Graycompany v Niceguy2005 - Pacific in Flames

[niceguy2005]

This will be a joint AAR picking up after the war has already started. My PBEM opponent (Graycompany) and I agree that this has been a challenging match and hope it might make an interesting read for a few folks out there.

Niceguy2005 = Commander Allied Forces in the Pacific
Graycompany = Commander of the Emporer's Emperial Forces

This is the first AAR I have started, so please offer suggestions on what you would like to read about, or ways of improving the presentation. Also, comments on the game situation are encouraged, but undersatnd that neither of us will be able to discuss strategy here. One or both of us may start an individual AAR in which we post our thoughts on strategy.

We pick up the war February 9th, 1942. The Japanese have made several lightning fast thrusts into the pacific and overwhelmed the unprepared Allied defenses. Even now, the Allies struggle to stabalize the situation and counter attack. The japanese now hold:
1. All of PI except Bataan and some of the minor islands
2. All of Malaya and Burma
3. Almost all of Borneo
4 They have established a toe hold on Java.
5. Most of New Guinea (including Port Morseby) and the Solomons
6. The Gilberts
7. All of Northern China
8. Kiska Is. in the Aleutians

The Allies are still putting up a strong fight at:
1. Java
2. Bataan
3. southern Sumatra
4. Most of China including Sian, Homan and Changsa

Singapore fell early due to some superior invasion coordination by Graycompany. The Brittish were conducting a fighting withdrawl back to Singapore (as opposed to a dead run for the base) and got cut off. The Malaysian army was effectively cut in half, with each half being eliminated in succession.

[niceguy2005]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/08/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 22,50

Japanese Ships
MSW Toshi Maru #2
MSW Kaiyo Maru #1
MSW Choun Maru #6

Allied Ships
SS Truant

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Changsha , at 47,36

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 63

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 4 damaged

Manpower hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
22 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
11 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Changsha , at 47,36

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 63

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 4 damaged

Manpower hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
22 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
11 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IF x 8


Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IF: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IF bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Macassar, at 30,69

Japanese Ships
CL Yura
CA Atago
BB Yamashiro
BB Haruna

Port hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Macassar, at 30,69

Japanese Ships
CL Yura
CA Atago
BB Yamashiro
BB Haruna

Port hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 57 troops unloading over beach at Babo, 42,77


Japanese ground losses:
59 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 79 troops unloading over beach at Waingapu, 27,74


Japanese ground losses:
250 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 103 troops unloading over beach at Maumere, 28,73


Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 57 troops unloading over beach at Babo, 42,77


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Banjarmasin, 27,64, firing at TF 179
TF 179 troops unloading over beach at Banjarmasin, 27,64


13 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
198 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Labao at 29,74

Japanese Ships
AP Siraha Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
MSW W.20
DD Shiratsuyu

Allied Ships
SS O24

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Labao at 29,74

Japanese Ships
AP Siraha Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
MSW W.20
DD Shiratsuyu

Allied Ships
SS O24

[niceguy2005]

A view of the Java sea. Note the invasions of Benjarmasin (Borneo) and Malang (Java).

[niceguy2005]

Siuation Phillipines

[niceguy2005]

Situation Burma

[Graycompany]

Well the war goes according to plan so far. here is an update from the different theaters.

China;

All of Northern china has fallen,, Mao has been reported to seek sanctuary in Moscow. Update today Is Central China, Sian and Homan

[Graycompany]

In 4th Fleet area, Near the Island of Canton. A CV group sneaks up and Hits Shipping in and around canton. Reported sinking


DD Tucker
PG Dawson
AO Neosho
Ak Idaho

Our Fighter Groups report downing 10 P-40B's with No loses . 2 Val's and 1 Kate have not returned. Update of the Southeast Fleet, Burma, and Southern area Will follow later.

