I-80 border war: Condor vs. TabPub

[tabpub]

excerpted from the Nagasaki Shimbun

....
Now, in comparison to the success that Nipponese forces are having on the Burma - India front, we come to the Southern Pacific. After the early successes that have been reported in this theater, our forces have taken a prolonged rest on the Port Moresby - Lunga axis. Initial gains came up short of expectations, with the reasons being obscured by secrecy. The IJN blamed the IJA for not sending the promised heavy divisions to occupy the available territory on time. By the time these divisions arrived, the American forces were well deployed and waiting for any future advance. The IJA claimed that the forces were sufficient for the aims of the campaign, but that the IJN command lacked the landbased air that would have provided cover for any future landings in the south. In addition, the losses of trained aircrew and the departure of CV's ________ and ________ due to damage and other commitments was beyond the responsibility of the Army.

So, with the Western New Year upon us, where do we stand in the South Pacific? Our forces fully hold both the New Guinea island and the Solomons archipeligo. Bases are being built for the numerous aircraft that have been shipped to the area. Troops are well positioned and prepared for any circumstance. The surface forces and remaining carriers are in good shape and the aircrews are well drilled and have high morale.

We believe that we are superior in surface forces and carrier hulls. Regarding aircraft, we are seeing some new marks of American airplanes; most particularly, their 4 engined bombers. 11th Air Fleet considers them to be a problem, especially if they are allowed to gain bases closer to our lines. A recent "incursion" at Irau has been dealt with, but we can be assured that more of these "missions" will take place.

The High Command is confident that with proper planning, high spirits and good timing, that they will be able to blunt any Allied move in this theater and launch a devastating counterstrike.

[Shadow of the Condor]

3 Jan 43
Wx: Thunderstorms

1100L...base operations building...Noumea, New Caledonia...

Too early.

For the second day in a row, heavy rains pelted the area. Condor had hoped it would come just a couple of days later, but no amount of predictions and past data could pin the weather to a specific forecast for a specific day. He remembered a weatherman who tried to lighten the mood after a bad forecast by predicting darkness had a 60% chance of happening at nighttime.

It still wasn't funny.

But the die had been cast, and the war machine was in motion. The development of Wunpuko and Gavigamana as bases was complete, and even Kourouratopo - sight of the bait and switch trap the Allies pulled on the Japanese almost a month ago - was being built as an auxiallary base.

Luganville had been the recipient of almost continuous transport convoys, and now had more material than even Noumea did on a given day. Condor even toyed with the idea of relocating SOPAC headquarters to Luganville, but there would be time enough for that later.

The last of his combat fleets sailed today. The battleships North Carolina and South Dakota led a task force towards the north.

Condor hadn't really believed the commander of the Japanese forces would meekly sit by and watch him build up a tidal wave of men and machines right on his doorstep. Today was the first inkling that the Japanese were indeed on their way to challenge the Allies' build-up in the Solomons. A task force was spotted by PBY search aircraft. The report only mentioned 4 ships, but they were coming towards the Solomons from the WNW. The Japanese may be trying to strip some of their forces from New Britian and send them east. But it would be too late.

Later that day, he would meet with the commanders of the 25th and 43rd infantry divisions - tasked with defense of Noumea now that the 2nd Marine division had sailed...

[Shadow of the Condor]

9 Jan 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

1800L…base operations building…briefing room…Noumea, New Caledonia…

“Impossible!”

Condor looked at Pye, and again at the reports from the day’s action. He would normally be inclined to agree with his cautious counterpart’s conclusion, but reports of a Japanese unit moving along the Kokoda trail in New Guinea seemed to be verified. The Japanese were moving an anti-aircraft unit from Port Moresby north along the trail. Which left no anti-air defense at the Port. This fact, along with no fighter cover allowed the Allies to once again maul the ports with virtually no opposition.

Meanwhile, back in the Solomons, the build-up was continuing. Both the 1st and 2nd Marine divisions were in place. Three full divisions, the Americal, the 43rd and the 25th were in reserve, ready to capitalize on any openings the Marines could force open. This would leave Noumea rather thinly guarded, but the general consensus was that the IJN was through striking south, and would try to consolidate their gains for the remainder of the campaign.

The Japanese were trying to interdict where they could, and today’s raid against Gavigamana was proof of that, but a sobering realization was beginning to take shape. Over 130 enemy aircraft failed to make a dent in the operations of the forward base. Less than two dozen fighters held their own and then some against the enemy strike. A later strike was unescorted and culled thin by the fighters, only to waste their torpedoes on a lone sub chaser, which avoided all of them. The Japanese were running short of experienced pilots, and the replacements were showing their inexperience.

