Panzerjaeger vs 2ndAcr Lemurs' Scen 26

[2ndACR]

Sorry, we both have been remiss about updating the AAR. I have re-upped for the Texas National Guard and may have to deploy to Iraq. Should find out in the next week or 2.

I will update the AAR soon. I am downloading the turn now.

[Oliver Heindorf]

thank you for the quick answer ! [:)] I am a BIG fan of this AAR along with 3 or 4 others and I was simply missing this one so I decided to check it out [;)]

uh-oh sorry to hear that you may have to go to iraq [:(] this isnt going to be cool.

[2ndACR]

No need to say sorry. It is the risk you take and I have played in that sand pit before, just under different circumstances. I knew that the North Texas Guard units were under deployment orders before I ever re-upped.

Feb 12, 1942.

Singapore has fallen as has Rabual FINALLY. I have taken Manila, and am currently pounding on Clarke.

For 2 weeks the air over Rangoon was filled with the sight of falling air craft of both sides. Between Panzer and myself, we must have lost well over 300 a/c of all types. I have a CV TF raiding around the Calcutta area ravaging 'ol Panzers shipping. He has poured at least 40,000 troops into Rangoon and kicked my tired forces back from Rangoon. They are currently resting up and awaiting reinforcements from Singapore (HEAR THAT PANZER). Once those fresh troops arrive, I will begin again. My air groups are slowly recovering from the brutal air battles over Rangoon. I have had to do some combining of units to keep them close to full strength.

We almost had our first CV battle during the battle over Rabaul, but he got away from me.
2 days prior, I had given retirement orders to return to Truk for rest. He slipped in at that time and caught a convoy and savaged it. After making a speed run back to the area, I caught a surface warfare group and sank at least 3 CA, 2 CL and a DD over the course of 2 days before calling off the chase.

China has become a sinking pit. After finally rescuing my forces at Wuchow, they have to rest up for a while. He still holds Yenan and we are slugging it out there and at another city. Panzer has massed tons of troops in those cities and I just do not have the combat power to punch thru. Right now the hot area is Burma and the Indian Ocean.

[2ndACR]

It is with heavy heart that I have to end this AAR. I re-upped for the Guard and have orders to report to Ft. Hood for pre-deployment training for Iraq on Friday. This has been a blast playing and writing this AAR. Panzer is a great opponent if anyone would like to play him. He will give you a game.

To everyone stay safe and I expect a game from someone when I return.

[tanker4145]

Best of luck 2ndACR! I loved this AAR. One of the most interesting I've read yet. Take care and be safe over there.

[Hortlund]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/16/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 34
Ki-21-II x 65
Ki-48-II x 18
Ki-46-II Shitei x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-II : 3 damaged


Allied ground losses:
42 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 17

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-48-II bombing at 15000 feet
9 x Ki-21-II bombing at 15000 feet
8 x Ki-21-II bombing at 15000 feet
6 x Ki-21-II bombing at 10000 feet
5 x Ki-21-II bombing at 15000 feet
4 x Ki-48-II bombing at 15000 feet
6 x Ki-21-II bombing at 15000 feet
7 x Ki-21-II bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II bombing at 15000 feet
4 x Ki-21-II bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II bombing at 15000 feet
2 x Ki-48-II bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Ki-21-II bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 40th Division, at 45,37


Allied aircraft
SB-2c x 15


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SB-2c bombing at 5000 feet
5 x SB-2c bombing at 5000 feet
6 x SB-2c bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 15th Division, at 45,37


Allied aircraft
SB-2c x 9


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
20 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SB-2c bombing at 5000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 5000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 41st Division, at 50,26


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
IL-4c x 3


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x IL-4c bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 10th Ind. Brigade, at 50,26


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
IL-4c x 6


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x IL-4c bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 28th Chinese Division, at 47,29

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 19
Ki-21-II x 27
Ki-48-II x 13
Ki-46-II Shitei x 1
Ki-15 Karigane x 1

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
35 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-48-II bombing at 10000 feet
27 x Ki-21-II bombing at 9000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 38th Chinese Division, at 43,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Donryu x 31

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
67 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Aircraft Attacking:
31 x Ki-49 Donryu bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 66th Chinese Corps, at 45,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 3
Ki-30 x 10
Ki-21-II x 4
Ki-48-II x 4
Ki-46-II Shitei x 1
Ki-15 Karigane x 1

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
46 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-30 bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-48-II bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Ki-21-II bombing at 9000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 31st PA Division, at 42,51

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Hayabusa x 18
Ki-51 x 51
Ki-48-II x 19
Ki-46-II Shitei x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 : 6 damaged
Ki-48-II : 2 destroyed, 4 damaged


Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x Ki-51 bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-51 bombing at 2000 feet
18 x Ki-48-II bombing at 10000 feet
30 x Ki-51 bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 20,31

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 22

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 20
Albacore x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 0-Sen: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar: 8 destroyed, 2 damaged
Albacore: 8 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CV Zuikaku

