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Summary of Operations 11/12/43 (continued)

South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 11/11 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 24 ships reported in port at Rabaul (tempting!)
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
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 Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 12 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,122 near Kavieng, Speed 8, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul , Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 5, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 98,127 near Salamaua, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed 4, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 8, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 33, Moving Northwest


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF (+1 from last report, 4 ships including 2 E), unidentified Jap aircraft, 16 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 104(97).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 1 Jap LCU (-7 from last report), oil production 168(133), refinery 97(4).

Summary of Operations 11/13/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – runway damage 47, airfield service damage 99, supply on hand 236K.

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

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 2 A6M Zero (1 flak, 1 ops)
• 3 Ki-43 Oscar (2 flak, 1 ops)
• 3 Ki-44 Tojo (1 flak, 2 ops)
• 2 D3A1 Val (both flak)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 1 F4F Wildcat (on the ground)


Latest AAR’s of Japanese air attacks on Port Moresby follow.

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 22

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x Ki-61-Ia Tony sweeping at 20000 feet

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 119 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 39 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34
A6M3a Zero x 5
A6M5 Zero x 2
A6M5b Zero x 2
G4M1 Betty x 29

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 1 destroyed by flak
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed on ground

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

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 32

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x A6M2 Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
2 x A6M5b Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
2 x A6M5 Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
12 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
17 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
5 x A6M3a Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 146 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 43 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 8

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 118 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 15
G4M1 Betty x 15
P1Y1 Frances x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 13

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
12 x P1Y1 Frances bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
15 x A6M3a Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 111 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 35 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 22
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 36
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 5

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 2 damaged
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed by flak
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged

Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
22 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 15 kg GP Bomb
14 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
22 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 8

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

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 101 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 4 damaged
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-43-IIb Oscar bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 4 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed by flak

Runway hits 4

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

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 28,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 10

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 25000 feet

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Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 81 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 32 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 5 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 1
Runway hits 4

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

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Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 106 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 35 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x A6M2 Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 42 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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Advance of Allied ground forces toward Buna has been stopped for the moment. With 20+ Jap LCU’s detected in Buna plus the current situation in Port Moresby, an Allied overland advance into Buna and the resulting ground battle is less than a feasible option. Trench warfare would likely benefit the interest of Pillager's Japanese strategy more than my own. New plans are somewhat defensive for the moment – maintain possession of the hex on the Kokoda trail between Port Moresby and Buna along with securing Port Moresby itself from a possible Japanese ground counterattack. Supply for Allied ground forces in their current positions is more than adequate. Consolidation of Allied positions in and around Port Moresby is becoming the more feasible immediate-term option together with preparations for an eventual siege of Buna rather than a direct Allied attack to capture it (which Pillager appears to be anticipating at this time).

My estimate is that the 20+ Japanese LCU and 100 (or so) Jap planes now reported in Buna could eventually prove a liability for Pillager rather than an asset – especially with a change of Allied strategy in favor of pinning down, isolating and gradually starving out the large Jap force in Buna before destroying it. If Pillager is actually concentrating a Japanese force of this size in Buna, it's likely there is ample opportunity to launch Allied attacks elsewhere that can bypass and isolate Buna. The long-term Japanese supply conditions in Buna can turn highly unfavorable for Pillager if I can create a way to choke off supply to Buna and keep what he’s moved into Buna pinned down there.

Light Jap air attacks on Allied ground forces along the Kokoda trail. AAR follows.

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Afternoon Air attack on Americal Infantry Division, at 99,130, near Buna (adjacent hex SW of Buna)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31
D3A1 Val x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 5 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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Detected status of Jap base in Buna – 23 Jap LCU’s (+1 from last report), 1 Jap TF (7 ships including 3 barges).

Detected status of Jap base at Lae – 2 Jap TF (6 ships total, barges).

Japanese activity now detected in Salamua – base status shows unidentified aircraft based there, also 1 Jap TF (4 ships, all barges), airfield size 2(3), port size 1(1).

Summary of Operations 11/13/43 (continued)

Central Pacific: US patrol sub intercepts possible Japanese transport TF in a night action north of Truk. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Truk at 112,101 (N of Truk)

Japanese Ships
PB Ogashima
PB Nigitsu Maru
SC CHa-24
SC Ch 37
xAP Hakozaki Maru
PB Tatsumi Maru
PB Hozugawa Maru

Allied Ships
SS Aspro

SS Aspro launches 2 torpedoes at PB Ogashima
PB Tatsumi Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Ogashima fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Hozugawa Maru fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Tatsumi Maru attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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Sigint entry for 11/12 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tarawa. Detected status of Tarawa shows port size 3(1), airfield size 3(2), no visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 11/12 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Namatanai
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: BB Fuso reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 97,123 near Madang, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 98,127 near Salamaua, Speed 0, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,122 near New Hanover Island, Speed 4, Moving Southwest


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF (+1 from last report), 103 Jap aircraft (all fighters), 16 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 105(96).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – no visible Jap LCU, oil production 169(132), refinery 97(4).


RAF bombers launch night air strike on Mandalay airfield. No Allied bombers lost, no reported Japanese aircraft destroyed on the ground or evidence of damage to Mandalay airfield. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

Detected status of Mandalay base shows 3 Jap LCU, airfield size 7(7). Sigint entry for 11/12 reports that Jap 35th Infantry is now located in Mandalay – this LCU a transfer to Burma from the China army. 35 Division was is a veteran unit of the Chungking battle.

4 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
5 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington B.X stray due to night
5 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night

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Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Partial cloud (100% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 7

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Wellington B.X bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 8

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Liberator II bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 19

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Wellington Ic bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 47 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 5

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington B.X bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington Ic bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Summary of Operations 11/13/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – runway damage 52, airfield service damage 100, supply on hand 233K.

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

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 23 A6M2 Zero (1 air-to-air, 22 on the ground)
• 16 A6M2-N Rufe (all on the ground)
• 3 A6M3a Zero (1 air-to-air, 2 flak)
• 2 Ki-43 Oscar (1 flak, 1 on the ground)
• 14 Ki-44 Tojo (3 air-to-air, 1 ops, 10 on the ground)
• 22 D3A1 Val (all on the ground)
• 10 N1K1-J George (1 air-to-air, 3 ops, 7 on the ground)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 19 P-38G Lightning (17 air-to-air, 2 ops)

Mass daylight bombing attack on Buna airfield was launched by USAAF 4E bombers, the objective of this raid to force at least a temporary complete shutdown of Buna as a launching point for Jap air attacks on Allied positions on New Guinea. No US bombers lost but 30-40% losses among the escorting P-38 Lightnings – the fighter escort did however do their job. AAR follows.

Detected status of Jap base in Buna – airfield damage 75, 70 aircraft (65 fighters, 2 bombers), 23 Jap LCU’s, no Jap ships or TF.