“I’m not so sure, Pye. We have to come to him. He may be trying to use our own trick against us…”

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/09/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 10
F-5A Lightning x 6
B-25D Mitchell x 15
B-17E Fortress x 29


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 113

Port hits 9
Port supply hits 6

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
12 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
10 x Hudson at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gavigamana , at 51,47

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 54
G4M1 Betty x 80

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged

1LT J. Sigman of VMF-212 is credited with kill number 2


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 32

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 14000 feet
18 x G4M1 Betty at 14000 feet
20 x G4M1 Betty at 14000 feet
20 x G4M1 Betty at 14000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 14000 feet
13 x G4M1 Betty at 14000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gavigamana at 51,47

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged


Allied Ships
SC 700

Attacking Level Bombers:
7 x G4M1 Betty at 14000 feet

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

[tabpub]

FLASH MESSAGE--------ALL STATIONS---------URGENT----------

10 Jan 43

Heavy 4 Engine bomber raids Lunga/Dobadura.

Sightings of several shipping groups in Coral Sea. Initial estimate of course indicates Southern New Guinea as the target area. All forces in NG ordered to status 4 readiness.

Location of Allied CV undetermined at this time. Presume they are at sea.

All forces assigned to local protection are to assume position per Kyoto. Repeat Kyoto.

All other sea worthy units are to form for action and prepare for sea. Bring engines and boilers to ready for sea status. Top off all tanks and fill all magazines for surface action.

Solomons air and ground units are ordered to status 3. Repeat 3. Only light units currently sighted at sea, but there are many anchorages in the New Hebrides where forces could be located.

Sea Surveillance ordered to level 3. Increased air patrols to locate and identify Allied forces is crucial at this stage of engagement. All 11th Air Fleet bases ordered to prepare for air to surface engagement.

All commanders are ordered to open their Kyoto operational orders. Until further notice, these orders will be the standing orders for this period of the campaign. Do not, repeat DO NOT open/dispose of the other order sets. Depending on the outcome of this situation, they could become the new operational orders in the future.

The Emperor expects every subject to give his utmost in this, the first defense of the GEACPS. The spirits of our ancestors will imbue us with their confidence and good will.

Roboya
CinC
Combined Fleet

[Shadow of the Condor]

11 Jan 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

1400L…Assembly point Charlie…Irau beachhead...

The scouts had returned from their forays into the bush line. Whatever enemy presence had been here was now gone. Irau was, for the moment, the property of the Allies. On the beach, a radio transmission was sent to Luganville…

1401L…Luganville base operations…radio room…
The operator copied the dots and dashes he heard through his headset and signaled acknowledgement. Ten minutes later, a clear copy of the message was ready…

1433L…Luganville runway operations…

The last of the heavy bombers returned. 65 of them had bombed the Japanese airbase at Lunga. If they didn’t close the base they surely put a dent in their operations. Two of the heavy bombers did not return from the long flight. Later photographic interpretation reports would estimate that a dozen enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground.

Meanwhile, the C-47s that delivered the paramarines to Irau were being prepared for a second flight to deliver supplies to the men there. Irau was probably mined, and the fewer ships that went into those waters without minesweeper support the better.

1800L…briefing room…base operations building…Noumea, New Caledonia…

Pye was looking at the map when Condor returned from the head. Pye began the update.

“Liberators hit Dobadura good, and even the Hudsons had success hitting a barge and a minesweeper at Gili Gili. The strikes against Port Moresby, however never took off. Cairns reported some kind of problem with the aviation fuel there.”

Condor nodded. “Go on.”

In the Solomons, the bomber raid against Lunga appears to have done some real damage there. Over a dozen aircraft destroyed on the ground, and numerous fires according to these photos...” Pye referred to the photographs in the briefing packet.

“Mitscher reports that the carriers have been spotted. Also, the transport and bombardment forces report overflights from search aircraft.”

“Excellent. The code word…?”

“Transmitted to the groups one hour ago.”

Condor looked away from Pye and back to the map with his task forces laid out and had to smile. They were going to do it...


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/11/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Dobadura , at 13,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M3 Zero x 4
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 6 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 11

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 21

Attacking Level Bombers:
12 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
12 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 14


no losses

Japanese Ships
AG 103, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Hagoromo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Hudson at 6000 feet
12 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 65

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 12 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 3 damaged
D3A Val x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 15

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 48

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
7 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
12 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Irau

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 858 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 18 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Irau base !!!



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

[Shadow of the Condor]

12 Jan 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

1800L...briefing room...base operations building...Noumea, New Caledonia

Condor re-read the intelligence intercepts and smiled. The sighting of transports in the Coral Sea stirred up a hornet's nest of radio traffic between Tokyo, Truk, and the forward bases in the South Pacific. The beauty of the plan was the fact that the forces could be, and in fact were, pulled back if discovered. Mr. Moto would now have a more watchful eye on the New Guinea area.

