PzB vs Wobbly - Clash of Steel

[Honda]

Things are heating up. Any chance you can sustain the air offensive in NG? I know that even one strike is dangerous but now the reward is in sight. Perhaps you could rotate your stikes. You hit Buna hard. If it's closed he might LRCAP it, so the airfield doing the LRCAP becomes a tempting target. Put in a few BBs in bombardment TFs and a miracle might just happen. Might be one of the last oportunities to hit hard. He's streched now. Anyway, what ever you lose (exept ships) can be easily replaced in time for the next "great defensive".
Good hunting

[PzB74]

I can continue hitting Dobadura, Buna and Port Moresby from the air with Army bombers. I just can't do it too often. My crews
need to rest in between missions and timing has to be perfect.

ALL damage caused by both the sea and air bombardments failed to close any of Ken's bases yesterday. US engineers are a bit
too good... Gasmata fell today, but as Ken will find out tomorrow - the place can be reached by my bombardment groups.
In other words, I'm launching a massive surface effort again today! More details later [8D]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/26/43

Surface Combat

The Allied warships are still at Gasmata, probably supporting the troop convoy that's still unloading.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Gasmata at 59,90

Japanese Ships
AG AG-108, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
AG AG-358, Shell hits 3, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Indiana
CA Northampton
CA Houston
DD Reid
DD Balch
DD Aylwin
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1150 troops unloading over beach at Gasmata, 59,90

Allied ground losses:
175 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub/ASW Attacks

Ken has moved a sub into the port at Lautern. There is a supply convoy there.

Sub attack near Lautem at 33,78

Japanese Ships
AK Kinmon Maru
PG Shinko Maru #2
PG Muro Maru

Allied Ships
SS Balao
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lautem at 33,78 - the Balao is a stubborn sonofa...

Japanese Ships
AP Atuta Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
PG Shinko Maru #2
PG Muro Maru

Allied Ships
SS Balao
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 61,85 - a sub to the east of Rabaul engages an asw group. Both get hurt!

Japanese Ships
PG Kaiun Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
PC Kyo Maru #2
PG Shinko Maru #5
PG Kure Maru #5
PG Kaikei Maru
PG Oi Maru

Allied Ships
SS Stingray, hits 3, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Two smaller raids were launched against Gasmata today - all ac were shot down
by the heavy CAP compromising 40 Lightnings and 10 Corsairs. Again, air combat
routines are extremely bloody.

Day Air attack on Green Island , at 63,89

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 42
B-17E Fortress x 35

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 1 destroyed
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 18
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Gasmata at 59,90

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 7
P-38G Lightning x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 6 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 4 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Gasmata at 59,90

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 10

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 7
P-38G Lightning x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 10 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Gasmata falls...the only good thing about this is the destruction of a single damaged Tojo still
on the fields. This released 26 good pilots for the 8 ac at Truk (without pilots:p)

Ground combat at Gasmata

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 11240 troops, 71 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 5364 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Gasmata base !!!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

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

Japanese ground losses:
100 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
670 casualties reported
Guns lost 15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buin

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7928 troops, 89 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 6214 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Map: Striking Gasmata and Torokina

I've decided to deliver one more blow...the targets are Gasmata and Torokina.
The aim is to destroy both enemy surface vessels, ground troops and air fields.

No less than 4 task forces will take part in this operation - two for each target, one bomardment group
and one surface combat group. A carrier TF will remain in position just above Rabaul and provide close cover.

All task forces have been ordered to move in at flank speed and home port has been set to Kavieng (Heavily CAP'ed).
As you can see 3 Kongo class battleships will be used in the bombardment role. The destroyers that were low on fuel were
swapped with ships from the carrier task force.

The Torokina Fleet

There are loads of dive bombers and...pesky Corsairs on Torokina. A heavy bombardment should yield considerable
results. There is also a PT group here but I hope the light surface group will handle these little pests.

TF 15 - Surface Combat Group under Rear Admiral Matsuyama
2 light cruisers
5 destroyers

T 20 - Bombardment Group under R.Adm Nishimura
Hiei
Kirishima
2 heavy cruisers
2 light cruisers
5 destroyers

The Gasmata Fleet

No aircraft at Gasmata but closer to 20k enemy troops and I'm pretty sure Ken will bring in reinforcements to build
the devastated base. A fat transport group protected by the Indiana surface group have also been spotted.

