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Summary of Operations 10/15/43

Southwest Pacific: Airfield service damage in Port Moresby now at 11 (repaired down from 32 last game turn), runway fully operational. Port facility repair still not yet started. Supply points on hand now at 297K.

Air transport from NE Australia into Port Moresby has started - seven USAAF air transport squadrons (91 C-47 Skytrain) assigned to this operation. All elements of 35 Aviation Base force (90 aviation support squads) were transferred by air into Port Moresby this game turn. 35 Base Force is fully operational and available for supporting additional air ops from Port Moresby airfield. Number of aviation support squads in Port Moresby increased from 81 to 171 with arrival of 35 Base Force – this providing a substantial increase in Allied air capability at Port Moresby. 75 Allied fighter planes are currently based in Port Moresby, plans underway to perhaps double this number. Movement of additional aviation support LCU into Port Moresby is also planned.

My intent at this time is quickly turning Port Moresby into a rather painful thorn in the Japanese outer perimeter.

Pillager has come around to night bombing operations – both here and also in Burma. Attempted night bombing raids on both Port Moresby airfield and port facilities, no reported hits or damage. AAR’s follow.

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Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms (90% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D3A1 Val x 13

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x D3A1 Val releasing from 10000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 4

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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A glance at the detected status at Lae showed 10 Japanese ships in port there, this and a possibility of (at least partially) shutting down port facilities in Lae provided an excellent target of opportunity for USAAF 4E bombers. Shutdown of port facilities in Lae would seriously impact Pillager’s ability to move Jap LCU reinforcements into New Guinea, destruction of Japanese ships speaks for itself. Aircraft losses this game turn in action over Lae include 6 B-24 Liberator bombers (2 air-to-air, 4 ops) – Japanese plane losses were 2 Ki-44 Tojo (both air-to-air) and 1 N1K1-J George (ops). AAR’s of air strikes against Lae port facilities follow.

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Morning Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 3
N1K1-J George x 3
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 4

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 81
B-24D1 Liberator x 59

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

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Fujinami, Bomb hits 7, and is sunk
xAK Kusuyama Maru, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
xAK Nittei Maru, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
xAK Otori Maru, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk
E W-3, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
xAK Hokuriku Maru, Bomb hits 9, and is sunk
xAP Teifu Maru, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
xAP Teison Maru, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
PB Akitsui Maru, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
AK Tatuwa Maru, Bomb hits 8, and is sunk
PB Konei Maru, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
AK Teiyo Maru, Bomb hits 10, and is sunk

Port hits 29
Port supply hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/C with N1K1-J George (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
253 Ku S-2 with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
248th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes

Massive explosion on DD Fujinami

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Morning Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 2
N1K1-J George x 1
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged

Port hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-2 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
Tainan Ku S-1/C with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
248th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead

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Morning Air attack on Lae , at 99,126

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9

No Allied losses

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9

No Allied losses

Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Summary of Operations 10/15/43 (continued)

Central Pacific: US patrol sub operating in the southern Marshalls intercepts Japanese sub. AAR follows.

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Sub vs Sub: SS Grenadier attacking SS I-26 at 134,123 (night action SW of Jaluit)

Japanese Ships
SS I-26, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier

SS Grenadier launches 6 torpedoes at 4,000 yards

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Sigint entry for 10/14 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Roi-Namur. Detected status of Roi-Namur shows unidentified Jap planes based there, ship(s) in port, port size 2(0), airfield size 4(1), no other visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/14 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: xAKL Kamishima Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tassafaronga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Taihei Maru reported in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: AV Kamikawa Maru reported in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Australia: Allied surface ASW in action with Jap submarine off Newcastle. AAR follows.

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ASW attack near Newcastle at 94,166 (ENE of Newcastle)

Japanese Ships
SS I-20, hits 2

Allied Ships
DD Voyager
DD Witte de With
DD Banckert

SS I-20 is located by DD Voyager
DD Witte de With attacking submerged sub ....
DD Witte de With is out of ASW ammo
DD Banckert fails to find sub and abandons search
Escort abandons search for sub

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Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 112 aircraft (all fighters), 15 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 124(77).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after air strikes below) – 113 aircraft (all fighters), 16 Jap LCU’s, oil production 140(161), refinery 97(4).


India: Japanese night bombing raids on Calcutta airfield continue. No Allied CAP fighters lost, no reported damage to airfield facilities in Rangoon. 5 G4M Betty reported destroyed (3 air-to-air, 1 flak, 1 ops). AAR’s follow.

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Night Air attack on Calcutta, at 52,37

Weather in hex: Clear sky (96% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 65 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIf x 4
P-38E Lightning x 7
P-39D Airacobra x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.176 Sqn RAF with Beaufighter VIf (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
51st FG/25th FS with P-38E Lightning (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000, scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
51st FG/26th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes

Some CAP have air radar

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Night Air attack on Calcutta, at 52,37

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 7

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIf x 4
P-38E Lightning x 7
P-39D Airacobra x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.176 Sqn RAF with Beaufighter VIf (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
51st FG/25th FS with P-38E Lightning (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000
Raid is overhead
51st FG/26th FS with P-39D Airacobra (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

Some CAP have air radar

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Summary of Operations 10/16/43

Southwest Pacific: Airfield facilities in Port Moresby fully repaired and operational. Repair of port damage is underway – damage level repaired down to 30. Supply points on hand in Port Moresby now at 295K.

A second aviation support LCU (39 Aviation Base force) arrived in Port Moresby this game turn via air transport. The 90 aviation support squads form 39 Base Force increases total aviation support squads in Port Moresby to 260. At this point, available airfield size (currently 4) is now the primary bottleneck to level of Allied air operations from Port Moresby. A high immediate priority is expansion of Port Moresby airfield and port sizes to maximum levels.

Preparations are underway to bring additional support and engineer LCU from NE Australia into Port Moresby via both ship and air transport. These LCU include two HQ (US Sixth Army & 9 Group RAAF) plus additional construction engineers. My premise here is bringing a full array of support LCU into Port Moresby to support Allied combat LCU already in New Guinea as well as covering support needs for planned reinforcement of Allied ground combat forces in New Guinea. Additional construction engineers at Port Moresby to speed up port and airfield expansion.


No naval operations or reported activity at sea this game turn anywhere in the Port Moresby area.

Summary of this game turn’s aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 19 D3A1 Val (all destroyed on the ground)
• 13 N1K1-J George (9 air-to-air, 1 ground, 3 ops)
• 1 A6M3a Zero (air-to-air)
• 7 A6M5c Zero (all air-to-air)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 4 P-47D2 Thunderbolt (all air-to-air)
• 2 P-38H Lightning (1 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 4 B-25C Mitchell (all air-to-air)
• 4 B-24D Liberator (all air-to-air)
• 1 B-24D1 Liberator (air-to-air)

A factor of significance (for the moment) in the Allied air effort is the near depletion of B-24D Liberator planes in the replacement pool. Although upgrades to B-24D1 and B-24J are now available, I've deliberately kept the B-24D in use for about 50% of front-line USAAF 4E bomber squadrons (including India, South & SW Pacific theatres) despite this plane type going out of production in 1/43. This is part of a general practice I've employed where older aircraft types that are still effective in first-line service continue to be used as long as enough planes of these types remain available to equip air squadrons using them and the plane type can still be used in first-line operation without excessive losses. Where this can be done, the practice allows newer aircraft types to be accumulated in the replacement pools until I have a clear idea of where I want to commit them. Use of older aircraft types that are still effective in combat also “soaks up” plane losses.

Current plans include a temporarily slow down of 4E bomber operations over New Guinea to recover damaged planes and rest pilots. This break in action is also being used to begin converting some B-24D bomber squadrons operating from NE Australia to either B-24D1 or B-24J planes, also freeing B-24D planes to the replacement pool to allow other B-24D squadrons to continue using this type for the moment. Currently available planes in the aircraft replacement pools include 200 B-24D1 and 85 B-24J. Much of this situation described here had been planned for in advance and not really considered a significant problem to Allied air operations.