Meanwhile, on Irau, the paramarines had consolidated their positions and were dug in. Within 24 hours, their number would be doubled, and the Japanese would be forced to send almost an entire division if they wanted to take it back this time.

He debated as to sending out the bombers again today. Wunpuko's bombers, though effective, were severely mauled during their last trip to Lunga. The enemy base was almost closed with a reported 46% damage. He declined, and decided he would monitior the efforts to restore Lunga to an operational status. His bombers would be ready again well before then...

The CR:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/12/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 44

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged
D3A Val x 4 destroyed
D3A Val x 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 20 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 32

Airbase hits 11
Runway hits 45

Attacking Level Bombers:
7 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

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

[tabpub]

1/13/43
Truk
CinC's Briefing room

Sir! NO enemy offensive air activity today! Signals have been monitoring their "rescue" channel. It appears they are losing transport aircraft from the paradrops over Irau. And fast minesweepers have been reported in the area also. They have been able to avoid contact so far.

Good. Let them see how hospitable that corner of the Solomons is this time of year. The winter monsoon should be starting soon. We shall see what they are made of shortly. Yamaguchi is out, correct?

Yes, his group is out. Other preparations, per Kyoto are in effect. Do you wish any changes?

No. Keep me appraised of the situation. No changes necessary at this juncture.

[Shadow of the Condor]

15 Jan 43
Wx: Clear

0200L…Irau…onboard the DMS Hovey…

The men were tense enough all along the rails of the ship. The minesweeper, and the entourage that trailed her, had men with rifles along the decks as a last line of defense against the mines she was trying to sweep clear. A hard enough job in the daytime, it was almost twice as difficult at night…and all along the while, impatient ships’ captains were in an understandable hurry to unload their cargo and get away from the land well before the sun came up…

0712L…Green Beach…Irau…

Once again, the planes came. The first day had been a rude shock to the reconnaissance pilots who found out the hard way that the Allies had landed an AAA unit with the Marines. But the Japanese learned their lesson quickly, and the attacks had been concentrated on the anti-aircraft unit for two days now. Fighters from land bases strafed the Allied troops, and carrier based bombers continued to pound at the beachhead which was way too close for comfort to the occupants of Lunga.

Attacks against the ships in harbor, however, were not quite turning out the way the Japanese had envisioned. All the bombers could find for targets were the very small PT boats. One boat did take a bomb, and promptly broke apart and sank, but it came at the cost of two destroyed Japanese planes.

1800L…briefing room…base operations building…Noumea, New Caledonia…

Admiral Pye was not happy – yet again. Condor, at times, had become irritated with the worrisome Admiral. Risks had to be taken in wartime, yet he knew that Pye was the counterpoint to his own impulsive nature. They did work well together, and the current operation at Irau would need both of their skills if it was to succeed.

Condor was happy to see the enemy’s carriers had entered the fray. At least, they had a fix now on their position. The carriers would, of course, not stay there but he had an idea of where they might move next. The ground troops on the beach were catching hell, but that was to be expected. Tomorrow, however, would bring some relief to the troops as, for the first time, the Allies would challenge the skies over Irau with fighters of their own. More supplies and forces were en route to the combat area, and the lull in combat that had lasted for almost three months was now being shattered…

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/15/43

Weather: Clear

Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 37

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 25

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 8

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 214th Coast AA Regiment, at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 14

no losses


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 16

Attacking Level Bombers:
7 x G4M1 Betty at 3000 feet
7 x G4M1 Betty at 3000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake x 1 destroyed
E13A1 Jake x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
PT 66
PT 111, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 214th Coast AA Regiment, at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 18
B5N Kate x 36

no losses


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 14

Attacking Level Bombers:
12 x B5N Kate at 10000 feet
11 x B5N Kate at 10000 feet
13 x B5N Kate at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,43

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake x 1 destroyed
E13A1 Jake x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
PT 37


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

[tabpub]

16 Jan 43
Truk

<reading the current report>

...so, Yamaguchi caught up with some of those CVE's...excellent. I do have the utmost confidence in him.

Let us see what the Americans have up their sleeve before initiating next phase operations.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/16/43

Weather: Clear

Sub attack near Woodlark Island at 22,39

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya

Allied Ships
SS Drum


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,46

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
A6M3 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Takao

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 58

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
APD 35

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 42,51

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
A6M3 Zero x 9
D3A Val x 18
B5N Kate x 34

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 4 damaged
B5N Kate x 9 destroyed
B5N Kate x 20 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 destroyed

MAJ L. Davis of VMF-121 is credited with kill number 4

MAJ L. Davis of VMF-121 is KILLED

Allied Ships
CVE Copahee, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Suwannee, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Jenkins, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,46

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
A6M3 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 2 destroyed
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged

PO2 R.Doigawa of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
CA Atago

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 49,48

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
APD Dent, Bomb hits 1, on fire
APD Waters


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 48,48

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M3 Zero x 9
B5N Kate x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Chester, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
BB Washington, Torpedo hits 1


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 49


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

[Shadow of the Condor]

17 Jan 43
Wx: Thunderstorms

1800L...briefing room...base operations building...Noumea, New Caledonia...