TF 57 - Surface Combat Group under Rear Admiral Miues (or something like that:p)
6 heavy cruisers
2 light cruisers
3 destroyers

TF 28 - Bombardment Group under Vice Admiral Yamamoto
Kongo
5 heavy cruisers
1 light cruiser
3 destroyers

[PzB74]

This was a very exciting turn! Everything came down according to schedule - except for one little
flaw that may have cost me.

The US battleship Indiana, 2 heavy cruisers and 3 destroyers were still at Gasmata, protecting
a convoy and some barges there. Admiral Lee was in charge and managed to cross their opponents
'T' in the first engagement. I was a bit worried before a well placed 8" shell blew up the heavy cruiser
Houston! After this all 3 escorting destroyers followed suit.

The Indiana and Northampton then fought a spirited battle against superior enemy numbers and eventually
succumbed to the heavy fire from the battleships Hiei and Kirishima. The heavy cruiser Kumano was so badly
shot up that she sank enroute to Rabaul. The Haguro and the light cruiser Oyodo also took some heavy hits that
made them lag behind: furious air attacks added mortal damage and even though they will reach Rabaul tomorrow
it's uncertain whether they will survive or not.

A transport TF was also sunk while several barges and landing ships plus a minesweeper were sunk before Gasmata
received a heavy pummeling. This is were I must have made a mistake and ordered both bombardment groups to
Gasmata and non to Torokina. The bloody dive bombers were able to hit 2 of my damaged ships and they may not
make it. Still it was a successful operation. Here is the casualty list:

Japan

Sunk - heavy cruiser Kumano
Heavily damaged - heavy cruiser Haguro and light cruiser Oyodo
Lighter damage - 1 destroyer

Allies

All sunk: battleship Indiana, heavy cruisers Houston and Northampton, 3 destroyers, 3 transports, 1 minesweeper,
2 PT boats plus several barges and landing ships

A total of 23 Japanese and 53 Allied ac were also lost this turn.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/27/43

Surface Combat

The surface group that went to Torokina performed well - the door was open
for bombardment.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Torokina at 63,92

Japanese Ships
CL Yura
CL Oi
DD Wakazuki
DD Makigumo
DD Kiyonami
DD Hatsukaze
DD Natsugumo

Allied Ships
MSW Pursuit, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
LCM 532A
LCM 532B
LCM 532C, Shell hits 1
LCM 532D, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
LCM 532E
LCM 542A
LCM 542B
LCM 542C
LCM 542E
LCM 592A, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
LCM 592B
LCM 592C
LCM 592D

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Torokina at 63,92

Japanese Ships
CL Yura
CL Oi
DD Wakazuki, Shell hits 1, on fire - one 20mm shell caused 30 sys damage and fires!!!!!!!
DD Makigumo
DD Kiyonami
DD Hatsukaze
DD Natsugumo, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
PT PT-127
PT PT-187
PT PT-188, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
PT PT-191
PT PT-196
PT PT-220, Shell hits 1
PT PT-221, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT PT-223
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Gasmata at 59,90

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
SOC-3 Seagull: 4 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko, Shell hits 3
CA Haguro, Shell hits 4, on fire
CA Nachi
CA Mikuma, Shell hits 1
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 2
CA Kumano, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Oyodo, Shell hits 1, on fire (Hit by 1 16" shell that caused her to lag behind the TF!)
CL Kitakami, Shell hits 1
DD Tamanami, Shell hits 1
DD Amatsukaze
DD Uranami

Allied Ships
BB Indiana, Shell hits 4
CA Northampton, Shell hits 4
CA Houston, Shell hits 7, and is sunk *magazine explodes*
DD Reid, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
DD Balch, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Aylwin, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Gasmata at 59,90

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
SOC-3 Seagull: 4 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko
CA Haguro, on fire
CA Nachi, Shell hits 1
CA Mikuma, Shell hits 1
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Oyodo, on fire
CL Kitakami, Shell hits 3
DD Tamanami
DD Amatsukaze
DD Uranami, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
BB Indiana, Shell hits 33, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Northampton, Shell hits 61, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Gasmata at 59,90

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko
CA Haguro, on fire
CA Nachi
CA Mikuma
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano, on fire, heavy damage
CL Oyodo, on fire, heavy damage
CL Kitakami
DD Tamanami
DD Amatsukaze
DD Uranami

