PzB vs Wobbly - Clash of Steel

[PzB74]

To a certain degree I will Speedy! I will always keep my best Daitai's in reserve and
train them further in China. If I can throw 400 crack land based fighters against Ken's
carrier air groups they should be able to inflict casualties - and that will provide an opening
for the KB!

I increased A6M5 Zeke research to 200+ today, I hope to accelerate the type to 08/43
instead of 09/43. The George will arrive early in 44.

A large reinforcement mission was undertaken today and includes several convoys;

1. A troop convoy to Soerabaja carrying the Imp Div and an engineer regiment. I want to
build more forts and expand the port to size 9 here so I can base my minelayers here.

2. Several troop convoys that will travel to the Solomons together. I will reinforce Shortland,
Buin, Buka and Torokina. The poor troops will be bombed to pieces, but it will delay Ken!
Mucho importante [;)] It's important to keep the Allies away from Rabaul as long as possible.

Reinforcements to Shortland includes 20k supplies, a large 61st Naval Garrison, the 3rd engineer
regiment, the 42nd AA battalion, the 153rd base force and the 9th coastal defense unit.
Buin and Torokina will receive a large garrison unit + a baee force unit and another engineer
regiment + supplies. A surface combat group under Tanaka will provide protection and all the
convoys are heavily escorted.

Several fast transport units will move to Rabaul and help carry supply and support units to the
forward bases. I've also moved Zero escorts forward that can provide cover.

The KB has also sortied again together with its replenishment fleet. I will try to intercept the warship
task force that sank my sub before providing air cover for the convoys.

3. A tank regiment is being loaded for Wewak. New Guinea will receive another division and several
support units after the Solomons replenishment convoys have returned. Finschafen and Lae will receive
supplies and a few strong LCU's. The two bases between Hansa and Lae will also be reinforced.

I'm still considering whether I should reinforce Timor...hm, difficult. Supplies and a few more LCU's
perhaps! If the place is invaded I want it to hold on for a while until the cavalry can arrive.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/04/43

Sub/ASW Attacks

One of my Glen equipped subs encountered an enemy surface combat group
and fired a spread at the heavy cruiser Salt Lake City. Unfortunate she missed
and was sunk by the escort!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 83,98

Japanese Ships
SS I-27, hits 5, on fire *sinks*

Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City
DD Downes
DD Conyngham
DD O'Brien
DD Sims
DD Woodworth
DD Barton
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Invasions

Ken used a sub to unload a small recon squad on Shortland!

TF 1139 encounters mine field at Shortlands (63,93)

TF 1139 troops unloading over beach at Shortlands, 63,93

Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Heavy air strikes against Lae now...

Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 15
Boomerang II x 2
Kittyhawk I x 11
Hudson I x 11
B-17E Fortress x 33
B-24D Liberator x 44

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
66 casualties reported

Airbase hits 6
Runway hits 51

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
21 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
26 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My training regiments in China are back in action!

Day Air attack on 55th Chinese Corps, at 43,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
G4M1 Betty x 62
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
85 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombers bombing at 10000 feet
All A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 70th Chinese Corps, at 44,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 57
B5N Kate x 50
G4M1 Betty x 29
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 35
Ki-49 Helen x 17

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
122 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombers bombing at 10000 feet
All A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
All B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Buka , at 63,90

Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 1
P-38G Lightning x 8
B-26B Marauder x 48

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
44 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
40 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 10000 feet
8 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Shortlands at 63,93

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 14

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AG AG-5029, on fire, heavy damage
AG AG-5032, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG AG-115, Shell hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
All P-40E Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Maloelap at 82,81

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
F4U-1 Corsair x 5
SBD Dauntless x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 3 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
PG Aso Maru
AP Hayo Maru
AP Daigen Maru
AK Taketoyo Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire
AP Hasuna Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Myitkyina

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 52549 troops, 672 guns, 2 vehicles

Defending force 15672 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
79 casualties reported

[PzB74]

Preparations for Operation Garrison are complete and the force will sail for the Solomons tomorrow.
In 9 days I receive 2 new divisions: one for the Burma Area Army - this will go to Java - and one for the Home Defense Force.
This is the first substantial LCU reinforcement for the east in a long long time.

48 Tabby's have been moved to Rabaul - they should be able to move quite a few supplies and support units over the next
couple of weeks.