The attacks had come. Nobody expected the Japanese to roll over and invite the Allies into the Solomon Island chain. But Condor was fuming over the lack of response that the LBA gave to the incursion by the enemy carriers. The carriers were actually 180 miles south of Irau when they launched their strikes. And they were the only enemy presence within 200 miles. And, with over 100 land based bombers set for naval attack, six of them attacked the carriers.

Six.

He had learned not to make decisions in such emotional outbursts, and regained some composure earlier today. Slowly, he took a deep breath and reviewed the situation.

First, and perhaps worst of all, the invasion of Irau had taken place during 5 straight days of uncharacteristically clear weather. Secondly, better news was that his fast transport convoys performed marvelously. Not a single mine hit his ships, and until yesterday, the invasion was uncharacteristically lucky.

Thirdly, both of his escort carriers were gone. He had more on the way, and that in itself cheered him more than anything. It was then that it all became crystal clear.

In order to win, the Japanese had to be lucky with every strike they launched.

He only had to be lucky with one of his...

[tabpub]

18 Jan 43
Truk
CinC Briefing in progress - Meterology has the floor now. CinC comments italiczed.

The brief spate of clear weather appears to be behind us. Overcast clouds have moved into the area, with rain in the forecast.

Can I expect this to continue?

Yes, with limited clear weather once in a while. The ocean is quite warm and the level of moisture in the air during the "summer" here is quite intense.

Very well. Being south of the equator is a wierd experience..Back home, we would be dealing with snow and cold this time of year....now, Operations, what do you have for me today?

The Americans appear to have scratched out a rudimentary airfield at Irau, on the south coast of San Cristobal. My engineering department is quite amazed!

They shouldn't be. Remember what I have always stressed about the American way of war. They throw huge amounts of material and equipment into any project. I can still remember the time I saw Boulder Dam before the war...simply amazing, both in scale and the relatively short time that it took to construct...enough with the reminiscing; continue.

Hai! They continue to struggle clearing the minefields there, but we have had no reports of damaged ships yet. Of course, with no one to bother them, they can take their time sweeping. They have a continual patrol boat force in place and we have yet to deal with them. We are still operating under the Kyoto plan. Do you have any changes to effect?

No. Instruct all field and sea commands to continue under the current operation plan. Kyoto is currently still operational.
Make sure that the commanders ALL recognize this! Impatience is the greatest threat to our forces; not the enemy. You have seen the HANMA-BACHI plan, Commander?

Yes, yes I have Admiral.

What do you think of it?

I think that it could work...if the enemy does what you think they will. If they don't....

Yes. If is a large word for two letters. A very large word. Dismissed.

[Shadow of the Condor]

18 Jan 43
Wx: Overcast

1000L…briefing room…base operations building…Noumea, New Caledonia…

Condor seemed only mildly interested in the day’s briefing of the past 24 hours. The events included the episode of the submarine Amberjack who guess correctly where the enemy carriers would be that day, but was forced to dive deep without getting off a shot. Intelligence had warned about the improved capabilities of the Japanese ASW since May of 1942, and it seemed this time their warnings had been borne out. Also discussed were the status of the fast transport task forces in the Solomons, the minesweeping operations still continuing throughout the area, and an update on the continued fortification of Australia.

When the briefing had concluded, Condor spoke to the assembled staff.

“Admiral Pye, send the preplanned message to Brigadier Genreal Twining at Luganville.” He paused and added for emphasis.

“In the clear.”

The men at the table perked up at that last remark.

A commander from the intelligence department started to protest.

“Admiral, sir…with all due respect, we cannot send that message in the clear! The Japanese would be privy to the details of the operation.”

Condor looked at the man, annoyed a bit at the interruption.

“Son, tell me again what the Japanese think we’re doing at Irau in the first place? Setting up a weather station?”

The commander would have his say, however, and continued.

“Again, sir…you have to consider the pilots flying those missions. If the Japanese are alerted as to what we are doing, they’ll have every conceivable defense waiting on them. Lives will be lost sir…needlessly.”

Few men would dare challenge Condor in such a manner, and perhaps the commander felt safe enough with a room full of witnesses that he pressed his case. Condor did respect the man’s concern for the lives of the pilots, but knew he lacked the concept of the overall picture. For that reason, Condor chose to allow the man his latitude and once again, addressed the staff.