Allied Ships
LCT LCT-460
LCT LCT-461
LCT LCT-462, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
LCT LCT-463, Shell hits 1, on fire
LCT LCT-464, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
LCT LCT-465, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
LCT LCT-466, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
LCT LCT-467, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
LCT LCT-468, Shell hits 1, on fire
LCT LCT-469, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 592E
LCVP 592F, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
LCVP 592L
LCVP 592Q
LCVP 592R, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Gasmata at 59,90

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima
CA Ashigara
CA Furutaka
CL Isuzu
CL Yubari
DD Makinami
DD Naganami
DD Natsushio
DD Shiranuhi
DD Nowaki

Allied Ships
AK Mintaka, Shell hits 2
AK Electra, Shell hits 14, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AP Ruth Alexander, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AP Meigs, Shell hits 21, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Gasmata at 59,90

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
OS2U-3 Kingfisher: 4 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima
CA Ashigara
CA Furutaka
CL Isuzu
CL Yubari
DD Makinami
DD Naganami
DD Natsushio
DD Shiranuhi
DD Nowaki

Allied Ships
BB Indiana, Shell hits 32, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk [:D]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bombardments

Really sad that both my bombardment groups went to Gasmata. I must have
made a mistake even though I went over it all 3 times. Still, the results were
pretty good! It will take a while to get Gasmata operational - and then I'll be back! [;)]

Naval bombardment of Gasmata, at 59,90

Japanese Ships
CA Ashigara
BB Kirishima
BB Hiei
CL Yubari
CL Isuzu
CA Furutaka

Allied ground losses:
489 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 37
Port hits 4
Port supply hits 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Gasmata, at 59,90

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Catalina I: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Atago
BB Kongo
CL Agano
CA Mogami
CA Chokai
CA Maya
CA Takao

Allied ground losses:
86 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 41
Port hits 4
Port supply hits 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Then the daily bombardment runs against Buin...Perhaps we can visit them next [:D]
Naval bombardment of Buin, at 64,92

Allied Ships
CL Denver
CL Columbia
CA San Francisco
BB Oklahoma

Japanese ground losses:
172 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Buin, at 64,92

Allied Ships
CL Denver
CL Columbia
CA San Francisco
BB Oklahoma

Japanese ground losses:
172 casualties reported

Naval bombardment of Buin, at 64,92

Allied Ships
CL Denver
CL Columbia
CA San Francisco
BB Oklahoma

Japanese ground losses:
100 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub/ASW Attacks

The Jack - common problem for some people :p)

ASW attack at 39,79

Japanese Ships
DD Yunagi
DD Asanagi
DD Hatakaze
DD Matsukaze

Allied Ships
SS Jack
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 39,79

Japanese Ships
DD Hatakaze, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Yunagi
DD Asanagi
DD Matsukaze

Allied Ships
SS Jack
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

I crossed my fingers when it was time for the air phases...during the AM phase
Torokina was shrouded in [&o]

Day Air attack on TF at 61,89

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 37
A6M3 Zero x 14

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 12
Kittyhawk I x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 9 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 5 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During the afternoon phase neither my damaged ships nor Torokina was [:(]

Day Air attack on TF at 61,89

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 38
SBD Dauntless x 44
TBF Avenger x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 15 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 3 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CL Oyodo, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 61,89

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34
A6M3 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 3
Kittyhawk I x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Kittyhawk I: 4 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

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

[PzB74]

A rather quiet turn compared to yesterday.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/28/43

Air Combat

The Corsairs that escorted the dive bombers must have been fatigued cause
5 of them were shot down for the cost of only 5 Tojo's!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 61,88

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 9

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 32
SBD Dauntless x 37

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 5 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Oyodo, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Damaged ships

As you can see the Haguro and Oyodo are both in a very bad shape. If the flooding can
be brought down it's possible that one of them can be saved but I doubt it.

[PzB74]

It's pretty strange...All of Ken's heavy bombers have been grounded for the better
part of a week. They could have contribued to the last few days heavy fighting. He mentioned
that they burned a lot of supplies. Let's hope there's a shortage!

I don't think there will be more Allied advances for a while. Ken has burned a lot of steam and
needs to reload his shotgun. Guess he will attempt to build Gasmata and bomb heavily from the air.
I will try to interfer whenever possible.