I've been looking into China to find another couple of AA units - they're in high demand down south...-)
In the logistics business it can be mentioned that we have almost made good the Nakajima engine deficit. In a month we
should be producing spare units again. It's very hard to keep up with demand! Keep this in mind as you venture into 1943 and
increase your ac production!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/05/43

Air Combat

It's going to be fun to reinforce Lae [:'(]

Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 18
Boomerang II x 2
Kittyhawk I x 3
Hudson I x 9
B-17E Fortress x 26
B-24D Liberator x 28

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 50

Aircraft Attacking:
Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
B-24D Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Maloelap at 82,81

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 15

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
F4U-1 Corsair x 4
SBD Dauntless x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Taketoyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hasuna Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Another 3-4 days before we cut of the last allied controlled hex behing Myi.
Not sure it'll be enough to force a surrender, but we try!

Ground combat at Myitkyina

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 52496 troops, 668 guns, 2 vehicles

Defending force 15627 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported

[wobbly]

ORIGINAL: PzB

I increased A6M5 Zeke research to 200+ today, I hope to accelerate the type to 08/43
instead of 09/43. The George will arrive early in 44.

hey John, have you found this to happen yet? My game as Japs has not seen a single date bought forward although I had hoed to get the oscar II to do so...

[WhoCares]

ORIGINAL: PzB
I've been looking into China to find another couple of AA units - they're in high demand down south...-)
In the logistics business it can be mentioned that we have almost made good the Nakajima engine deficit. In a month we
should be producing spare units again. It's very hard to keep up with demand! Keep this in mind as you venture into 1943 and
increase your ac production!
...

Yes, the Manchukuo Garrison is your only source for AA - I don't think you receive any new AA units from the beginning of the war till the end [:(]

As there is no serious danger for any air attacks in the area in a forseeable future (until russian activation), I see little reason to keep them there. Do not add to the garrison requirement anyway [;)]

Same for the armoured divisions (two should have arrived in '42 already) - except that it is hard to find an appropriate battlefield for those were you can benefit from their speed on roads and plains - maybe in the defense of Java, the Phillipines and Formosa. Maybe India as well, in case he feels like an expedition over there might be of any benefit, e.g. to get some british reinforcements.
Of course, once the russian bear awakes there might be no way to get them back where you need them [:'(]

[String]

ORIGINAL: WhoCares

ORIGINAL: PzB
I've been looking into China to find another couple of AA units - they're in high demand down south...-)
In the logistics business it can be mentioned that we have almost made good the Nakajima engine deficit. In a month we
should be producing spare units again. It's very hard to keep up with demand! Keep this in mind as you venture into 1943 and
increase your ac production!
...

Yes, the Manchukuo Garrison is your only source for AA - I don't think you receive any new AA units from the beginning of the war till the end [:(]

As there is no serious danger for any air attacks in the area in a forseeable future (until russian activation), I see little reason to keep them there. Do not add to the garrison requirement anyway [;)]

Same for the armoured divisions (two should have arrived in '42 already) - except that it is hard to find an appropriate battlefield for those were you can benefit from their speed on roads and plains - maybe in the defense of Java, the Phillipines and Formosa. Maybe India as well, in case he feels like an expedition over there might be of any benefit, e.g. to get some british reinforcements.
Of course, once the russian bear awakes there might be no way to get them back where you need them [:'(]

By the time the russians awake the game will be over anyway, the two divisions will make no difference there..

[WhoCares]

One thing to think about might be to keep some cadres of the AA units back (load some on a sub before loading the main body), to build up around them once the main force is destroyed in the forward bases. Maybe in bases like Manila, Davao, Soerabaya, Palau...

[PzB74]

Al, I managed to speed up Oscar II delivery date by one month: from 01/43 to 12/42!
There's a chance of accelerating production pr 100 research ac allotted.

I'm trying not to empty the sink in Manchuko Who Cares - when the Russian bear wakes
up I'm planning to move quite a few reinforcements from China proper. Shouldn't be a problem
if I pacify the chinks properly now [;)]

Got good news for all you Jap fanboys today!
Three brand new enemy escort carriers were surprised by the KB of Irau and sunk!
Well two of them sank outright while the third was hit by 2 torps and 3 bombs. Doubt she'll make it...