“Gentlemen, the Japanese know we’re coming. We know that they know that we’re coming. They, not us, are now in the position of having to take gambles to prevent us from achieving our objectives. The carrier raid they staged two days ago took courage and guts. But it could have very easily backfired in their faces. They cannot stop us face to face. They will jab at us, take shots at us, but all from long range. They will have to give ground as we advance or risk destruction.”

He paused, inhaled his cigar and continued.

“Sending this message in the clear will have a powerful effect on their morale. They will either have to save face and stand against us or lose their honor and retreat. Do not underestimate the concept of honor in the Japanese officer. It is his very soul. They will know what our plans are. I have every confidence in the men of our forces to carry the fight to the enemy and defeat him.”

One last pause, and a look directly into the eyes of the commander who had raised the objection to Condor’s proposal.

“Dismissed.”

1400L…headquarters…13th Air Force…Lunga…

The aide delivered the message to the General. Dismissing the man, General Twining opened the message which, surprisingly, was transmitted in the clear:

From: SOPAC
To: 13th AF
Subj: Operation order

Please make note of the following order, which supersedes all previous orders.

Directive:

OBLITERATE LUNGA.

SOPAC sends

Msg ends

The general passed the message to his staff, and spoke.

“Men, let’s get to work.”

[Shadow of the Condor]

19 Jan 43
Wx: Rain

As expected, the commander's prediciton came true. 10 of the B-17s were destroyed during the first day's raid. All told, the Allies lose 12 aircraft, while the IJN loses 13. Seven of the IJN losses were D3A Vals on the ground at Lunga. Base damage estimates at 33% as a result of the first raid. Over 70 B-17s went out, but 50 of them were from extended range.

Thunderstorms today called a temporary halt to the bomber attacks, and give the Japanese at Lunga and Port Moresby a reprieve from the carnage.

Transports were sighted at Lunga. Are they bringing reinforcements in or taking units out...?

Early in the morning, the light cruiser Abukuma finds one of the Mk 12 mines littered throughout the islands...

Also, Amberjack again guesses right and is in the same hex as the carriers, but air attacks drive her under yet again.

Stay tuned, loyal viewers...the gates have been thrown wide open and the clock is ticking.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/19/43

Weather: Rain

Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 24
B-17E Fortress x 28


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 54

Port hits 8
Port supply hits 3

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
7 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
8 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
9 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36
A6M3 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 2 damaged
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 14 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 14

Airbase hits 6
Runway hits 27

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
A6M3 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12
B-17E Fortress x 50

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged
D3A Val x 4 destroyed
D3A Val x 4 damaged
E13A1 Jake x 1 destroyed
E13A1 Jake x 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 1 destroyed
B-17E Fortress x 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 132

Airbase hits 10
Runway hits 50

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
7 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

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

[Shadow of the Condor]

21 Jan 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

0130L...Irau harbor...

The PT boats were waiting for what was about to happen. The explosion on the water in the distance told them that the minesweeper cut her time too close in trying to get out of the danger zone. Twenty-five little wodden ships were waiting for the attackers, and as the Japanese steamed past where the minesweeper was once afloat, they never did see the PT boats. Their small size in the water and their speed were their two best defensive cards, and their two torpedoes each were their two best offensive cards.

The battleship task force closed to 1000 yards of the PT boats when the attack was launched. But the envisioned attack of 50 torpedoes streaming towards their targets never happened. Most of the PT boats were very low on fuel. Only three boats launched torpedoes, firing their .50 caliber machine guns as they charged. No torpedoes hit, and one PT boat was blown out of the water for their trouble. But the machine gun fire did penetrate the hulls of the destroyers and actually managed to start a fire on one of the battleships. The battleships then continued past the largely unloaded trap and laid waste to the airfield and its facilities.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/21/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
DD Fubuki
DD Shirayuki
DD Murakumo
DD Uranami

Allied Ships
MSW Skylark, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 5
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 40, on fire
DD Fubuki, Shell hits 6
DD Shirayuki
DD Murakumo
DD Uranami

Allied Ships
PT 45
PT 59
PT 60
PT 61, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
PT 64
PT 66
PT 67
PT 68
PT 110
PT 107
PT 109
PT 111
PT 112
PT 114
PT 123
PT 124
PT 121
PT 122
PT 128
PT 142
PT 143
PT 146
PT 149
PT 150
PT 151


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Irau, at 42,43


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 123
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 88


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

[Shadow of the Condor]

24 Jan 43
Wx: Clear

1800L…base operations building…briefing room…Noumea, New Caledonia…

The news from Lunga today was mixed. While two Marine squadrons of dive bombers did damage two IJN ships, the Japanese CAP took its toll on the attackers. Seven of the new Lightnings were shot down, while 11 SBDs did not return. Intelligence estimates that the IJN had its CAP operating at peak efficiency, and that they will wear down as continued attacks begin to sap their strength.