Japanese fighter sweeps over Port Moresby. All Jap fighter planes in the actions were either aborted or destroyed. 100 Allied fighters (75 P-47D Thunderbolt, 25 P-40N Warhawk) are based in Port Moresby - 96 of these planes currently operational. AAR’s follow.

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 5

Allied aircraft
P-38H Lightning x 9
P-40N1 Warhawk x 10
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
49th FG/8th FS with P-38H Lightning (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Raid is overhead
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Raid is overhead
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
348th FG/341st FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 9
N1K1-J George x 8

Allied aircraft
P-38H Lightning x 7
P-40N1 Warhawk x 10
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5c Zero: 4 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38H Lightning: 1 destroyed
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
49th FG/8th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
348th FG/341st FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 3

Allied aircraft
P-38H Lightning x 5
P-40N1 Warhawk x 10
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
49th FG/8th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
348th FG/341st FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 62 minutes

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Daylight air strike on Buna airfield by USAAF 4E bombers. A smaller secondary bombing strike of B-25C Mitchell against Japanese LCU in Buna went in with the 4E bombers as a “recon-in-force” to identify Jap LCU in Buna rather than inflict any damage. AAR’s follow.

Detected status of Buna (after air strikes below) – 4 Jap planes (all fighters), airfield size 7(6), airfield damage 86, port size 3(1), 8 Jap LCU. Of the 8 Jap LCU reported, 6 were known to be in Buna from current intelligence data – these include 19 Naval Gd, 8 Independent SNLF Co, 55 Field AA Bn, 20 JNAF AF Unit, 14 & 17 Naval Construction Bns. The B-25C air strike below reveled identities of the other two Jap LCU in Buna – 13th Infantry Division and 69 JAAF AF Bn. I had a series of previous Sigint entries indicating 13 Division was enroute from China to Buna via sea transport though nothing before now to confirm this unit had reached New Guinea. My intelligence data indicated 69 JAAF AF Bn was located at Truk as of 9/29/43, this LCU probably a very recent arrival in New Guinea. Another interesting question to ponder is whether 69 JAAF AF Bn and/or 13th Division were caught unloading by the 10/11/43 naval air strikes (TBF Avengers & 2E skip bombers) against Jap transport shipping at Buna and level of disruption and/or destruction of elements in either or both these LCU if they were caught arriving in Buna.

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Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 75 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 8

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 78
B-24D1 Liberator x 64
B-25C Mitchell x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 8 damaged
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed on ground
D3A1 Val: 13 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed
B-24D1 Liberator: 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Airbase hits 73
Airbase supply hits 14
Runway hits 204

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
14 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
13 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/C with N1K1-J George (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
281 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
3rd Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 41010.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes

Also attacking 69th JAAF AF Bn ...
Also attacking Buna ...
Also attacking 13th Division ...
Also attacking Buna ...
Also attacking 17th Naval Construction Battalion ...
Also attacking Buna ...
Also attacking 19th Naval Guard Unit ...
Also attacking Buna ...

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Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 5

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 41000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
Tainan Ku S-1/C with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
281 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead

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


A small ground attack air strike also launched over Lae by USAAF 2E bombers. Like the similar ground attack raid on Buna, this strike also revealed some valuable intelligence.

Detected status of Lae (after air strike below) – 15 aircraft (all fighters), airfield size 4(4), port size 2(0), 8 Jap LCU, no Japanese TF or ships. AAR from the air strike below confirms presence of Jap 37th Infantry Division at Lae. Also some possibility the 2E naval air strikes (skip bombers) on Jap transport shipping in Lae on 10/12-10/13/43 may have caught 37 Division in the process of unloading - if so, how much disruption and/or disruption of LCU elements occurred in 37 Division. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 37th Division, at 99,126 (Lae)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 16 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 4

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 12
P-38G Lightning x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-2 with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
248th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes

Also attacking 32nd Special Base Force ...
Also attacking 37th Division ...

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


Primary objectives of Allied bombing attacks in New Guinea will first target airfields at Lae and Buna to eliminate any effective Japanese air operations by planes based in New Guinea. A second Allied bombing objective is launching 2E & 4E air strikes on Japanese ground forces in Lae and Buna to generate large-scale disruption of Japanese LCU elements. A secondary effect of both planned Allied bombing objectives will create attrition of Japanese supply stockpiles in New Guinea (emphasis on supply in Buna and Lae). In the meantime… we’re marching overland towards Buna and prepping as we go.

Summary of Operations 10/16/43 (continued)

Eastern US: Transport convoy EX-52 (26 transports, 1 AS) departing this game turn for Australia via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes 112K supply and 38K fuel, no LCU or air units.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 10/15 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Baker Is. Detected status of Baker Is shows unidentified Jap planes based there, port and airfield size both 1(0), no other visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/15 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: DD Oite reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 5, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,123 near Kavieng, Speed 9, Moving Northwest


Australia: Many amphibious ships and transport from the Port Moresby invasion force now returned to various Australian ports. Most returning ships have minor “wear and tear” system/engine damage expected to repair within several days – the majority easily handled in pier side repair mode. A small number of ships with moderate damage levels are still enroute. All this activity within the capacity of shipyards at Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF in harbor, 112 aircraft (all fighters), 15 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 124(77).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon – 110 aircraft (all fighters), 16 Jap LCU’s, oil production 141(160), refinery 97(4).

Summary of Operations 10/17/43

Southwest Pacific: All port and airfield facilities in Port Moresby fully repaired and operational. Expansion of airfield facilities from its current size of 4(6) is underway. Supply points on hand now at 291K.

No naval operations or reported activity at sea this game turn anywhere in the Port Moresby area.

Summary of this game turn’s aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 2 G4M2 Betty (both ops)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 4 B-25C Mitchell (1 air-to-air, 1 ops, 2 ground)

Japanese night bombing raids on Port Moresby airfield. One B-25C Mitchell destroyed on the ground, no airfield damage – the Jap raid having minimal or no effect. I’m estimating that Pillager’s experience with night bombing is quite similar to my own at least as far as 2E bombers are concerned. To have significant effects, night bombing attacks need to be carried out with large bomb loads (either planes with large bomb load capacity or many planes with smaller bomb load capacity) – this before factoring in weather conditions (starting airfield & at the target), moonlight, CAP and flak, plus the “die roll”. Most 2E bomber plane types (both Allied and Japanese) are not that effective in night bombing strikes. For all the past controversy in the forums, night bombing (for the most part) is overrated though still useful. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light cloud (85% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 3 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 6
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 3 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
6 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 11

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 4 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 4

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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


Small 2E bombing raid on Jap ground forces at Buna. Three B-25C Mitchell bombers lost to Japanese CAP (2 air-to-air, 1 ops). AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 13th Division, at 99,129 (Buna)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
A6M3a Zero x 1
N1K1-J George x 1

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 10

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/C with N1K1-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
253 Ku S-2 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes

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

Summary of Operations 10/17/43 (continued)

Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub in contact with Japanese surface ASW. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Kanoya at 103,63 (SE of Kanoya)

Japanese Ships
PB Narita Maru

Allied Ships
SS Grayback

SS Grayback is sighted by escort
PB Narita Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Central Pacific: Multiple reports of intercepted heavy Jap radio signals in Sigint entries for 10/16. Detected status of Truk shows (as expected) unidentified Jap planes based there and ship(s) in port, no other visible Japanese forces or activity. I would find this of possible interest only in these Sigint entries may indicate arrivals/departures of Japanese TF(s).

