Scen 17 pbem. An attempt to capture New Caledonia.

[Crocky]

[:(] I will put your mind at ease my friend ...... South Dakota is heading for Pearl

[PzB74]

Almost embarassed to repay such goodwill with carnage [8|]

I didn't like the unopposed landings at Kira, if not disturbed it will mean the
end of all my men there. So I ordered Nagumo and the Kido Butai to once more
return. This time the ac were partially filled with untrained pilots.br

Bombers from Shortland and Lunga were also ordered to sortie.
It all started badly - the CS Chiyoda caught 2 torps from a sub, but that must have
been firecrackers. 14 sys, 14 flood and 3 fires.

Then a few Avengers broke through my CAP and put a fish in the Kaga, followed
by a violent fuel explosion. 39 sys, 10 flood and 20 fires left her barely operational.
Guess I will try to exchange her for the Yamato after this battle.

CAP over the Allied ships at Kira was light, and their moral was not very good,
much as I had reconed.

Nagumo managed to launch a powerful strike, 130 escorting Zeros saw 200 bombers
through.

Tally;
They sank the CV Victorious [:D]
The CVL Princeton will follow her to the bottom of the sea [:D]
Betties heavily damaged CL Helena with 2 torps, and she goes home [:D]
Nells torpedoed 2 large transports of Nevea [:D]
1 BB was torpedoed + two others hit by bombs [:D]
A DD and a CLAA got hit by guns and small bombs [:D]
A sub got hit by ASW planes [:D]
50 Allied planes destrouyed [:D]

I would have matched the ac loss figure if it wasn't for OP losses.
A new record, 92 [:(]

That leaves Mike without a single operational carrier and most of his
battleships have been damaged.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/13/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese Ships
SS I-7

Allied Ships
BB Tennessee


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 38,36

Japanese Ships
CS Chiyoda, Torpedo hits 2

Allied Ships
SS Grayback


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Kirakira , at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
J1N1-R Irving x 2

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12
P-38G Lightning x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
J1N1-R Irving x 1 destroyed


CPT W. Davitt of 40th FS is credited with kill number 5


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 28th Regiment, at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
A6M3 Zero x 19

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 4 damaged

Attacking Level Bombers:
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
16 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 28th Regiment, at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M3 Zero x 8

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 4 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 11

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 39,36

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 39
A6M3 Zero x 4
A6M5-B Zeke x 7

Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 2 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged

LTJG C.Tokuda of F2/252nd Daitai is credited with kill number 5

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 39,36

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 39
A6M3 Zero x 4
A6M5-B Zeke x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
TBF Avenger x 1

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed

LCDR C.Morita of DI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 6

SLDR E.Gifford of 832 Sqn bails out and is RESCUED


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 39,36

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 39
A6M3 Zero x 4
A6M5-B Zeke x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
TBF Avenger x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
TBF Avenger x 4 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 2 damaged

LCDR C.Morita of DI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 8

LTJG U.Lawson of VT-23 bails out and is RESCUED

Japanese Ships
CV Soryu
CV Kaga, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 30
G3M Nell x 9
G4M1 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12
P-38G Lightning x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 3 destroyed
G3M Nell x 4 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 14 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 2 damaged

CPT W. Davitt of 40th FS is KILLED

Allied Ships
CLAA Van Heemskerck
DMS Long
CL Helena, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 31
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 19

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
P-38G Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 6 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 13 damaged
J1N1-R Irving x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged

WCDR R.Peirse of 896 Sqn is KILLED

Allied Ships
CLAA Oakland, Shell hits 20, Bomb hits 1
CLAA Reno
DD Flusser, Shell hits 4
DD Reid, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 113
A6M3 Zero x 13
D3A Val x 114
A6M5-B Zeke x 12
B5N Kate x 79
E13A1 Jake x 9
E7K2 Alf x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 6 destroyed
D3A Val x 6 damaged
B5N Kate x 8 destroyed
B5N Kate x 30 damaged
E7K2 Alf x 1 destroyed
E7K2 Alf x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10 destroyed

LTJG J.Nagashima of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

FO I.Fisher of 898 Sqn is KILLED

Allied Ships
CV Victorious, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CVL Princeton, Bomb hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
BB New Mexico, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Dyson
BB Idaho, Bomb hits 1
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 3, on fire
DD Flusser, Bomb hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Nevea at 50,43

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 6 damaged

Allied Ships
AP President Monroe, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Leonard Wood, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
A6M3 Zero x 9
D3A Val x 14
A6M5-B Zeke x 5

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5-B Zeke x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged

LTJG U.Sakai of CII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
CV Victorious, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 19
G4M1 Betty x 8

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
BB Idaho

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 40,41

Japanese Ships
AG 2081, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Grampus


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 40,41

Allied Ships
SS Grampus


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kirakira

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1008 troops, 34 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 14566 troops, 164 guns, 0 vehicles



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

[Crocky]

God damnit I had a funny feeling the shit was about to hit the fan [:@]

P38 squadrons are exhausted had 1/2 most were down to 16 aircraft from original complement fatigue was in the 30-40 ranges and morale was around the same ..... cause and effect 2 weeks of continuous operations around Kirakira as evidenced by only 15 or so P38s flying LR-CAP as opposed to 80 odd in earlier battles

What effect this devastation will have ????