Meanwhile, the damaged squadrons have been rotated out to refit and rest, and fresh pilots/planes are now awaiting their chance at combat.

Irau has fulfilled its mission as a spot from which the Allies begin their strike into Japanese held territory. What the enemy chooses to do about that remains to be seen…

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/24/43

Weather: Clear

Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 25
F-5A Lightning x 6
B-17E Fortress x 25


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 24

Port hits 8
Port supply hits 4

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
10 x Hudson at 6000 feet
6 x Hudson at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet
9 x Hudson at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
A6M3 Zero x 27

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 32
P-38G Lightning x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 6 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 14 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 2 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged

PO2 W. Handa of F1/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 3

CDR Y. Kozono of F1/Tainan Daitai is KILLED

Japanese Ships
CL Natori, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Katsuragisan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Oshio


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34
A6M3 Zero x 27

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 12
P-38G Lightning x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 4 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 8 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 5 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 3 damaged

WO M. Shimakawa of F1/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
CL Natori, on fire


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

[Shadow of the Condor]

25 Jan 43
Wx: Thunderstorms

0200L…Irau harbor…

Whose fault it was is debatable. The point is that after almost two weeks of near textbook operations, the minesweepers had failed to clear a path for the warships. In the end, it was the heavy cruiser Portland that struck the mine. It caused damage, though not severe. She did have to, however, lag behind as the task force commander reversed his ships and the group did not land this night…



0551L…near Rockhampton…onboard USS Enterprise…

The alarm had been raised. A Japanese sub had been blockading the reef opening waiting for the carriers to make a run for the ocean. The destroyers responded to the attacks against Northampton, but all attempts to locate the sub failed. Fortunately, the sub had no better luck. The Japanese did get their early warning that the American carriers were again at sea...

0711L…30 miles SE of Irau…

With no escort to defend Portland, she took two torpedoes from the submarine who tracked her out of Irau. Wounded badly, she managed to clear the area without further incident. She would not be an active participant in operations for the next few months.

0925L…over Lunga airbase…

The Japanese had very little fighter cover up, most likely due to the thunderstorms throughout the area. The Americans still launched an attack, with their own P-38 Lightning escorts outnumbering the Japanese CAP. The Lightnings engaged the Zeroes on CAP at 17,000 feet, who were doubtlessly looking for another dive bomber attack against their shipping. But today’s raid were from the new B-25J model with its 10 .50 caliber machineguns and B-26 Marauders, who strafed and bombed the field from a mere 100 feet. 8 aircraft were destroyed on the ground, and more bomb damage was inflicted on the base. At this low altitude, however, the Japanese AA gunners could not miss the American bombers. Although almost every bomber took some kind of flak damage, only two did not make it back to Irau…

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/25/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 20,71

Japanese Ships
SS I-36

Allied Ships
CA Northampton
CA Vincennes


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 43,44

Japanese Ships
SS I-28

Allied Ships
CA Portland, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
A6M3 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 18
B-25J Mitchell x 24
B-26B Marauder x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 3 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 6 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 damaged
Ki-46 Dinah x 3 destroyed
Ki-46 Dinah x 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 2 destroyed
B-25J Mitchell x 19 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 2 damaged

WO L.Matsumura of F1/253rd Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 152
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 24

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
9 x B-26B Marauder at 1000 feet

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

[Shadow of the Condor]

7 Feb 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

1800L...base operations building...briefing room...Noumea, New Caledonia

Condor shut his eyes.

Once he opened them again, he re-read the report...

Operations report Irau:

1. ASW TF of 8 Fletcher class destroyers claimed their third kill in four days of a Japanese submarine. Yesterday, wreckage confirmed the sinking of the sub I-36.

2. Enemy carriers damage in raid yesterday estimated at MODERATE. Pilots report 3 enemy carriers struck with bombs and one additional enemy carrier struck with one torpedo.

3. Carrier TF damage estimated to TF 237 at SEVERE. The escort carrier Chenango has been scuttled. Estimate 99% of carrier air assets able to land at Irau and have been transferred to Noumea. Debriefing continues.

4. Enemy air losses for past two days estimated at over 200 planes. Allied air losses estimated at 75 planes for same period.

5. F4U-1 Corsair performance well above anticipated level. Estimate 10-1 kill ratio versus A6M2 Zero, and 8-1 versus A6M3 Zero.