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Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
A6M3a Zero x 11
A6M5 Zero x 3
N1K1-J George x 2
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 9
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 32
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 7

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 36
B-24D1 Liberator x 84
B-24J Liberator x 51
P-38G Lightning x 48

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 10 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 11 destroyed on ground
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 2 damaged
N1K1-J George: 7 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed, 10 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed on ground
A6M2-N Rufe: 8 destroyed on ground
D3A1 Val: 9 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 5 destroyed

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

Airbase hits 104
Airbase supply hits 11
Runway hits 194

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/C 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 20000
Raid is overhead
3rd Ku S-1/B 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 25000
Raid is overhead
281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
78th Sentai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 7 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
252 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
248th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
3rd Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (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 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
265 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
63rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
73rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes

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AAR’s of latest Japanese air attacks on Port Moresby follow. Jap fighter sweep and bombing attacks below all occurred before the US bombing strike above hit Buna airfield.

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 49 NM, estimated altitude 29,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 10

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 25000 feet

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 116 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 38 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 38
A6M5 Zero x 3
A6M5b Zero x 2
G4M1 Betty x 34

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 1
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x A6M2 Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
2 x A6M5b Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
3 x A6M5 Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
11 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
17 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
6 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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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 108 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 32 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 8

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 110 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 38 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 6
G4M1 Betty x 15

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
6 x A6M3a Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 93 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 16
G4M1 Betty x 6
P1Y1 Frances x 13
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 2 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed by flak

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x P1Y1 Frances bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
15 x A6M3a Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
19 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 118 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 37 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 22
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 49
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 2 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 4 damaged

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

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 14

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
24 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
25 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
22 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 15 kg GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 112 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 3 damaged
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed by flak

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-43-IIb Oscar bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 72 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 22

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x Ki-61-Ia Tony sweeping at 20000 feet

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


Detected status of Jap base at Lae – airfield size 4(4), 144 aircraft (all fighters), 5 Jap TF (38 ships total, barges), 10 Jap LCU.

Summary of Operations 11/14/43 (continued)

Western Pacific: US patrol sub intercepts southbound Japanese transport TF in a daylight action south of Okinawa. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Miyako-jima at 92,68 (NE of Miyako-jima)

Japanese Ships
xAK Kasuga Maru #2
AK Aobasan Maru
xAK Toko Maru
xAK Heito Maru
PB Seikai Maru

Allied Ships
SS Gudgeon

SS Gudgeon launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Kasuga Maru #2
PB Seikai Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 11/13 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Wake Is. Detected status of Wake Is shows unidentified Jap planes based there, port size 1(0), airfield size 3(0), no other visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Transport convoy WP-99 (17 transports, 3 LST, 1 AKA, 11 light surface ASW ships) arrives in Auckland from the mainland US. Cargo arriving aboard WP-99 includes 2 USN air squadrons (one 4E bomber, one patrol), 79K supply and 38K fuel. The USN 4E bomber squadron is the first USN air unit of this type entering front-line service in the Pacific theatres – other USN 4E squadrons are engaged in pilot training and still located in the mainland US. Light surface ASW ships arriving with WP-99 include PF, KV and SC – many of these ships intended to reinforce Allied surface ASW activity vs Jap submarines operating near Port Moresby and NE Australia. AKA and LST with the convoy will remain in the South Pacific for use in future operations.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 11/13 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty (note below)
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 98,127 near Salamaua, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Kosin Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 1, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 97,123 near Madang, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 11, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed 5, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 8, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,126 near Lae, Speed 12, Moving West


I’ve monitored recent coastwatcher report entries of Japanese ships in Lunga, including several indicating BB Fuso at Lunga. Although the port size at Lunga is relatively small (size 3), the port in Lunga base is still capable of housing Japanese surface naval forces that could be formed into surface combat or bombardment TF for use against Allied operations in either SW or South Pacific theatres. A number of possible Allied actions are currently under consideration.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon (after bombing raid below) – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF (-2 from last report), 68 Jap aircraft (all fighters), 16 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 106(95).

USAAF and RAF Liberator bombers hit Rangoon airfield in a night raid. One USAAF B-24D lost (air-to-air), 4 Japanese planes (2 Ki-61 Tony, 1 Ki-43 Oscar, 1 N1K1-J George) destroyed on the ground. Light damage reported to Rangoon airfield. Combat Events report entry and AAR’s follow.

4 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night

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

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud (96% moonlight)

Raid detected at 42 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 17

Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 16
B-24D Liberator x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 20

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Liberator B.III bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes

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

Raid detected at 13 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 11

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

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

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 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

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


Detected status of Jap base in Magwe (after bombing raid below) – airfield damage 4, 52 planes (all fighters), 19 Jap LCU, oil production 170(131), refinery 97(4).

USAAF bombers hit Magwe airfield in a night raid. One USAAF B-17E lost (ops), 10 Japanese planes (5 Ki-45 Nick, 5 Ki-44 Tojo) reported destroyed. Light damage reported to Rangoon airfield. Combat Events report entry and AAR’s follow.

5 x 341st BG/491st BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night

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

Weather in hex: Light cloud (96% moonlight)

Raid detected at 73 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 19

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 47

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed, 14 damaged
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 5 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 9
Runway hits 25

Aircraft Attacking:
16 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-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 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 (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes

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

Raid detected at 12 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 15

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 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 (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes

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

Summary of Operations 11/14/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – runway damage 46, airfield service damage 100, supply on hand 230K.

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

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 12 A6M2 Zero (all on the ground)
• 11 A6M2-N Rufe (all on the ground)
• 5 A6M3a Zero (3 air-to-air, 2 ops)
• 82 Ki-44 Tojo (1 ops, 81 on the ground)
• 10 D3A1 Val (all on the ground)
• 16 N1K1-J George (all on the ground)
• 1 Ki-21 Sally (ops)
• 1 Ki-49 Helen (ops)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 3 P-38G Lightning (2 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 1 B-24J Liberator (ops)

USAAF 4E bombers return to Buna airfield in daylight raid – objectives to complete the full shutdown of Buna airfield plus destruction of Japanese aircraft (both operational and damaged planes) probably sitting on the ground in Buna following the 11/13 airfield bombing strike. Light US plane losses include 1 B-24J Liberator and 3 P-38 Lightnings. Reported Japanese plane losses (above and below) indicate Pillager had a large number of Jap planes in Buna caught on the ground and unable to launch from the airfield – I had considered this situation highly possible with a repeat bombing raid on Buna airfield an opportunity to catch and destroy these (Jap) planes on the ground in significant numbers. AAR’s follow.

Detected status of Jap base in Buna – airfield damage 100, no information on Jap planes still in Buna, 23 Jap LCU’s, 2 Jap TF (10 ships total including 1 xAKL, 4 LB).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 10
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 11

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 34
B-24D1 Liberator x 79
B-24J Liberator x 30
P-38G Lightning x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 11 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 34 destroyed on ground
N1K1-J George: 8 destroyed on ground
A6M2-N Rufe: 5 destroyed on ground
D3A1 Val: 3 destroyed on ground
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 52
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 172

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

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

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 12

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

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 14

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (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 10000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 64 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Raid detected at 65 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 1
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 9

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

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (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 10000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (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 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes

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


AAR’s of latest Japanese air attacks on Port Moresby follow. Jap air actions occurred both before and after the US bombing strike on Buna airfield.