Marines will have to dig deep and hold at kira and any thought of offensives in and around Irau and Lunga will go on hold while the Navy and airforce rebuilds ..... at least a month possibly 2

Thanks for info on Kaga favour returned [;)] I think South Dakota was 54/48

[Crocky]

Yep 92 + those shot down = 139 lost
Those Bettys etc striking from distance hurt in op casualties

On a sader note [:(] Princeton = Scuttled

Some major rebuilding to be done

[PzB74]

Phew, this was my very last attempt to get the transports off
San Cristobal, and it succeeded [8D]

I must give credit to Adm Nagumo who organized a brilliant full
strength strike off his 9 carriers. The Kaga has been dispatched,
with 48 sys dam and still 8 fires raging, she wouldn't have been
able to operate planes. The biggest of my cv's sent home because
of a single torp hit! Fortunately the other carriers had room in
their hangars. (Big surprise...not realll;)

CA Kinugasa was also torpedoed today, she was Tanakas ship
flagship in a surface fleet that combed Kira for enemy shipping, and found
none. The CA had 28 in sys damage and was dispatched without
any escorts only to be torpedoed. She reached Lunga together with
the rest of the tf today, what a waste! I'm really tired of this auto
routine that constantly leads to the loss of capital ships.

The massive Op losses were mainly Zeros LR CAP'ing out of Vila.
All the newly arrived 'pilots' crashed on take off or landing....
I made a mistake last turn and put the same guys on sweep instead
of escort, so 100 of them flew to Kira - twice [:(] Another 40 op losses.

Just a small cv strike today - 63 P38's on LR CAP couldn't prevent a few
seaplanes from dropping a few bombs on a destroyers. In the meantime
the Betties and Nells sortied to Nevea - I felt a chill when I saw that,
expected them all to be slaughtered by 80 P38's on CAP. But Mike,
you had put all your fighters on LR CAP!!

A transport tf was gutted while the BB Tennesee was hit by a torpedo [&o]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/14/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa

Allied Ships
SS Guardfish


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 42,40

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Seadragon


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 40,37

Japanese Ships
DD Makigumo

Allied Ships
SS Peto


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Kirakira , at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 44
A6M3 Zero x 62

no losses - now that's a lie...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42 - In the Nicks I finally have
an ac that can harass small tf's and barges. I'll be getting another sqd
with 36 soon [:)]

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
PT 168
PT 152, Shell hits 4
PT 159
PT 178, Shell hits 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Nevea at 50,43

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 12
G4M1 Betty x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 6 damaged

Allied Ships
AP President Monroe
AO Kanawha
SC 644, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AO Tappahanock
AP Wharton
AP Leonard Wood, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
AP Hunter Liggett, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Nevea at 50,43

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 5 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Tennessee, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Kirakira , at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 37
A6M3 Zero x 53

no losses - yeah right...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 12

no losses

Allied Ships
PT 157
PT 159, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PT 168, Shell hits 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 48,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
A6M3 Zero x 4
E13A1 Jake x 5

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 63

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
E13A1 Jake x 1 destroyed
E13A1 Jake x 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 4 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 4 damaged

FO C.Donahue of 433rd FS is credited with kill number 3

LCDR K.Kamihira of DIII-1 Daitai is KILLED

Allied Ships
DD Spence, Bomb hits 2, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Nevea at 50,43

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 7
G4M1 Betty x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 7 damaged

Allied Ships
AO Kanawha, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AO Tappahanock
AP Wharton, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Monroe, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hunter Liggett, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

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

[PzB74]

Well, guess what - I found another 2 CVL's today! Someone's much
more generous handy out resources than Tokyo is [:(]

Sent my carriers in towards Nevea despite of a t-storm. The latter prevented
first phase sorties, but weather cleared. Just as well as my strike didn't go
against shipping at Nevea, cause 70 fighters were on CAP.

The 2 CVL Independence class carriers launched 2 small strikes. Avengers
escorted by....Hellcats!! First meeting between Zekes' and F6's. Fortunately
there were not to many of them. The Avengers scored 2 hits, one dud on the
Zuikaku and one on the light carrier Ryujo. Another firecracker - 8 system,
14 flood, 4 fires.

Nagumo launched 2 strikes at the Allied tf's! Again not to many F6's were on
CAP and most of my bombers got through - only to be met by furious flak!!
45 planes lost in an intense barrage that brought down 65% of the force.
My inexperienced and fatigued pilots scored 2 hits, one 30kg bomb hit on
a CVL by a seaplane + a 250kg hit by a Val. Hopefully the latter caused some
damage.