Just want to bring up another point: Jap sig int! Why is it even in the game? I never get to know ANYTHING
usefull. Look at this, radio transmissions detected at Blagoveshchensk - great news
Once every now and then a little 'goodie' should be served...loose lips sink ships right.

Remember the last piece of intel I got in my Allied WitP game: Camranh Bay Base Force is located in...Camrahn Bay [:D]

SIG INT REPORT FOR 06/29/43

Radio transmissions detected at Yenen.
Radio transmissions detected at Borzya.
Radio transmissions detected at Blagoveshchensk.
Radio transmissions detected at Pearl Harbor.
Radio transmissions detected at Apamama.
Radio transmissions detected at Ondorhaan.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/29/43

Surface Combat

I noticed a couple of transports still left at Gasmata and ordered 5 destroyers
to 'check it out'. I was rewarded....

Since I 'failed' in regards to bombarding Torokina I also sent the battleships back
here. They found some nice targets but failed to destroy more than a single ac on
the ground [&:]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Gasmata at 59,90

Japanese Ships
DD Yugure
DD Hibiki
DD Shinonome
DD Sagiri
DD Amagiri

Allied Ships
AK Dukat, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Haraldsvang, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk (this is a norwegian ship and Haraldsvang is just a short walk from were I sit now. Small world :-]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Gasmata at 59,90

Japanese Ships
DD Yugure
DD Hibiki
DD Shinonome
DD Sagiri
DD Amagiri

Allied Ships
AK Mintaka, Shell hits 20, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A PT boat TF reacted but the first engagement was inconclusive...

Night Time Surface Combat, near Torokina at 63,92

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima
CA Chokai
CA Myoko
CA Nachi
CA Ashigara
CA Mikuma
CA Suzuya
CL Kitakami
DD Tamanami
DD Amatsukaze
DD Uranami

Allied Ships
PT PT-127
PT PT-187
PT PT-191
PT PT-196
PT PT-220
PT PT-223
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Then a virtually unescorted replenishment convoy got it!

Night Time Surface Combat, near Torokina at 63,92

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima
CA Chokai
CA Myoko
CA Nachi
CA Ashigara
CA Mikuma
CA Suzuya
CL Kitakami
DD Tamanami
DD Amatsukaze
DD Uranami

Allied Ships - large shells obliterated most of the precious fleet oilers [8D]
SC SC-984, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
AO Kankakee, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
AO Tappahanock, Shell hits 33, and is sunk
AO Suamico, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just to make sure that the day couldn't be perfect the pesky PT's reppeared and
put a lone torpedo into a destroyer...which lagged after the fleet. Guess what happened
next...(

Night Time Surface Combat, near Torokina at 63,92

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima
CA Chokai
CA Myoko
CA Nachi
CA Ashigara
CA Mikuma
CA Suzuya
CL Kitakami
DD Tamanami
DD Amatsukaze, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Uranami

Allied Ships
PT PT-127
PT PT-187
PT PT-191
PT PT-196
PT PT-220
PT PT-223
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bombardments

Naval bombardment of Torokina, at 63,92

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 destroyed - whopping

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai
CA Ashigara
CL Kitakami
CA Suzuya
CA Mikuma
CA Nachi
CA Myoko
BB Kirishima
BB Hiei

Allied ground losses:
1252 casualties reported - this is better!
Guns lost 4
Vehicles lost 16

Runway hits 5
Port hits 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Here comes retaliation..

Day Air attack on TF at 62,90


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 18

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Amatsukaze, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Talasea at 59,88

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 48

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships - a supply ship...
AK Kibi Maru, Bomb hits 17, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Battleship vs sub chaser

This little sub chaser was hit by no less than 5 or 6 14" shells...yeah right [;)]

[PzB74]

Ken has decided to invade Shortland! That's good - I was afraid he would
simply bypass it and leave it to wither on the wine. There are 10k troops left
at Shortland with 6 forts.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/30/43

Invasions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1129 encounters mine field at Shortlands (63,93)

TF 1129 troops unloading over beach at Shortlands, 63,93

Allied Ships
MSW Kelowna
MSW Wagga
DE Edward C. Daly
DD Arunta
DD Helm

Coastal Guns at Shortlands, 63,93, firing at TF 1129
12 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
LCT LCT-377
LCT LCT-168
LCT LCT-143, Shell hits 1
DD Helm
DD Abbot

Japanese ground losses:
2 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
1264 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1129 encounters mine field at Shortlands (63,93)

TF 1129 troops unloading over beach at Shortlands, 63,93

Allied Ships
MSW Kelowna
MSW Wagga
DD Arunta
LCT LCT-162, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Coastal Guns at Shortlands, 63,93, firing at TF 1129

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

Air Combat

The Haguro received some bomb damage and is at 99 sys. The Oyodo sank
at her moorings yesterday!

Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 2

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 57

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

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 4 destroyed, 12 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
90 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Port hits 11
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Shortlands

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4456 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 7379 troops, 47 guns, 196 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
2 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buin

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 8094 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 5165 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Invasion of Shortland

[Freddy Fudpucker]

I've been following this AAR since day one and it's the only one I regularly check up on. I wish I had just a fraction of PzB's ability to master this game.

I've not posted in this thread before but this is the first time I've known it to drop to page 2!!! So I thought I'd post to say well done PzB and I look forward to seeing your handling of the defence against the Allied monster that's sure to come.

*bumps*


Edited: Damn. I'm really going to have to learn to spell one day.

[PzB74]

Dropped to Page 2!! [X(]

Thanx for bringing us back Freddy [;)]
It's always a good motivation to know that people are following this AAR!
Yesterday Ken lost an aviation regiment to the air transport bug...how sad.-)

Anyway, he wanted to replay the last turn..and now I have to do the same. We should be back
at it tonight though.

(PS...my spelling isn't always a 100% either, good thing we got an edit button!

[Rob Brennan UK]

Who needs an edit button .. use my sig [:D][:D]

[Honda]

Where's Brady?

[anarchyintheuk]

Great Blackadder quote Honda.

[Honda]

Since the cat is gone, mice are in charge. Give us some action PzB or we'll OT your AAR so hard you'll think it's a General Discussion forum
Quotewise, it really cracked me. Gave me the biggest laugh of the whole series.

I just noticed and had to edit...Anarchy, we joined the boards on the same day. What does that make us, twins?[:D]

[anarchyintheuk]

Or people who were really bored on 5/5/04. [:)]

[Mynok]

Hey look, PzB, this AAR attracts lovebugs.......... [:)]

[PzB74]

Hehe, good to see that you guys can manage without me for a few days [;)]
Is that two lovebugs or one lovebird and one love elephant Honda!? <G>

Better get back to the war, got stuck on the sofa with Star Trek...been d'loading the entire chebang.
Fortunately my laptop doesn't support Civ 4 - anyone taken a look?
Got this link from a friend: Civilization Anonymous - Just one more turn :-]

[Honda]

...bugs, at least.

[PzB74]

The turn we replayed turned out slightly different than the last one:

One of my subs that was hit by a B-24 got away without a scratch today,
otherwise the changes were negative. Well..when I think about it the Yamato
fixed 2-3 points of sys damage. That was also good.

I'm expecting pretty heavy bombing raids in the days to come, not sure how to
proceed yet but it's important to strike back whenever possible. Tomorrow A6M5 'Zekes'
start coming out of the factories at a rate of 300 ac pr month. Should help a bit!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/30/43

Air Combat

A heavy air strike hit Chungking - both resources and airfields.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 32
Ki-21 Sally x 79
Ki-48 Lily x 38
Ki-49 Helen x 27

Allied aircraft
I-16c x 3

No Japanese losses

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

Resources hits 14
Airbase hits 7
Runway hits 9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The attack on Rabaul hurt my cruiser there more severly and it will soon sink...(

Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 4

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 52

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 4 destroyed, 14 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
105 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Port hits 8
Port fuel hits 3
Port supply hits 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An air strike from Darwin hit a supply convoy of Lautern.

Day Air attack on TF, near Lautem at 33,78

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
A6M3 Zero x 12
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 7

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 11
P-40N Warhawk x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter Mk 21: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
P-40N Warhawk: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Anzan Maru, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1
AK Kinmon Maru, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 2, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[PzB74]

A lot of steel rain from the air.. I'm mostly 'taking it' for now. Ken has drawn another deep
breath and I have to wait until he becomes winded again.

