Matrix Games Forums

03-04 October 1942

Solomons
More SBD night attacks against Shortlands - our Rufe's go up to greet them - no runs - no hits - no errors - on either side. We are 55% towards the airfield. Tass has 747 Supply. We made our first single DD fast transport run down to Tass this turn.

New Britain
We have begun loading the 4xSNLF at Rabaul. One Regiment of the 2ID is aboard transports at Kavieng.

Truk
We formed up our six carrier groups - each one has a BB as well - 89 ships total - 5 groups of 15 ships each - and one group of 14 - this will be the "big lunge" of the scenario. We will head South off New Ireland to rendevous with the oilers there. Even if some ships survive it would take a month to regroup and another month to build up enough fuel to do anything. So maybe a final wiggle in Jan 43 at best. This Op will be the show.

good luck![:D]

05-06 October 1942

Solomons
Same SBD vs Rufe night battles over Shortlands - no hits by either side.

New Britain/Ireland
The carriers refueled off NW New Ireland and will stage down to the area North of Buka. We want to appear to be heading towards Lunga for as long as possible.

Papua
We see the 30 Bde still rushing through the jungle towards Milne Bay - with our luck they will probably arrive just in the "Nik" of time.

Planning
Our Amphibious elements will depart Rabaul and Kavieng and head towards Shortlands - this reinforce the idea that we are heading towards Lunga.

However, we see the American carriers in the Eastern center of the Coral Sea, so they are positioned farther West than we would like (see pic). Also we see Allied shipping at Milne Bay. This is the second "large" delivery we've spotted at Milne Bay, so counting 30 Bde, we could be facing 4 Brigades at Milne Bay by the time we get there. Our four SNLFs and one regiment will be likely to evaporate in the face of such opposition.

We staged the recon planes down to Lae and Rabaul and will start increasing the DL at Milne Bay this turn. Also we staged a "spare" A6M2 unit down to Rabaul and will start to "weed" the CAP over Milne Bay as well.

07-08 October 1942

Solomons
Small Allied surface force bombarded Shortlands, looks like they got luck and damaged one Jake and destroyed two Rufe!

Planning
Our carriers and Amphibs will move in accordance with the red and orange lines. We will send two DD in to Milne Bay to determine what is there. We will send a zero units to sweep the skies above Milne Bay. If we are not destroyed by USN carriers this turn we will begin the approach to Milne Bay next turn.

Here is our high level fleet org for the six carrier TFs:

Unyo (9Z, 16V), Mutsu, 5 CX, 8 DD
Zuiho (18Z, 6K), Hiei, 2 CX, 10 DD
Ryujo (24Z, 12 K), Kirishima, 2 CX, 11 DD
Junyo (18Z, 27V, 6K), Yamato, 5 CX, 8 DD
Shok (27Z, 27V, 18K), Kongo, 6 CX, 7 DD
Zuik (27Z, 27V, 18K), Haruna, 6 CX, 7 DD

123Z, 99V, 60K (282 carrier planes total)

Who's gonna provide fire support for the landing? Do you plan on mixing some CVL TFs to do the job and get your BBs together?

As long as you're still in range of Rabaul, you shouldn't hesitate to CAP your TF with the Zeroes - you can always sweep whatever you want over Milne Bay once you'll have got rid of the US carriers.
The same way, I often load Rufes aboard Nisshin and Chitose so they can lend a hand. Frankly, the more Zeroes you have over the fleet, the better you feel...

This AAR really is fine marketing!

ORIGINAL: jwilkerson

07-08 October 1942

Solomons
Small Allied surface force bombarded Shortlands, looks like they got luck and damaged one Jake and destroyed two Rufe!

Planning
Our carriers and Amphibs will move in accordance with the red and orange lines. We will send two DD in to Milne Bay to determine what is there. We will send a zero units to sweep the skies above Milne Bay. If we are not destroyed by USN carriers this turn we will begin the approach to Milne Bay next turn.