US patrol sub reports contact with probable Japanese transport TF (visible on the game map) at hex location 107, 117 N of Rabaul. Jap TF identified as having 3 ships (1 AP) and moving on a NE heading, probable destination Truk. No reported combat between the US sub and Jap TF.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/16 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed 9 , Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 26, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,126 near Lae, Speed 20, Moving West


Australia: Repair of minor “wear and tear” system/engine damage on returning amphibious ships and transport from the Port Moresby invasion force continues in Australian east coast ports. Most ship repair is being handled in Pierside mode, some bottlenecks exist with shipyard capacity (in Brisbane, Sydney & Melbourne) and a shortage of available LCU in Southwest Pacific theatre that contain naval support elements.

Transport convoy EX-47 (33 transports, 4 AKE, 4 xAP, 1 AD) arrives in Australia from Eastern US via Capetown. Cargo arriving aboard EX-47 includes one LCU (382 Construction Rgt), 4 USAAF air transport squadrons (52 C-47 Skytrain), 188K supply and 23K fuel. AKE, xAP and AD ships arriving with convoy EX-47 will be detached to remain in Australia for use in future operations in Southwest or South Pacific theatres.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon (after air strikes below) – no Japanese ships anchored in port, four Jap TF in harbor (+4 from last report), 121 aircraft (all fighters), 15 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 124(77), airfield damage 3. Detected Jap TF now in Rangoon include two transport TF (each transport TF containing 10 ships including xAK, AP and ASW escorts) plus two other TF identified as either mine sweeping or light surface ASW.

USAAF and RAF bombers launch night bombing raid on Rangoon airfield, plus aerial minelaying. One USAAF B-17E bomber reported lost (air-to-air). Light airfield damage reported in Rangoon (see above) also one Ki-61 Tony destroyed on the ground. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

5 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/22nd BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
7 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53

Weather in hex: Severe storms (85% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 11

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 55
B-24D Liberator x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 11

Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.VIII x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington GR.VIII laying Mk 13 Mine from 7000 feet *

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 11

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 94 encounters mine field at Rangoon (54,53)

Japanese Ships
AMc Wa 20
AMc Wa 6

8 mines cleared

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


Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon – 121 aircraft (all fighters), 16 Jap LCU’s, oil production 142(159), refinery 97(4). Pillager appears to be starting repair of oil production in Magwe.

Summary of Operations 10/18/43

Southwest Pacific: All port and airfield facilities in Port Moresby fully operational, no residual airfield damage from Jap night air raid below. Expansion of airfield facilities from its current size of 4(6) is underway. Supply points on hand now at 286K.

One visible Jap submarine on the game map SW of Port Moresby (hex location 96, 133), otherwise no naval operations or reported activity at sea this game turn in the Port Moresby area. A group of Allied surface ASW ships is being formed to engage Jap submarines dispatched to interdict Allied ship movement to/from Port Moresby.

Summary of this game turn’s aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 1 Ki-49 Helen (ops)
• 1 G3M2 Nell (air-to-air)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 1 C-47 Skytrain (ops) – this plane on airlift from Australia to Port Moresby

Japanese continue night bombing raids on Port Moresby airfield. No airfield damage or Allied planes destroyed on the ground. There are no flak LCU or ground- to-air detection radar LCU elements currently in Port Moresby. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Clear sky (78% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 4 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 12

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 15

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 5 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 6

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 8

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 5

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes

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

Summary of Operations 10/18/43 (continued)

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 10/17 reports intercepted Jap radio signals from Majuro. Detected status of Majuro shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.

US patrol sub (SS Whale) hit and damaged in air attack by B6N1 Jill air patrol at hex location 111, 105 north of Truk. Based on location, my estimate is the B6N1 is either a LBA plane based in Truk or it is operating from a carrier located in Truk base hex or an undetected TF at sea somewhere N of Truk. Reported damage to SS Whale is system 45, float 19, engine 1 – sub is returning to base at 16 kts.


South Pacific: Transport convoy WP-92 (37 transports, 4 DD, 2 AM, 1 DM) arrives in Auckland from the mainland US. Cargo aboard the convoy includes one LCU (612 Coast AA Rgt), 155K supply and 86K fuel. DD, AM and DM arriving with WP-92 will be detached from the convoy and remain in South Pacific theatre for use in future operations.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/17 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: xAK Nittai Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Eizan Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tassafaronga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul , Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga , Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga , Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 98,122 near Hansa Bay, Speed 1, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 97,121 near Hansa Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 0, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 98,122 near Hansa Bay, Speed 13, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 97,123 near Madang, Speed 9, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 97,123 near Madang, Speed 8, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 97,123 near Madang, Speed 12, Moving West


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 126 aircraft (all fighters), 15 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 124(77), airfield damage 3.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon – 96 aircraft (all fighters), 16 Jap LCU’s, oil production 143(158), refinery 97(4).


India: Japanese low-level night bombing raid on Calcutta airfield. No airfield damage, one Blenheim IV bomber destroyed on the ground. Reports indicate 11 G4M1 Betty destroyed (all flak) – this number appeared in the Aircraft Losses display (Intelligence screens), my estimate considering this number possibly too high. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Calcutta, at 52,37

Weather in hex: Overcast (78% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIf x 4
P-38E Lightning x 8
P-39D Airacobra x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 1000 feet
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.176 Sqn RAF with Beaufighter VIf (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
51st FG/25th FS with P-38E Lightning (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000, scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
51st FG/26th FS with P-39D Airacobra (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes

Some CAP have air radar

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Calcutta, at 52,37

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 7

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIf x 4
P-38E Lightning x 8
P-39D Airacobra x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 1000 feet
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.176 Sqn RAF with Beaufighter VIf (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
51st FG/25th FS with P-38E Lightning (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000
Raid is overhead
51st FG/26th FS with P-39D Airacobra (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

Some CAP have air radar

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

Summary of Operations 10/19/43

Southwest Pacific: Port and airfield facilities in Port Moresby fully operational, no residual airfield damage from Jap night air raids below. Supply points on hand now at 281K.

Surface ASW escort with Allied transport convoy off NE Australia coast engages Jap patrol sub. AAR follow

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ASW attack near Cooktown at 92,135 (N of Cooktown)

Japanese Ships
SS I-21, hits 1 (torpedo tube damaged)

Allied Ships
AM Benalla
xAK Iron Prince
AM Deloraine
AM Cairns

SS I-21 is sighted by escort
I-21 diving deep ....
AM Deloraine fails to find sub and abandons search
AM Cairns attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Summary of this game turn’s aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 14 Ki-43 Oscar (5 air-to-air, 8 flak, 1 ops)
• 1 Ki-49 Helen (air-to-air)
• 1 G4M2 Betty (air-to-air)

Allied planes reported destroyed - none

Japanese night bombing raids on Port Moresby airfield. No airfield damage or Allied planes destroyed on the ground. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms (67% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 13

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 3 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes

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Night Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 15

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 4 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar bombing from 100 feet

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes

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Night Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 4

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead

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Naval air strikes by USAAF 2E skip bombers against Jap barges in Finschhafen base hex. AAR follows.

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Morning Air attack on TF, at Finschhafen 100,126

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 4
P-38G Lightning x 25

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
LB-1012, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
LB-1019, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
LB-1022
LB-1011, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
LB-1016, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
LB-1021

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level *
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

LB-1012 dead in the water ...
LB-1019 dead in the water ...
LB-1011 dead in the water ...
LB-1016 dead in the water ...

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Summary of Operations 10/19/43

Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 10/18 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Kwajalein and Eniwetok. Detected status of Kwajalein shows unidentified Japanese ship(s) in port. No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed at Kwajalein or Eniwetok.

US patrol sub intercepts Jap transport TF. AAR follows.