10 A6M5 Zekes in the pool after the first day of production. Good good...I will keep some A6M2s
for long range escort missions and upgrade the A6M3s last as they're pretty good as it is.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/01/43

Air Combat

Rabaul was hit heavily today - as expected. The Haguro sank at her moorings as well.
Too bad as I was going to move her in our previous turn. Flooding was down to 68 then.

Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 31


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 38
B-24D Liberator x 45

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 13 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 11 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
85 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 28
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 114
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88

Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 7
B-17E Fortress x 95
B-24D Liberator x 86

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro, Bomb hits 32, on fire, heavy damage
AG AG-5162, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
276 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Airbase hits 19
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 168
Port hits 23
Port fuel hits 4
Port supply hits 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

I hoped Shortland would hold out for a while but the troops were so decimated
by air bombardment that it fell immediateyl. Hope the troops will resist just as well as
those on Buin!

Ground combat at Shortlands

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 7496 troops, 44 guns, 193 vehicles

Defending force 7862 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 5

Allied assault odds: 27 to 1 (fort level 5)

Allied forces CAPTURE Shortlands base !!!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Japanese ground losses:
743 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
91 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is good stuff - Ken will have some pretty worn down troops when
this is over!

Ground combat at Buin

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8118 troops, 96 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 5251 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 42 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
26 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
155 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[PzB74]

Here are the latest couple of days:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/02/43

Air Combat

Rabaul was hit heavily again!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 26

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
AG AG-5141, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 30
B-24D Liberator x 31

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 5 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 13 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
80 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88

Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 6
B-17E Fortress x 71
B-24D Liberator x 72

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 5 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged

Japanese Ships
AG AG-5141, Bomb hits 9, heavy damage
AG AG-2531, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
234 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 129
Port hits 16
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The runways on Gasmata are still not clear but already after 2-3 days Allied ac sorties
from the size 2 af at Gasmata.

Day Air attack on TF, near Kavieng at 61,86

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 9
Avenger I x 5
P-38G Lightning x 26
P-47C Thunderbolt x 18

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Hozan Maru #5, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Koepang at 28,77

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 11

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Hachijin Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
PG Tamo Maru #6

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Shortlands

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7389 troops, 43 guns, 190 vehicles

Defending force 6713 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 18 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
830 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buin

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7929 troops, 83 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 5079 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
56 casualties reported
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Map: Preparing for another round at Gasmata

The map is a bit confusing but it shows the initial preparations for a second battle
of Gasmata called Operation Shogun

I'm not 100% convinced about this operation, but the enemy is still not established in
force at Gasmata and therefore vulnerable. As soon as this base is developed into a size 4
af the situation on New Britain will become even more untenable.

The enemy is still inferior in regards to surface combat units and I plan to destroy as many
of these as possible as this will make it much more difficult to advance further. I've not
seen anything to the US carriers, guess Ken doesn't want to risk them in confined waters within
my LBA range. Not to keen on risking mine either, but only by maximising our forces can another
victory be achieved.

In Kavieng 80 Tojos, 20 Tonys and 35 Nick fighter bombers have been put on 90% CAP. 2 surface combat
groups will move here and prepare to hit Gasmata tomorrow. The range is 6 hexes!

The bombardment group including 3 Kongo class battleships have to move 1 hex closer to Gasmata (5 hexes)
to be in range, this puts it in a dangerous position within range of torpedo bombers at Gasmata. The small
number of enemy bombers here (only a size 2 af) makes it an acceptable risk. LRCAP from Kavieng (and probably
some leakers from Kavieng) will protect it.

The carriers will stay 6 hexes away from Gasmata with fighters on 90% CAP.

Tomorrow a combined attack will go in: First 2 surface combat groups will move into Gasmata followed by the
bombardment group. I expect to take losses, especially from LBA bases on Torokina after the battle. The plan
is to close or disrupt the airfields as much as possible.

After the naval battles 140 Army bombers will hit Gasmata from the Admirality Islands and Kavieng escorted by
Oscar IIs and Zeros. The Tojos at Kavieng will attempt to sweep Gasmata to clear away the remaining CAP. Some
80 Bettys will then be ready on naval attack as the poweful carrier task forces move to within 3 hexes of Gasmata.
The surviving enemy shipping will then be destroyed.

Risky...but necessary!

[PzB74]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/03/43

Most of my A6M2/3 factories auto upgraded to A6M5 - maximum capacity is now some 450 :p)
I will run a full production run for 4-5 months to upgrade obsolete units ASAP and create a pool of some 1500 units.

