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

[Andy Mac]

Declaring a 15 day hiatus from major ops I am am in ressuppply and consolidation mode

Most of my heavy Gps have less than 15 available aircraft so I am going to have to stand down most of my heavies and rotate them a little more.

Andy

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/21/43

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Maloelap at 82,81

Japanese Ships
AG AG-2051, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
AG AG-2065
AG AG-2081, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
AG AG-2089
AG AG-2093, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
AG AG-2098
AG AG-2527

Allied Ships
BB Colorado
BB Alabama
CA Salt Lake City
CL Tromp
CL Richmond
CL Phoenix
DD Aulick
DD Conner
DD LaVallette
DD McKee
DD Philip
DD Craven
DD Hatfield
DMS Boggs
DMS Perry

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 33,50

Japanese Ships
AK Arimasan Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Wa 4

Allied Ships
SS Cabrilla

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 32

Allied aircraft
I-16c x 5

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

Allied aircraft losses
I-16c: 3 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Truk , at 63,78

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 3

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 58
B-17E Fortress x 23
PB4Y Liberator x 5
B-24J Liberator x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 4 damaged
PB4Y Liberator: 5 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Shoto Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kikukawa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
77 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 15
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
2 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Maloelap , at 82,81


Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 21
F6F Hellcat x 17
F4U-1 Corsair x 12
SBD Dauntless x 9
P-40N Warhawk x 40


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 4 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 5th Engineer Regiment, at 54,84


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 7
Beaufort V-IX x 27
P-38G Lightning x 12
A-20G Havoc x 14
B-25J Mitchell x 36
B-17E Fortress x 11
PB4Y Liberator x 7
B-24D Liberator x 31
B-24J Liberator x 21


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
208 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 8000 feet
11 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 8000 feet
4 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
8 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
9 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 8000 feet
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
24 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 8000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 8000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
6 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 8000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
5 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 8000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 8000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 1st Engineer Regiment, at 61,88


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 13
SBD Dauntless x 40
Kittyhawk I x 8
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 5
B-24J Liberator x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
5 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
12 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
12 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 18th Division, at 61,86


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 52


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
3 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
52 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 6th Base Force, at 61,88


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 7
F-5A Lightning x 1


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 46th Naval Guard Unit, at 61,88


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 61
P-40N Warhawk x 10
B-25J Mitchell x 42


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
198 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
10 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
10 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
13 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
10 x P-40N Warhawk bombing at 2000 feet
33 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 62nd Chinese Corps, at 42,36

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 54
A6M5 Zeke x 270
D4Y Judy x 53
B5N Kate x 17
B6N Jill x 26
G4M1 Betty x 41
G4M2 Betty x 157
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 34
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 35

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
34 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
35 x Ki-61 KAIc Tony bombing at 2000 feet
9 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
9 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
23 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
27 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
26 x B6N Jill bombing at 7000 feet
23 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
24 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
20 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
21 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
23 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
21 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
23 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
8 x B5N Kate bombing at 7000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 5000 feet
18 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
15 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
15 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
11 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
11 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
15 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
20 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
20 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 7000 feet
6 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
9 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
20 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
18 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
10 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
5 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
6 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
7 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
5 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
5 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 7000 feet
3 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
6 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
4 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
6 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
7 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
2 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
2 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
2 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
2 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 7000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
3 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 5000 feet
3 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 4th USMC Para Battalion, at 48,78

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 20

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 60,87

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
MSW Penguin, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Bittern
MSW Sage, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 3000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Maloelap

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6580 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 20031 troops, 137 guns, 0 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Siador

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3299 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 626 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Allied forces CAPTURE Siador base !!!



Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Madang

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6041 troops, 40 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 5961 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
147 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
107 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

[Andy Mac]

inish of Madang with 25J raids as I regroup I suspect I will need to transfer some Beaufighters and a couple of medium gps to the Marshalls I would like to have Maloep but its taking to long.