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

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 110 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
A6M3a Zero x 21
G4M1 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 3 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x A6M2 Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
21 x A6M3a Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
7 x A6M2 Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 110 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 32 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 3
G4M1 Betty x 5
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 21

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

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x A6M5b Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
21 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
5 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 85 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6
N1K1-J George x 7

No Japanese losses

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

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

Raid detected at 55 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
G4M1 Betty x 8
P1Y1 Frances x 14

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y1 Frances: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 damaged

Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x P1Y1 Frances bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 96 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 21
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 damaged

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

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
21 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 3 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-43-IIb Oscar bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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


Detected status of Jap base at Lae – airfield size 4(4), 143 aircraft (all fighters), 11 Jap LCU, 5 Jap LCU (37 ships total mainly barges and small ship types).

Summary of Operations 11/14/43 (continued)

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF, 89 Jap aircraft (all fighters), airfield damage 4, 16 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 106(95).


Detected status of Jap base in Magwe (after bombing raid below) – airfield damage 8, 91 planes (all fighters), 19 Jap LCU, oil production 171(130), refinery 97(4).

RAF night bombing raid on Magwe airfield. Two Blenheim IV bombers lost (1 air-to-air, 1 flak), one Jap Ki-44 Tojo destroyed on the ground. No report of damage from this raid to Rangoon airfield. AAR’s follow.

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

Weather in hex: Heavy rain (89% moonlight)

Raid detected at 64 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 17

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 35

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

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed by flak

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
9 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 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 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes

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

Raid detected at 14 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 17

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Blenheim IV bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes

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


RAF Liberators hit Mandalay airfield in a night raid. Detected status of Mandalay shows no visible airfield damage. AAR follows,

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Severe storms (89% moonlight)

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

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 6

No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Liberator II bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Summary of Operations 11/15/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – runway damage 40, airfield service damage 100, supply on hand 227K.

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

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 14 A6M2 Zero (12 air-to-air, 1 flak, 1 ops)
• 10 A6M3a Zero (9 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 8 A6M5 Zero (6 air-to-air, 2 ops)
• 1 Ki-43 Oscar (flak)
• 1 Ki-49 Helen (flak)
• 6 Ki-61 Tony (4 air-to-air, 2 ops)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 5 P-38G Lightning (4 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 11 P-38H Lightning (8 air-to-air, 3 ops)


AAR’s of latest Japanese air attacks on Port Moresby follow. Three P-38G/H Lightning squadrons from NE Australia were dispatched on LRCAP over Port Moresby using drop tanks. P-38 fighters did intercept the early Jap raids but were unable to provide CAP fighter cover through the entire sequence of Jap air strikes. P-38 LRCAP fighter missions have some value as a stop-gap measure under the circumstances but cannot provide a solution to Jap bombing raids that is either continuous or long-term. P-38 Lightning LRCAP over Port Moresby in the AAR below originated from several airfields in NE Australia - all flying with drop tanks and LRCAP set to 100%. Flying LRCAP as done here will likely face either or both the following problems - pilot fatigue and plane losses (either damaged or destroyed). Things will work out for one game turn, maybe two. After that... pilot fatigue and/or plane losses will cut things short. Add to this the fact my P-38 Lightning inventory is also the most effective long-range fighter escort for daylight raids by 4E bombers along with naval air strikes by 2E skip bombers (a definite incentive to conserve P-38's and preserve them in operational condition to the maximum extent possible). Allied pilot losses less of a factor - plenty of available trained pilots. My pilot losses have been reasonably low, not much cause for concern unless things in the pilot area get completely out of hand.

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

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 13

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 12
P-38H Lightning x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38H Lightning: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
49th FG/8th FS with P-38H Lightning (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
475th FG/433rd FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 12 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes

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

Raid detected at 113 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 37 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
A6M3a Zero x 16
A6M5 Zero x 3
A6M5b Zero x 3
G4M1 Betty x 10
P1Y1 Frances x 14

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 12
P-38H Lightning x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed by flak
A6M3a Zero: 4 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x A6M2 Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
3 x A6M5b Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
8 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 10000 feet
10 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
14 x P1Y1 Frances bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
2 x A6M3a Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 1 plane(s) with no ordnance
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
4 x A6M3a Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/8th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 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 75 minutes
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 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 8 minutes
475th FG/433rd FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes

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

Raid detected at 70 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 8
P-38H Lightning x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed
P-38H Lightning: 1 destroyed

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 10000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
475th FG/433rd FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes

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

Raid detected at 136 NM, estimated altitude 27,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 7

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 4
P-38H Lightning x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed
P-38H Lightning: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
49th FG/8th FS with P-38H Lightning (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 10000, scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38H Lightning (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 15000, scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
475th FG/433rd FS with P-38G 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 15000, scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes

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

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 38 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
G4M1 Betty x 6
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 28
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38H Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
28 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/8th FS with P-38H Lightning (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 10000, scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes

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

Raid detected at 97 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
G4M1 Betty x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged

Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
9 x A6M2 Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 61 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 22
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 3
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 damaged

Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 15 kg GP Bomb
21 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-43-IIb Oscar bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-43-IIb Oscar bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 81 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 32 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 18

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 8
P-38H Lightning x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 3 damaged

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
18 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/8th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
475th FG/433rd FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes

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


Detected status of Jap base at Buna – airfield damage 100, no detected Jap planes, one Jap TF (8 ships including 3 AM, 2 LB), 23 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae – airfield size 4(4), 125 aircraft (all fighters), 11 Jap LCU, 4 Jap TF (37 ships total including barges and small ship types).

Summary of Operations 11/15/43 (continued)

Eastern US: Transport convoy EX-56 (38 ships) departs for Australia via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes one US Marine fighter squadron, 130K supply and 85K fuel.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 11/14 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tabiteuea. Detected status of Tabiteuea shows unidentified Jap planes based there, also ship(s) in port, airfield size 4(3), port size 3(1), no other visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: US Main Carrier force in attempted sortie against Lunga - the Carrier Force reached attack range 5 hexes off Lunga, failed to find or attack any Japanese ships in Lunga or vicinity. Objective of the carrier force sortie was launching a port/naval strike raid on possible Japanese surface naval forces based in Lunga. I dispatched the carriers against Lunga after a series of coastwatcher report entries indicating BB Fuso had been detected in Lunga – other Jap BB plus cruisers and DD could have been located in Lunga as well if these reports had proven true. The port in Lunga was potentially an inviting target for a US carrier strike to catch a major Jap surface naval force in harbor, especially as Pillager likely has the KB in the rear for the moment replenishing and replacing plane/pilot losses. US carrier force was undetected until this game turn when it was spotted by a Jap naval air search patrol SW of Rennel Is, no other reported Japanese air activity over the carrier force. US carrier force is now returning to base to replenish.

