men one hex away as those shore guns were just to much despite my aerial bombardment over many weeks you need heavy surface assets to neutralise them. I am holding off on the turn for 18 hours to think it through as this is make or break.

I am shocked by the lossses far more than I ever in my worst nightmare envisaged 51 out of 100 ships sank out right if I go in again it may be the end of the SW PAc Amphib operations for 6 months.

Where in the hell he got 5005 shore guns I have no idea.....

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/04/43

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


Allied aircraft
P-70A Havoc x 6


No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x P-70A Havoc bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 61,82

Japanese Ships
AP Otori Maru

Allied Ships
SS Narwhal

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 61,81

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

Allied Ships
SS Haddo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1058 encounters mine field at Rabaul (61,88) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

TF 1058 troops unloading over beach at Rabaul, 61,88


824 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
MSW Cowra, Shell hits 56, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Bowen, Shell hits 67, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Caraquet, Shell hits 26, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Ipswitch, Shell hits 77, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Wasaga, Shell hits 53, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Deloraine, Shell hits 36, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Wollongong, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Goulburn, Shell hits 21, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Skylark, Shell hits 60, on fire, heavy damage
DMS Hamilton, Shell hits 30, on fire, heavy damage
DD Fox
DD DeHaven
DD Fletcher
CL Nashville, Mine hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Waller
DD Sims
LCVP 542F, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Empire Pibroch, Mine hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
41 casualties reported

Coastal Guns at Rabaul, 61,88, firing at TF 1058
5005 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
LCT LCT-60, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-704, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Sims, Shell hits 24, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-63, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
CL Santa Fe, Shell hits 71, on fire
LCT LCT-64, Shell hits 19, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-66
LCT LCT-135, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
DD Fox, Shell hits 19, on fire, heavy damage
DD DeHaven, Shell hits 9, on fire
AK Samuel Adams, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Fletcher, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Waller, Shell hits 5, on fire
LCVP 592G, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 592A, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-981, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 542F, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-333, Shell hits 20, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-643, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 532E, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 532B, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-30, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-230, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-461, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-227, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-332, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-373, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-22, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-364, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-360, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-358, Shell hits 21, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-282, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-357, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-27, Shell hits 23, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-281, Shell hits 28, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-354, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-353, Shell hits 2, on fire
LCT LCT-352, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-701, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-642, Shell hits 23, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-325, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-179, Shell hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-178, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-175, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-335, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-334, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-333, Shell hits 1
LCI LCI-221, Shell hits 36, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-216, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-32, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-29, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
88 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
3602 casualties reported
Guns lost 33
Vehicles lost 12

5005 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
LCT LCT-60, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-704, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Sims, Shell hits 24, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-63, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
CL Santa Fe, Shell hits 71, on fire
LCT LCT-64, Shell hits 19, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-66
LCT LCT-135, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
DD Fox, Shell hits 19, on fire, heavy damage
DD DeHaven, Shell hits 9, on fire
AK Samuel Adams, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Fletcher, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Waller, Shell hits 5, on fire
LCVP 592G, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 592A, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-981, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 542F, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-333, Shell hits 20, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-643, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 532E, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 532B, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-30, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-230, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-461, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-227, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-332, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-373, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-22, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-364, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-360, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-358, Shell hits 21, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-282, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-357, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-27, Shell hits 23, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-281, Shell hits 28, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-354, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-353, Shell hits 2, on fire
LCT LCT-352, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-701, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-642, Shell hits 23, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-325, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-179, Shell hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-178, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-175, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-335, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-334, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-333, Shell hits 1
LCI LCI-221, Shell hits 36, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-216, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-32, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-29, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
88 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
3602 casualties reported
Guns lost 33
Vehicles lost 12