Here is our high level fleet org for the six carrier TFs:

Unyo (9Z, 16V), Mutsu, 5 CX, 8 DD
Zuiho (18Z, 6K), Hiei, 2 CX, 10 DD
Ryujo (24Z, 12 K), Kirishima, 2 CX, 11 DD
Junyo (18Z, 27V, 6K), Yamato, 5 CX, 8 DD
Shok (27Z, 27V, 18K), Kongo, 6 CX, 7 DD
Zuik (27Z, 27V, 18K), Haruna, 6 CX, 7 DD

123Z, 99V, 60K (282 carrier planes total)

What is a CX? Cruiser?[&:]

A mix of CA's and CL's i guess ...

This is a point studying ww2 all my life and to see CV.BB.BC.CA.CL.DD.DE.SS.PB.PT....is normal for me...but in this game there are many more i am not use to.I would like to see when you go to a ship you see its full Type stated here ,now you have type in top left corner BB then Class .I would love to see this replaced only in this view. it could be say BB.Battleship class Ise to make it clear what type of ship it is at a glance.There are many ship types and i am shore many do not know what they are!(going to the list in the manual does not cut it for me)oh yes this AAR is co0l keep it up.

Tiger!

Well I guess you're gonna have to learn them man... Many of us were not used to auxiliaries' designation before that, we had to get used to it, I guess you won't have the choice either [;)]

09-10 October 1942

Papua
We sent an A6M3 sweep into Milne Bay losing 5 of ours for 7 Kittyhawk Ia. We also sent 2xDD in on surface sweeps and sank 1xAK unloading at Milne Bay.

Planning
This turn we will move the fleet to a point 2 hexes NE of Milne Bay and we will send in the Amphibs together with surface, bombardment, asw and minesweeping detachments. Cover CAP will be provided by Rufes from Shortlands and Zeros from Zuiho. Another Sweep of A6M2 will go in to Milne Bay. We expect a big carrier battle this turn. Well we expect a big battle in general - he must know we are comming so he should throw everything he has at us.

Here is pic of the sweep over Milne Bay.

09-10 October 1942

And a pic of the surface sweep, also of Milne Bay

11-12 October 1942

Milne Bay
Well lots of action here this turn. I don't usually dump the combat reports into the AAR, but I will this time.

Bottomline, it looks like the American carriers were too far South to be able to intervene, so we seem to have gotten a bit of surprise on our side. Our troops are not completely unloaded - still need probably a day - so we will not attack on the ground this turn. To avoid our sweeps and optimize attacks on our ships, Nik switched all his fighters over to escort. So this turn we will send one Betty unit in to bomb the Australian ground units. Right now, it looks like we are facing two Brigades - so the probability that we can shift them out is very low - but we are here - so we will try - not this turn - but next turn.

Certainly the American carriers should show up this turn.

Here are some pics of the attacks.

11-12 October 1942

The B-26s actually got to make a run on the Shokaku - our cameraman missed that shot - but here is the next attack against the supporting BB.

11-12 October 1942

Here is the combat report:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Oct 11, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Woodlark Island at 104,132

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
CVE Unyo
CL Yubari
CS Chitose
DD Yuzuki
DD Mochizuki
DD Mutsuki
DD Asagumo

Allied Ships
SS Triton



SS Triton launches 6 torpedoes at BB Mutsu
Triton diving deep ....
DD Yuzuki attacking submerged sub ....
DD Mochizuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Mutsuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Asagumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yuzuki attacking submerged sub ....
DD Asagumo attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yuzuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Asagumo fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Yuzuki attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Koumac at 111,157

Japanese Ships
SS I-1, hits 3

Allied Ships
DD Clark
DD Ralph Talbot
DD Selfridge
DD Preston
DD Fanning



SS I-1 launches 4 torpedoes at DD Clark
DD Clark attacking submerged sub ....
DD Selfridge attacking submerged sub ....
DD Preston attacking submerged sub ....
DD Fanning fails to find sub and abandons search
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18