Air Combat

My Kavieng CAP claimed several heavies today...

Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 10

Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 4
B-17E Fortress x 31
B-24D Liberator x 25

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

Allied aircraft losses
F-5A Lightning: 1 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 4 destroyed, 10 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 2 destroyed, 8 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
81 casualties reported

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 51
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ken tried to intercept my convoy at Lautern - he was 1 day late and I sent some Zeros
to strafe him!

Day Air attack on TF at 35,82

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 19

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
PT PT-354
PT PT-352, Shell hits 4
PT PT-353, Shell hits 8
PT PT-350, Shell hits 4
PT PT-347
PT PT-345, Shell hits 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 35,82

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 17

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
PT PT-351
PT PT-347, Shell hits 4
PT PT-345, Shell hits 8, on fire
PT PT-355
PT PT-350, Shell hits 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Only a few bombers attack my vulnerable battleships! They get away with it...

Day Air attack on TF at 60,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 12

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 3
Avenger I x 3
P-38G Lightning x 7
P-47C Thunderbolt x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 damaged
Avenger I: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A larger strike goes after my agile cruiser squadron at Kavieng! The heavy CAP hits
the attackers hard and the first 2 Thunderbolt kills are registered. The Nicks are
surprisingly effective against the Lightings, guess they were fatigued. The Oi takes a
bomb hit that inflicts 30 sys damage and some fires - returning to Truk. One of the heavy
cruisers is hit by a dud torpedo and gets away with it.

The initial gamble has been a success! 35 Allied ac shot down for the loss of 23 Japanese
today.

Day Air attack on TF, near Kavieng at 61,86

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 22
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 22
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 15

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 2
SBD Dauntless x 9
Avenger I x 10
P-38G Lightning x 22
P-47C Thunderbolt x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 5 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged
Avenger I: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 14 destroyed
P-47C Thunderbolt: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma
DD Hamakaze
CL Oi, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Shortlands

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7418 troops, 43 guns, 190 vehicles

Defending force 5521 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 14 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
343 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buin

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7953 troops, 84 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 4900 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Map: Going in!

The map shows the heavy CAP over Kavieng that shot up the Allied strike. The rested Tojo
pilots - ca 50 ac - will now sweep Gasmata. Some 77 Betty naval bombers and 30 Zeros are ready
in the various bases, but the main strike will be delivered by the navy.

TF41 - The surface combat group under R.Adm Nishimura will stage against Gasmata from Kavieng.
4 heavy cruisers
1 light cruiser
9 destroyers

TF38 - The bombardment group under V.Adm Yamamoto will attempt to bombard Gasmata.
Battleships: Kongo, Hiei and Kirishima
2 heavy cruisers
1 light cruiser
4 destroyers

The Carrier attacking force is divided into 2 powerful task forces and will move to a position just
3 hexes from Gasmata just north of Rabaul.

TF28 under V.Adm Yamaguichi: 340 ac
Carriers: Akagi, Shokaku, Zuikaku, Taiho and Unryu
1 heavy and 1 light cruiser
7 destroyers

TF30 under V.Adm Nagumo: 331 ac
Carriers: Junyo, Hiyo, Amagi, Katsuragi
Light carriers: Ryujo, Soho, Zuiho
1 heavy and 1 light cruiser
4 destroyers

The fighters are set to 60% CAP and range 4. All dive and torpedo bombers are set to 15/7k feet
and range 4. This will enable the force to provide a heavy fighter escort for its bombers, reach
out 1 hexe beyong Gasmata were several Allied task forces are likely to retreat, and provide CAP for
the retreating surface battle groups. Enemy ac based at Gasmata should be fatigued. Flying long range
missions in size 2 malaria infested base and heavy losses should ensure it.

We have to face some 20 PT boats before going into battle against a surface combat group. Then there
will only be transports to destroy and airfields to bombard!

It is hoped that this attack will seriously hurt Allied shipping and delay the build up of Gasmata and future
offensive operations. We've destroyed so many battleships and cruisers that it will be difficult for Ken to
both protect his carriers, provide escorts for convoys and organize powerful surface combat groups. It's
vital that we take advantage of this weakness. Killing of the enemy piecemeal using superior force is a central
premise of the 1943 naval combat doctrine.

Hopefully we will not loose too many ships and ac..the combined effort in clear weather should be efficient.