5005 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
LCT LCT-60, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-704, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Sims, Shell hits 24, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-63, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
CL Santa Fe, Shell hits 71, on fire
LCT LCT-64, Shell hits 19, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-66
LCT LCT-135, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
DD Fox, Shell hits 19, on fire, heavy damage
DD DeHaven, Shell hits 9, on fire
AK Samuel Adams, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Fletcher, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Waller, Shell hits 5, on fire
LCVP 592G, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 592A, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-981, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 542F, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-333, Shell hits 20, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-643, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 532E, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 532B, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-30, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-230, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-461, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-227, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-332, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-373, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-22, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-364, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-360, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-358, Shell hits 21, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-282, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-357, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-27, Shell hits 23, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-281, Shell hits 28, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-354, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-353, Shell hits 2, on fire
LCT LCT-352, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-701, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-642, Shell hits 23, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-325, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-179, Shell hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-178, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-175, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-335, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-334, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-333, Shell hits 1
LCI LCI-221, Shell hits 36, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-216, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-32, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-29, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
88 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
3602 casualties reported
Guns lost 33
Vehicles lost 12

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1058 encounters mine field at Rabaul (61,88) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

TF 1058 troops unloading over beach at Rabaul, 61,88


176 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
MSW Cowra, Shell hits 26, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Bowen, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Caraquet, Shell hits 21, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Ipswitch, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Wasaga, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Deloraine, Shell hits 28, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Wollongong, Shell hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Goulburn, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Skylark, on fire, heavy damage
DMS Hamilton, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
DD Waller
DD Fox, on fire, heavy damage
DD Sims, on fire, heavy damage
DD DeHaven
LCVP 592P, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Coastal Guns at Rabaul, 61,88, firing at TF 1058
13 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
LCM 592B, Shell hits 4


Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 61,82

Japanese Ships
AP Meisho Maru

Allied Ships
SS Narwhal

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 1

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 71

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 2 destroyed


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kavieng , at 61,86


Allied aircraft
P-40N Warhawk x 9


No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Emirau Island , at 60,84

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 29
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 9

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 6 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 62nd Chinese Corps, at 42,36

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 28

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
5 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 55th Chinese Corps, at 43,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 44
D3A Val x 27
B5N Kate x 75
G4M1 Betty x 21
G4M2 Betty x 48

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
15 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
7 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
43 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
24 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
24 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
27 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
17 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
14 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
6 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
5 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 3rd USMC Division, at 61,86

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 31
Ki-21 Sally x 71
Ki-46-III Dinah x 2

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 17 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 5 destroyed, 7 damaged



Allied ground losses:
102 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
10 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
7 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 33rd/A Division, at 61,86


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
F4U-1 Corsair x 11
SBD Dauntless x 14
Beaufort V-IX x 12


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
Beaufort V-IX: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 11000 feet
13 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 33rd/C Division, at 61,86


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 6
Kittyhawk III x 2
P-40N Warhawk x 9
P-38G Lightning x 7
B-25J Mitchell x 14
PB4Y Liberator x 3


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Kittyhawk III bombing at 2000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
9 x P-40N Warhawk bombing at 2000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Americal USA/B Division, at 61,86

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 10
Ki-21 Sally x 35
Ki-46-III Dinah x 2

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 4 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 7 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 16th/A Division, at 61,86


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 10
Kittyhawk III x 3
P-40N Warhawk x 16
P-38G Lightning x 9
B-25J Mitchell x 19
PB4Y Liberator x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Kittyhawk III bombing at 2000 feet
15 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
16 x P-40N Warhawk bombing at 2000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 16th/C Division, at 61,86


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 17
Kittyhawk III x 3
P-38G Lightning x 18
B-25J Mitchell x 19
PB4Y Liberator x 3


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Kittyhawk III bombing at 2000 feet
8 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
11 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 1


No Allied losses

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


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 1


No Allied losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kavieng

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 72936 troops, 731 guns, 6 vehicles

Defending force 21135 troops, 113 guns, 119 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
1645 casualties reported
Guns lost 36
Vehicles lost 3

Allied ground losses:
342 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
Vehicles lost 6


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Rabaul

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7794 troops, 68 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 4950 troops, 50 guns, 2 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

[Fornadan]