[niceguy2005]

Combat Report

It was a day filled with small surface actions. Note the carrier raid on Canton [X(], in which Graycompany caught a number of escorts and Aux ships. Also, note the 3 Dutch DDs that took on his invasion fleet off Java, turning it back.[:D]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/09/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 57 troops unloading over beach at Babo, 42,77


Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Banjarmasin, 27,64, firing at TF 179
TF 179 troops unloading over beach at Banjarmasin, 27,64


Japanese ground losses:
160 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 224 encounters mine field at Kragen (22,63)

Japanese Ships
AK Ryoka Maru, Mine hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IF x 6


Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IF: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Blenheim IF bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kragen at 22,63

Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
AK Ryoka Maru, on fire
AK Shinamogawa Maru, Shell hits 4, on fire
AK Hozan Maru #5

Allied Ships
DD Bulmer
DD Banckert
DD Piet Hein

Japanese ground losses:
249 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Pakhoi, at 39,39

Japanese Ships
CA Ashigara
CA Maya


Allied ground losses:
49 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 118 troops unloading over beach at Torokina, 63,92


Japanese ground losses:
35 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 57 troops unloading over beach at Babo, 42,77


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Banjarmasin, 27,64, firing at TF 179
TF 179 troops unloading over beach at Banjarmasin, 27,64


28 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
MSW Hinode Maru #20, Shell hits 4

Japanese ground losses:
88 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Singapore at 23,50

Japanese Ships
AK Kotoku Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS KXIV

Japanese ground losses:
44 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 23,62

Japanese Ships
AK Ryoka Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS KIX

Japanese ground losses:
44 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Sian , at 47,29

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Bataan , at 42,51

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 16
Ki-15 Babs x 1

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 4th Ind. Brigade, at 45,28


Allied aircraft
CW-22 Falcon x 1
IL-4c x 4


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x IL-4c bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 55th Division, at 35,26


Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 2
Blenheim I x 9
B-17E Fortress x 8


Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Blenheim I bombing at 7000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 55th Division, at 35,26


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 28th Chinese Corps, at 39,39

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 10

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 91st Chinese Corps, at 39,39

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 8
Ki-21 Sally x 17

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
38 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 31st USA Regimental Combat Team, at 42,51

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 4
Ki-32 Mary x 36
Ki-15 Babs x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27 Nate: 1 destroyed
Ki-32 Mary: 10 damaged


Allied ground losses:
32 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
36 x Ki-32 Mary bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-27 Nate bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on No. 107 RN Base Force, at 26,56

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 24

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Ki-27 Nate bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Kragen at 22,63


Allied aircraft
Martin 139 x 10


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Santos Maru
AP Hinko Maru
PC Ch 8

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 11000 feet
2 x Martin 139 bombing at 11000 feet
2 x Martin 139 bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Bali at 24,68


Allied aircraft
CW-21B Demon x 15
Brewster 339D x 7
T.IVa x 3
Martin 139 x 7


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Zyuyo Maru, Shell hits 8
AP Tenryu Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
MSW Ataka Maru
AP Daitei Maru, Shell hits 4
AP Chinko Maru, Shell hits 4
AP Tatsujin Maru

Japanese ground losses:
145 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Brewster 339D attacking at 100 feet
2 x Brewster 339D attacking at 100 feet
3 x T.IVa launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 11000 feet
4 x Martin 139 bombing at 11000 feet
3 x CW-21B Demon attacking at 100 feet
4 x CW-21B Demon attacking at 100 feet
3 x Brewster 339D attacking at 100 feet
4 x CW-21B Demon attacking at 100 feet
4 x CW-21B Demon attacking at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 29,27

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
G3M Nell x 25

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
PG Auricula, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PG Freesia, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Canton Island at 98,99

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 24

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 1 damaged


Allied Ships
AO Neosho, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Canton Island at 98,99

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 41
D3A Val x 42
B5N Kate x 21

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 8 destroyed

Allied Ships
DMS Trevor, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Tucker, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AVD Thornton, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 99,100

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 21

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Idaho, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
PG Dawson, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 99,100

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 19

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Idaho, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Canton Island , at 98,99

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
D3A Val x 37

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 1 destroyed, 12 damaged



Allied ground losses:
82 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
20 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Kragen at 22,63


Allied aircraft
Hawk 75A x 4
CW-21B Demon x 15
Brewster 339D x 2
Martin 139 x 9


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Kamakura Maru, Shell hits 8
AP Santos Maru, Shell hits 4
PC Ch 8