Another 75 planes lost, 45 to flak, 22 op losses and the rest in air combat.
Around 18 US planes went down, including 4 Hellcats.

That was it for the KB for now, back to base to re-organize and train.
If anything shows up around Kira, I'll consider to return...

Btw, the Kaga remains operational - still 48 sys damage but the fires are
all but out.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/15/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack near Irau at 42,43

Allied Ships
SS Cabrilla


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 40,37

Japanese Ships
DD Makinami

Allied Ships
SS Peto


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
A6M3 Zero x 3
A6M5-B Zeke x 6

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 5
TBF Avenger x 18

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 6 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 17 damaged

LCDR C.Morita of DI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 9

Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu
CV Zuikaku
CVL Ryujo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CV Akagi


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 18

no losses

Allied Ships
PT 327, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PT 194
PT 325, Shell hits 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 51,46

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
A6M3 Zero x 7
D3A Val x 31
A6M5-B Zeke x 5
B5N Kate x 18
E7K2 Alf x 4

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 11 destroyed
D3A Val x 28 damaged
B5N Kate x 11 destroyed
B5N Kate x 9 damaged
E7K2 Alf x 2 destroyed
E7K2 Alf x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVL Belleau Wood, Bomb hits 1
CVL Cowpens


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 51,46

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 48
D3A Val x 14
A6M5-B Zeke x 8
B5N Kate x 10

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
D3A Val x 10 destroyed
D3A Val x 6 damaged
B5N Kate x 7 destroyed
B5N Kate x 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 1 destroyed

LTJG O.Early of VF-25 is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
CVL Cowpens
CVL Belleau Wood, Bomb hits 1
CL Mobile
CL Cleveland


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

[PzB74]

Never able to let any offensive potensial remain unused, so I
sent in a tf of smoking cl's and dd' to Nevea. A dd hit a mine, and
paid for it later on as Allied ac pounded it into the deep. But I managed
to sink 2 PT boats, 3-4 transports + a tanker or two.

Hopefully a lot of badly needed fuel and supplies went down with these
ships.

Had forgto to unhook 'patrol, do not retire' on my cv tf, so it remained
in place. I must have been tired last night, cause I had only stood down
my Val bombers. The 2 US cvl's reacted and launched a few small strikes without
any results before land based ac scored a single bomb hit in the Soryu. Damage
somewhere in the mid teens, so nothing serious.

My remaining Kate torpedo bombers *RIP* - got through to the cvl's and
while the CAP slaughtered 50 Zeros', flak again shredded the Kates.
A single pilot managed to aim his torpedo straight and somewhat saved my day.
The Cowpens was hit and a fuel storage explosion shook the ship. Hopefully this
means that anohter US cv is heading back to Pearl.

Seems like I'm trading punches on a 1-1 basis for the time being. At least in points,
but that ain't to bad. The clock is ticking and more Allied resources have been
dispatched of.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/16/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Night Time Surface Combat, near Nevea at 50,43

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara
CL Natori, Shell hits 1
CL Kinu
DD Akitsuki
DD Wakazuki, on fire
DD Akigumo
DD Makigumo
DD Samidare
DD Yamakaze
DD Murakumo

Allied Ships
PT 110, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PT 123, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
PT 120
PT 142
PT 143
PT 146


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Nevea at 50,43

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara, Shell hits 1
CL Natori
CL Kinu
DD Akitsuki, Shell hits 1
DD Wakazuki, on fire
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 1
DD Makigumo
DD Samidare
DD Yamakaze, Shell hits 2
DD Murakumo

Allied Ships
AO Kanawha, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AO Tappahanock, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SC 645
SC 646
SC 699
SC 704
SC 707
AP Leonard Wood, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
AK Alhena, Shell hits 1
AP President Monroe, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Wharton, Shell hits 6, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 28th Regiment, at 42,42


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 25


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 83

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
9 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29
A6M3 Zero x 3
A6M5-B Zeke x 6

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 1
TBF Avenger x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5-B Zeke x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 50,37


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 9
TBF Avenger x 17
P-38G Lightning x 39
A-20G Boston x 8


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Wakazuki, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x A-20G Boston at 4000 feet
4 x A-20G Boston at 4000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Nevea at 50,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 56
A6M3 Zero x 5
A6M5-B Zeke x 16
B5N Kate x 32

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 6
F4U-1 Corsair x 6
P-38G Lightning x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 42 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M5-B Zeke x 8 destroyed
A6M5-B Zeke x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 24 destroyed
B5N Kate x 16 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 1 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 7 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 3 damaged

LTJG I.Fujiwara of CII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 6

LTJG C.Tokuda of F2/252nd Daitai bails out and is CAPTURED

Allied Ships
CVL Belleau Wood
CL Mobile
DD Strong
DD Daly
CVL Cowpens, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
A6M3 Zero x 1
A6M5-B Zeke x 3

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 7
TBF Avenger x 2
P-38G Lightning x 39
A-20G Boston x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 5 destroyed
A6M5-B Zeke x 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 1 destroyed
F6F Hellcat x 1 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
A-20G Boston x 1 destroyed
A-20G Boston x 7 damaged

1LT R.Blair of 433rd FS is credited with kill number 3

1LT J.Vebber of 41st FS is KILLED

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 1
CV Hiryu

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x A-20G Boston at 4000 feet
4 x A-20G Boston at 4000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 50,37


Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 13
A-20G Boston x 3


no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x A-20G Boston at 4000 feet

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

[PzB74]

A couple of quiet turns with little action. Ships returning from battle just barely
escaped the Sturgeons torpedoes off Shortland.