6. Surface combat last night result in SERIOUS damage to cruiser Salt Lake City and MODERATE damage to three additional escort ships. Confirmed enemy ship losses include two destroyers (believed to be Asigiri and Asashio). Air search observation also confirm the loss of the light cruiser Abukumo.

End or Report.

He closed his eyes again. Irau was safe. He had his foothold in the Solomons. Almost 200 planes now called the base home. Additionally, a new base at Nevea was improving as well. But the cost in lives on both sides of the conflict was staggering.

But then he also thought about the cost in lives if the Japanese were allowed to rule unchecked over this region. With a new resolve, he began to draft orders for the next opertation...

(note: I have included the CR for the carrier battle after the current CR. Sorry about the delay in posting. - Phil

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/07/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 45,51

Japanese Ships
SS I-36, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD O'Bannon
DD Fletcher


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 39,50

Japanese Ships
CL Abukuma, Shell hits 43, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kiyonami, Shell hits 3
DD Urakaze, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Hamakaze
DD Asashio, Shell hits 30, and is sunk
DD Minegumo, Shell hits 1
DD Asagiri, Shell hits 37, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Ushio, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
BB North Carolina, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1
BB South Dakota
CA Salt Lake City, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Astoria, Shell hits 10
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 5
CA Quincy, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CLAA San Diego
CL St. Louis, Shell hits 15, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Duncan, Shell hits 1
DD Lansdowne
DD Farenholt, Shell hits 1
DD Stockton
DD Welles
DD Porter, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Selfridge
DD Phelps


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 40,36


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 4


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai


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

And the previous day...

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/06/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged

Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34
A6M3 Zero x 8

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 10 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 1 destroyed
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

CPO T.Ogawa of F2/1st Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 13

Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M3 Zero x 6
D3A Val x 24

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21
F4U-1 Corsair x 18
P-38G Lightning x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 13 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 damaged
J1N1-R Irving x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 2 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 3 damaged

FO V.Fisher of VMF-124 is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
PT 37
PT 43


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 10
D3A Val x 22
B5N Kate x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21
F4U-1 Corsair x 18
P-38G Lightning x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 4 destroyed
B5N Kate x 9 destroyed
B5N Kate x 8 damaged


CPT C. Troxell of 35th FS is credited with kill number 5

Allied Ships
DD Blue
AP President Hayes


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 47
A6M3 Zero x 15
B5N Kate x 20

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21
F4U-1 Corsair x 18
P-38G Lightning x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 15 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 16 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair x 3 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 5 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 3 damaged

FO V.Fisher of VMF-124 is credited with kill number 4

Allied Ships
AP Heywood, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP John Penn, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Polk, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Harry Lee, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 40


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 36,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
A6M3 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
SBD Dauntless x 34

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 18 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 23 damaged

PO2 J.Hamano of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi
CV Kaga
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 1
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 36,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
A6M3 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
SBD Dauntless x 18
TBF Avenger x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 8 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 13 damaged
TBF Avenger x 3 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 16 damaged

LCDR C.Okano of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo
CVL Ryujo
CVL Shoho
CV Akagi, Torpedo hits 1
CV Kaga


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 36,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
A6M3 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
SBD Dauntless x 13
TBF Avenger x 12

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 10 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 4 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 9 damaged

PO2 K.Kubota of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4

Japanese Ships
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Junyo
CV Akagi


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 39,50

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 30
A6M3 Zero x 6
D3A Val x 39
B5N Kate x 66

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 12 destroyed
D3A Val x 21 damaged
B5N Kate x 29 destroyed
B5N Kate x 39 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 damaged

LTJG T.Drake of VF-71 is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
CVE Sangamon, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CV Wasp, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CVE Chenango, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB South Dakota
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CLAA San Diego
BB North Carolina


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 39,50

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
D3A Val x 26
B5N Kate x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 4 destroyed
D3A Val x 12 damaged
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed

LTJG T.Drake of VF-71 is credited with kill number 4

Allied Ships
CV Wasp, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Chenango, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CV Enterprise, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Sangamon, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 39,50

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 10
D3A Val x 17

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed


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

[tabpub]

Meeting in progress -

...so, the Americans have already released the results of the carrier combat to the world? What else of note has gone on that I should be aware of?

Yamato and Musashi were able to bombard the airfield at Irau, causing some damage. Accompanying cruiser reports operational damage, but no surface forces opposed us.

Final stragglers from Ozawa's TF are coming in to port. Aircraft frames are being shipped in to the theater; new replacement pilots are arriving. Initial reports on the pilot quality are not good, but we are optimistic on our training plans.

Additionally, a transport force is heading toward NG again. Whether this is a feint or an actual operation remains to be determined.