Coastal Guns at Rabaul, 61,88, firing at TF 1058
5005 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
LCT LCT-60, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-704, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Sims, Shell hits 24, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-63, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
CL Santa Fe, Shell hits 71, on fire
LCT LCT-64, Shell hits 19, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-66
LCT LCT-135, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
DD Fox, Shell hits 19, on fire, heavy damage
DD DeHaven, Shell hits 9, on fire
AK Samuel Adams, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Fletcher, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Waller, Shell hits 5, on fire
LCVP 592G, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 592A, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-981, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 542F, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-333, Shell hits 20, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-643, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 532E, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 532B, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-30, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-230, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-461, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-227, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-332, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-373, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-22, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-364, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-360, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-358, Shell hits 21, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-282, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-357, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-27, Shell hits 23, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-281, Shell hits 28, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-354, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-353, Shell hits 2, on fire
LCT LCT-352, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-701, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-642, Shell hits 23, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-325, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-179, Shell hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-178, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-175, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-335, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-334, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-333, Shell hits 1
LCI LCI-221, Shell hits 36, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-216, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-32, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-29, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
88 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
3602 casualties reported
Guns lost 33
Vehicles lost 12

5005 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
LCT LCT-60, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-704, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Sims, Shell hits 24, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-63, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
CL Santa Fe, Shell hits 71, on fire
LCT LCT-64, Shell hits 19, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-66
LCT LCT-135, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
DD Fox, Shell hits 19, on fire, heavy damage
DD DeHaven, Shell hits 9, on fire
AK Samuel Adams, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Fletcher, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Waller, Shell hits 5, on fire
LCVP 592G, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 592A, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-981, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 542F, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-333, Shell hits 20, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-643, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 532E, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 532B, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-30, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-230, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-461, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-227, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-332, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-373, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-22, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-364, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-360, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-358, Shell hits 21, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-282, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-357, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-27, Shell hits 23, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-281, Shell hits 28, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-354, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-353, Shell hits 2, on fire
LCT LCT-352, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-701, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-642, Shell hits 23, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-325, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-179, Shell hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-178, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-175, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-335, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-334, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-333, Shell hits 1
LCI LCI-221, Shell hits 36, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-216, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-32, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-29, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
88 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
3602 casualties reported
Guns lost 33
Vehicles lost 12

5005 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
LCT LCT-60, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-704, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Sims, Shell hits 24, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-63, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
CL Santa Fe, Shell hits 71, on fire
LCT LCT-64, Shell hits 19, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-66
LCT LCT-135, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
DD Fox, Shell hits 19, on fire, heavy damage
DD DeHaven, Shell hits 9, on fire
AK Samuel Adams, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Fletcher, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Waller, Shell hits 5, on fire
LCVP 592G, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 592A, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-981, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 542F, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-333, Shell hits 20, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-643, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 532E, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 532B, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-30, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-230, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-461, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-227, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-332, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-373, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-22, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-364, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-360, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-358, Shell hits 21, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-282, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-357, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-27, Shell hits 23, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-281, Shell hits 28, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-354, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-353, Shell hits 2, on fire
LCT LCT-352, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-701, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
SC SC-642, Shell hits 23, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-325, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-179, Shell hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-178, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-175, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-335, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-334, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-333, Shell hits 1
LCI LCI-221, Shell hits 36, on fire, heavy damage
LCI LCI-216, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-32, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
LST LST-29, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
88 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
3602 casualties reported
Guns lost 33
Vehicles lost 12

Well, with the surprise gone, I'll guess you can ask him kindly to land to land outside. How long does it take to march from Gasmata to Rabaul?

[Andy Mac]

The really weird thing is the landing force did get ashore in reasonable shape its just the ship losses that are excruciating

[Andy Mac]

Na if I do it ill land on the hex next to Rabaul so its a 60 mile jungle hike with my forces.