Japanese ground losses:
108 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Hawk 75A attacking at 100 feet
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 11000 feet
3 x CW-21B Demon attacking at 100 feet
4 x CW-21B Demon attacking at 100 feet
2 x Brewster 339D attacking at 100 feet
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 11000 feet
4 x CW-21B Demon attacking at 100 feet
4 x CW-21B Demon attacking at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pontianak at 25,58


Allied aircraft
Martin 139 x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Taizin Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 23,62


Allied aircraft
T.IVa x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x T.IVa launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Kragen at 22,63

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 8
PC Ch 9, Shell hits 2, on fire
AP Hinko Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kamakura Maru, Shell hits 1
AP Santos Maru, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Bulmer
DD Banckert
DD Piet Hein

Japanese ground losses:
138 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 23,62

Japanese Ships
AK Shinamogawa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS KIX

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 206 troops unloading over beach at Bali, 24,68


Japanese ground losses:
38 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Babo

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1636 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Babo base !!!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Waingapu

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2120 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 17 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Waingapu base !!!



Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ichang

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 60900 troops, 717 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 45276 troops, 248 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
76 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3831 troops, 98 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 80707 troops, 525 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
254 casualties reported
Guns lost 3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,40

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 28582 troops, 333 guns, 8 vehicles

Defending force 104146 troops, 520 guns, 39 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
23 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Medan

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7939 troops, 83 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2044 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bataan

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4913 troops, 112 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 59295 troops, 358 guns, 129 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
154 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Banjarmasin

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 418 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 14426 troops, 99 guns, 0 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Cebu Island

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2721 troops, 23 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 4210 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Maumere

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 205 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Maumere base !!!

[ctangus]

What kind of naval losses have there been on both sides so far? PH attack, is force Z still alive, any CV action, etc.

Also, where did Graycompany get that naval air combat background? [:)]

[Graycompany]

As of 2/11/42 Well so far I havent lost a Capital ship yet.. As it stands now I have lost 74 Ships, With the Biggest being(points) the Nippon Maru 13 points Sunk by a Sub right out side Tokyo Harbor. 13 Ships have been sunk by Dutch Subs, by far his most effective tool. I have also lost 4 ships to mines.

By Count I have lost

1 TK
7 Subs(1 Costal)
11 PG/PC
9 MSW
5 DD's
30 Ap's(1 of which is APD)
11 Ak's


Niceguy has lost 147 Ships, PH was 2 BB's 2 More followed trying to make it back to the west Coast. Prince of wales and Repulse were sunk by nells trying to disrupt landings near Kuching. The Hermes was also Sunk near Palembang. Hi totals so far are

9 Tk's
8 Subs (3 Dutch)
20 Pt's (8 Dutch)
4 Pg's
10 Msw's
1 Ml's
3 Dm/Dms
17 DD
1 CVL (hermes)
5 CL
2 CA
6 BB/BC
2 AV/AVD
3 AS
3 AP
5 AO's
48 Ak's

No CV action, So far he has been very careful about risking his CV's
As far as where I got that, I dont know, DL it from one of the many great Modders we have here.

[Graycompany]

Reprinted in English



2/12/42 Near Kuching, borneo. Diary of PO2 Orni Masuyama. F2/3rd Daitai flying a62m zero.

What a Clear day!. You can see the ships in port from the top of the tower. After a quick brief, we are to escort over a 120 bombers to Sorejebaja. I was flying high cover, with my wingman PO2 Shibata. He has been with me since the 1st day of the war. This was to be a banner day for me, although the misson did not go as planned. As we neared the coast of java, Flak started, the bombers were below us at 12,00 feet. just northwest in the strait, ships were burning. We could not tell whose they were. The lead bomber open his doors, to start the run in, but A lucky flak burst caught his right wing, and he fell. I would never be a bomber pilot. To just fly straight, right into the flak, must be awful. The bombers became eratic, and the bomb run was off target, with half the bombs falling onto a hillside, south of the Airfield that was the target. As we turned back for base, I spotted enemy Aircraft. With a waggle of my wings, my flight headed out to intercept the enemy. We could see a group of Dutch Brewsters turning towards the bombers. I had spotted them to late to arrive before the bombers could be hit. Two bettys fell, before we could pounce. I banked into a shallow dive, then a hard left turn. The dutchman never knew what hit him. A quick burst, and he fell into the sea. After we reutned to base, Matsuba and I clapped each other on the back. This was a great day for us, Matsuba got Kill Number 5, and I Got my 10th. Now of to dinner, I hope Supplies have arrived from the ships in port Isaw this morning.