OK seperate decision Kavieng.

I would like to free up 3rd USMC Div to spearhead operations in the Marianas in a few months so I need to finish it one way or the other. I could evac and leave him to rot there or reinforce not sure what to do. I could use 3 or 4 Divisions reinforce but that means casualties and lost prep time for a base thats now irrelevant.

My instinct is to evac using LST's and AP's and see how many I can get off

Thoughts ?

Andy

[asdicus]

Kavieng - evacuate and let them rot - no point at all attacking that base on land.

While moving/resting your airpower make sure that truk airbase stays closed permanently - without it he cannot base ships there or support any of the nearby bases.

I am tempted to suggest you forget Kwal and the rest of the marshalls. After all you have discovered Kwal has a very large garrison which will cost you dear to root out. Why not just isolate the rest of the marshalls with airpower and focus on one major drive towards japan ie via new guinea ? You will save so much time and expense avoiding some of the really strong garrisons deployed by your opponent on the outer limits of his empire.

Attack where he is weak and avoid the strong bases unless they are absolutely vital to support your advance.

[Andy Mac]

Yup the more I think about it I am thinking about evaccing Kavieng

Re the double attack route.

I thought about it but the second I focus on one attack route he concentrates against me and I lose a lot of troops.

I need to keep him spread out.

At the momnet I have multiple options and he has to honour the threats all of them. Kwal and Entiwok are vital for that it should be pointed out that I am not convinced of any one route he gets a lot of Land units to emplace so I need to keep stay flexible.

Andy

[Andy Mac]

Thinking longer term I know what I am doing in SWPAC/ SOPAC/ CENTPAC

North Australia is the decision zone.

I have a strong AF of slightly older a/c B24D's. Spitfires, P40N's no TBolts or P38J's only one sqn of F4U's

I have about 4 Divisions of troops plus about another Division of Kiwis that I can bring in.

I want to harass/ annoy and genereally cause mayhem without risking or losing much and I especially dont want to committ assault shipping en masse.

Any Ideas ?

PZB seems very sensitive about the area so the opportunities to wind him up are high.

At present most of the ground units are prepping for Timor or Bombay or Johore Baru (just in case I decide to go in late 44).

My objectives are not to lose masses of troops or VP's but force him to committ forces to guard all of the bases in this theatre I do not want to give him an easy ride here.

Once Formidable is repaired I am intending on using her with Wasp and 2 CVL's to raid the Indian Ocean and Palembang but only after I have a full strength allied CV force to go toe to toe with KB. Again the objective is not damage but harassment

1. Get him used to my TF's operating out here in case I decide to get sneaky
2. Spread him out
3. Annoy him [:D][:D]

Andy

[frank1970]

Your operation against truk was a hughe success, crowned by the taking of Rabaul. Congrats!

The reduction of his MLs will hurt PzB who loves to mine the whole Pacific.

You should always drop some bombs on truk as he had up CAP there although the place was awfully demolished. Maybe you might catch some more fighters and even more transportplanes.
Now as you have destroyed his supply source in the theater you should finish off Kavieng. Do not evacuate, Hurt him and his forces. He will need endlassly to evac his forces from there. Just think about it.

[Andy Mac]

Truk I will keep closed the issue is more around Kavieng.

He has level 9 forts there I could finish it off in a few months but if I do decide to reduce the place I will switch out 3rd USMC Div for one or both of the green Aus Divs and use the base to train them at the same time as they take the place.

Its the time required to take it thats the problem I have lost 2nd USMC Div so I only have 1 and 3 at moment 1 is required in Marshalls that leaves 3 as my spearhead but at present they are tied to Kavieng I dont habve the cuttineg edge assault Division and I need them for the Combat Engineers inherant in the Divison.