Two days ago I wrote that I would sorty the KB against the US tf that was intercepted by one of my subs.
Nagumo raced south at flank speed with a powerful TF made up by the following ships:

Taiho
Shokaku
Zuikaku
Akagi
Kaga
2 cvl
2 bb
3 ca
2 cl
9 dd

The Junyo's are such slow ships that I exchanged them for 2 quick cvl's!
I ordered Nagumo to position himself 4 hexes NNE of Lunga (4 hexes) and put my fighters on 60% CAP and
my bombers on a max range of 4 hexes. Thunderstorms were reported so I knew that luck would be an important factor.
I assumed that no Corsairs would be at Lunga since Ken has moved most of them to the front [;)]

During the AM phase weather was appalling and the KB was grounded - together with all enemy ships and bases within range.
By a miracle the skies turned clear by the afternoon!
PARTY TIME

By another stroke of luck Ken had 3 escort carriers in a TF at Lunga (the original target had reached Lunga but was ignored as
a more important target was spotted!) The enemy TF reacted a couple of times (I find that my cv's do this all the time even though
I put react on 0) and found themselves just of Irau when the strikes came in.

A heavy CAP of 60 Wildcats cost me over 60 a2a losses while 30 defending fighters were shot down. The strikes were divided into
several waves but all of them were escorted. Two escort carriers were reported sunk and took 10 Avengers with them into the deep.
These ships are worth 92 points each. An anti aircraft cruiser was also damaged by 2 bomb hits.

So aggression and luck yet again walked hand in hand and gave Ken a good scare. I will continue to use the KB as a steam piston that
hammers all and everything in its path until Ken runs out of ships or I run out of luck. Gawd knows what comes first [8|]

Sunk

CVE Chenango
CVE Suwannee

Damaged

CVE Sangamon, 2 torpedo hits, 3 bomb hits - on fire, heavy damage (should be enough to sink a flimsy cve?)
CLAA San Juan, Bomb hits 2, on fire (one penetrating deck hit, radar + 1 5" gun mount destroyed)

30 bombers were shot down by flak, bringing total KB losses to 94 ac. 2 A6M5s, 2 Judy and 1 Jill were the first of
their type to be lost. In all 102 Jap ac were destroyed today to 82 Allied ones.

Since not a single enemy air strike was launched against the KB it must be assumed that the enemy was caught completely of guard.
There are still many targets left in the area, but the deed is done and the KB retires to protect the convoys heading for the Solomons.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/06/43

Surface Combat

Ken is sweeping some mines at Jaluit. I put some torpedo bombers on naval strike at
Kwajalein - range 7 - within my own turf. I've had enough of sending my lambs to the
slaughter unescorted.......

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1157 encounters mine field at Jaluit (81,84)

Allied Ships
DMS Chandler
DMS Long
DMS Zane
DMS Hopkins
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

We hit Yunan and Chungking today and destroyed ca 30 ac on the ground - not bad [:)]

Day Air attack on Yunan , at 38,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 33
Ki-21 Sally x 72
Ki-46-II Dinah x 4

Allied aircraft
I-16c x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-16c: 1 destroyed
Blenheim IV: 4 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
31 casualties reported

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 15

Aircraft Attacking:
All Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11
Ki-21 Sally x 26
Ki-48 Lily x 78

Allied aircraft
I-16c x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 5 damaged
Ki-48 Lily: 9 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-16c: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
SB-2c: 9 destroyed
IL-4c: 2 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
62 casualties reported

Airbase hits 16
Runway hits 51

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombers bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32 - the heavy industry also got visitors

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 32
Ki-21 Sally x 79
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-16c: 1 destroyed

Heavy Industry hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
All Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Merauke , at 47,87 - got some transport ac here ferrying troops back home!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 8
Avenger I x 6
PBY Catalina x 1
Boomerang II x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-57-II Topsy: 2 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
20 casualties reported

Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Avenger I bombing at 5000 feet
8 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Maloelap at 82,81 - my replenishment tf is now withdrawing.
The cost: 4 damaged transports, they should all make it home.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 31

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 2
SBD Dauntless x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
AP Hayo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
MSW Takashima Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here comes the KB strikes! [:D]

Day Air attack on TF at 68,99

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
A6M5 Zeke x 6
D3A Val x 32
B5N Kate x 41

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 61 - ouch!