[niceguy2005]

Task Force Z never sortied to meet the Japanese invasion of Malaya. Brittish fighters could not challenge Japanese air superiority, not surprisingly. They withdrew to DEI where they laid low. Several bombardment runs had been made by other TF on Japanese airfields, including a very successful raid of Rangoon, so Force Z was dispatched to bomb Kuching while the AF was socked in by bad weather. Unfortunately, the forecast was off and Force Z sailed right into the teeth of 50+ Nells. Over the course of about three weeks that Nell airgroup claimed 2 BBs, 4CA/CLs and 6 DDs.

[niceguy2005]

This is the after action report for 11 February, 1942.

Actions worth noting:
1. The Japanese continue their invasion efforts at Kragen
2. The allies continue harrassing ships in the Java sea.
3. A Dutch DD is Torpedoed at Tiltjap (sp?)
4. MOST important, the Japanese land 3 units on Canton, including 2 Nav Guard and find over 800 guns, including a CD unit firing at them.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/11/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 132 troops unloading over beach at Medan, 20,45


Japanese ground losses:
113 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Changsha , at 47,36

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 39

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 4 damaged

Manpower hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
15 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 23,62

Japanese Ships
AP Kamakura Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS KIX

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 22,50

Japanese Ships
PG Kamitsu Maru
PG Aso Maru

Allied Ships
SS KXIV, hits 1, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kragen at 22,63

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 8, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
PT TM-9
PT TM-10
PT TM-11
PT TM-12

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 29,29

Japanese Ships
PG Shinko Maru #3
AK Kozan Maru
AK Tamon Maru
AK Shunsei Maru
AK Showa Maru
AK Hachimanzan Maru
AK Renzan Maru
AK Suruga Maru
AK Hide Maru
AK Kokko Maru
AK Taichu Maru
AK Kakuzan Maru
AK Takegawa Maru
AK Shingetsu Maru
AK Hirota Maru
AK Gyoun Maru
AK Shinshu Maru
AK Risen Maru
AK Junpo Maru

Allied Ships
PT PT-40, Shell hits 4, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Pakhoi, at 39,39

Japanese Ships
DD Chidori
DD Sawakaze
DD Uranami
CA Ashigara
CA Maya

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Kragen, 22,63, firing at TF 224
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 224 encounters mine field at Kragen (22,63)

TF 224 troops unloading over beach at Kragen, 22,63


13 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
41 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 132 troops unloading over beach at Medan, 20,45


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Changsha , at 47,36

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
Ki-51 Sonia x 8

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

Manpower hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Soerabaja , at 22,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
G4M1 Betty x 125

Allied aircraft
Hawk 75A x 1
CW-21B Demon x 8
Brewster 339D x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 21 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hawk 75A: 1 damaged
CW-21B Demon: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
Brewster 339D: 3 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 31

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
14 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
13 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
13 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
12 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
7 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Koepang , at 28,77


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 21


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Siraha Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 19th Mixed Brigade, at 39,39


Allied aircraft
Martin 139 x 3


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 37th Division, at 46,29


Allied aircraft
CW-22 Falcon x 1
IL-4c x 5


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x IL-4c bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Imperial Guards Division, at 35,26


Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 2
Blenheim I x 8
B-17E Fortress x 3


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Blenheim I bombing at 7000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Malang at 22,66

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 11

Allied aircraft
Martin 139 x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Martin 139: 3 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Malang at 22,66

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 11

Allied aircraft
Martin 139 x 3

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Nissen Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Malang at 22,66

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 11

Allied aircraft
T.IVa x 3
Martin 139 x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
T.IVa: 2 destroyed
Martin 139: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Hatsuyuki