A fleet of PT boats, landing ships and barges are running shuttle between Nevea and Kira.
The situation is roughly the opposite of what it was only one or two months ago when my barges
were hammered relentlessly by fighter bombers. This time it's my Nick fb's that represents the reaper as
small vessels are blown out of the water by 37mm, 20mm cannons and 60kg bombs.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/18/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 29,33

Japanese Ships
CL Kinu

Allied Ships
SS Sturgeon


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 29,33

Japanese Ships
DD Samidare

Allied Ships
SS Sturgeon


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 26

no losses

Allied Ships
PT 143, Shell hits 8
PT 120, Shell hits 16
PT 142, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 3

no losses

Allied Ships
LCM 7/2ESB, Shell hits 8, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 24

no losses

Allied Ships
PT 178, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PT 168, Shell hits 12
PT 152, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PT 167, Shell hits 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 45
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 3
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 9

no losses

Allied Ships
PT 142, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 43,42

Japanese Ships
SS I-5


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

[PzB74]

More attacks on the PT boats and Liberators hit Lunga by night.

A quick count revealed less than 30 Kate's left in the IJA arsenal [:'(]


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/19/43

Weather: Clear

Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 6 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 8

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 23

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
12 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 28th Regiment, at 42,42


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 46


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 9

Attacking Level Bombers:
7 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
7 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
14 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 28th Regiment, at 42,42


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 19


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 13

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
7 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 25

no losses

Allied Ships
PT 325, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PT 319, Shell hits 4, on fire
PT 194, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PT 320, Shell hits 8


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 3

no losses

Allied Ships
LCVP 39/2ESB


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 6

no losses

Allied Ships
PT 319, Shell hits 8, on fire
PT 320, Shell hits 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 45
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 18
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 14

no losses

Allied Ships
PT 194, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PT 325, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage


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

[PzB74]

More of the same.... A USS DD hits a mine at Kira. It's tf is attacked by one of my
subs - and the sub lost [:(] Duh, I don't have too many of those!

We're getting close to the end of June, and for the first time ever the list of available ground
reinforcements fits on a single page!

I'm trying to organize my resources and get them to last anohter 6 months. Don't want
Mike to run wild if the plug at Irau suddenly comes loose!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/22/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on 23rd Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 70


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 25

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
10 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 237th Regiment, at 42,42


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 29


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 82

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
9 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 23

no losses

Allied Ships
LCVP 30/2ESB, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 29/2ESB, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

[PzB74]

Seems like my fighter bombers at Lunga have pi$$ed someone off [:'(]
160 heavies arrived today and destroyed 26 ac on the ground and closed the
place - at least until tomrrow if no follow up raids appear.

Somehow it's always my Tony's that are worst hit!? Strange...
A bitter pill, but I asked for it - having the Forts come to Lunga where I have
a lot of AA at least takes the pressure of Irau and brings down a few heavies.
9 bombers lost in todays raids.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/28/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 52
F-5A Lightning x 5
B-24D Liberator x 55

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2 damaged
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 13 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 12 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 3 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 10 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F-5A Lightning x 1 destroyed
B-24D Liberator x 8 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 463
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 17
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 94

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 37
B-17E Fortress x 90
PB4Y Liberator x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 7 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 8 damaged
E13A1 Jake x 1 destroyed
J1N1-C Irving x 2 destroyed
J1N1-C Irving x 1 damaged
A6M5-B Zeke x 2 destroyed
A6M5-B Zeke x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 destroyed
B-17E Fortress x 5 damaged

2LT R. Swift of 9th FS is credited with kill number 2

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 511

Airbase hits 33
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 143

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

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

[Crocky]

Ahhh yes got sick of the Nicks [;)]

[PzB74]

Two big waves of heavies hits Lunga again!
Another 11 failed to return....
Between the raids my Nicks once again takes off to harass barge traffic [:D]


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/30/43

Weather: Clear

Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 55

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 damaged
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 1 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 1 damaged
E13A1 Jake x 1 destroyed
E13A1 Jake x 2 damaged
J1N1-C Irving x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 1 destroyed
B-24D Liberator x 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 477
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 15
Runway hits 79