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ASW attack near Lihir at 112,119 (NE of Rabaul)

Japanese Ships
DD Kamikaze
AK Kagu Maru
xAP Suwa Maru
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
SS Wahoo

SS Wahoo launches 2 torpedoes at DD Kamikaze
DD Numakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/18 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: xAKL Kamishima Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 97,123 near Madang, Speed 6, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 97,123 near Madang, Speed 13, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabau, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 99,124 near Saidor, Speed 5, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 110,133 near Vella Lavella, Speed 12, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,125 near Lae, Speed 7, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 111,134 near Munda, Speed 12, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 17, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: AK Momokawa Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 23, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 99,124 near Saidor, Speed 8, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 99,125 near Lae, Speed 13, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,124 near Saidor, Speed 3, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 111,134 near Munda, Speed 12, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 22, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 99,125 near Lae, Speed 5, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 0, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,125 near Lae, Speed 6, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,122 near Kavieng, Speed 0, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 17 Moving Southwest


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF in harbor (-3 from last report), 98 aircraft (all fighters), 15 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 124(77), airfield damage 3.


Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid below) – 110 aircraft (all fighters), 16 Jap LCU’s, oil production 144(157), refinery 97(4).

Night bombing raid by RAF 2E bombers on Magwe oil production. No reported hits or damage to oil production in Magwe, no reported plane losses on either side. AAR follows.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Weather in hex: Severe storms (67% moonlight)

Raid detected at 68 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 19

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 12
Wellington B.X x 16

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington B.X: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Wellington Ic bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x Wellington B.X bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 7 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes

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Summary of Operations 10/20/43

Southwest Pacific: The KB has arrived, though it did not exactly appear in the manner I initially anticipated. In its current position, the KB is beyond effective reach of Allied air or naval forces - I have no immediate plan to attack KB if it remains at this hex location. What cannot be determined at this point is whether Pillager is moving the KB southward from where it is now. A southward movement of KB is quite possible given other parts of the current situation.

The Jap TF shown below near Milne Bay are of considerable interest. A coastwatcher report entry picked up these TF and report them moving SW at 29 kts – this indicating the contact is likely (if not probable) Jap surface naval forces moving toward Port Moresby and/or nearby sea areas.

US main carrier force is at sea and in the vicinity. Current situation map of the area follows.



Heavy volume of fighter sweeps and airfield strikes from KB against Port Moresby. Airfield facilities in Port Moresby heavily damaged in the attacks – reported runway damage 66, service damage 76. Pillager’s air strikes on Port Moresby not unexpected from a tactical standpoint – the airfield in Port Moresby needing to be “taken out” as prerequisite for movement of the KB further south.

Current and short-term planned activity of Allied air forces based in Port Moresby were mainly oriented toward defense to cover base facilities in Port Moresby (as well as construction to expand them) rather than offensive activity. Given Port Moresby’s current airfield size I could not base Allied air forces in large enough quantity to be of any consequence against the KB or Japanese surface naval forces – also consider vulnerability of Port Moresby airfield to Jap naval bombardment.

Summary of this game turn’s aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 29 A6M3a Zero (20 air-to-air, 9 ops)
• 26 A6M5 Zero (17 air-to-air, 9 ops)
• 1 A6M5c Zero (air-to-air)
• 23 A6M2 Zero (21 air-to-air, 2 ops)
• 4 N1K1-J George (all air-to-air)
• 11 D4Y1 Judy (10 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 3 B6N1 Jill (1 each air-to-air, flak, ops)
• 2 B6N2 Jill (both flak)

Most destroyed A6M Zeroes above are likely from KB carrier squadrons.

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 56 P-47D2 Thunderbolt (34 air-to-air, 17 on the ground, 5 ops)
• 12 Spitfire V Trop (8 air-to-air, 3 on the ground, 1 ops)
• 11 P-40N1 Warhawk (all on the ground)

Two tactical effects of KB’s air strikes against Port Moresby within the current situation – (1) plane losses from KB carrier based fighter squadrons, and (2) KB using a significant part of its available strikes to hit Port Moresby. Both these effects could be a factor in later short-term actions if Pillager does send KB southward. While fighter plane losses from KB over Port Moresby were significant, a large part of KB’s fighter air strength aboard the carriers remains in operation. As historically, the greater long-term effect of KB’s fighter losses this game turn over Port Moresby could be pilots rather than planes (given the prodigious aircraft production efforts of many JFB).

AAR’s of air operations over Port Moresby follow.

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 41 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 16
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 74

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 10 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 15 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 14 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
348th FG/341st FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 15 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 26

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 16
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 70

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 4 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (4 airborne, 3 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
348th FG/341st FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 26

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 15
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 59

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vc Trop: 1 destroyed
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
19 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
348th FG/341st FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters between 11000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 30

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 11
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 47

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vc Trop: 1 destroyed
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 3 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 16000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
348th FG/341st FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters between 11000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 25

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 8
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vc Trop: 1 destroyed
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 3 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 21330.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
348th FG/341st FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters between 16000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M3a Zero x 5
A6M5c Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 5
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M5c Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vc Trop: 1 destroyed
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 99 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 130 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
348th FG/341st FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
N1K1-J George x 21

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 3
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vc Trop: 1 destroyed
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 4 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 20000 feet *
9 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 20000 feet *
5 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 17760.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 53 minutes
348th FG/341st FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 53
A6M5 Zero x 260

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 2

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
19 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
25 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
15 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
15 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet

CAP engaged:
348th FG/341st FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 25

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 10
B6N2 Jill x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DMS Dorsey

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 41 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 13

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet

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Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 7

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 4
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
348th FG/341st FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 4 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

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Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 152
A6M5b Zero x 10
B6N1 Jill x 79
B6N2 Jill x 11
D4Y1 Judy x 137

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 4
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed by flak
D4Y1 Judy: 6 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vc Trop: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
Spitfire Vc Trop: 1 destroyed on ground
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 11 damaged
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 7 destroyed on ground
P-40N1 Warhawk: 4 destroyed on ground

Allied Ships
DMS Dorsey

Allied ground losses:
75 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Airbase hits 32
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 68

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
12 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
12 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
14 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
9 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
5 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
12 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
5 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
12 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
5 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
5 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
7 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
9 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
7 x B6N2 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
11 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
12 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
12 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
16 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
4 x A6M5b Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
2 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
7 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
10 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
7 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
10 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
11 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
13 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
4 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
6 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
348th FG/341st FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes

Also attacking Port Moresby ...

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Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 55
B6N1 Jill x 26
D4Y1 Judy x 21
D4Y3 Judy x 22

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 3
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 1 damaged
B6N1 Jill: 1 destroyed by flak
D4Y1 Judy: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 1 destroyed by flak
D4Y3 Judy: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vc Trop: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Spitfire Vc Trop: 1 destroyed on ground
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 3 destroyed on ground
P-40N1 Warhawk: 3 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
12 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
14 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
5 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
11 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
7 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
4 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
348th FG/341st FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 14000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 13
B6N1 Jill x 12

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N1 Jill: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vc Trop: 1 damaged
Spitfire Vc Trop: 1 destroyed on ground

Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
348th FG/341st FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes

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


Current status of Port Moresby base indicates no damage to port facilities, airfield damage as stated above. Remaining operational planes at Port Moresby airfield include 9 P-47D2 Thunderbolt, 6 P-40N1 Warhawk, 2 Spitfire V Trop. All of them are going up on 100% CAP, pilot fatigue and morale to be dealt with later. If these planes aren’t lost in the air, they probably will be on the ground. My view is a second Jap air strike on Port Moresby with KB to be an Allied tactical advantage within context of the current situation. Supply points on hand in Port Moresby at 272K.

A small transport TF (3 xAKL) arrived in Port Moresby, this TF now docking in Port Moresby to unload cargo – the cargo (27 USN Seabee Bn plus a small quantity of supply) more valuable than the ships which are likely fodder for KB anyway. A second transport convoy bound for Port Moresby has been turned back.