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x T.IVa launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Kragen at 22,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
PT TM-12, Shell hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x A6M2 Zero attacking at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Canton Island at 98,99


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 13


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Aratama Maru
AP Igasa Maru
AP Kotobuki Maru #3

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
2 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Canton Island at 98,99


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 13


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Aratama Maru
AP Igasa Maru
AP Kotobuki Maru #3

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
2 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Canton Island at 98,99


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 13


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Aratama Maru
AP Igasa Maru
AP Kotobuki Maru #3

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
2 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Canton Island at 98,99


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 13


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Aratama Maru
AP Igasa Maru
AP Kotobuki Maru #3

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
2 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 29,65


Allied aircraft
Martin 139 x 2


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
PG Saiko Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Martin 139 bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 24,62


Allied aircraft
CW-21B Demon x 6
Martin 139 x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Shoto Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 27,70


Allied aircraft
Martin 139 x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Chinko Maru, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Tjilitjap at 19,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 3

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DD Banckert, Shell hits 4, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x A6M2 Zero attacking at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Pakhoi at 39,39

Japanese Ships
MSW Banshu Maru #52

Allied Ships
SS Narwhal

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Canton Island at 98,99

Japanese Ships
PC Fumi Maru #3
MSW Tama Maru #5
MSW Tama Maru #3

Allied Ships
SS Gato

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tjilitjap at 19,62

Japanese Ships
SS I-153

Allied Ships
DD Piet Hein, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Banckert, on fire
DD Bulmer

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 69 troops unloading over beach at Thursday Island, 49,90


Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 107 troops unloading over beach at Rennell Island, 66,99


Japanese ground losses:
132 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Canton Island, 98,99, firing at TF 165
TF 165 troops unloading over beach at Canton Island, 98,99


868 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
PC Fumi Maru #3, Shell hits 20, on fire, heavy damage
CL Katori
AP Kaijo Maru #2, Shell hits 4, on fire
AP Juko Maru, Shell hits 19, on fire
AP Igasa Maru, Shell hits 10, on fire
AP Haruna Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire
MSW Tama Maru #5, Shell hits 1, on fire
AP Aratama Maru, Shell hits 27, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Tama Maru #3, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
902 casualties reported
Guns lost 7


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bataan

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 59115 troops, 602 guns, 9 vehicles

Defending force 58326 troops, 345 guns, 125 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
186 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Banjarmasin

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 14406 troops, 97 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2180 troops, 14 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1


Japanese ground losses:
56 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
113 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Cebu Island

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2088 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 3493 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles


Ground combat at Cebu Island

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2088 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 3493 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Canton Island

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 3907 troops, 37 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 3739 troops, 108 guns, 8 vehicles

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
811 casualties reported
Guns lost 12

Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Guns lost 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ichang

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 61340 troops, 724 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 45412 troops, 252 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
186 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 53151 troops, 684 guns, 4 vehicles

Defending force 96403 troops, 640 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
91 casualties reported
Guns lost 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,40

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 36148 troops, 424 guns, 8 vehicles

Defending force 95159 troops, 459 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
59 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Pakhoi

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 13414 troops, 154 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 29094 troops, 74 guns, 0 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bali

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1021 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Bali base !!!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 46,29

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 18018 troops, 185 guns, 7 vehicles

Defending force 26138 troops, 158 guns, 0 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Medan

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7948 troops, 81 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1923 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 60,89

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 588 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 588 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Gasmata

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 395 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 679 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 9 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
43 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Rennell Island

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 2715 troops, 16 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 47 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Rennell Island base !!!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kragen

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2933 troops, 41 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 380 troops, 30 guns, 0 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Canton Island

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2097 troops, 91 guns, 2 vehicles

Defending force 2545 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Cebu Island

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2721 troops, 23 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 4143 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles

[niceguy2005]

Unsent letter from Corporal John McChesney, Battery A 7th USMC Defense Battalion, Canton Island.

Februaury 8th, 1942

Dear Jimmy,

I don't know if you will ever get this letter, the Japs landed yesterday. If you do, you have to promise not to tell everything to Mom, Dad and Lucy, I don't won't them to worry.