No Japanese losses



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 29000 feet



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Morning Air attack on TF, near Fergusson Island at 103,132

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 96



Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 8
SBD-3 Dauntless x 14


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 3 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 6 destroyed



CAP engaged:
CII-1 Daitai 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 15000
Raid is overhead
751 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
EI-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 13 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
EII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
DI-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 7 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
DII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 5 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 81st Naval Guard Unit, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Light rain

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


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14


No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
14 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 81st Naval Guard Unit, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17


Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
17 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 35th/2nd(Kitao) Battalion ...
Also attacking 81st Naval Guard Unit ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 35th/2nd(Kitao) Battalion, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes



Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2


No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 15 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 8


Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Wirraway bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..
a Japanese CA manuvering well...(Ev 31 / Sp 31)
a Takao class CA manuvering changes...(Ev 26 / Sp 34)
a Japanese CA manuvering changes...(Ev 32 / Sp 30)
a Japanese CA manuvering changes...(Ev 32 / Sp 25)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Fergusson Island at 103,132

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 90



Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 12
P-39D Airacobra x 20


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 5 destroyed, 3 damaged
P-39D Airacobra: 4 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku
BB Kongo



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb AP Bomb
1 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb AP Bomb

CAP engaged:
751 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
EI-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
EII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 16 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
DI-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (8 airborne, 3 on standby, 4 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
DII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
CII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (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 12 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers

CV Shokaku manuvering well...(Ev 31 / Sp 34)
BB Kongo manuvering well...(Ev 31 / Sp 30)
BB Kongo manuvering changes...(Ev 32 / Sp 37)
BB Kongo manuvering changes...(Ev 28 / Sp 27)
BB Kongo manuvering changes...(Ev 31 / Sp 29)
BB Kongo manuvering changes...(Ev 27 / Sp 29)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133

Weather in hex: Overcast

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10



Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IA x 6
B-17E Fortress x 8


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk IA: 1 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Tenryu
xAK Sagami Maru
CA Haguro



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Naval Attack: 4 x 500 lb AP Bomb
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Naval Attack: 4 x 500 lb AP Bomb

CAP engaged:
EI-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers
EII-1 Daitai with A6M2 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 15000
Raid is overhead
DI-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
DII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers

a Katori class CL manuvering rapidly...(Ev 24 / Sp 31)
a Nagara class CL manuvering changes...(Ev 24 / Sp 33)
xAK Sagami Maru manuvering ...(Ev 50 / Sp 18)
xAK Sagami Maru manuvering changes...(Ev 49 / Sp 14)
xAK Sagami Maru manuvering changes...(Ev 44 / Sp 17)
a Japanese CA manuvering rapidly...(Ev 6 / Sp 31)
a Takao class CA manuvering changes...(Ev 6 / Sp 32)
a Myoko class CA manuvering changes...(Ev 6 / Sp 38)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Fergusson Island at 103,132

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 58



Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 3


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 2 destroyed



CAP engaged:
751 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
CII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
EII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
DI-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (12 airborne, 2 on standby, 4 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
DII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
EI-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 46 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21



No Japanese losses



Aircraft Attacking:
15 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 29000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19



Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IA x 7


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk IA: 2 destroyed



CAP engaged:
751 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
EI-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
EII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
DI-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
DII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
CII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17



Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IA x 7
Wirraway x 3


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk IA: 3 destroyed
Wirraway: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Maikaze



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Wirraway bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
751 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
EI-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
DI-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers
DII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
CII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 7 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes

a Japanese DD manuvering rapidly...(Ev 17 / Sp 33)
a Minekaze class DD manuvering changes...(Ev 17 / Sp 35)
a Fubuki(I) class DD manuvering changes...(Ev 17 / Sp 41)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 12 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25



Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
P-39D Airacobra x 8


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 5 damaged
P-39D Airacobra: 3 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Tatsuta
AMC Akagi Maru



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Naval Attack: 4 x 500 lb AP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Naval Attack: 4 x 500 lb AP Bomb

CAP engaged:
751 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
EI-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers
EII-1 Daitai with A6M2 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 15000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers
DI-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers
DII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
CII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead

a Japanese CL manuvering rapidly...(Ev 24 / Sp 31)
a Japanese CL manuvering changes...(Ev 24 / Sp 24)
a Japanese CL manuvering changes...(Ev 24 / Sp 27)
a Sendai class CL manuvering changes...(Ev 24 / Sp 29)
AMC Akagi Maru manuvering ...(Ev 53 / Sp 18)
AMC Akagi Maru manuvering changes...(Ev 47 / Sp 19)
AMC Akagi Maru manuvering changes...(Ev 59 / Sp 15)
AMC Akagi Maru manuvering changes...(Ev 61 / Sp 23)


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

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 60 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
D3A1 Val x 12



No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAK Santa Rita, Bomb hits 7, and is sunk



Aircraft Attacking:
12 x D3A1 Val diving from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg AP Bomb

an Allied xAK manuvering ...(Ev 63 / Sp 12)
a Isthmian Cargo class xAK manuvering changes...(Ev 68 / Sp 20)
Santa Rita caught transferring cargo ...
xAK Santa Rita manuvering changes...(Ev 63 / Sp 15)
xAK Santa Rita manuvering changes...(Ev 60 / Sp 13)
xAK Santa Rita manuvering changes...(Ev 68 / Sp 17)
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Santa Rita
xAK Santa Rita manuvering changes...(Ev 65 / Sp 13)
xAK Santa Rita manuvering changes...(Ev 63 / Sp 18)
xAK Santa Rita manuvering changes...(Ev 63 / Sp 17)
xAK Santa Rita manuvering changes...(Ev 67 / Sp 16)
xAK Santa Rita manuvering changes...(Ev 69 / Sp 16)
xAK Santa Rita manuvering changes...(Ev 60 / Sp 15)
xAK Santa Rita manuvering changes...(Ev 66 / Sp 14)
xAK Santa Rita manuvering changes...(Ev 68 / Sp 16)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Tassafaronga , at 113,137

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
B-17F Fortress x 6


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



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 81st Naval Guard Unit ...
Also attacking Tassafaronga ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Milne Bay at 101,133

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 1 destroyed on ground

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro
CA Takao
DD Ushio
DD Akebono
DD Fubuki
DD Murasame
DD Hagikaze
DD Maikaze


Allied ground losses:
70 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)


Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 36
Port hits 1

CA Haguro firing at 7th Australian Brigade
CA Takao firing at Milne Bay
DD Ushio firing at Milne Bay
DD Akebono firing at Milne Bay
DD Fubuki firing at Milne Bay
DD Murasame firing at 7th Australian/25th Brigade
DD Hagikaze firing at I Australian Corps
DD Maikaze firing at 101st RAAF Base Force


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Milne Bay

27 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
APD-38



7th Australian/25th Brigade firing at APD-38
APD-38 firing at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Milne Bay

TF 23 troops unloading over beach at Milne Bay, 101,133

Japanese ground losses:
128 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (0 destroyed, 5 disabled)



17 troops of a SNLF Squad lost from landing craft during unload of Maizuru 2nd SNLF
17 troops of a SNLF Squad lost from landing craft during unload of Maizuru 2nd SNLF


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

Ground combat at Milne Bay (101,133)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6494 troops, 78 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 267

Defending force 3178 troops, 38 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 136

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



Assaulting units:
7th Australian/25th Brigade
7th Australian Brigade
I Australian Corps
101st RAAF Base Force