Plans are for the US Main Carrier force to remain “below the horizon” and undetected for the moment, though movement orders issued to edge a bit more northward to gain better striking position in the event it is used. My current estimate of this situation is that Pillager is likely coming to me, for now keeping a disciplined approach to “hold” and lay a possible ambush could be more profitable – playing for later tactical advantage in 2-3 days vs an immediate reaction. A faster move northward by the US carrier force would likely result in its early detection with little or no other Allied tactical benefit. Except for a small number of Allied transport ships retained to operate between NE Australia and Port Moresby, all other amphibious, transport and other ships from the Port Moresby invasion fleet are well clear of the area.

Summary of Operations 10/20/43 (continued)

South Pacific: US patrol sub in contact with the same Jap transport TF engaged by SS Wahoo last game turn NE of Rabaul. It’s now apparent this Jap TF is moving southward to an unknown destination with unknown cargo aboard (possibly including a yet to be identified LCU). AAR follows.

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ASW attack near Feni Islands at 108,125 (adjacent hex NE of Feni Islands)

Japanese Ships
DD Kamikaze
AK Kagu Maru
xAP Suwa Maru
xAP Tatsuta Maru
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
SS Drum

SS Drum launches 2 torpedoes at DD Kamikaze
DD Numakaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Numakaze attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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Sigint entry for 10/19 reports Jap 42nd Infantry Division now located at Ndeni, this LCU transferred to the South Pacific from the Japanese Home Islands. Previous reported location of 42 Division was Chiba on 7/24/43.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/19 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed 2, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 19, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 10, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 14, Moving West
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 7, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 15, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,133 near Normanby Island, Speed 29, Moving Southwest (visible on game map as multiple TF, this contact of possible interest)
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 99,125 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,125 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 111,134 near Munda, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 0, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 6, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 0, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 4, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 110,133 near Vella Lavella, Speed 3, Moving Northwest


Australia: Ships in port at Brisbane and Sydney on standby to evacuate if KB moves far enough southward to be a possible threat. Pierside repair activity in these two bases continues though no new repair ship or shipyard repairs at Brisbane or Sydney are being started until a clear idea of events further north is determined. Transport convoy EX-47 from Eastern US is still in Australia and continues unloading cargo – the convoy expected to complete unloading and depart in 1-2 days without being affected.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (+2 from last report), 137 aircraft (all fighters), 15 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 124(77), airfield damage 3. Of the two Jap TF now in Rangoon, one appears to be a transport TF (10 ships including 3 xAK, 2 DD, 1 CM), the second TF with barges and light surface escorts (9 ships including 3 LB, 2 PB, 1 SC).


Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid below) – 33 aircraft (all fighters), airfield damage 18, 17 Jap LCU’s (+1 from last report), oil production 145(156), refinery 97(4).

USAAF 4E bombers hit Magwe airfield in a night air raid. Reports indicate moderate damage to Magwe airfield facilities (above), 27 Japanese planes destroyed on the ground (14 Ki-44 Tojo, 9 Ki-61 Tony, 4 Ki-45 Nick). This particular raid is one of few night bombing strikes where the participating Allied bombers remained almost fully coordinated. One B-17E Fortress destroyed (ops). AAR’s follow.

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud (57% moonlight)

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 17

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 37
B-24D Liberator x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 17 damaged
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 3 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 5 destroyed on ground
Ki-61-Ic Tony: 3 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 35

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 5 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 50 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 11

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 2 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 3 destroyed on ground
Ki-61-Ic Tony: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes

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Summary of Operations 10/21/43

Southwest Pacific: KB remains stationary in its position NE of Lae (hex location 101, 124), continues air strikes on Port Moresby. Some participating Jap planes in the AAR below probably originated from Rabaul.

Heavy volume of Jap fighter sweeps continue against Port Moresby, mainly from KB. No further air strikes on airfield facilities in Port Moresby – current runway damage 47 (some repair done), service damage 77.

Jap naval attack strike from KB launched against the small Allied transport TF (3 xAKL) kept in Port Moresby to unload cargo – two xAKL were sunk, the third xAKL severely damaged and now disbanded in Port Moresby. All elements of 27 USN Seabee Bn fully disembarked from the xAKL before the ships were hit by naval air strikes.

Summary of this game turn’s aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 2 A6M3a Zero (1 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 11 A6M5 Zero (9 air-to-air, 2 ops)
• 4 D4Y1 Judy (all air-to-air)
• 2 E13A1 Jake (both air-to-air)
• 2 Ki-49 Helen (both flak)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 3 P-47D2 Thunderbolt (all air-to-air)
• 5 P-40N1 Warhawk (3 air-to-air, 2 on the ground)
• 1 C-47 Skytrain (ops, on air transport into Port Moresby from Australia)
• 2 PBY-5 Catalina (both air-to-air, Dutch aircraft on naval air search over KB)

Latest AAR’s of air operations over Port Moresby follow.

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 41 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 2
A6M5 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 2
P-40N1 Warhawk x 6
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
348th FG/341st FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 6
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40N1 Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 23760.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead
348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
348th FG/341st FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 25760.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 24

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40N1 Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
49th FG/9th FS with P-40N1 Warhawk (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 20

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 42 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 25

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 2
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 20

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 20000 feet

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 30
A6M2-N Rufe x 2
J2M2 Jack x 2
N1K1-J George x 20

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 20000 feet *
11 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 20000 feet *
19 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet
11 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 7
D3A1 Val x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAKL Prominent, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage (sunk)
xAKL Beatrice, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage (sunk)

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Prominent

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 52
A6M5 Zero x 40

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
18 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
25 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
15 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
15 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 2
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 20

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40N1 Warhawk: 6 damaged
P-40N1 Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 3

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 20000 feet

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Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 4

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 20000 feet

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Current status of Port Moresby base indicates no damage to port facilities, airfield damage as stated above. No operational planes remain at Port Moresby airfield. Surviving operational planes and pilots from the fighter squadrons in Port Moresby transferred back to NE Australia to reform. Detachments of fighter squadrons in Port Moresby with non-operational P-40N1 Warhawk and Spitfire V planes were withdrawn – planes and pilots in these detachments returned to the appropriate replacement pools. Detachments from the three P-47 Thunderbolt fighter squadrons remain in Port Moresby with 10 planes total (none operational). Supply points on hand in Port Moresby at 268K.

A second small Allied transport TF bound for Port Moresby turned back to Australia, surface ASW escort of this convoy engaging a Jap submarine. AAR of this action follows.

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ASW attack near Cooktown at 97,136 (SW of Port Moresby)

Japanese Ships
SS I-33, hits 1

Allied Ships
DMS Chandler
DMS Long
xAKL Karuah
xAKL Caledon
xAKL Sipora
xAKL Tamara
DMS Elliot
DMS Wasmuth

SS I-33 is sighted by escort
DMS Wasmuth attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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US Main Carrier force remains “below the horizon” and still undetected – it moved a short distance northward this game turn for better tactical position if I have an opportunity to use it. Most sea hexes in areas of the Coral Sea south of New Guinea are within one or multiple search zones of LBA naval search aircraft based at various airfields in NE Australia (the carrier force now centrally positioned well inside these naval air search arcs). US Main Carrier force is positioned to react to detected Japanese TF that enter search zones of Allied naval air search in the Coral Sea. My current plan is not to commit the US Main Carrier force until significant Jap targets of opportunity are spotted and clear objective(s) for an Allied carrier strike is established. At the moment, my best tactical option for US carriers is keeping them undetected as long as possible until a clear objective is identified to strike.

If moved northward to engage the KB, the US carrier force would likely be detected (Jap submarines most probable) well before it reached attack range to hit KB - this making any degree of tactical surprise for US carriers very unlikely if they move to attack KB at its current position near Lae. There will be better tactical opportunities for an engagement with the KB than what I’m seeing now. Under the current situation, Pillager does not have a great deal more to accomplish with KB if he keeps it at the present location near Lae. My estimate is Pillager will either move KB southward or have it returning to base within the next 1-2 days. A southward move of KB could change the range of available options/opportunities I have for the US carrier force. Before making my bet, I want to see some Japanese poker chips on the table.