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 12 destroyed, 1 damaged
A6M5 Zeke: 2 destroyed
D3A Val: 13 destroyed, 4 damaged
B5N Kate: 16 destroyed, 9 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 16 destroyed, 6 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Suwannee, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CVE Sangamon, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CVE Chenango, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
7 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
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
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 68,99

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
B5N Kate x 28

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed
B5N Kate: 6 destroyed, 16 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Suwannee, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CVE Chenango, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CLAA Atlanta
CVE Sangamon, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 68,99

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M5 Zeke x 5
D3A Val x 74
D4Y Judy x 25
B5N Kate x 17

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 1 destroyed
D3A Val: 14 destroyed, 10 damaged
D4Y Judy: 2 destroyed
B5N Kate: 3 destroyed, 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 7 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Chenango, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Suwannee, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CLAA San Juan, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CVE Sangamon, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
5 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
5 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
8 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
7 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
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Myitkyina

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 54873 troops, 676 guns, 151 vehicles

Defending force 15577 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
41 casualties reported
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Killer Butai

This is what it looked like!

[PzB74]

Another dramatical turn! Ken tried to be brave about the loss of his escort carriers, but had to put on his
positive smirk... [;)] I'm afraid he will have to keep it on for a while longer <EG>

My retiring carriers met up with their replenishment group and started to refuel when the search planes reported
a large enemy surface group only 3 hexes to the south west!! Unfortunately I had put my torpedo bombers on range 2 by
a mistake. A 100 dive bombers took of and hammered 1 ca, 3 cl and one dd. The Cleveland light cruisers were tough ships
and strutted with aa, but took several bomb hits of which some penetrated their armoured decks. The heavy cruiser Salt Lake City
(this was the ship that was attacked by my sub a few days ago!) was less lucky and was left a burning wreck. Clouds shrouded
the targets during the afternoon phase and no more attacks were launched. The deadly ack ack guns loaded with approximity fuses
claimed no less than 25 dive bombers! Fortunately I got plenty of trained replacements, but it's getting increasingly difficult to get
at the tough US warships.

As you can see from the situation map I spotted several enemy tf's made up by cruisers in the Solomons. As the ships I attacked
suffered casualties it's clear that they were on a fast transport mission. I'm a bit amazed that Ken didn't postpone them, but the KB
will stay in the area for a while longer. My guess is that I've interfered with a landing attempt in Shortland and/or Buin. Noway Ken,
the KB will stay in the area and I've dispatched a surface combat group to Buka.

In the afternoon Ken's light cavalry brigade attacked: 135 B-25's streamed out of Lunga - and were met by a powerful CAP that shot down 46
of them and turned back all but 5 dedicated pilots. For these losses Ken destroyed 4 Zero's and a single bomb hit to on one of my AO's that torched her.
She's going to Kavieng with an escort. Interesting that the bombers chose to hit the replenishment group - but I guess it's the old 'thing' from UV!
Bombers don't attack heavily CAP'ed carrier groups, but still launch against any transport tf's that are in the same hex as the carriers!

In all 35 Jap ac were destroyed today against 52 Allied ones!

I've reinforced the KB with another 45 Zero's from Truk and 27 more dive bombers to replace losses.
3 asw groups have also been sent against the subs you see on the situation map.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/07/43

Invasions

Ken's first landing at Shorltand was a failure - guess his squad got disabled,
so he's back with more as I didn't give him the intel he wanted by attacking [;)]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1139 encounters mine field at Shortlands (63,93)

TF 1139 troops unloading over beach at Shortlands, 63,93

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 16
Hudson I x 12
P-38G Lightning x 40
B-17E Fortress x 26

No Allied losses

Port hits 5
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 66,93

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
A6M5 Zeke x 5
D3A Val x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 10 destroyed, 11 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Phoenix, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Honolulu, Bomb hits 1
CL Cleveland, Bomb hits 2
CA Salt Lake City, Bomb hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
6 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
7 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 66,93

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
A6M5 Zeke x 3
D3A Val x 48
D4Y Judy x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 7 destroyed, 27 damaged
D4Y Judy: 2 destroyed, 14 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Cleveland, Bomb hits 2
CL Phoenix, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA Salt Lake City, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Downes, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Allied ground losses: interesting....
39 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
5 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
7 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
6 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
8 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
8 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
7 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 68,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
A6M2 Zero x 95
A6M5 Zeke x 14

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 57
B-25J Mitchell x 77

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed, 18 damaged

Allied aircraft losses [8D]
B-25C Mitchell: 19 destroyed, 19 damaged
B-25J Mitchell: 22 destroyed, 22 damaged

Japanese Ships
AO Sata, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Myitkyina

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 54952 troops, 680 guns, 151 vehicles

Defending force 15477 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
42 casualties reported
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation map: KB in the Solomons

[wobbly]

Bloody hell - this game just doesn't let up!