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 85
PB4Y Liberator x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged
J1N1-R Irving x 1 destroyed
A6M5-B Zeke x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 destroyed
B-17E Fortress x 6 damaged
PB4Y Liberator x 1 destroyed
PB4Y Liberator x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 264
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 132

Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
9 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
2 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 28th Regiment, at 42,42


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 65


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 11

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
5 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
7 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 23rd Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 29


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 24

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
8 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M5-B Zeke x 5
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 11

no losses

Allied Ships
LCVP 3/2ESB, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 20/2ESB, Shell hits 16, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 17/2ESB, Shell hits 12
LCVP 2/2ESB


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kirakira

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22101 troops, 305 guns, 14 vehicles

Defending force 14362 troops, 159 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 24


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

[PzB74]

Hm a barge convoy manages to unload at Kira, 2/3s of the lot got sunk in the process
and took a few grunts with em. It's absolutely crawling with subs around the place...

Bad weather prevented Lunga from being bombed and my engineers re-opened the field.
My Nicks should be ready again in no time [;)]

I spotted a cv tf, mostly made up of CVE's and a CVL!? Time will confirm this sighting.
A 3 BB tf is also present at Nevea together with numerous other tf's. Might have to send Tanaka
in to visit again soon.

I tried to disband an Emily sqd today, it got 6 ac and 110 pilots [:(]
Managed to leave a fraction at Vila when I transferred it to Shortland, but only 1 pilot stayed
with the damaged ac.

It's absolutely horrible that I have 250 good pilots tied up in recon squadrons while my Zeros and bombers
are manned by less capable pilots than myself!

2 new Zero Daitais did arrive as reinforcments though, they have an average exp of 80. At least something I can put
on my carriers while the naval air arm slowly train their rookies. I also received a sqd of Judys, another one shot Charlie as I'm still not receiving replacement ac. The recon unit with 27!! Dinah's is another useless contribution. The 'Zekes' have all but shot their bolt by now, only half a dozen remains of the 24 that arrived a month ago. Such is the attrition rate in the Solomons these days.

After starting a 1943 scenario against Wobbly, I do see how much better my position is in mid 43 than what it historically was. I can freely move my ships and I have safe harbours to park in. The only thing that is equally bad is the lack of base forces! As the conflict draws closer to the end, I'll probably move the majority of those stationed in New Guinea and New Brittain closer to the front line to allow my shorter ranged ac to make a contribution. As an example: I got 54 Lilys 'medium' bombers with a max range of 8! These are really horrible crates by the way - utterly useless in anything but a kamikaze role. I'd say it's suicide to get close to Allied CAP and flak in those things anyway.

I'm quite certain that Mike will try to capture Vila soon, the size 0 base at Kira is no good as a base at it'll take the rest of the game to build a size 3 af there, and by then half the troops will have been infected by malaria.

To be continued....

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/02/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 41,41

Japanese Ships
AG 363, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Greenling

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 37


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese Ships
AG 365, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Triton

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 37


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 40,41

Japanese Ships
AG 2051, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Grampus

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 19
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 15


no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese Ships
AG 364, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Triton


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese Ships
AG 375, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Triton


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

[PzB74]

My fighter-bombers hit PT boats at Kira, but those that
fly out of Lunga to hit US ships at Irau are repelled by the strong CAP in place.
Losses are not too high as moral is low among the air groups based on Lunga.
Understandable after the beating that place has taken lately.

Will have to rotate the Oscars out and find some fresh meat.

In the meanwhile the mediums hit Irau again and again and again.....


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/04/43

Weather: Clear

Sub attack at 42,40

Allied Ships
SS Seadragon


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Irau , at 42,43


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 2


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 23rd Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 53


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 16

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
16 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
7 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 14
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 29
F6F Hellcat x 4
P-38G Lightning x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 damaged


FO J. Lindley of VMF-223 is credited with kill number 3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 35

no losses

Allied Ships
PT 320, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
PT 167
PT 168, Shell hits 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Irau , at 42,43


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 2


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 32
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 30
F6F Hellcat x 8
P-38G Lightning x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
F6F Hellcat x 1 destroyed
F6F Hellcat x 3 damaged

1LT N.Berg of VMF-223 is credited with kill number 3

COL V.Itaya of 1st Sentai bails out and is RESCUED


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
PT 168, Shell hits 8
PT 167, Shell hits 4
PT 171


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 42,40

Japanese Ships
AG 2063, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Seadragon


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

[Crocky]

Now if everything goes well ...... my troops should be disembarking at Irau this turn ..... now I wonder if John took the punt and move some from Irau to Kirakira if so that will make my task to take the base easier ........

[PzB74]

I'm somewhat pleased that my effort to 'rearm' was completed just in time!
Nagumo's carriers have been replenished and a new strong battleship tf has arrived from Tokyo.
I interpreted the signs correctly and sent my ships towards Irau yesterday.

The surface ships didn't deliver, they engaged minor crafts just outside Irau proper.
Well, I would have smashed my teeth on the escorts anyway.