Summary of Operations 10/21/43 (continued)

Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 10/20 report intercepted Jap radio signals from several locations – Marcus Is, Maleolap and Tabiteuea.

Detected status of Marcus Is shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, port and airfield sizes both 1(0).

Detected status of Maleolap shows airfield size 4(1), port size 1(1), no visible Japanese forces or activity.

Detected status of Tabituea shows unidentified Jap planes based there, ship(s) in port, one or more unidentified Jap LCU(s), port size 3(1), airfield size 4(3). No other visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/20 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Namatanai
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 0 , Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed 1, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed 1, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 8, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 17, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 8, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 101,133 near Milne Bay, Speed 0, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed 2, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed 3, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 110,133 near Vella Lavella, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 102,133 near Normanby Island, Moving East


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 118 aircraft (all fighters), 15 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 124(77).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon – 79 aircraft (all fighters), airfield damage 24, 17 Jap LCU’s, oil production 146(155), refinery 97(4).

Summary of Operations 10/22/43

Southwest Pacific: KB is stationary northeast of Lae (hex location 101, 124). Air strikes from KB continue on Port Moresby including fighter sweeps and airfield bombing. No operational Allied fighters remain in Port Moresby – Jap fighter sweeps from KB were left unopposed. Current damage levels to Port Moresby airfield are 61 runway and 100 service. Five P-47D2 aircraft (none operational) remain in Port Moresby, my intention at the moment to duck under Pillager’s mass fighter sweeps. Bomber strikes against Port Moresby are consuming available strike capacity on KB carriers along with a modest level of plane attrition on KB.

I’m content for the moment with Pillager using KB to expend Japanese fuel, supply and planes on Port Moresby. What Japanese air strikes succeed in damaging now is quickly repaired later. The Japanese hare is slowly running itself into the ground as the Allied tortoise moves to catch it. It's likely Pillager does not have fuel point stocks in theatre to run many KB sorties, I have 2-3 million fuel on hand for mine with more in transit. A question of how long it takes for the KB to run out of gas.

The one surviving (severely damaged) xAKL from last game turn’s Jap naval attack strike on Port Moresby sank in port during this game turn’s night phase prior to any daylight KB air attacks. The three sunk xAKL successfully delivered a highly useful USN Seabee engineer unit to Port Moresby before the ships were lost.

Summary of this game turn’s aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 10 A6M2 Zero (2 air-to-air, 8 ops)
• 8 A6M5 Zero (2 air-to-air, 6 ops)
• 3 A6M3a Zero (1 air-to-air, 2 ops)
• 1 D4Y1 Judy (flak)
• 3 N1K1-J George (all on the ground)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 5 P-47D2 Thunderbolt (all on the ground)
• 7 P-38G Lightning (all air-to-air)
• 6 B-24D1 Liberator (5 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 3 B-24D Liberator (2 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 6 B-25D1 Mitchell (2 air-to-air, 2 flak, 2 ops)
• 1 B-25C Mitchell (ops)
• 1 PBY-5 Catalina (air-to-air, Dutch aircraft on naval air search over KB)

KB isn’t getting off without a scratch… USAAF 2E skip bombers launch strike on KB, one Jap carrier hit. This raid also provided some useful intelligence into composition of Pillager’s KB force – the intelligence also confirming my suspicion CV Hiyo had not sunk after a single torpedo hit by US sub S-47 during an earlier KB sortie off New Zealand in 1942 (reports in several game turns indicating it had).

A further point on skip bombing… My initial thought concerning targets on which skip bombing naval attacks would be launched was largely restricting this type of attack to transport and auxiliary ships, attacks with these planes on carriers or surface naval ships only in emergency (or accidental as in the AAR below). I had two reasons for setting this policy – (1) movement speeds, armor protection and/or flak armament of most Jap naval ships would make skip bombing ineffective; (2) estimated plane losses in skip bombing air strikes against Japanese naval ships would probably be heavy due to low altitude of these attacks making them highly vulnerable to flak and/or CAP fighters. Regardless… CV Junyo at minimum is likely headed on a long journey to a shipyard. Combat Events report entries and AAR follows.

4 x B-25D1 Mitchell unable to locate target due to range or weather
4 x B-25D1 Mitchell from 22nd BG/33rd BS flight failed to link up returning to base
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell unable to locate target due to range or weather
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell unable to locate target due to range or weather

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Cape Gloucester at 101,124 (E of Lae)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
A6M3a Zero x 38
A6M5 Zero x 219
A6M5b Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 12
P-38G Lightning x 42

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak
P-38G Lightning: 4 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
CV Kaga
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 1 (flight deck penetration and severe damage reported, fire?)
CA Aoba
DD Takanami
CV Katsuragi
DD Akatsuki

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level *
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level *
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
261 Ku S-2 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (4 airborne, 10 on standby, 16 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 38500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
20 planes vectored on to bombers
Kaga-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 24 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 38500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 58 minutes
23 planes vectored on to bombers
6th Ku S-1/C with A6M5b Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
261 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 25 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 38500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 26 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 38500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 53 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
Ryujo-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Junyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 38500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 36750.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
Shoho-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 16 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
Taiho-1 with A6M3a Zero (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 36750.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
Unryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 38500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Amagi-1 with A6M3a Zero (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Katsuragi-1 with A6M3a Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Chitose-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
Chiyoda-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers

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


Latest AAR’s of Jap fighter sweeps and bombing strikes over Port Moresby follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 26

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
26 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 20

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 24

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 49 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 20

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 3
J2M2 Jack x 2

No Japanese losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x A6M5c Zero bombing from 20000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
N1K1-J George x 15

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 20000 feet *
5 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 20000 feet
2 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet
4 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 10

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 20000 feet *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 11

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x A6M3a Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 31
B6N2 Jill x 3
D4Y1 Judy x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 1 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 1 destroyed by flak

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 4

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 1 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 20

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 25

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 20

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 12

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
2 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 3

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed by flak

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 23
J2M2 Jack x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
3 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 1st Marine Division, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D3A1 Val x 9

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 169
A6M5b Zero x 9
B6N1 Jill x 117
B6N2 Jill x 14
D4Y1 Judy x 101
D4Y3 Judy x 22

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N1 Jill: 1 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 8 damaged
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 3 destroyed on ground

Allied ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 48

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
12 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
12 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
5 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
14 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
11 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
12 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
10 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
5 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
5 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
5 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
7 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
7 x B6N2 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
12 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
14 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
14 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
7 x B6N2 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
1 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
6 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
7 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
12 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
11 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 12
B6N1 Jill x 40
D4Y1 Judy x 23

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
3 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 18

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
6 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
12 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
14 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 12
D4Y1 Judy x 18

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1 Judy: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
12 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
2 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y1 Judy x 12

No Japanese losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
11 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb

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


USAAF 4E bomber force hits Lae airfield. Rather than using the 4E bomber force for attacks on KB, the decision was made to keep 4E bombers on planned objectives to eliminate available Japanese port and airfield facilities in eastern New Guinea (primarily Lae and Buna) ahead of an Allied ground offensive to take these objectives. AAR follows.