[PzB74]

Yup, it takes a lot more than conquering India to win an autovictory! If you hadn't sunk
my two carriers I would just have made it though. Good thing you did cause this game got
a lot of interesting years to go still.

Today we shot down 59 enemy ac for the loss of 34 Jap including 25 fighters. Unfortunately
another 2 fleet oilers were hit and caught fire. They're both rushing for a friendly anchorage.
The replenishment fleet has been ordered to withdraw after refilling the KB.

Ken now knows that I got a few troop convoys coming, he'll probably think that I'm going to
invade him.

The Imp Div is now enroute to Soerabaja - had to load up an additional TF as a remnant
was left in Truk. This ALWAYS happends and annoys the heck out of me. In China I've ordered
another crack inf div to Hong Kong were it will await release to the DEI. The 8th Heavy Artillery
Brigade will also be released and moved to Guam. It's 20x240mm and 36x150mm guns will provide
excellent shore batteries that can compete even with battleships. Also scrounged another 5 AA units
and sent them towards the coast. Perhaps I could try to put 3-4 of them in Lae - this would make
it more costly to hit the place after I reinforce it....I can always get the remains out and rebuild them.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/08/43

Sub/ASW Attacks

Several shipping strikes and asw missions today as my convoy slugs its way towards
the Solomons. My hunter killer groups sinks the USS Permit but a transport is hit and
may not make it to Kavieng with parts of a base force unit.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 64,84

Japanese Ships
AP Michiyu Maru
DD Asagao
DD Karukaya
MSW Musashi Maru
MSW Ranzan Maru
PC Ch 14
PG Tamo Maru #7
PG Chitose Maru
PG Magan Maru

Allied Ships
SS Haddo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 64,83

Japanese Ships
AP Tateyama Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yunagi
DD Asanagi
MSW Tama Maru #2
PC Ch 8
PC Kyo Maru #6
PC Ch 32

Allied Ships
SS Permit, hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 64,83

Japanese Ships
APD APD-36
APD APD-34
APD APD-31
DD Wakatake
DD Yakaze
DD Minekaze

Allied Ships
SS Permit, hits 2, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 65,84

Japanese Ships
APD APD-36
APD APD-34
APD APD-31
DD Wakatake
DD Yakaze
DD Minekaze

Allied Ships
SS Blackfish
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 64,84

Japanese Ships
DD Yugure
DD Makigumo
DD Akigumo
DD Numakaze
DD Satsuki
DD Murasame

Allied Ships
SS Haddo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 2
Hudson I x 12
P-38G Lightning x 35
B-17E Fortress x 34

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Runway hits 1
Port hits 7
Port supply hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
19 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Buka , at 63,90 - the KB must have lent it's CAP to Buka 2-3 hexes away. Even Rufe's came along
and I've given them a max range of 1. Cursed thing!

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3
A6M2 Zero x 21
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 12

Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 3
Kittyhawk I x 9
P-38G Lightning x 10
B-26B Marauder x 42

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 4 destroyed
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 6 destroyed
P-38G Lightning: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
B-26B Marauder: 4 destroyed, 6 damaged

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
29 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 10000 feet
9 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 55th Chinese Corps, at 43,37 - back to 'normal' in pilot boot camp in China

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 80
G4M1 Betty x 120
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
156 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
All G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 65,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 47
A6M5 Zeke x 15

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 4
Beaufort V-IX x 6
P-40E Warhawk x 10
P-38G Lightning x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 4 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 2 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 5 destroyed

Japanese Ships
AO Hayamoto
DD Hayate

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 65,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 39
A6M5 Zeke x 15

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships - bollocks...
AO Shiretoko, Bomb hits 1, on fire *fuel cargo burning*
AO Erimo, Bomb hits 1, on fire *fuel cargo burning*

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 64,94 - I'm not keen on attacking worthless targets with the KB, but it's not
possible to discriminate unfortunately. At least we got to reduce the enemy presence before the convoys arrive.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 48
A6M5 Zeke x 7
D3A Val x 27
B5N Kate x 24

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 11
P-40E Warhawk x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 10 destroyed, 1 damaged
A6M5 Zeke: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
D3A Val: 1 destroyed
B5N Kate: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 10 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 12 destroyed

Allied Ships
MSW Wallaroo, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage *siinks*
MSW Lismore, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
MSW Stawell, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 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
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Myitkyina
Tomorrow we attack - no Allied retreat hexes left, only neutral ones.