Coastwatcher report entries for 11/14 are listed below.

Coastwatcher Report: xAK Shirashika Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Shirashika Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 11, Moving East
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tassafaronga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 2, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed 5, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 15, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,129 near Buna, Speed 18, Moving Southwest


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF, 81 Jap aircraft (all fighters), no airfield damage, 16 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 108(93).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – no airfield damage, 10 Jap LCU, oil production 172(129), refinery 97(4).

Summary of Operations 11/16/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – runway damage 51, airfield service damage 100, supply on hand 223K.

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

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 2 A6M2 Zero (1 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 1 A6M3a Zero (ops)
• 7 G4M1 Betty (all ops)
• 1 Ki-43 Oscar (ops)
• 2 Ki-49 Helen (both ops)
• 1 Ki-61 Tony (air-to-air)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 9 P-38G Lightning (7 air-to-air, 1 flak, 1 ops)
• 9 B-25D1 Mitchell (4 air-to-air, 2 flak, 3 ops)

Weather conditions continue to abort planned Allied night bombing raids over New Guinea.

AAR’s of latest Japanese air attacks on Port Moresby follow.

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

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 46 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 10

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-61-Ia Tony sweeping at 20000 feet

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

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
A6M3a Zero x 12
A6M5 Zero x 3
A6M5b Zero x 3
G4M1 Betty x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 2 damaged

Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x A6M2 Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
3 x A6M5b Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
3 x A6M5 Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
13 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
12 x A6M3a Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
5 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 108 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 32 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 6

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

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

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 29,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 7

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 25000 feet

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

Raid detected at 130 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8
N1K1-J George x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
PT TM-7
PT-34

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

TM-7 dead in the water ...
PT-34 dead in the water ...

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

Raid detected at 71 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 22
P1Y1 Frances x 12
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 22

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 2 damaged

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

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 19

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x P1Y1 Frances bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
22 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
22 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 114 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 29
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 22
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 damaged
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
22 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 15 kg GP Bomb
29 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 46 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-43-IIb Oscar bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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


Detected status of Jap base at Buna – airfield damage 92, unidentified Jap planes, one Jap TF (8 ships including 3 AM, 1 LB), 23 Jap LCU.


Detected status of Jap base at Lae – airfield size 4(4), 127 aircraft (all fighters), 11 Jap LCU, 5 Jap TF (43 ships total, mainly barges and small ship types).

USAAF 2E skip bombers break through Jap fighter CAP over Lae and hit “Tokyo Express” TF in the base hex. It appears all Japanese ships in the “Tokyo Express” TF were hit in the bombing attacks. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, at Lae 99,126

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
A6M3a Zero x 6
A6M5 Zero x 5
N1K1-J George x 5
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 9
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 11
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 5

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


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 1 destroyed

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

Japanese Ships
CM Tokiwa, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Sazanami
DD Ushio, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage (sunk)
DD Akebono, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage (sunk)

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

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(12 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
Tainan Ku S-1/C 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 20000
Raid is overhead
3rd Ku S-1/B with N1K1-J George (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 25000
Raid is overhead
6th Ku S-1/B 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 10000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers
281 Ku S-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 10000
Raid is overhead
78th Sentai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
248th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, at Lae 99,126

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M3a Zero x 4
A6M5 Zero x 5
N1K1-J George x 5
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 9
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 3

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 2 destroyed, 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Sazanami, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Ushio, heavy fires, heavy damage (reported sunk later)
CM Tokiwa, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 1 plane(s) with no ordnance
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
7 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
Tainan Ku S-1/C with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
3rd Ku S-1/B with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters to 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
6th Ku S-1/B with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
78th Sentai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
248th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (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 20000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

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

Summary of Operations 11/16/43 (continued)

Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 11/15 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from several locations – Wotje, Majuro and Nikunau. Unidentified Jap planes shown in detected status at Nikunau, otherwise visible Japanese forces or activity at these three locations.


South Pacific: US patrol sub in action with Japanese surface ASW near Rabaul. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Rabaul at 106,127 (S of Rabaul)

Japanese Ships
DD Shinonome
DD Asagiri
DD Shikinami
DD Murakumo

Allied Ships
SS Growler, hits 1 (no reported damage)

SS Growler launches 2 torpedoes at DD Shinonome
DD Asagiri fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Shikinami attacking submerged sub ....
DD Murakumo fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Shikinami attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Coastwatcher report entries for 11/15 are listed below.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 12 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed 13, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships 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: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, 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 11, Moving Southeast

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF, no detected Jap planes, 10 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 109(92).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 9 Jap LCU, oil production 173(128), refinery 97(4).

November 42 update--Johnjohn

November activities surrounded holding in India along with the retaking of the Ellice island atolls.

The Indian front saw no enemy troop movements but significantly increased air attacks. New fighter groups were moved into the front area and the enemy shot down tally went up considerably. So far all the airbases are holding and are 95% or more operational. India continues to receive various reinforcements. Supply to India is excellent. The "R" type battleships are in Capetown finishing repairs. They forced back the coastal assault until enemy Bettys arrived in force. Now they are just waiting to retire. I have successfully used DDs and CLs to interrupt the supply line to Cox's Bazzar. Now, only a garrison force remains in place. A division size contingent is at Akyab. It was larger but a 10,000 man force moved inland to Mandalay two months ago.

First Raiders, Second Raiders, and Second Para's USMC took the three Ellice atolls back from the enemy. Only Funafuti offered token resistance. The path to Tarawa, Makin, Ocean, and Nauru is now open to attack.

Thus far all upgrades are finished. Two 2 carrier divisions are training at PH. Wasp is supporting the invasion off the Ellice islands. All carrier divisions have at least one fast battleship as escort as well as the 690 CLAAs. SWPAC is receiving the second major lift of personnel in early December (41st Inf Div and numerous SeeBees and other support units). The II Fighter CMD has been shuttling in planes for months now. The 5th Bomber Force is still in Eastern USA training and waiting for new planes.

Luganville and Noumea are large bases with Efate and Tanna (and Norfolk Island supported by AVPs) supporting the ASW effort. Broome is clobbered and I am rushing (marching actually) about 90 Engineers in three ENGR units across the desert. They are due to arrive in late January. I have a P40 squadron waiting to go in once the airfield is operable.

The KB remains at large. Radio intercepts indicate that it is hibernating somewhere, most likely the Home Islands. But it is much larger now with Junyo and Hiyo in service. So far it is Yorktown for Zuikaku. Advantage Japan. The good news, if there is any, is that Yorktown's air group survived and is in SF training. When Essex arrives a trained air group is waiting for it (That is months off yet).