We arrived on Canton Island yesderday. Calling it an island is being generous. It's really just a pile of sand in the ocean. There's not a tree in sight. Still, it's warm and we go to sleep at night listening to the sound of the surf. All in all, it might be kind of nice if it weren't for all the foxholes and pill boxes dug in everywhere. With the arrival of our unit we have nearly dozens of guns ringing the island.

All I can say is that Canton has been anything but dull. With the Japnese capture of Baker Is. we are now on the front lines. No sooner did I step off the transport ships than we were raided by Japanese carrier aircraft. They swept down on several of our escorts at anchor and I don't know how badly our ships were damaged, but we know that they sunk at least two. SInce the attack the guys have been on edge, no one had to tell us that with the fall of Baker, we would be next.

Next day, a squadron of B-25s flew in from somewehre. They are two engine bombers and were supposed to sink the fleet of transports that we heard were coming our way. We all felt a little better when they got here, we wouldn't have to wait for the Japs to show up on our beaches to start shooting at them, but I guess the attack didn't go very well.

That night was a quite night, but none of us got much sleep. I just kept staring out at the ocean from my foxhole next to my gun. It seemed like any minute I was going to see those Japanese transports (they love to land at night), but they didn't come. Next day, was filled with gunnery drills and digging. They keep us busy to keep our minds off the impending invasion, I for one am thankful for it. It's still no worse than a good days work back on the farm at home.

During one of the drills I was looking out through my gun sight when I saw it. A japanese transport! I had to look twice to make sure I wasn't imagining it, then I nearly tripped over my own feet sounding the alarm. I have to admit that I almost panicked for a moment, but then the training kicked in as we stood to our guns. We gave the Japs hell as they landed. Several of their transports were hit and seen burning badly. A lot of Japanese soldiers were killed today.

At the end of the day we still hold the island, but I wonder how long we can hold it. We don't know how many more Japs are waiting to come ashore and most of us aren't combat troops. I saw Sgt Mallory, a supply clerk from the 114th USN Base Force, manning a rifle in a foxhole nearby. He looked like he wasn't that certain what to do with it. Still, the men are brave and no one talks about anything except kicking those Jap back off our island.

Its the end of the day now Jimmy and we haven't heard when (or if) reinforcements will be coming. I guess the brass decided the B-25s couldn't be much more help. I watched this afternoon as the crews climbed in their planes and flew off to safety.

Time for me to sign off now. I think I can finally get some sleep. Tell Mom and Dad that I love them. Tell Lucy I love her also and that I think of her often.

Your brother,
John

[niceguy2005]

It's been a while since we updated the AAR. Lot's has happened so far, while I'm putting together highligts, I thought an update from Canton Is. might be nice.

[niceguy2005]

Dear Jimmy,

It's ten days after my last letter now and I can't believe that I am still around to be writing this. I don't mind telling you, I was pretty scared. The Japanese controlled a sizeable portion of the atoll, but we had dug in around the base. About two days after the B-25s left they hit us again with dive bombers. Sgt Mallory didn't make it. A bomb landed right in his fox hole.

Things were looking pretty bleak. The guys fought hard, but we knew we were losing the fight. Then, some Catalinas flew in. They're these huge "flying boats" with wings. Funniest thing you ever saw. But were we glad to see them. No sooner did they land than squads from the 2nd USMC started unloading. Some of the brass must have screwed up they actually sent us reinforcements! The tide of the battle swung right away.

Still, the Japs weren't giving up either. There fighters flew overhead constantly trying to intercept the reinforcements as they flew in. Still, enough got through to make a differnece.

Then the strangest thing happened. For a week, marines kept coming in by seaplane. We were all preparing for a counter-attack. But, when we woke up one morning the Japs were gone. Every single one of them. They didn't leave a thing behind. It gave me the shivers that they could leave so quietly. I for one was happy to see them gone, but I think the other marines were actually disappointed. They wanted to through the Japs back into the ocean.

Well Jimmy, give everyone my love. We're busy today. Scuttle-butt is that we are being shipped out again. I don't know where yet, but wouldn't you know it, just as this place is starting to look alright they're going to ship us off somewhere else.