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 54928 troops, 678 guns, 151 vehicles

Defending force 15225 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
49 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Shortlands - Ken got his recon but it will soon be outdated

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 30 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 4357 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported

[Speedysteve]

John,

You mentioned about moving the 8th Heavy Artillery Brigade to Guam. I just wondered do ART units perform CD?

Regards,

Steven

[AmiralLaurent]

ORIGINAL: Speedy

John,

You mentioned about moving the 8th Heavy Artillery Brigade to Guam. I just wondered do ART units perform CD?

Regards,

Steven

ART units won't engage vs bombardment TF but will against transport TF landing troops IIRC. And a 240mm shell hole in a LST is seriously reducing its floating hability.

[Speedysteve]

Thankyou Laurent

[PzB74]

Thx for the update Laurent! I wasn't sure whether arty units would engage bombardment units myself.
I better scatter my dedicated coastal defense units and back them up with heavy arty brigades.

Capturing the Marianas is the only way to take the war to the Home Islands by 1944, so I will defend them
vigorously! In the end there should be at least 9 forts, 10k mines and 75k troops and 50k supplies on each of the islands in the chain.
I need at least another year to achieve that, but it's Ken that has to hurry! CinC Adm Yamamoto has decreed that there's no need for
panick before the Marshalls have been captured [;)]

There's only 1 Nate unit left in the Kwantung Army now - but anther 9 followed by a full 36 ac Daitai will arrive in 98 days!!! That means
that I'll receive Nate's in the middle of 43! Arghh....

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/09/43

Surface Combat

Ken is clearing mines at Jaluit. His tf is lucky today as my attack bombers
get lost twice and only their fighter escort shows up over the enemy DMS'.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1157 encounters mine field at Jaluit (81,84)

Allied Ships
DMS Chandler
DMS Long
DMS Zane
DMS Hopkins
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub/ASW Attacks

There is a string of subs running east of Kavieng for 4-5 hexes!
Several subs are depth charged but only a patrol plane reports a hit.

ASW attack at 63,84

Japanese Ships
DD Isonami
DD Shinonome
DD Fubuki
DD Hatsuharu
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Kazegumo

Allied Ships
SS Tuna
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 64,84

Japanese Ships
DD Akigumo
DD Makigumo
DD Numakaze
DD Satsuki
DD Yugure
DD Murasame

Allied Ships
SS Haddo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 66,84

Japanese Ships
DD Yakaze
APD APD-36
APD APD-34
APD APD-31
DD Wakatake
DD Minekaze

Allied Ships
SS Greenling
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

7 casualties after 300 ac hit the 55th Chink corps [;)]

Day Air attack on 55th Chinese Corps, at 43,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 152
A6M3 Zero x 25
G4M1 Betty x 122
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
23 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 70th Chinese Corps, at 44,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 62
B5N Kate x 50
G4M1 Betty x 32
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 29
Ki-49 Helen x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
78 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 7000 feet
8 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 61,88 - in all 17 B-24's were shot down today!

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M3 Zero x 2
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 32
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 18

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 4 damaged
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 9 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Green Island at 63,89

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3
A6M2 Zero x 51
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 6 destroyed, 6 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 83,85 - the 'lost strike' part I [:'(]

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 22

No Japanese losses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Buin at 64,92 - this ML mission moved in a bit quicker than I had planned. The damaged ship will go to Shortland
but I don't think she's going to live long there.

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 10
SBD Dauntless x 24
Kittyhawk I x 2
Beaufort V-IX x 9
P-40E Warhawk x 5
P-38G Lightning x 4

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

Japanese Ships
ML Naryu
ML Ikitsushima
ML Yaeyama, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
ML Nuwashima
DD Hayabusa

Aircraft Attacking:
All Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
All SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 83,85 - the 'lost strike' part II [8|]

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 26

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2
F4U-1 Corsair x 5

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

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

Ground Combat

We repell the Anglo-Chinese troops and thereby complete the offensive
operations in Burma. Too bad they retreated but nothing more to do about it.

Ground combat at Myitkyina

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 67323 troops, 678 guns, 294 vehicles

Defending force 15124 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Japanese assault odds: 23 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Myitkyina base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
172 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

Allied ground losses:
911 casualties reported

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

[AmiralLaurent]

Can you post a map of Burma. I wonder where these troops are retreating...

[PzB74]

Laurent, copied from an old Burma map. The troops retreated from Myitikyina and towards Yunan.
The retreat hex wasn't under either Allied or Jap troops so I was a bit unsure what would happen since I lost some
Chinese troops myself when Sining was captured. Then there were also neutral hexes beyond the base!