Next month the F4U-1 Corsairs start arriving. That will free up F4Fs for the carriers. Three escort carriers with strike groups, not replacement squadrons, are due to arrive this month. In my first campaign I put them into use as strike forces. This time I will be holding them back to escort invasion groups to targets. The CVE replacement carriers will operate as support to fleet carrier operations.

My strategy this time is different. I am moving east to west. Baker island and now the Ellice have been retaken. Next is the Gilberts. Then the Marshalls. Then the canal and PM/Milne Bay.

I misspoke last time. Intel shows Lunga with 1 Div and parts of another, and numerous support units. That is why I have three Divisions preparing along with support units. As of now, Tassafaronga is unoccupied while a small but potent force is at Tulagi. Another reason I am waiting to go here is for some more carriers to arrive to support the operation. In the meantime I am considering investing Kirakira and building a small airbase. Same for Ndeni area. It may turn out that bypassing the Canal may be the better option. Munda is not occupied either.

PM is major enemy base. Milne Bay is likewise. One or the other has got to go, if not both. Mac has 5 divisions available in Aussie or enroute to be the spearhead.

India is in a holding pattern. I am moving more air transports to the area to ferry supplies to China. Enemy seems most interested in Kwelein ATM. Considering moving some fighters there. That was a successful move in my previous experience.

I am still preparing. So far I have only hit soft targets. I am not in any hurry. Expect to hit Tarawa, Makin, Ocean, and Nauru in March. Solomons not until late 43 or early 44. Same for PM et al. Marshalls in late summer 43. Main concern is the disposition of the KB. Until that is reduced, I am not going to rush into anything. A fleet in being and all that.

John

I am still preparing. So far I have only hit soft targets.

Good place to start. Seriously.

The KB remains at large. Radio intercepts indicate that it is hibernating somewhere, most likely the Home Islands. But it is much larger now with Junyo and Hiyo in service.

It would be of little surprise if Pillager's KB has more CV than I do. With a little prudence and good work with the Jap economy, a JFB has a few available CV's in the shipbuilding yards that can be completed and put into service ahead of schedule. I'm estimating Pillager has done that.

The carrier contest in this campaign has yet to happen and it's inevitable it will. Pillager's last KB sortie was one game turn short of being hit by the US carrier force. I was stalking and reached attack position undetected just before he withdrew the KB, If the KB stayed in position and launched one more carrier strike on Port Moresby, the US Main Carrier force would have been launching a simultaneous "all in" naval strike on Japanese flight decks.

For Pillager, that's his second near miss with the KB. The first in late 1942 on his last KB sortie off Auckland. Pillager had the KB carriers off Auckland, they failed to launch. If the Jap planes did launch, they would have found no Allied ships or planes in Auckland. In the meantime... 100+ land based US Marine SBD's plus other Allied bombers with all available fighter escort over the KB - not a single US carrier in the area. Unfortunately or fortunately (depending on point of view), I had an overstacked airfield.

SWPAC is receiving the second major lift of personnel in early December (41st Inf Div and numerous SeeBees and other support units). The II Fighter CMD has been shuttling in planes for months now. The 5th Bomber Force is still in Eastern USA training and waiting for new planes.

A human Japanese opponent probably won't give you that much time. I had it (US 41 Division) arriving in the South Pacific in 6/42 and thought (at the time) even that soon could be too late.

My strategy this time is different. I am moving east to west. Baker island and now the Ellice have been retaken. Next is the Gilberts. Then the Marshalls.

We may have some notes to compare later on. It's appearing my main Allied axis of advance could be south to north into the rear of the Marshalls. My current projection includes pushing an Allied "lane" through the central/northern Marshalls, completely isolating Pillager's Japanese positions in the Gilberts and Ellice islands area. If this approach proves correct, Japanese control of the Gilberts and Ellice islands stops nothing.

Summary of Operations 11/17/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – runway damage 40, airfield service damage 100, supply on hand 221K.

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

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 4 A6M2 Zero (2 air-to-air, 2 ops)
• 2 A6M3a Zero (1 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 1 A6M5 Zero (air-to-air)
• 1 G4M1 Betty (ops)
• 1 G3M2 Nell (flak)
• 1 Ki-43 Oscar (air-to-air)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 9 P-38G Lightning (8 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 6 B-25D1 Mitchell (all air-to-air)


While Pillager currently enjoys at least a quantitative Japanese advantage in the air over New Guinea, it’s quite possible a large portion of available IJA and IJN air resources in the South/SW Pacific area are being drawn into the air actions over New Guinea. This also includes the KB. The invasion and capture of Port Moresby is only the first half of a two pincer operation and the tip of a rather large iceberg. The current level of Japanese air activity over New Guinea is an inconvenience but likely a temporary one once the next stage of events is underway. In any case, Allied losses are vastly less than those taken in my previous adventure in Samoa during my last PBEM vs Pillager for basically an equivalent result to date.


Night airfield raids by USAAF 4E bombers on Buna and Lae. No US bombers lost, no verified reports of Japanese planes destroyed on the ground. Current plans are to keep Buna airfield out of operation, begin working to knock out Japanese air operations from Lae. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

4 x 90th BG/320th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
6 x 90th BG/400th BS B-24D1 Liberator stray due to night
4 x 380th BG/528th BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night
6 x 380th BG/529th BS B-24D1 Liberator stray due to night
4 x 28th CG/404th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night **
6 x 22nd BG/408th BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night **

** Buna air strikes – entries for all other stray planes from air strike on Lae.

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Night Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Weather in hex: Moderate rain (64% moonlight)

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

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

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

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 5

No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

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

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Raid detected at 25 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

No Allied losses

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

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

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 6

No Allied losses

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

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

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms (64% moonlight)

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

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 6

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

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

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/B with J2M2 Jack (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes

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Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Raid detected at 25 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/B with J2M2 Jack (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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


AAR’s of latest Japanese air attacks on Port Moresby follow.

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Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
G3M2 Nell x 14

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 damaged
G3M2 Nell: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x A6M2 Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
13 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 104 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 3
N1K1-J George x 7

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x A6M5b Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x A6M2 Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 91 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 9
G4M1 Betty x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

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

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

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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


Detected status of Jap base at Buna (after night bombing attacks above) – airfield damage 100, unidentified Jap planes, 2 Jap TF (14 ships total including 3 PT, 2 LB, 2 APD), 23 Jap LCU.

USAAF 2E skip bombers hit Buna base hex – no hits, no runs, maybe an error or two. No reported hits scored on Japanese ships. AAR follows. There is the question of how many (or all) of the Japanese CAP fighters over Buna in the AAR below are actually LRCAP Pillager had flown in from Lae, this given the reported level of damage to Buna airfield. If so, these Jap planes are (1) being diverted from air strikes on Port Moresby and/or (2) Japanese CAP fighter protection over Lae base hex is diminished – either or both these developments of possible value in my calculations.

The Jap TF targeted in this attack is likely the same TF encountered by US sub Growler last game turn in the southern sea approach into Rabaul - all 4 Jap DD from last turn’s AAR with SS Growler also appear below.