Detected status of Lae (after air strike below) – 3 Jap TF’s (all barges), 21 aircraft (all fighters), 5 Jap LCU, airfield size 4(4), port size 2(2), airfield damage 10.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3a Zero x 16
A6M5 Zero x 65
A6M5b Zero x 5
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 72
B-24D1 Liberator x 84
B-24J Liberator x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 5 damaged
N1K1-J George: 2 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 15
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 29

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
6th Ku S-1/C with A6M5b Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
261 Ku S-2 with A6M2 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(14 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Kaga-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 9000 and 38500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Ryujo-1 with A6M5 Zero (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Hiyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Shoho-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
Taiho-1 with A6M3a Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Unryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Chitose-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
Chiyoda-1 with A6M5 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
261 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Junyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
253 Ku S-2 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
248th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes

Kajinami, S. in a Ki-44-IIa Tojo makes head on attack ... forces B-24D1 Liberator out of formation

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


US Main Carrier force remains “below the horizon” and undetected. If it were possible to move the US carriers northward without detection (this unlikely due to Jap submarines Pillager is operating S of Port Moresby, possibly also Jap naval air search from Rabaul and/or western Solomons area), the current tactical situation would make a US carrier strike on the KB at least somewhat favorable. As of now, Pillager has consumed much of the KB’s strike capacity on airfield strikes against Port Moresby, also at least 50-60 CAP fighters on KB carriers destroyed or not operational from earlier combat.

The current tactical situation from my view is not the best opportunity for US carriers to strike. Pillager has the KB placed at a position not easily accessible to attack by Allied LBA or carrier air strikes. In terms of "location" Pillager won this action. A few well-placed Allied submarines can make a future return to this sea area by the KB at least risky if not somewhat costly. Let the cat and mouse game begin…

Summary of Operations 10/22/43 (continued)

Okinawa: US patrol sub in action with Jap surface ASW. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Tokunoshima at 98,66 (adjacent hex E of Tokunoshima)

Japanese Ships
E W-5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Snapper

SS Snapper launches 2 torpedoes
Sub escapes detection

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Central Pacific: US patrol sub in transit reports contact with Japanese surface ASW. AAR follows.

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ASW attack near Wake Island at 140,98 (E of Wake Is)

Japanese Ships
PB Kaito Maru

Allied Ships
SS Shad

SS Shad is sighted by escort
PB Kaito Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Sigint entry for 10/21 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio signals from Truk. Detected status of Truk shows the expected Jap aircraft based there and ship(s) in port. No visible Japanese forces or activity observed in Truk.


South Pacific: Transport convoy WP-91 (30 transport ships plus CVL Cowpens, 8 LCI, 2 AR, 4 DE, 1 PG, 1 PF, 2 AM, 1 CM, 2 ACM) arrives in New Zealand from the mainland US. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes 141K supply and 72K fuel, no LCU or air units. CVL Cowpens detached for eventual transfer to US Main Carrier force. LCI, AR, surface ASW escorts (DE, PG, PF) and mine warfare ships (CM, AM, ACM) arriving with WP-91 to remain in South Pacific theatre for use in future operations.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/21 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 25, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 23, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Nichiren Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 3, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 101 aircraft (all fighters), 15 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 124(77).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon – 97 aircraft (all fighters), airfield damage 14, 17 Jap LCU’s, oil production 147(154), refinery 97(4).


India: Jap bombers in night air raid on Calcutta. Three G4M1 Betty reported destroyed (1 flak, 2 ops), no Allied CAP fighters lost. No reported damage to airfield facilities in Calcutta. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Calcutta, at 52,37

Weather in hex: Light rain (35% moonlight)

Raid detected at 41 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 5

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIf x 4
P-38E Lightning x 8
P-39D Airacobra x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.176 Sqn RAF with Beaufighter VIf (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
51st FG/25th FS with P-38E Lightning (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000, scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
51st FG/26th FS with P-39D Airacobra (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes

Some CAP have air radar

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Johnjohn chiming in from the sidelines. Work has slowed down my play, although I did dislodge and destroy the enemy on Baker Island, thus opening up the Gilberts and Marshalls to future attacks. It is still Sept 42 in my game against the AI. I am presently updating most of my ships and will be through the end of the year. Moving supply has been the key aspect in this campaign. Auckland is well developed as a major base. PH has 600K fuel and 900K supply. Auckland about half of that and Sydney, about a fourth. Perth is well stocked as is Darwin, at least for the next month or so. Columbo is like PH, Calcutta about half of Columbo with significant quantities of fuel and supply at Diamond Hbr and Chittagong. Fighter coverage has kept the enemy under control, although the Flying Tigers are gone along with their 600 kills, but the pilots were saved. Bombay is a major base and the option of running supply in from CT to destinations other than Perth, then to Abadan and then back has solved the fuel shortage at CT. Now 250K fuel in CT and supply provision is still building up stockpiles on map. Numerous reinforcements to India have put some backbone in the defense situation, but the AI seems to be concentrating on Cox's Bazaar which is proving to be a killing field for them. Cruiser SAG TFs from Diamond Harbor regularly interrupt supply efforts and kill troops in transit. Akyab is well developed and supplied, with 30K troops and 500 AFVs in place, though yesterday's intel shows some unit(s)? moving inland toward Mandalay. I have two UK divisions at Chittagong and three divisions, one in name only (UK 70th, about Bde size)in Imphal area. Kylemo is developed and supplied just inside Burma. Bombay is supplied similar to Columbo and is supplementing CT as rear area depots. I am planning attack in Solomons, but am considering Tarawa first.

As for your campaign, I think you succeeded with a strategic victory against the enemy. You can replace your aircraft loses, they cannot replace their pilots. And, significantly, putting Junyo in the body shop for a while your carriers were not engaged, just makes you stronger. Unfortunately, as you commented, Port Morseby is an important base, but suffers from lack of mutual support. I have the same problem, and have decided not to retake PM until I secure Milne Bay and the island bases around there. I have already rushed in ENGR units to North East Aussie to develop the bases there. Unfortunately that takes months given the location. Have managed to get the scattered elements of 8th Aussie Div to Darwin, mostly overland through Alice Springs as starting point and will form the division once all are in the same op mode. (March to Katherine, strat move the rest of the way).

Parts of the Chinese Army Forces are showing up in intel reports as planning attacks in SWPAC and Auckland. Not sure what this means or if this means Chinese elements are in SOPAC area (Rabaul? Truk?). Intel does not show any units from China having left China. However, enemy has reinforced Solomons and Milne Bay with Divisions. They are getting ready for my eventual advance.

KB made a quick run about halfway to SF, hit one convoy and damaged several ships before running north and hitting Alaska in preparation of Kiska attack. It then returned to home islands. Intel yesterday has Hiroshima/Kure with heavy radio traffic. I believe the KB is on the move. Don't know if this means Truk or push against India.

US Carriers are returning PH from Baker Island area for October refits. KB is still the 800 pound gorilla in the room. Am giving it wide berth. John

Unfortunately, as you commented, Port Moresby is an important base, but suffers from lack of mutual support. I have the same problem, and have decided not to retake PM until I secure Milne Bay and the island bases around there.

Do see your point, but you have to go past Port Moresby to get to Milne Bay and the islands. Not a good idea once a Japanese opponent starts parking his planes in Port Moresby.

To some degree, Port Moresby can have mutual support from bases in NE Australia (Townsville north to Portland Roads); provided NE Australian bases are fully expanded (airfields & ports) and these bases contain supply in sufficient amounts to support both their own operations as well as send some of that supply to Port Moresby. Much of this I had quietly and gradually done in the months before the Port Moresby invasion. Fully expanded and supplied airfields at Portland Roads and Cooktown (also Cairns to a lesser extent) will nicely allow operation of 2E bombers and some fighters (P-38 and P-47) over Port Moresby and many nearby areas of eastern New Guinea (Lae, Buna) from the airfields. Granted… drop tanks are needed for the P-38’s and P-47’s to do this. 4E bomber operations over eastern New Guinea are possible at any airfield north of Charters Towers - assuming airfields are sufficiently expanded, supplied, etc to support 4E bomber missions.

Cairns and Townsville with fully expanded ports and airfields are both very suitable for use as transit points to load and send cargo via sea transport from Australia into Port Moresby. These two bases are particularly valuable as transit points as they both have a rail line connection southward to Brisbane and Sydney.