[PzB74]

Heavy air strike in China again as the Army AF tries to strangle production there.
Capabity is now down bu 75% in average.

In the Solomons there were heavy clashes between Zero's and Allied attack ac.
The convoys have started to unload and it will be a couple of expensive turns
before they can return. The KB is mostly playing a secondary role as I've moved
Zero's directly to Shortland.

54 Jap and 45 Allied ac were destroyed today - of these 30 and 37 were fighters including
3 F4U's.

A bombardment group will try to disrupt enemy air fields at Vella Lavella tomorrow.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/10/43

Sub/ASW Attacks

Several subs were hit today as our ASW groups went to work!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 63,84

Japanese Ships
DD Isonami
DD Shinonome
DD Fubuki
DD Hatsuharu
DD Shiratsuyu

Allied Ships
SS Tuna, hits 7, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 64,91

Japanese Ships
DD Amatsukaze
DD Yukikaze
DD Hamakaze
CL Agano
CV Akagi
CV Taiho
CVL Zuiho
DD Teruzuki
DD Susuzuki
DD Hatsuzuki
DD Shiranuhi
DD Nowaki

Allied Ships
SS Seawolf, hits 2, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 63,84

Japanese Ships
DD Isonami
DD Shinonome
DD Fubuki
DD Hatsuharu
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Kazegumo

Allied Ships
SS Cuttlefish, hits 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 66,84

Japanese Ships
APD APD-36
APD APD-34
APD APD-31
DD Wakatake
DD Yakaze
DD Minekaze

Allied Ships
SS Greenling, hits 3, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 64,84

Japanese Ships
DD Makigumo
DD Akigumo
DD Numakaze
DD Satsuki
DD Yugure
DD Murasame

Allied Ships
SS Haddo
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Day Air attack on Kunming , at 39,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 33
Ki-21 Sally x 80
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-153c: 2 destroyed

Resources hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
All Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 39
Ki-21 Sally x 26
Ki-48 Lily x 78
Ki-49 Helen x 80

Allied aircraft
I-16c x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48 Lily: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-16c: 1 destroyed
IL-4c: 1 destroyed
SB-2c: 3 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported

Resources hits 17
Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 65

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombers bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 76
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged

Heavy Industry hits 17

Aircraft Attacking:
All Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Buka at 63,90

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 10
SBD Dauntless x 28
P-40B Tomahawk x 8
P-40E Warhawk x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Hakaze
AP Shuko Maru
AP Sumiyoshi Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Namikaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Taganoura Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
100 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Aircraft Attacking:
All SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 62,91

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 5
SBD Dauntless x 4
P-40E Warhawk x 3
P-38G Lightning x 3

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Tenryu Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Gasmata , at 59,90 - put a few fighters here and inflicted some pain

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24

Allied aircraft
CW-21B Demon x 11
Kittyhawk I x 9
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 17
P-40E Warhawk x 10
A-20G Havoc x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
CW-21B Demon: 4 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 2 destroyed
Beaufighter Mk 21: 9 destroyed
A-20G Havoc: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Shortlands at 63,93

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 13
Kittyhawk I x 2
Beaufort V-IX x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 7
P-38G Lightning x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 2 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 3 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Michiyu Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Shortlands at 63,93

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 6
Beaufort V-IX x 6
P-40E Warhawk x 3
P-38G Lightning x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 damaged
Beaufort V-IX: 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Kiso

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Shortlands at 63,93

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 8
SBD Dauntless x 8
P-40B Tomahawk x 6
P-40E Warhawk x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 11 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Sendai
CA Kinugasa

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet

[PzB74]

Today was another day that proceeded according to plan - until the final airstrike of the
day caught the KB of guard with half the CAP gone AWOL! I wasn't really worried as the ships
were 4 hexes away from Munda and the dive bombers carried only 500lb bombs. The dive bombers
weren't the biggest threat though: a formation of experienced B-26 Marauders scored several hits on
my carriers and battleships. Most of them bounced and even the 2 bombs that penetrated the light
carrier Zuiho and the fleet carrier Zuikaku didn't cause more than a few sys points of damage.