Andy

[Andy Mac]

Thinking about the future of the air war as I advance I have 3 Air Forces

I am intending on the following

All three will be balanced forces with mixes of Strats/ Meds and F/FB's

1. 7th Air Force Based out of Lae will support the drive up NG it will mostly operate Fighter Bombers/ Vengeance DB's/ Mediums/ Patrols and Transports with limited numbers of P38J's, F4U's and 4E Bombers.

Its objective is to act as a tactical airforce supporting 1st Australian Armies Drive up New Guinea and so will operate from many small bases in the area with a central reserve at Lae

2. 13th Air Force Based at Rabaul will have a large proprtion of my B17/ B24D and J and P38J as well as some FB Patrol and Transports this will be strategic and operates out of Gasmata/ Buin/ Green Island etc it will support 6th Armies prep for next operations it will also retain a naval strike wing and some mediums for finishing off enemy bases in the area.

3. 5th Air Force Last one operating out of Majuro and Marshalls will be a balance force with a lot of Marine SBD/ F4U/ TBM and PB4Y's basically a tactical Group of Mediums and FB's supporting Centpac's drive on the Marshalls. A Strike Gp aimed at anti barge andti ship strikes and a Strategic Gp for long range pounding and recon.

Andy

[Arstavidios]

Hi, could it be possible to know what ground forces you have left?
IMO the deciding factor is gonna the amount of ground units you can field.
If you do not have enough forces left you won't be able to overcome the Japanese defenses. They get much more replacements than you.

[String]

Hmm, no surprise he is so paranoid about northern australia. An attack from there is a direct threat to the SRA oil supplies. An island hop of few bases to, say, bali perhaps and you can wipe out 80% of the oil in SRA. This was exactly the reason why i fought tooth and nail for Koepang. In the pacific it's easy to trade space for time. In SRA there really is no space to trade. Once timor is taken there is just too much to defend, and it's all under allied air umbrella too.

[Andy Mac]

In SWPAC

1st Aus Div 100/100
4th Aus Div 100/100
6th Aus Div (Need a month of refit and prep time)
7th Aus Div (Need a month of refit and prep time)
9th Aus Div (Need 4 months of refit and prep time)
3rd NZ Div needs a month
43rd US Good to Go
1st USMC Div (Needs a few weeks)
1st US Cav Div (Needs a month)
3rd USMC Div (Kavieng)
Amercal Div (Kavieng)
1st Aus Cav Div (SPearheading the assault on Madang)

I have 6 other Regts/Bdes scattered in garrison and minor offensive ops in SW PAC area and about 7 Armoured Regts.

In Australia About 4 Divisonal Equivalents and 1 more armoured Regt
In NZ about 1.5 Divs

In Marshalls

6th US Div
24th US Div
33rd US Div
37th US Div
24th RCT
161st RCT
503rd Para Regt

632nd US TD Bn
1st USMC Amphib Armour Regt

In US or on way in next 90 days
7th US Div (PP Point release in 8 days)
4th USMC
28th US Div
93rd US Div
31st US Div
77th US Div
11th Aus Div plus about 6 Tank Regts

Of all my forces only 9th Aus Div (4 Months) and 40th US Inf Div will require extensive rest time.

Trust me Ground forces are not a problem not when I can pick and choose my assaults.

Its all about shipping if I could spare the shipping for Bombay or Karachi finding 6 Divs to do the assault is not a problem

Andy

[Andy Mac]

After that I get roughly 2 Inf Divs every 4 or 5 months and 2 more Marine Divs before the end of the war plus equivalent to a Parachute Division and 2 full US Armoured Divisions....

[Andy Mac]

ORIGINAL: String

Hmm, no surprise he is so paranoid about northern australia. An attack from there is a direct threat to the SRA oil supplies. An island hop of few bases to, say, bali perhaps and you can wipe out 80% of the oil in SRA. This was exactly the reason why i fought tooth and nail for Koepang. In the pacific it's easy to trade space for time. In SRA there really is no space to trade. Once timor is taken there is just too much to defend, and it's all under allied air umbrella too.