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Morning Air attack on TF, at Buna 99,129

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 1,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M3a Zero x 6
A6M5 Zero x 2
N1K1-J George x 4
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 5
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 3
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 1

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 12
P-38G Lightning x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 4 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Shinonome
DD Murakumo
DD Shikinami
DD Shirayuki
DD Asagiri

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 1 plane(s) with no ordnance
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
2 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1 with A6M2 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 10000
Raid is overhead
3rd Ku S-1/B with N1K1-J George (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 25000
Raid is overhead
6th Ku S-1/B 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 10000
Raid is overhead
281 Ku S-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 10000
Raid is overhead
4 planes vectored on to bombers
78th Sentai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (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 9000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (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
248th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (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

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


Detected status of Jap base at Lae – airfield size 4(4), 100 aircraft (all fighters), 11 Jap LCU, 4 Jap TF (36 ships total, barges and small ship types).

Summary of Operations 11/17/43 (continued)

Eastern US: Transport convoy EX-57 (15 ships) departing for Australia via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes 66K supply and 11K fuel, no air units or LCU.

At this time, all available cargo ships in the EX (Eastern US to Australia), WP (US West Coast to Central & South Pacific), CD (Capetown to India) and MX (Middle East to Australia) transport convoy systems remain in continuous operation. Turn-around operations (loading, unloading, repair, replenishment) continue to proceed at maximum speed in all convoy areas. The mainland US is almost completely emptied of all transferrable LCU suitable or needed for front line operations. A substantial reserve of US air squadrons currently involved with pilot training remain in the mainland US – most transferrable air units still in the mainland US with no withdrawal date will eventually ship out to forward theatre areas as “stockpiles” of fully trained pilots for various missions and commands in the Reserve pilot pools are adequately filled.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 11/16 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Canton Is. Detected status of Canton Is shows unidentified Jap planes based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Coastwatcher report entries for 11/16 are listed below.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tassafaronga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed 6, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 2 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 3, Moving Northeast
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: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, 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


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF, no detected Jap planes, 10 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 109(92).


Detected status of Jap base in Magwe (after air strikes below) – 99 aircraft (all fighters), 19 Jap LCU, oil production 146(155), refinery 97(4).

USAAF and RAF bombers hit Magwe oil production facilities in a night raid. Reported plane losses include 1 RAF Wellington 1c destroyed (ops), 16 Jap Ki-45 Nick CAP fighters destroyed (13 air-to-air, 3 ops). This game turn’s detected status of Magwe (above) indicates a 25-30 reduction in operating oil production levels at Magwe – rather good effect given that Allied bombers in the raid were badly dispersed. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

4 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
5 x No.355 Sqn RAF Liberator B.III stray due to night
4 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/11th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
4 x 341st BG/22nd BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/490th 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
7 x No.355 Sqn RAF Liberator B.III stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/11th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/22nd BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
4 x 341st BG/490th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/491st 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: Light cloud (64% moonlight)

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 19

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 8
Wellington Ic x 5
Wellington B.X x 16
B-24D Liberator x 11

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington B.X: 1 damaged

Oil hits 7

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

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 7 scrambling)
9 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 47 minutes

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 18

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
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 (15 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
15 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes

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

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 17

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Wellington Ic bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes

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

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 16

Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator B.III: 1 damaged

Oil hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Liberator B.III bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIc Nick (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
16 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 41 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 16

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged

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 (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
16 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 26 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 6

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
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 (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 43 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 2

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed

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 (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 1

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

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 (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 24 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

No Allied losses

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

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

Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 7

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Liberator B.III bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 7

No Allied losses

Oil hits 1

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

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

Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5

No Allied losses

Oil hits 1

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

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

Raid spotted at 49 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4

No Allied losses

Oil hits 1

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

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

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 5

No Allied losses

Oil hits 2

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

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

Summary of Operations 11/18/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – runway damage 52, airfield service damage 100, supply on hand 218K.

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

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 1 A6M2-N Rufe (on the ground)
• 1 A6M5 Zero (flak)
• 1 G4M1 Betty (flak)
• 1 G3M2 Nell (flak)
• 1 Ki-43 Oscar (ops)
• 4 Ki-44 Tojo (all on the ground)
• 2 N1K1-J George (on the ground)
• 1 P1Y1 Frances (ops)

All Jap planes destroyed on the ground in night bombing raid on Buna.

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 1 P-47D2 Thunderbolt (on the ground)


Small night airfield raid by USAAF 4E bombers on Buna – this being continued to keep Buna airfield out of operation. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

4 x 90th BG/319th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
7 x 28th CG/404th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Weather in hex: Light rain (53% moonlight)

Raid detected at 68 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4
B-24J Liberator x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed on ground
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 destroyed on ground
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 19

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Raid detected at 25 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

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

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


AAR’s of latest Jap air attacks on Port Moresby base follow. Japanese planes in these attacks are originating from multiple airfields. Most Jap fighters in the raids are probably based at Lae. My estimate has Jap bombers hitting Port Moresby from several locations – likely bases include Rabaul and Shortlands, also a base in the Madang area (probably Hansa Bay based on detected airfield size, also known presence of Jap base force LCU in Hansa Bay).

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

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 83 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
A6M5b Zero x 3
G4M1 Betty x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 26

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x A6M2 Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
3 x A6M5b Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
22 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
7 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
11 x A6M2 Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 96 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
G4M1 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 6

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

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

Raid detected at 114 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 28
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 damaged
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed by flak

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

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
28 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 3 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-43-IIb Oscar bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 17 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 15

No Japanese losses

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

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

Raid detected at 60 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
A6M5 Zero x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x A6M5 Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 97 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 38 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 15
G4M1 Betty x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
7 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 Port Moresby, at 98,130

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 7

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-61-Ia Tony sweeping at 20000 feet

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


One Jap naval air strike on a US landing craft TF approaching Port Moresby (this TF due to arrive during night sea movement phase of next game turn). Cargo aboard the landing craft TF includes 4 LCU (2 US flak regiments, 2 USN Seabee bns) and 13K supply. Several Jap planes hit by flak, no US ships hit. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 96,133 (SW of Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
G4M1 Betty x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
LST-469
LST-467

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

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


Detected status of Jap base at Buna (after night bombing attacks above) – airfield damage 68, 3 aircraft (all fighters), 1 Jap TF (8 ships total including 2 PT, 3 LB), 23 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae – airfield size 4(4), 69 aircraft (all fighters), 11 Jap LCU, 4 Jap TF (36 ships total, barges and small ship types).