Guess how surprised I was when 5 bombs penetrated the carrier Kaga's flight deck [X(]
I was sure that she had an armoured deck just like her sister, but it turned out that she only got
35 instead of a 50 deck armour rating. So the bombs pummeled her and set her ablaze. 84 sys
damage, 32 float and 34 fires *ouch*. I've ordered the KB to return to Kavieng at flank speed while
a heavy CAP and escort has been provided for the Kaga. She's heading towards Rabaul via Green Isl
were she will unload her ac. It will take 3 days to get into the deep anchorage at Rabaul and I just think
she can be saved as float damage is still moderate.

A nasty surprise indeed, but this is war and casualties have to be expected. I only hope that I get away with
a hulked carrier instead of a sunk one [:'(] The good news is that all the supply convoys to the Solomons have
almost unloaded their cargo and now presents an additional barrier between Ken and Rabaul.

In all 74 Allied and 53 Jap ac were destroyed today: around half of the former were torched on the ground.

Time to 'pop' back into the cave and repair and re-arm. The war is getting increasingly dangerous for the
soldiers of the Empire and we have to save our strength for the big tests that lies ahead.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/11/43

Invasions

Ken want's Merauke back - I've evacuated most of the troops now.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1021 troops unloading over beach at Merauke, 47,87

Allied ground losses:
133 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub/ASW Attacks

While the Sealion is hit twice by asw ac the Searaven almost hits the Akagi! [:'(]

Sub attack at 64,91

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi
DD Hamakaze
DD Amatsukaze
DD Shiranuhi
DD Yukikaze
DD Hatsuzuki
DD Susuzuki
DD Teruzuki
CL Agano
CA Ashigara
CVL Ryujo

Allied Ships
SS Searaven
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bombardments

My two bombardments against Vella Lavella are successful and destroy
quite a few ac on the ground and there were no strikes from this place today.

Naval bombardment of Vella Lavella, at 64,94

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 4 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Sendai
CA Furutaka
CA Kinugasa
CA Aoba

Allied ground losses:
115 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 8

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Vella Lavella, at 64,94

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 4 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 3 destroyed
TBF Avenger: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi
DD Hibiki
DD Wakaba
DD Hatsushima
DD Nenohi
DD Suzukaze
DD Hatsukaze
DD Kuroshio
CL Tama
CA Kumano
CA Suzuya
CA Nachi

Allied ground losses:
117 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Vehicles lost 5

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 43
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

I'm cancelling the raids in China for a while now! Morale is getting below
50 in many units.

Day Air attack on Kunming , at 39,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 33
Ki-21 Sally x 81
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 3 damaged

Resources hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
All Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11
Ki-21 Sally x 26
Ki-48 Lily x 54
Ki-49 Helen x 76

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48 Lily: 2 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SB-2c: 2 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported

Resources hits 12
Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 16

Aircraft Attacking:
All bomers bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 53

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 5 damaged

Heavy Industry hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
All Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Shortlands at 63,93 - long range strike from PM by B-24's -they're all fended of.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 49
A6M3 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 6 destroyed, 3 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Shortlands at 63,93

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 52
A6M3 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Shortlands at 63,93 - another strike is deflected

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 2
A6M2 Zero x 63
A6M3 Zero x 15

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 5
Kittyhawk I x 2
Beaufort V-IX x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 8 destroyed, 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 2 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 3 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 64,91 - this is the final and damaging strike. Half of my CAP must have gone AWOl over Buka
in the bad weather there as 'only' 53 Zero's and Zeke's show up *yuck*

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 39
A6M5 Zeke x 14

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 13
SBD Dauntless x 22
Kittyhawk I x 6
Beaufort V-IX x 10
P-40E Warhawk x 7
P-38G Lightning x 7
B-26B Marauder x 35

Japanese aircraft losses - the 13 Corsairs are really nasty today
A6M2 Zero: 21 destroyed
A6M5 Zeke: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 7 destroyed, 8 damaged
Kittyhawk I: 1 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 3 destroyed, 4 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed
P-38G Lightning: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
B-26B Marauder: 4 destroyed, 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 1
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 1
CV Akagi
BB Musashi, Bomb hits 4, on fire
BB Haruna
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage [:o]
CA Atago
CV Taiho, Bomb hits 1
CVL Ryujo

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 6000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 6000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet

[Alikchi2]

Ack! That's going to leave a mark...

In a sense though it's a blessing in disguise. With Kaga gone, the KB can move faster, and you're guaranteed to have a large carrier in 44! (Unless she gets caught under repairs...)

[wobbly]

The attrition starts to bite. You play this game so well but as the Japs every attrited ship turns the flow on a little harder. Nothing to worry about quite yet but even you must be getting the quivers now?!