Hmmm interesting point I have about 4 Divs on Infantry that are In Australia that I could use if required for an assault on Timor etc without weakeneing everywhere else plus two weak Divisions from NZ. By stripping a few backwater garrisons a little Suva etc I could probably scrape together another Div now this would be a totally mixed force of Australian Militia, NZ Cavalry, Dutch Bns but I could scrape together 6 or 7 Divisions plus say 2 Honey equipped Armoured Regts.

Its not much supported by Dutch/ RAF and semi obsolete RAAF/ USAAF aircraft but it could be enough to cause mayhem !!!!!

[Andy Mac]

I still operate Walrus/ Beauforts/ P39D's/ Boomerangs/ Hawk 75's/ 339D's/ Hudsons etc from North Australia along with a sprinkling of 1st line aircraft it really is a backwater.

[ny59giants]

Andy,
Now that Rabaul is taken and Truk neutralized, what is your goal in that area?? Are you going to continue following in MacArthur's footsteps and continue up the coast on NG and then to PI?? There is no vital interest for the Japanese to defend there until you get to the western point of NG.

I like what String spoke about and would divide PzB's attention between the Central Pacific and "Fortress" Timor. I feel taking Timor gives you 2 potential level 6 AF at both Koepang and Lautem which to bomb his oil and resource centers into the stone age.[:D][:D]
From Northern Oz you have large AF and large ports to cover the invasions.
How much recon does he send over northern Oz to know about your attentions??
Do you want a showdown between the KB and the Allied Death Star soon or look to wait for some time??

The downside is shifting to a new axis of advance, but pulling back your troops to Townsville for refit is logical (Malaria free) and then sending them overland to Darwin without him knowing about it. [8|]

Plus, a "noticable" buildup in Perth may have him thinking you are going up to India...

[Andy Mac]

Its a good point. I am not overly bothered about when I try to take on KB I think I am strong enough now but should probably wait for Helldivers and a few more CV's etc I get about another 3 Essex Class Carriers in next 3 months so that would take me to 10 US Fleet CV's and 9 CVL's

At that point I would probably detach Wasp because of its small Strike Gp and 2 CVL's to accompany Formidable on a deep strike raid.

That would leave 9 Fleet CV's and 7 CVL's so 5 TF's (4 x TF with 2 CV 1 CVL, and 1 TF 1 CV 3 CVL)

Re the axis of attack I am not sure what to do next.

Truk is getting bypassed as not worth invading Jump up NG will continue while i rebuild but not seeking major fight on the way North.

What I really need to consider is whether or not PI is worth invading. I just am not sure. I think attacking a few bases in the area is worth it for stopping Oil shipments but I dont want to walk into the hornets nest of PI unless I have to.

The alternative is a strike straight at Saipan which is worth considering but I know PZB will have heavily fortified it BUT it might still be worth it.

The other option is take Marshalls wait till my Carrier strength grows then invade Northern Japan direct.

I have many options just not sure where to attack have about 20 Divisions available and assault shipping for about 5 of them the one advantage I have is that PZB has to cover a lot of bases.

Timor probably is worth attacking after I build up the AF's on the islands I control in the area.

Andy

[Andy Mac]

Quiet turn shot down a few Bombers Im in reorg and rest mode.

I will be taking madang and continuing up the coast not much else now

Andy


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/23/43

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1090 encounters mine field at Rabaul (61,88)

Allied Ships
DD Harrison

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Maloelap , at 82,81


Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 3
F6F Hellcat x 6
F4U-1 Corsair x 6
SBD Dauntless x 3
P-47D Thunderbolt x 3


No Allied losses

Runway hits 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wewak , at 52,81

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 11
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 11
B-24D Liberator x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 4 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 destroyed
H6K2-L Mavis: 3 destroyed
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 destroyed
G4M2 Betty: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38J Lightning: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 25