Defending units:
Maizuru 2nd SNLF /1
Kure 3rd SNLF /2
Kure 5th SNLF /1
Yokosuka 5th SNLF /1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Oct 12, 42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Milne Bay

30 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
APD-38
PC Ch 11

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)



7th Australian Brigade firing at APD-38
PC Ch 11 firing at enemy troops
APD-38 firing at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Milne Bay

22 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 11



PC Ch 11 firing at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Milne Bay

23 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
PB Sozan Maru
PB Shosei Maru
PB Magan Maru



PB Sozan Maru firing at enemy troops
PB Shosei Maru firing at enemy troops
PB Magan Maru firing at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Milne Bay

TF 31 troops unloading over beach at Milne Bay, 101,133

Japanese ground losses:
287 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 36 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 3 (0 destroyed, 3 disabled)





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Milne Bay

34 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 11
PC Ch 10

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



PC Ch 11 firing at enemy troops
PC Ch 10 firing at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Milne Bay

16 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
PB Sozan Maru
PB Shosei Maru
PB Magan Maru



PB Sozan Maru firing at enemy troops
PB Shosei Maru firing at enemy troops
PB Magan Maru firing at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 41 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9



Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 6
P-39D Airacobra x 5
SBD-3 Dauntless x 3


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Fubuki
CL Tatsuta



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Wirraway bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
751 Ku S-1 with A6M2 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 15000
Raid is overhead
CII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead

a Japanese PG manuvering rapidly...(Ev 13 / Sp 33)
a Japanese DD manuvering changes...(Ev 13 / Sp 35)
a Katori class CL manuvering rapidly...(Ev 24 / Sp 31)
a Kuma class CL manuvering changes...(Ev 24 / Sp 34)
a Tenryu class CL manuvering changes...(Ev 24 / Sp 23)
a Katori class CL manuvering changes...(Ev 24 / Sp 35)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 81st Naval Guard Unit, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 33


Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
16 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb
17 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 35th/124th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 81st Naval Guard Unit ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12



Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
B-17F Fortress x 3


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged
B-17F Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Isokaze
xAK Kashiwara Maru



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Naval Attack: 4 x 500 lb AP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Naval Attack: 4 x 500 lb AP Bomb

CAP engaged:
EI-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
EII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
751 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
CII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead

a Hatsuharu class DD manuvering rapidly...(Ev 17 / Sp 33)
a Asashio class DD manuvering changes...(Ev 17 / Sp 34)
a Yugumo class DD manuvering changes...(Ev 17 / Sp 28)
a Japanese CL manuvering changes...(Ev 17 / Sp 31)
xAK Kashiwara Maru manuvering ...(Ev 55 / Sp 12)
xAK Kashiwara Maru manuvering changes...(Ev 62 / Sp 8)
xAK Kashiwara Maru manuvering changes...(Ev 55 / Sp 20)
xAK Kashiwara Maru manuvering changes...(Ev 60 / Sp 15)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12



Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IA x 1
B-26 Marauder x 6


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk IA: 1 destroyed
B-26 Marauder: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AMC Nosiro Maru
DD Uzuki



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb AP Bomb

CAP engaged:
DI-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
DII-1 Daitai with A6M2 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 15000
Raid is overhead
751 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
EI-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
EII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead

AMC Nosiro Maru manuvering ...(Ev 76 / Sp 18)
AMC Nosiro Maru manuvering changes...(Ev 76 / Sp 11)
DD Uzuki manuvering rapidly...(Ev 13 / Sp 33)
DD Uzuki manuvering changes...(Ev 13 / Sp 34)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15



No Japanese losses



Aircraft Attacking:
15 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 29000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 49 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7



Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 3


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro



Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Wirraway bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
751 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
CII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead

a Japanese CA manuvering well...(Ev 31 / Sp 31)
a Japanese DD manuvering changes...(Ev 37 / Sp 23)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7



Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Nitiren Maru



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Naval Attack: 4 x 500 lb AP Bomb

CAP engaged:
EI-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
751 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
CII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead

a Japanese xAK manuvering ...(Ev 62 / Sp 12)
a Japanese AP manuvering changes...(Ev 68 / Sp 10)
a Japanese xAK manuvering changes...(Ev 63 / Sp 18)
a Std-B Cargo class xAK manuvering changes...(Ev 68 / Sp 8)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Tassafaronga , at 113,137

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

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


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
B-17F Fortress x 5


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



Port hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 35th/124th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking Tassafaronga ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Milne Bay

24 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 11

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



PC Ch 11 firing at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Milne Bay

30 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
PB Sozan Maru
PB Shosei Maru
PB Magan Maru



PB Sozan Maru firing at enemy troops
PB Shosei Maru firing at enemy troops
PB Magan Maru firing at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft


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

Ground combat at Milne Bay (101,133)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6500 troops, 78 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 267

Defending force 8459 troops, 46 guns, 67 vehicles, Assault Value = 309

Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


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


Assaulting units:
7th Australian/25th Brigade
7th Australian Brigade
I Australian Corps
101st RAAF Base Force

Defending units:
Kure 5th SNLF
Maizuru 2nd SNLF /1
Kure 3rd SNLF
2nd/29th Inf Rgt /6
Yokosuka 5th SNLF /1

Does the report below mean that the PB's aren't causing any damage to the "enemy troops" that they are firing at, or is there something going on "under the hood" that we can't see? I would like to think the PB's would cause some kind of trouble...

Invasion Support action off Milne Bay

16 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
PB Sozan Maru
PB Shosei Maru
PB Magan Maru



PB Sozan Maru firing at enemy troops
PB Shosei Maru firing at enemy troops
PB Magan Maru firing at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft

ORIGINAL: Kwik E Mart

Does the report below mean that the PB's aren't causing any damage to the "enemy troops" that they are firing at, or is there something going on "under the hood" that we can't see? I would like to think the PB's would cause some kind of trouble...

Invasion Support action off Milne Bay

16 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
PB Sozan Maru
PB Shosei Maru
PB Magan Maru



PB Sozan Maru firing at enemy troops
PB Shosei Maru firing at enemy troops
PB Magan Maru firing at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft

Other than variation for FoW the above would indicate the PB missed in this case. The small boats can can damage - but not everything - here is a case where they do:

Invasion Support action off Milne Bay

24 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 11

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

ORIGINAL: castor troy
What is a CX? Cruiser?[&:]

Oh that is an X (ex)perimental Star Cruiser - of course!!!
[:D]

ORIGINAL: jwilkerson

ORIGINAL: castor troy
What is a CX? Cruiser?[&:]

Oh that is an X (ex)perimental Star Cruiser - of course!!!
[:D]

Whoops - wrong game [:D] - in WITP/AE - in Joe-Speak - a CX is just short hand for either a CA or a CL. [:)]

13-14 October 1942

Milne Bay
Day One - Mostly B-17 strikes against the landing hex - the B-17s do finally manage to hit one of our AK. Our Betty's go in and do nada. Our troops finish uploading but the vast bulk of the 1000s of supply points they brought along have already been consumed - so even though we will attack this turn - our fighting capability will be significantly impaired.

Oh, on day two the American carriers launched a long range - unescorted attack against the landing hex. Our carriers did not react - despite being on "react=6". The Takao and 2xDD were heavily hit and may not survive.

Planning
We will go ahead and attack - I doubt things will get much better. We will send in fast transports from Rabaul and Mavis flying boats with a few merger supply points.
Our carriers will "zoom" South in the hopes of forcing a carrier battle - but we suspect that Nik will bug out at maximum speed to the South - and avoid a confrontation.


Here is a pic of our Betty's going in and bombing Milne Bay but getting zero hits.