If someone wondered how fighter sweeps work, then this would be a good example for them.
First Zeros on sweep missions from Vila and Lunga reduced the number of P38's on LR CAP over Irau,
then my newly arrived medium bombers hit the transports without taking many losses.

An enemy cv tf launched a strike towards shipping at Lunga...without much success.
Undetected the Kido Butai then reacted towards the enemy carrier tf supporting the invasion fleet
and launched a series of crippling strikes. Enemy CAP wasn't strong and losses were 'acceptable'....
The entire US cv fleet - though not a very impressive one - was shattered, and there's nothing but burning
hunks left of the 2 CVL's and 2 CVE's! Massive fuel and ammo storage explosions lit up the area as less and
less opposition was left to oppose my strikes [:D]

One CVE reported sunk, Mike will probably have to pull the plug on the rest today!
A destroyer was also bombed and strafed while a Zeke planted a 250kg bomb into a CLAA!

Yet another good day for the Japanese Empire, but enemy troops are unloading at Irau and it will
be difficult to retain control over the base for much longer. I have not moved troops from Irau to Kira,
so the marines got quite a bit of digging to do before they reduce my forts currently at lvl 6. (That was as
what I could build before running out of supplies.) First they'll have to survive my shock attack next turn
that is.....

Thunderstorms will make air operations uncertain tomorrow, but even in clear weather today there was a no
fly zone over Irau in the second phase - so I hope the gods will continue to favour us!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/05/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Night Time Surface Combat at 43,42

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CL Tama
DD Hatsuzuki
DD Niizuki
DD Shimotsuki
DD Yugumo
DD Takanami
DD Akatsuki
DD Yukaze
DD Tachikaze
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
LCVP 28/2ESB, Shell hits 3, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 43,42

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 1
BB Haruna
CL Tama
DD Hatsuzuki
DD Niizuki
DD Shimotsuki
DD Yugumo
DD Takanami
DD Akatsuki
DD Yukaze
DD Tachikaze
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
PT 167, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
PT 168
PT 171, Shell hits 1, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Irau , at 42,43


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 2


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 27th Regimental Combat Team, at 42,43
There guys are new arrivals with high skill levels and actually outperform the P38's!

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 23

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 6 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 2 damaged

1LT R. Farrell of 7th FS is credited with kill number 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 27th Regimental Combat Team, at 42,43
Again a good result, anything better than 1/2 is considered good these days.)

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 51

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 6 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 4 damaged

2LT J. Keck of 7th FS is credited with kill number 3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40
This is the single strike launched by US carriers today.

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 1

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 32
F6F Hellcat x 11
TBF Avenger x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 2 damaged

LT N.Townsend of VF-25 is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
AP Kensho Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hokuhi Maru
AP Kamishima Maru


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
Not an impressive show, but at least I got an expendable medium bomber
force that I can use now.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
Ki-21 Sally x 15
Ki-49 Helen x 20

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 6 damaged
Ki-49 Helen x 2 damaged


CPT A. Dutton of 67th FS is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
DD Spence
APD Sands
MSW Pursuit
LST 461
LST 395, Bomb hits 1, on fire
APD Gilmer
LST 353, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 11

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 3

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 damaged



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,42 Nagumo launched a good strike with 100 bombers!
I've transfered the Rufes aboard the CS' to boost my fighter force.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 9
A6M2 Zero x 42
A6M3 Zero x 18
D3A Val x 71
A6M5-B Zeke x 6
B5N Kate x 22

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 13
F6F Hellcat x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 6 destroyed
D3A Val x 14 damaged
B5N Kate x 7 destroyed
B5N Kate x 10 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged

2LT F. Drury of VMF-223 is credited with kill number 4

Allied Ships
CVL Cowpens, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CVL Belleau Wood, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CVE Altamaha, Bomb hits 1
CVE Sangamon, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 7, on fire
DD Strong
CLAA Reno
CLAA Oakland, Shell hits 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M3 Zero x 25
D3A Val x 30
B5N Kate x 17

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
F6F Hellcat x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 4 destroyed
D3A Val x 6 damaged
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4 destroyed
F6F Hellcat x 1 damaged

FO J. Lindley of VMF-223 is credited with kill number 5

Allied Ships
CVL Cowpens, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CVL Belleau Wood, on fire
CVE Sangamon, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Altamaha, Bomb hits 2, on fire
BB Massachusetts, Bomb hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 5

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1
F6F Hellcat x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
F6F Hellcat x 1 destroyed

FO J. Lindley of VMF-223 bails out and is CAPTURED

Allied Ships
CLAA Oakland, Shell hits 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Irau , at 42,43


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 2


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,42 - The second phase strike is also a decent one!