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wewak , at 52,81

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 15
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 15
B-25J Mitchell x 2
B-17E Fortress x 7
PB4Y Liberator x 9
B-24J Liberator x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 3 destroyed
L2D2 Tabby: 1 destroyed
G4M2 Betty: 1 destroyed
H6K2-L Mavis: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged
PB4Y Liberator: 1 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
27 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 49

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Maloelop Base Force, at 82,81


Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 6
F6F Hellcat x 7
F4U-1 Corsair x 8
SBD Dauntless x 3
Liberator VI x 2
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 4
P-40N Warhawk x 17
P-47C Thunderbolt x 10
P-47D Thunderbolt x 3
PB4Y Liberator x 12
B-24D Liberator x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
31 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 5th Engineer Regiment, at 54,84


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 28


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 1st Engineer Regiment, at 61,88


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 31
Kittyhawk I x 10
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 6


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 1st Engineer Regiment, at 61,88


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 43
P-40N Warhawk x 10
B-25J Mitchell x 42


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 1st Engineer Regiment, at 61,88


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 7
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 14


No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 6th Base Force, at 61,88


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 2
SBD Dauntless x 6
Avenger II x 13
Kittyhawk III x 12
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 55
P-39D Airacobra x 22
P-40N Warhawk x 135
P-38J Lightning x 3
F-5A Lightning x 1
P-47D Thunderbolt x 6


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
112 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 53
A6M5 Zeke x 348
D4Y Judy x 54
A6M5c Zeke x 47
B5N Kate x 80
B6N Jill x 26
G4M1 Betty x 36
G4M2 Betty x 189
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 35
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 36
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 35

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 40th USA Division, at 82,81

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 12

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 9
F6F Hellcat x 5
P-47D Thunderbolt x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 4 destroyed, 3 damaged



Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 40th USA Division, at 82,81

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6
Ki-21 Sally x 46

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 9
F6F Hellcat x 5
P-47D Thunderbolt x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 3 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 7 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

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


Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 15
F6F Hellcat x 13
F4U-1 Corsair x 17
SBD Dauntless x 4
Liberator VI x 3
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 9
P-40N Warhawk x 39
P-47C Thunderbolt x 26
P-47D Thunderbolt x 4
PB4Y Liberator x 21
B-24D Liberator x 8


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
20 casualties reported

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


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 3
SBD Dauntless x 30
P-40N Warhawk x 33
A-20G Havoc x 11
B-25J Mitchell x 46
B-24J Liberator x 12


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported

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


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 10


No Allied losses

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


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 4


No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 4th USMC Para Battalion, at 48,78

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 20

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Mussau Island at 60,83


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 11


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AG AG-355, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AG AG-5068, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG AG-2049, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 59,83


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AG AG-2529

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 59,83


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 7


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AG AG-102, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 56,88

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 4

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged


Allied Ships
APD McKean


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Maloelap

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6461 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 20314 troops, 136 guns, 0 vehicles

[frank1970]

If you want to attack in Pi I´d propose you stick to islands. Else he could bring in his mainforces which would keep you busy for a long time before achieving anything.

[Andy Mac]

To be honest the PI worries me its got to many bases that even my LBA couldnt close them all down. Add to that it allows PZB to concentrate his ground forces.

Without the 20 ish SEAC Divs plus the forces lost in Java and China (no supply) to put pressure on the IJA he could build up a fearsome force around Manila etc and I just dont have the kind of land force required to retake it in the face of the urban bonus plentifull supplies and lvl 9 forts.

It just appears to me to be to tough a nut to crack.

Despite PZB's defensive paranoia Marianas are probably easier as the individual bases are isloated and can be bombarded.

I need to keep attacking on both axis to keep his attention but I am definitly veering more towards a Marianas attack despite the pain involved.

Land everything on Guam or Tinian to sieze the airfield then go all out against Saipan.

Andy

[frank1970]

Sounds quite sensible.

Of course you could always do the kamikaze India act! [;)] [:D]