Summary of Operations 11/18/43 (continued)

East China Sea: US patrol sub picks off small Jap surface ASW ship off Shanghai. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Shanghai at 94,56 (E of Shanghai)

Japanese Ships
SC CHa-3, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Robalo

SS Robalo launches 4 torpedoes
Sub escapes detection

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


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 11/17 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Baker Is. Detected status of Baker Is shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Transport convoy WP-101 (4 DD, 4 DE, 2 LSD, 1 APD, 2 ACM, 2 YMS, 34 transports) from mainland US arrives this game turn in Auckland. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes two LCU (24 USN Naval Construction Rgt, 18 US Marine Defense Bn), two US Marine air squadrons (1 fighter, 1 torpedo bomber), 183K supply and 13K fuel. DD/DE, APD, LSD and mine warfare ships arriving with WP-101 will be detached from the convoy and remain in South Pacific on reserve for future operations.

Fast transport convoy WP-109 (6 transports, 2 SC, 1 PF) arrives in Wellington from mainland US. Cargo aboard the convoy includes 39K supply and 2600 fuel, no air units or LCU. SC and PF with WP-109 have been detached for use in the South Pacific area.

Coastwatcher report entries for 11/17 are listed below.

Coastwatcher Report: PB Chiyo Maru #4 reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Namatanai
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 5, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: BB Yamashiro reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 15 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 2, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
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: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed 5, Moving West


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF, no detected Jap planes, 9 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 109(92).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 103 aircraft (all fighters), 19 Jap LCU, oil production 146(155), refinery 97(4).


India: Divisional LCU’s of rebuilt 9th and 11th Indian Divisions have now formed. Both divisions continue rebuilding to full TOE strength from replacements. Current strength levels of each division are at 65-70% full TOE. 9 and 11 Divisions started the campaign in Malaya, both divisions completely destroyed at Singapore.

Summary of Operations 11/18/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – no runway damage, airfield service damage 61, supply on hand 225K.

US landing craft TF arrives in Port Moresby, most cargo now unloaded. Jap LBA naval air strike was launched on the TF with minor effect. AAR follows.

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

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 126 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 37 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
P1Y1 Frances x 13

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
LST-458
LST-463, Bomb hits 1 (system damage 18, float 20, engine 2, remaining speed 9 kts)
LST-344
SC-739

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x P1Y1 Frances bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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


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

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 3 A6M2-N Rufe (all air-to-air)
• 9 A6M2 Zero (1 air-to-air, 1 ops, 6 on the ground)
• 1 A6M3a Zero (ops)
• 4 A6M5 Zero (1 air-to-air, 3 on the ground)
• 1 D3A1 Val (ops)
• 1 G3M2 Nell (ops)
• 12 J2M2 Jack (all on the ground)
• 15 Ki-43 Oscar (all on the ground)
• 5 Ki-61 Tony (all on the ground)
• 4 N1K1-J George (all on the ground)

All Jap planes destroyed on the ground in night bombing raid on Buna.

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 2 B-24D1 Liberator (1 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 2 B-25C Mitchell (1 air-to-air, 1 ops)


Small night raid by USAAF 4E bombers on Buna airfield continued. Given the small number of CAP fighters reported over Buna, the airfield is not completely inoperable but inoperable enough to put some handicap on Pillager’s Jap air operations over New Guinea. Combat Events report entry and AAR’s follow.

6 x 22nd BG/408th BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms (42% moonlight)

Raid detected at 64 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1

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

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 54 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

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

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead

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


Lae airfield is the next target of priority for USAAF bombing strikes to suppress Japanese air activity over Port Moresby and New Guinea. Night and daylight raids on Lae airfield by both 2E and 4E Allied bombers – intent of these strikes to render Lae airfield in the same condition as Buna. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

6 x No.18 Sqn RAAF B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
4 x 38th BG/71st BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
4 x 3rd BG/90th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
6 x 38th BG/405th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
5 x 3rd BG/90th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night

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

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud (42% moonlight)

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 3

Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 4
B-25C Mitchell x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 1 damaged
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Mitchell II bombing from 3000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 3000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/B with J2M2 Jack (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes

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

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 3

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 3 damaged
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 3000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/B with J2M2 Jack (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 3

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 2 damaged
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 3 damaged

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 3000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/B with J2M2 Jack (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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

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

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 3

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 3000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/B with J2M2 Jack (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 2

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

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

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 3000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/B with J2M2 Jack (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 69 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
A6M3a Zero x 7
A6M5 Zero x 10
N1K1-J George x 3
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 9
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 11
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 4

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 84
B-24J Liberator x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed on ground
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged
A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed on ground
N1K1-J George: 3 damaged
N1K1-J George: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 9 damaged
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 6 destroyed on ground
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 4 damaged
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 2 destroyed on ground
J2M2 Jack: 3 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 30
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 59

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
87th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
252 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
Tainan Ku S-1/C with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
3rd Ku S-1/B with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters to 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
6th Ku S-1/B with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
78th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
248th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes

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



AAR’s of latest Jap air attacks on Port Moresby base follow. Japanese planes in these attacks are originating from multiple airfields. Most Jap fighters in the raids are probably based at Lae. My estimate has Jap bombers hitting Port Moresby from several locations – likely bases include Rabaul and Shortlands, also a base in the Madang area (probably Hansa Bay based on detected airfield size, also known presence of Jap base force LCU in Hansa Bay).

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

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 13

No Japanese losses

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

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

Raid detected at 84 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 4 damaged

Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
15 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 detected at 54 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 7
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 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 1
Runway hits 5

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

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


Detected status of Jap base at Buna (after night bombing attacks above) – airfield damage 94, 5 aircraft (all fighters), 2 Jap TF (14 ships total including 2 DD plus various barges and small ships), 23 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae (after bombing raids above) – airfield damage 47, 48 aircraft (all fighters), 11 Jap LCU, 4 Jap TF (37 ships total, barges and small ship types).


US patrol sub off Buna intercepts small Jap transport ship in a daylight action. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Buna at 100,129 (adjacent hex E of Buna)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Shirahama Maru, Shell hits 28, heavy fires, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Thresher, hits 1

SS Thresher attacking on the surface

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

Summary of Operations 11/19/43 (continued)

South Pacific: Coastwatcher report entries for 11/18 follow.

Coastwatcher Report: E Sagi reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tassafaronga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 2 ships reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 9, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
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: 10 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 103,124 near Talasea, Speed 9, Moving West


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships in port, 2 Jap TF (+2 from last report), 103 aircraft (all fighters), 16 Jap LCU’s, light industry 9(32), refinery 109(92).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 100 aircraft (all fighters), 19 Jap LCU, oil production 147(154), refinery 97(4).

Summary of Operations 11/20/43

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – no runway or airfield service damage, supply on hand 224K. One P-38F Lightning squadron transferred into Port Moresby last game turn, three P-38H squadrons (with drop tanks) now assigned to fly LRCAP over Port Moresby. Other Allied fighter squadrons are transferring into Port Moresby – with Japanese airfields at Buna and Lae out of action, it may now be possible to base and maintain Allied fighter CAP in Port Moresby.