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 43
A6M3 Zero x 30
D3A Val x 54
A6M5-B Zeke x 5
B5N Kate x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 4 damaged
B5N Kate x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CVL Belleau Wood, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CLAA Oakland, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1 (This is the work of the Zekes:)
CVE Altamaha, Bomb hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Claxton
BB Massachusetts


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 13
D3A Val x 21

no losses

Allied Ships
CVL Belleau Wood, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Altamaha, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CLAA Reno, Bomb hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
A6M2 Zero x 19
A6M3 Zero x 19
B5N Kate x 3
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 19
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 3

no losses

Allied Ships
DD Luce, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 2, on fire - The Nicks at Lunga also joins the fray!
CVE Altamaha, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3
D3A Val x 24
D4Y Judy x 17 - And then the Judys got their baptism of fire and lands several
bomb hits on the already blazing hulks. That's a good way to get some experience.

no losses

Allied Ships
CVL Cowpens, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Sangamon, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage


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

[PzB74]

Another turn with frenzied combat! Tanak is sent back to Irau and ordered to do better,
and it works. Without suffering varying damage to more than a handful destroyers, 4 enemy ones are sunk +
a DMS and several APD's severly damaged. New Mexico also gets a 14" hit!

There is one sad thing I hope they get better in WitP, and that is watching surface battles.
I occasionally like to watch them, but often I have to skip through them because I can't simply press space
to speed up the action. Look at this: DD Dyson, Shell hits 145, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
Argh, I gave up watching after 20 min.... [>:]it was horrible, a Jap DD poored 4.7", 25mm and 13mm shells into
the rotten hulk for a looong time after it received the 2 torpedo hits.

This battle was also a-typical of UV! After despatching all the escorts, the defenceless transports are left alone [:(]

Weather lifted and my sweeps over Irau were highly successfull as the AAR will show! Today I lost 65 to 45 ac in
air to air combat. More than 45 Lightnings were shot down. Another 54 US ac went down with the CVL Cowpens and
Bellau Wood. In total I lost 93 ac to the 108 US. Not bad - even though targeting again cheated me for richer pickings.
The derelict Bellau Wood together with a DD absorbed the whole of Nagumos main strike.

My shock attack at Irau was a disaster - much as I feared. The inability to sink transports enabled 3 full regiments to
land. There are now almost 17k Allied troops in Irau compared to 22k pretty worn out Japanese. It should take Mike some time to capture the base itself though, and even longer to build it up to a size 4 af. The Kido Butai dominates the are completely and only smaller vessels may safely bring supplies in on any regular basis.

It will become my main goal to disrupt just this flow of troops and supplies into San Cristobal over the next few months.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/06/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna, Shell hits 6
CL Tama
DD Hatsuzuki
DD Niizuki, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Shimotsuki, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yugumo
DD Takanami, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Akatsuki, Shell hits 1
DD Yukaze
DD Tachikaze
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
BB New Mexico, Shell hits 1
CA Baltimore, Shell hits 1
CLAA Atlanta
CL Mobile, Shell hits 1
DD Gwin, Shell hits 35, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Maury, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Reid, Shell hits 2, on fire
DMS Long
DMS Hopkins
DMS Hamilton


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna, Shell hits 2
CL Tama, Shell hits 4
DD Hatsuzuki, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Niizuki, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Shimotsuki, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yugumo, Shell hits 4
DD Takanami, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Akatsuki, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Tachikaze
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
DD Spence, Shell hits 18, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Dyson, Shell hits 145, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Flusser, Shell hits 47, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
APD Humphreys, Shell hits 7, on fire
APD Gilmer
APD Sands
DMS Dorsey, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Pursuit
MSW Revenge
MSW Sage
AP Cambria
LSD Carter Hall
LST 353, heavy damage
LST 354
LST 395, on fire
LST 455
LCI 65
LCI 66
LCI 71
LCI 222
LCI 223
LCI 224
LST 457
LST 461
LST 466


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CL Tama
DD Hatsuzuki, on fire
DD Niizuki, on fire
DD Shimotsuki, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yugumo
DD Takanami, on fire
DD Akatsuki, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yukaze
DD Tachikaze
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
SC 645, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
SC 646
SC 699, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SC 704, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
SC 982, Shell hits 4, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 42,40

Japanese Ships
AG 2064, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Seadragon, Shell hits 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
DD Yukaze

Allied Ships
SS Cabrilla


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Irau , at 42,43


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 2


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 27th Regimental Combat Team, at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 21
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 21

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 50

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 4 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses -> Look at this! Really, really unsurpassed in 1943 dogfights between Zero/Oscars and P38's - as far as I'm concerned at least!
P-38G Lightning x 19 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 22 damaged

2LT J. Jones of 80th FS is credited with kill number 7

2LT A. Hill of 80th FS is KILLED


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 27th Regimental Combat Team, at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 42

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 12 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses -> Not as good this time, but still very respectable!
P-38G Lightning x 10 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 5 damaged

CPO O.Inano of F1/3rd Daitai is credited with kill number 6

CPO K. Muto of F1/3rd Daitai bails out and is RESCUED


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 15

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Kiri Maru
AP Taganoura Maru
AP Mikage Maru #20, Bomb hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Taivu at 39,40


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 12


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Yukaze
DD Niizuki, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43 - This is the strike I thought would really make my day, but most
of the torps missed the big battlewagons [:(] The hit on the Massa didn't seem to do much damage either,
but again the air-air combat results were very positive!