Having the use of nearby Allied bases in NE Australia for the Port Moresby attack removed what was my biggest single problem in the Samoa invasion I conducted in my first PBEM campaign with Pillager – the lack of friendly (Allied) bases close enough to support a major invasion operation. Just the existence of NE Australia bases is a vast difference from what happened last time at Samoa. Penrhyn Island was my main (and only) Allled support base in the Samoa operation last time. Changes to base size and stacking limits for Penhryn in AE would not allow its use as a major Allied support base in an AE campaign. Also the distance… 22 hexes from Penhryn Island to Pago Pago, 11 hexes to Port Moresby from Cairns (and the rail line to Sydney). Just from the standpoint of logistics alone (not to mention air missions and sea transport operations), available bases in NE Australia is a vast difference.

Other shortfalls I experienced at Samoa in my first campaign vs Pillager included –

(1) Multiple objectives attacked simultaneously. The Samoa attack (as planned) had three simultaneous objectives – Pago Pago, Upolu and Savaii. Having three targets at once quickly led to the other shortfalls below.
(2) LCU’s landing in the initial invasion force were not in sufficient strength to capture their objective without heavy losses and disruption levels.
(3) Not enough supply landed with LCU’s in the invasion force to support both ground combat, maintain LCU’s after the objective was captured, and allow engineers to repair/expand airfield and port facilities.
(4) LCU landing with the invasion force did not include construction engineer and aviation support elements in quantity to repair the airfield once captured and allow Allied air operations to start quickly.

The 200+ ship invasion fleet going into Port Moresby (and its cargo allocation) along with the concentration on Port Moresby as a sole initial objective resolved most if not all the problems from last time. I put ashore 300K supply on Port Moresby along with the invasion force – overkill being greatly preferred over shortages.

What is likely not a change between the Port Moresby operation and my previous action at Samoa is there will probably be an extended battle of attrition around eastern New Guinea the Allies can eventually win. However, this time the Allies are much better positioned to support their end of the battle.

My entire Allied build-up process in South and SW Pacific theatres was conducted to create the ability for both theatres to execute mutually supporting operations using interior lines. Many South and SW Pacific theatre bases can support operations in the other theatre. Carrier and surface naval forces, amphibious and other shipping, plus many air squadrons are quickly and easily transferred between South and SW Pacific. Both theatres have very substantial supply and fuel point stocks on hand. Ground forces for a large second wave attack exist in SW Pacific theatre - only a matter of when and where to use them. South Pacific theatre has equally large forces in place. If properly orchestrated, the capability of launching and supporting multiple large scale, mutually supporting Allied offensive operations is already in place between South and SW Pacific. If Pillager dispatches too many Japanese forces against Port Moresby, it could easily result in an opening for a second major Allied attack on another flank. And don’t forget Central Pacific.

I have already rushed in ENGR units to North East Aussie to develop the bases there. Unfortunately that takes months given the location.

I was starting this in late 1942. Cairns, Townsville and Charters Towers are relatively easy given the rail line connections southward to Sydney. Cooktown and Portland Roads took a bit more time given the slower movement rate of supply overland via secondary roads – also that construction engineer, aviation support LCU’s going to these two bases had to march in rather than ride the train. I was also using air transport to fly supply points into Portland Roads. What I should note here that none of this was done using any sea transport, all movement done overland. I have this nice rail and road network, why use transport shipping – rail and road movement north from Sydney to NE Australia is virtually immune to Japanese air attack and completely immune to any form of naval action, plus rail and road movement is (for all intents) invisible. None of my early activity in NE Australia was done with an attack on Port Moresby in mind. I came to realize later the attack on Port Moresby became quite feasible once all the bases in NE Australia were expanded.

Summary of Operations 10/24/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – airfield runway damage 80, service damage 100, port damage 6, supply on hand 248K. 5 P-47D2 Thunderbolt planes (none operational) remain in Port Moresby.

Summary of this game turn’s aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 5 Ki-44 Tojo (3 air-to-air, 2 ops)
• 2 G4M1 Betty Zero (both ops)
• 2 D3A1 Val (both flak)
• 1 H1K1-J George (air-to-air)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 6 P-38G Lightning (4 air-to-air, 2 ops)

Jap patrol sub detected operating off Portland Roads, no other detected Jap naval activity between NE Australia and Port Moresby.

Three detected Jap TF (all barges) in Lae/Salamaua area. Allied patrol subs dispatched to attack KB instead find Tokyo Express off Lae. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Cape Gloucester at 101,124 (N of Lae)

Japanese Ships
APD Hagi, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)
DD Asagiri
DD Shikinami
DD Uranami
DD Isonami
AMC Saigon Maru
CM Okinoshima
CM Tokiwa
APD Tade
APD Fuji
APD Aoi
APD Nadakaze
DD Yuzuki
DD Ushio
DD Sazanami
DD Akebono

Allied Ships
SS Wahoo

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

SS Wahoo launches 4 torpedoes at APD Hagi
DD Yuzuki attacking submerged sub ....
DD Ushio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sazanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Akebono fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yuzuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Ushio attacking submerged sub ....
DD Sazanami attacking submerged sub ....
DD Akebono fails to find sub and abandons search
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Japanese barges attacked by USAAF 2E skip bombers. AAR follows

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Salamaua at 98,127

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 3
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 23

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 6
P-38G Lightning x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 5 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
LB-102, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
LB-1007, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
LB-155, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
LB-1006
LB-1005, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
281 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
63rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
248th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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


AAR’s of this game turn Jap air strikes on Port Moresby follow.

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Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 2 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D3A1 Val x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 2 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
ACM Holly, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk

Port hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
12 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 20

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 9

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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

Summary of Operations 10/24/43

Eastern US: Transport convoy EX-53 (43 ships) departing this game turn for Australia via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes one LCU (160 USA Base Force), nine air units (4 day fighter, 3 night fighter, 2 recon), 176 supply and 11K fuel.


Formosa: US patrol sub (SS Sturgeon) hit and damaged in attack by G4M Betty air patrol off the China coast (hex location 88, 60). Reported damage to SS Sturgeon – system damage 21, float 25, engine 3, sub is returning to base at 15 kts.


Central Pacific: Intercepted radio signals from unidentified Jap TF(s) at hex location 118, 118 (SW of Ponape) reported in a 10/23 Sigint entry. No available information as to number of Jap TF(s), composition or movement. US patrol subs are operating in sea areas to the S and SW of this contact – no reported contacts in this sea area between any US subs and Jap air patrols. Based on hex location, lack of contacts with Jap planes in the immediate area plus other known/estimated factors related to KB and its recent operation, my estimate is this contact is probably not the KB unless Pillager has stood down all its planes (not considered likely).


South Pacific: Detachment of transport convoy WP-95 (WP-95A with 8 ships) arrives in Suva from the mainland US - cargo includes 37K supply and 19K fuel, no LCU or air units. Main body of convoy WP-95 arriving shortly in New Zealand.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 10/23 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 110,133 near Vella Lavella, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed 6, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 98,127 near Salamaua, Speed 2, Moving Southwest


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF in harbor, 118 aircraft (all fighters), 15 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 124(77).


Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid below) – 88 aircraft (all fighters), 19 Jap LCU’s (+1 from last report), oil production 149(152), refinery 97(4).

USAAF bombers hit Magwe oil production in a night raid. Status of Magwe base shows no additional damage to oil facilities. No US bombers lost, 5 Jap Ki-44 Tojo CAP fighters reported destroyed (3 air-to-air, 2 ops). Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

6 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/11th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/491st BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
4 x 7th BG/492nd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
4 x 7th BG/493rd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
4 x 341st BG/11th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
5 x 7th BG/492nd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud (17% moonlight)

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 15

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 21
B-24D Liberator x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 5 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 77 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 14

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 7

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 14

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 4

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 7

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 2

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 42 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 1

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 1

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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