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

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 48 A6M2 Zero (35 air-to-air, 6 ops, 7 on the ground)
• 10 A6M3a Zero (all air-to-air)
• 17 A6M5 Zero (all on the ground)
• 22 Ki-43 Oscar (1 air-to-air, 21 on the ground)
• 12 Ki-44 Tojo (9 air-to-air, 1 on the ground)
• 14 Ki-61 Tony (all on the ground)
• 13 N1K1-J George (2 air-to-air, 13 on the ground)
• 8 J2M2 Jack (all on the ground)
• 40 G4M1 Betty (37 air-to-air, 1 flak, 2 ops)
• 11 P1Y1 Frances (all air-to-air)
• 6 Ki-49 Helen (4 air-to-air, 2 ops)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 1 P-38F Lightning (ops)
• 3 P-38H Lightning (all air-to-air)
• 1 B-24D1 Liberator (ops)
• 2 B-24J Liberator (1 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 2 B-25C Mitchell (1 air-to-air, 1 ops)

A handful of P-38 Lightnings on LRCAP (with drop tanks) over Port Moresby wasn’t going to handle that horde. Knocking out Buna and Lae airfields doesn’t end Jap air activity over Port Moresby but certainly makes it more manageable. An Allied victory in the air battles at Port Moresby wasn’t going to be won in the air over Port Moresby.

Small night raid by USAAF 4E bombers on Buna airfield continues. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

4 x 90th BG/320th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
4 x 28th CG/404th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
5 x 22nd BG/408th BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night
6 x 22nd BG/408th BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night

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Night Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Weather in hex: Moderate rain (32% moonlight)

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

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

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes

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Night Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

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

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

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

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 6

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

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged

Runway hits 1

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

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead

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


A second round of USAAF night and daylight bombing strikes on Lae airfield, primary objective of this game turn’s raid to finish disabling Lae airfield and destroy Jap planes stranded on the ground. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

6 x No.119 Sqn RAAF Mitchell II stray due to night
3 x 38th BG/71st BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
6 x 38th BG/405th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
6 x 345th BG/498th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
8 x 345th BG/499th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night

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Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Weather in hex: Clear sky (32% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4
B-25C Mitchell x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 1 destroyed on ground
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 3000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 3000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

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

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Mitchell II bombing from 3000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 3000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 41 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 1 destroyed on ground
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 3000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 6

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 3000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 1 destroyed on ground
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 3000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
A6M3a Zero x 5
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 11

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 45
B-24J Liberator x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 11 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed
J2M2 Jack: 4 destroyed on ground
A6M5 Zero: 9 destroyed on ground
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 3 destroyed on ground
N1K1-J George: 3 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 6 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 8 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 10
Runway hits 75

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
252 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 10000
Raid is overhead
281 Ku S-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 10000
Raid is overhead
87th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (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 10000
Raid is overhead
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
A6M3a Zero x 4
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 3 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (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 10000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 57 minutes
87th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (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 10000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (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 20000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 55 minutes

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


Detected status of Jap base at Buna (after night bombing attacks above) – airfield damage 100, 5 aircraft (all fighters), 1 Jap TF (7 ships, various barges and small ship types), 23 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae (after bombing raids above) – airfield damage 89, 1 aircraft (fighter), 11 Jap LCU, 5 Jap TF (37 ships total, barges and small ship types).


AAR’s of latest Jap air attacks on Port Moresby base hex follow. Japanese planes in these attacks originate from multiple airfields. With the likely shutdown of most Japanese air activity from Buna and Lae, number and scale of Jap air strikes should considerably decrease. Pillager still has operating Jap air bases at Rabaul and Shortlands within striking range of Port Moresby along with the known Jap air base in the Madang area (probably Hansa Bay).

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

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 16

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 24
P-38H Lightning x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 7 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
49th FG/8th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
35th FG/41st FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes

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

Raid detected at 117 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
A6M3a Zero x 9
G4M1 Betty x 10
N1K1-J George x 7
P1Y1 Frances x 14

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 22
P-38H Lightning x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 4 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
P1Y1 Frances: 7 destroyed

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 17

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
6 x P1Y1 Frances bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (7 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 9000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
49th FG/8th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
35th FG/41st FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 106 minutes

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

Raid detected at 93 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 11 (some planes aborted before air-to-air combat)

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 16
P-38H Lightning x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
49th FG/8th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 98 minutes
35th FG/41st FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 7 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes

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

Raid detected at 82 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 7 (some planes aborted before air-to-air combat)

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 14
P-38H Lightning x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 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/8th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
35th FG/41st FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 7 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

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

Raid detected at 46 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 11
P-38H Lightning x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38H Lightning: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
49th FG/8th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
35th FG/41st FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 7 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes

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

Raid detected at 116 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 22 (some planes aborted before air-to-air combat)

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 8
P-38H Lightning x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 13 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
49th FG/8th FS with P-38H Lightning (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 15000, scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
35th FG/41st FS with P-38H Lightning (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 15000, scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 98 minutes
475th FG/432nd 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 15000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 11000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes

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Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 49 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 23

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 21
P-38H Lightning x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 6 destroyed, 8 damaged
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (5 airborne, 10 on standby, 6 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
49th FG/8th FS with P-38H Lightning (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
35th FG/41st FS with P-38H Lightning (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38H Lightning (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead

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Jap naval air strikes and submarine attacks on groups of LST and small ASW escorts leaving Port Moresby.

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Submarine attack near Port Moresby at 97,131 (adjacent hex S of Port Moresby, night action)

Japanese Ships
SS I-170

Allied Ships
LST-470, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

LST-470 is sighted by SS I-170
SS I-170 launches 4 torpedoes

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Submarine attack near Port Moresby at 98,132 (SE of Port Moresby, daylight action)

Japanese Ships
SS I-170

Allied Ships
LST-463, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage (sunk)

LST-463 is sighted by SS I-170
SS I-170 launches 2 torpedoes

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 98,134 (SW of Milne Bay)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M5b Zero x 5
G4M1 Betty x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AM Cairns
LST-467
LST-479
LST-477

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x A6M5b Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
2 x A6M2 Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 98,133 (SE of Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
G3M2 Nell x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
LST-475, Bomb hits 1, on fire (system damage 25, float 8, engine 4, no fire, moving at 10 kts with main body of landing craft TF)
LST-474
SC-740
AM Penguin
LST-465

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x A6M2 Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
15 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring LST-475

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 98,134

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
LST-468

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

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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 98,134

Weather in hex: Overcast

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
LST-473
AM Cairns, Bomb hits 1, on fire (system damage 54, float 18, engine 16, fire 2, now moving independently at 11 kts)

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x A6M5b Zero bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AM Cairns

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ASW attack near Milne Bay at 98,133

Japanese Ships
SS I-170, hits 3 (probably no major damage)

Allied Ships
AM Penguin
LST-475
LST-474
SC PC-1086
SC PC-1085

SS I-170 is sighted by escort
SC PC-1086 fails to find sub and abandons search
SC PC-1085 attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-170 eludes SC PC-1085 by diving deep
SC PC-1085 is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub

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