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 39
G3M Nell x 15
G4M1 Betty x 20

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 43

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 10 destroyed
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 5 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 13 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 8 damaged

1LT J. Hagerstrom of 8th FS is credited with kill number 6

PO2 I.Matsumura of DII-1 Daitai is KILLED

Allied Ships
BB Massachusetts, Torpedo hits 1
DD Mugford
CLAA Reno
DD Claxton, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 34

no losses

Allied Ships
LCVP 31/2ESB, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 33/2ESB, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 35/2ESB, Shell hits 4
LCVP 37/2ESB
LCVP 40/2ESB, Shell hits 8
LCVP 34/2ESB, Shell hits 8
LCVP 39/2ESB, Shell hits 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 damaged



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31
A6M3 Zero x 41
D3A Val x 67
D4Y Judy x 22
A6M5-B Zeke x 5
B5N Kate x 19

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 14 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 3 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 2 damaged

1LT R.Dunnigan of 41st FS is credited with kill number 7

2LT K. Brooker of 41st FS bails out and is CAPTURED

Allied Ships
CVL Belleau Wood, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 17, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Pringle, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3
A6M2 Zero x 25
D3A Val x 15

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 3 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 3 damaged

1LT K.Anderson of 433rd FS is credited with kill number 4

1LT R.Dunnigan of 41st FS bails out and is CAPTURED


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 40,40

Japanese Ships
AG 5030, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Amberjack

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 26


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Irau

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 21374 troops, 274 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 16661 troops, 174 guns, 139 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0)


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 1253 [X(] No more of that!
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 178


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Irau

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3981 troops, 58 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 23225 troops, 272 guns, 0 vehicles



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

[PzB74]

Only shockwaves this turn.... B-24's hit transports of Gili Gili and Lunga.
When they try to bomb my battleships they take a lot of heat though.
Scuttled a transport, but that's what 5 lost Libs were worth.

Another massive strike hammers a hulk CVE to the deep. LR CAP got
a few bombers and Zeros' though.

It's always such a dangerous game to sail my carriers around Nevea.
You never know when they may committ suicide by attacking a tf defended
by 100 P38's [:(] I'm REALLY looking forward to that range setting in WitP!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/07/43

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
AG 2065, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Cabrilla, Shell hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 35th Regimental Combat Team, at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 20
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 21

no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 35th Regimental Combat Team, at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21

no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 11


no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Giyu Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Mikage Maru #2, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Ujigawa Maru, Bomb hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
1 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 29

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Kiri Maru
AP Taganoura Maru
AP Gosei Maru, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
1 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Yukaze

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 13

no losses

Allied Ships
LCM 2/2ESB, Shell hits 16, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 8/2ESB


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 3

no losses

Allied Ships
LCM 10/2ESB, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-49 Helen at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 20

no losses

Allied Ships
LCVP 21/2ESB, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 26/2ESB, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 27/2ESB, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 100 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 100 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 100 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 100 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
A6M3 Zero x 12
D3A Val x 41
D4Y Judy x 13
A6M5-B Zeke x 1
B5N Kate x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed


1LT C. Wooley of 41st FS is credited with kill number 6

Allied Ships
CVE Sangamon, Bomb hits 10, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
A6M2 Zero x 3
D3A Val x 33

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 3 destroyed


1LT R.Blair of 433rd FS is credited with kill number 5

Allied Ships
CVE Sangamon, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
F1M2 Pete x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
PT 170
PT 121
PT 124, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 3

no losses

Allied Ships
PT 124, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 7

no losses

Allied Ships
PT 170

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 100 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 24

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 2 destroyed
B-24D Liberator x 18 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
BB Kongo

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 10

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Takanami, heavy damage
DD Niizuki, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 20
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 4

no losses

Allied Ships
LCVP 39/2ESB, Shell hits 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 40,40

Japanese Ships
AG 5032, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Amberjack, Shell hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 41,44

Allied Ships
SS S-39


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Irau

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3989 troops, 58 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 23191 troops, 269 guns, 0 vehicles



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

[Crocky]

As always it was a human mistake my motely force of CVLs and CVEs must have reacted away from TF 205 that they were supposed to be following ..... so instead of evrything being under 1 main LR-CAP with P38s concentrated the battle raged over several hexes

John fighters out performed themselves and my P38s took a hammering most squadrons are down to 1/2 strength which does not bode well for the future .... it will take a couple of months to rebuild my shatered P38s and then offensive operations may resume maybe in this time I will get the remainder of the CVs availible to the Allies

Great game am really enjoying getting a hiding[:(]

My problem is Im committed to taking Irau and dont have the forces to attack elsewhere to try and draw of his resources.