Before these losses I had considered it Im now reconsidering .......... with the ghosts of 51 ships hovering over me while I consider it [X(][X(]

Actually my gut reaction is it isnt even a choice its a must happen type of thing I dont think I have a choice to maintain offensive ops it will cost me 30 - 60 days to march overland on the trails but if its that of 50% casualties amongst my amphib assets thats an easy choice

[Andy Mac]

That hurt

[Nomad]

Now you understand why I had 3 units marching from Gasmota to Raboul? I had also planned to bring some other fresh troops to Gasmota. My idea was to heavily bomb Raboul, both port and airfield, for at least 30-45 days. That would have put a big dent in the defenders. By then my troops would have been close to there. I had planned to provide supplies via a group of C-47s.

Anyway, good work in the Marshals. did you decide to not do the Banda Sea airborne operation?

[Andy Mac]

ORIGINAL: Nomad

Now you understand why I had 3 units marching from Gasmota to Raboul? I had also planned to bring some other fresh troops to Gasmota. My idea was to heavily bomb Raboul, both port and airfield, for at least 30-45 days. That would have put a big dent in the defenders. By then my troops would have been close to there. I had planned to provide supplies via a group of C-47s.

Anyway, good work in the Marshals. did you decide to not do the Banda Sea airborne operation?

Banda sea goes ahead but I am using the Marine Core Para Bn for the op aiming in about 60 days. I would do it sooner but I need the C47's for kavieng and Rabaul.

Re rabaul the losses were high and probably not sustainable but the more I think of it the less I am worried yes I lost 51 ships but actually only the LST is irreplaceable. The MSW losses are worrying but SC's, PT Boats and Barges are replaceable and the 2 Bdes did get ashore in one piece.

Having said that the follow on TF's with another 300 ships cannot take that king of attrition without blunting my weapon so I will land in the adjacent hex.

And yes I do now understand why you marched overland although its nearer 90 - 120 days to march with force over the trails to rabaul from Gasmata.

All efforts will now be made to take Rabaul but I will do it the slow way.

Andy

[Andy Mac]

A key message I take from this abortive invasion is that serious invasions against plentifull ground troops need support from Battlewagons and proper Heavy CA's there just isnt any substitute air can help but they cannot completely neutralise defenders even 43 Allied air is not enough.

I am below 3 : 1 I need to ignore the clock ticking in my head and take time and care and do it properly.

Kavieng is an over reach and I guess Rabaul had to happen at least once to prove to me that the Allies dont get it all there own way.

I wonder though if Kavieng can be made to work for me.

If, and its a big if, my land forces can cling on in the kavieng beachhead then PZB actually has a problem he has now shifted the best part of three crack Divisions into a base that its going to dammed hard to get them out of.

With my air at Green Island it wont be easy for him to evacuate those divisions.

Yes I made a mistake in over reaching but tying up 3 IJN Divisons in range of my LBA is not a bad result and if he tries to evac those divisions [:D][:D][:D] well thats what Fighter Bombers and SBD's are for.....

Not happy but the more I think on it the less unhappy I am. 2 mistakes made yes but not irretrievable ones

Andy

[frank1970]

You will have to have massive LRcap over kavieng, else PzB will bring in supplies by air. Additionally he can transport supplies by sea covering the TFs with his carriers.
Rabaul needs at least one month of excessive bombings until you should even try to attack with your infantry.
You should really destroy Truk with your LBA. Let it cost some bombers, you should ahve enough in your pool.
Bring massive amounts of supplies to Australia/NG. I suppose about 1 million supply points would be enough for some while.
Use your airforce, it is the only thing that really works in your favor.
The only good thing in your situation is, that you do not need so much fuel for your navies as you have lost so many tankers.

My idea about the following game weeks:
PZB will bring overwhelming force to Kavieng. He will work there with 9 to 10 divisions to make your invasion a bloody mess. He will have bombardment TF there with lots of BB which will kill many of your troops. His bombers will control the area and the sea, because you run low on supplies. After killing your divisions on Kavieng he will transfer the troops to Rabaul and attack your forces there with overwhelming power.

His defence/attack is supported by airforce from Truk and the Japanese Navy.
You have to damage BOTH to have a chance.
Attack his Navy with your carriers, sink some of his ships (aim for the carriers [;)] ) and for god´s sake bomb Truk. It must be his supply and fuel dump. It is his saveheaven for damaged ships etc. Don´t care for the losses. Get after his airfields there. Knock them out as fast as possible, then get after the port.
It is not a question whether you like the losses of planes. It is a question of loosing the whole war!