When these and other items are evaluated, we shall proceed. The operation to rid the area of the American CV's came within one cloudy area of total success. If the morning strike had been against the CVs, rather than wasting men and frames over Irau, I am sure that we would have seen total success against the American flight decks. Perhaps their God was with them that day; I encourage all our forces to call on the spirits of their ancestors to assist our campaign.

[Shadow of the Condor]

11 Feb 43
Wx: Thunderstorms

1800L…briefing room…base operations building…Noumea, New Caledonia…

The staff was nervous. Condor sat back, characteristically chewing the butt of a cigar between hit teeth. The news from Port Moresby could have been better. A raid from Rabaul seriously damaged the transports, even though the area was supposedly covered by thunderstorms. Reconnaissance reported that one division was defending Port Moresby. The operation to take Lea Lea was meeting no resistance. In addition to the air raid on the transports, the ships had charged through minefields, and two destroyers and one transport took mine hits. Condor finally spat out the stub and asked for the weather prediction for the area tomorrow. His staff replied that rain was expected, but not the protective cover of thunderstorms. The ships would be exposed again, but Condor knew that the ships had a less than even chance of surviving when he ordered the operation. But, for the first time in over six months, the Allies were back in New Guinea.

Back in the Solomons, the naval bombardment of Irau caused serious damage for a day, but the base was already back to full and normal operation. The Marines were gathering their strength there. Everyone knew where they would be going…

The CR:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/11/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 17
B-17E Fortress x 17
B-24D Liberator x 10


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 31

Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet
6 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet
6 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
2 x Hudson at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 35
A6M3 Zero x 34
G4M1 Betty x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 11 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Jarvis, on fire
AK Draco, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Lynx, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Arided, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Murada, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 157
Guns lost 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gavigamana at 51,47

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 18

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 13 damaged


Allied Ships
SC 751
SC 706, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SC 640
SC 744
SC 739, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 51,63

Japanese Ships
SS I-28

Allied Ships
AK Neleus, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


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

[tabpub]

Truk
Feb 12, 1943
Combined Fleet HQ

Daily Status Report to Imperial GHQ follows - end

Early reports were correct. It is a divisional sized landing at Port Moresby as anticipated. However, this was based on the enemy using their remaining carrier assets to cover the invasion. The Allied commander has brashly landed troops w/o any fighter cover. The troops (identified as 7th Australian Division from prisoners recovered from the water) have established a foothold. 51st Division launched an assault, but merely found that they could not force them back as of yet.

G4M's are having great success in the area. Between the minefields and air launched torpedoes, we estimate 10 AK/AP types sunk/severely damaged and 2 DD sunk/SD.

Reserves are forming up to move as per Operational plan HB.

Lunga reports being shelled by naval guns last night. Indications point to presence of 1 BB minimum in the area. Sighted recently were South Dakota and Colorado, so we presume they were involved. North Carolina is not probable, as she should be laid up with a torpedo hit from Tanaka's clash with her a few days ago south of Guadalcanal.
Admiral Tanaka did survive the loss of his flag Abukuma and is now recuperating from exposure. Anticipate his return to service in 1 week.

Enemy radio chatter would seem to indicate that they are planning further landings in the Solomon chain. Whether this is true or false, it cannot be discounted. Request further reinforcements be released from strategic reserve. If Imperial GHQ requires me to hold this area, I must have the assets to do it!

Finally, along those lines; engineers have completed the assessments on the carriers struck at the Battle of Rennell Island (or is it Rossel..[&:]).
While all can operate A/C currently, they will require time in yard to become fully functional in the near future. While Rabaul can do the job, it would be more efficient in Kure, as I know the slips there are empty currently. If you will guarantee that they will be returned to me upon repair, I shall send them home. If not, I shall be forced to make jury rigged repairs here. I await your response on the subject.

Roboya
CinC Combined Fleet

enclosure of daily combat report follows

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/12/43

Weather: Rain

Naval bombardment of Lunga, at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 4 damaged
Ki-46 Dinah x 1 destroyed
Ki-46 Dinah x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 57

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 48


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 8 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Caelum
AP Ormsby, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Sterope, Torpedo hits 1
AK Etamin, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 20

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Jarvis, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ormsby, on fire, heavy damage
AK Lynx, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Adhara, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 20

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
B5N Kate x 40

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Murada, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Cassiopeia
AK Arided, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Etamin, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Caelum
AK Draco
AK Almaack, on fire
AK Serpens


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 60


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 34

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Caelum, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Jarvis, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Cassiopeia, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ormsby, on fire, heavy damage
AK Etamin, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 81

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

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

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 21378 troops, 251 guns, 34 vehicles

Defending force 9747 troops, 119 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 440

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 388


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

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7788 troops, 103 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 28133 troops, 255 guns, 66 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 9

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lea Lea

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 112 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Lea Lea base !!!



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