[Fornadan]

When will you get back all those cruisers lost at Java?

[Andy Mac]

Frank I have a P47 and P38 Gp alternating LR CAP at kavieng.

I dont think PZB will bring much more force to Kavieng its a lot harder to get troops off of a forward base in the teeth of my airpower than it is it get them onto it.

Rabaul would be lunacy for him to reinforce it would bleed him white at my Corsairs would escort every raid.

As I said before Truk is beyond the range of all of my fighters against 300+ CAP fighters plus KB CAP my unescorted heavies would be annihalated.

Its just not an option until I can secure Kavieng, Emirau or Admiralties which would allow me to escort my strikes.

Cruisers lost at java mostly return end of 44 so a looong wait.

I get Alabama in about 40 days plus I hopefully will get Idaho, Washington, Maryland and California out of yard hands reasonably soon with Massachusetts not to far behind.

Andy

[Andy Mac]

On reflection I have decided to land at the adjacent hex not going to give this one up Rabaul will be mine !!!!!

41 of the 51 ships lost will respawn and both CL's will make it although one will need extensive yard time.

Overall I am unhappy but it aint over not by a long chalk we shall return [:D][:D][:D]

[frank1970]

How are your supply levels in Australia/NG?
Could you do a prolonged aircampaign against Rabaul and Kavieng and additionally clear the sea?

How far are your carriers away from Kavieng? You need some success now first to give PzB a payback, second to improve your situation and third to make us all feel better! [;)]

I am afraid he will go after your forces in Kavieng. PzB doesn´t fool around and he knows, that your troops in Kavieng pose a threat for this base. So terminating the threat is a good thing to do for him. He also can afford to loose some troops as he has enough of them.

[aztez]

I would stay away from Kavieng... He has too much reserves which he can move in and even now have substantial forces occupying the base. Also, since KB is intact he has naval superiority... [:(]

[frank1970]

ORIGINAL: aztez

I would stay away from Kavieng... He has too much reserves which he can move in and even now have substantial forces occupying the base. Also, since KB is intact he has naval superiority... [:(]

As I said.
Andy Mac needs to knock out Truk or the KB or both. Else he will loose at Kavieng and at Rabaul.

[aztez]

ORIGINAL: Frank

ORIGINAL: aztez

I would stay away from Kavieng... He has too much reserves which he can move in and even now have substantial forces occupying the base. Also, since KB is intact he has naval superiority... [:(]

As I said.
Andy Mac needs to knock out Truk or the KB or both. Else he will loose at Kavieng and at Rabaul.

That's pretty much it... it would be nice to see India liberated but I guess that is impossible unless PzB show Andy mercy [&:]

Anyway, this is an intresting AAR and has thought me a lot[:)]

[Andy Mac]

Thanks guys.

Truk is out of reach until I capture one of the three bases in fighter range.

Re Kavieng I will not reinforce until I have Rabaul.

kavieng was an over reach and I have mentally written off the troops.

I will try to re supply them but no more troops will be sent. Now I genuinely dont think PZB will reinforce again. It just makes it to hard to get troops out of that base once they are committed.

My 2 Fast Carrier TF's are at Buin fuelling and my slow one is at Tarawa. I have no intention of taking on KB with carriers unless it is seriously weakened by subs/ LBA until I get sufficient escorts to convert my CV force into 5 TF's as I am over concentrated at the moment.

The role of my Carrier Force is to create a credible threat not to get into unsupported slugging matches with KB.

Andy

[Andy Mac]

Re India it is just simply not possible or worth it.

The only way would be a surprise attack and PZB has EW platforms covering the map edge to Java.

In order to take India I would need a minimum of 6 Divisions all my Carriers and all my amphib assets for 6 months plus.

At present there are not enough units in the reinforcement pipeline to make the risk worthwhile.

Andy