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Albacore bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Albacore bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Albacore bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 20,31

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 20

Allied aircraft
Albacore x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Albacore: 4 destroyed, 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 19,31

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 x 20

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1: 4 destroyed, 23 damaged


Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales
DD Jupiter

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 19,31

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 28
D3A x 38
B5N x 37

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 0-Sen: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
D3A: 19 destroyed, 16 damaged
B5N : 3 destroyed, 13 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar: 10 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CVL Hermes, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CV Indomitable, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
1 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 20,31

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 21

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 13
Albacore x 14
Wirraway x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 0-Sen: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar: 8 destroyed
Albacore: 22 destroyed, 5 damaged
Wirraway: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku
BB Hiei
CV Shokaku, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
CVL Shoho, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x Wirraway bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Wirraway bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 19,31

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 25
D3A x 11
B5N x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N : 6 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Indomitable, on fire, heavy damage
CVL Hermes, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 19,31

Japanese aircraft
D3A x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Resolution, Bomb hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 27,71

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 12
G3M2 x 23

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AP Camphuys, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M2 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M2 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M2 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M2 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M2 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M2 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 19,31

Japanese aircraft
B5N x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N : 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Royal Sovereign, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Hengchow

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 124006 troops, 1582 guns, 13 vehicles

Defending force 155924 troops, 1071 guns, 73 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
123 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Yenen

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 173478 troops, 1808 guns, 11 vehicles

Defending force 82281 troops, 584 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
135 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Chengting

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 16026 troops, 176 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 6049 troops, 31 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
24 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Yenen

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 47974 troops, 361 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 177018 troops, 1808 guns, 11 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
83 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

[Hortlund]

Some background information on the showdown in the Bay of Bengal.

For the past week or so, a large Japanese carriergroup has been roaming the Bay of Bengal. At first I tried to ignore it because I really did not have anything to put up a fight with. My fighter units were badly depleted in the battle for Rangoon and they were currently reorganizing in [censored]. Most of my heavy naval units (BB and CA) were also undergoing repairs after earlier battles. Prince of Wales and Repulse were still in dock after the battles around Singapore on Dec 7-8. And my other battleships were damaged after getting caught by Nells off Rangoon earlier.

The Japanese TF went deeper and deeper into the Bay of Bengal though, and when they attacked a supply convoy just two hexes off Diamond Harbor, I understood that something had to be done to stop them. The alternative was to face port-strikes on the Royal Navy ships at port in Diamond Harbor and other ports. If the Royal Navy was going down, at least we would be going down with flying colors!!

Meanwhile the Japanese carriers were still deep in the Bay of Bengal. And since I still had Andaman Island, and Rangoon a plan began to form.


Day 1

So I ordered the creation of a CV taskforce consisting of CV Indomitable and CVL Hermes, escorted by 4 destroyers. This would be the "hammer" ...or "hammer-lite". It was rather depressing to see that my offensive arm consisted of 17 Albacores on Indomitable and 7 Albacores on Hermes. They were escorted by 20 Fulmars on Indomitable and 6 on Hermes.

Prince of Wales was ordered to sortie from dock at Ceylon, together with the only avaliable DD. BC Repulse together with one CL departed Diamond Harbor. 4 CAs and CLs departed from Chandpur. And one Battleship enroute from Karachi was ordered together with its DD escort to join the hunt.


Situation Map:
Key
Yellow = Royal Navy Taskforce movement
Red = Japanese Navy Taksforce movement
Green = Airstrikes

1) BB Prince of Wales + DD
2) Battleship + DD
3) CV Indomitable + CVL Hermes + 4DD
4) BC Repulse + CL
5) CA+ 3 CL

6) Japanese Carrier Taskforce
7) Unknown Japanese Taskforce


On the morning of the first day of the battle, the forces were in the approximate location of the dots. All Royal Navy units were in port. The Japanese carrier had been conducing airstrikes on Shipping just outside Diamond harbor, effectively sinking ~10 British AKs, and in Chandpur harbor, sinking a MSW and damaging a CL. As the order to depart port arrives, the Royal Navy units set to sea and in the first day, and you can see their progress by following the yellow lines to the first interval.

The Japanese commander had undoubteldy anticipated the move, and the CVs retired south, thus avoiding the first two Surface combat taskforces. Had he remained in the area, maybe Repulse and 5 cruisers could have done some damage. Unfortunately, the Japanese commander was able to execute an airstrike on the Royal Navy cruiser force, sinking one CA and one CL. Fortunately enough BC Repulse remained unspotted.


Day 2

Repulse is ordered to withdraw to the west. Indomitable is ordered to move a bit south and towards Andaman Island. Keeping in mind that the Albacore is the only allied CV aircraft that can match the range of the B5N, I wanted to keep as much sea between me and my foe as possible. Albacore and B5N can both use their torpedos at 5 hexes range. And since I only have ~25 Albacores against his unknown but presumably 60 D3As and 50 B5Ns, I definitively want to fight as far away as possible from his carriers. Prince of Wales and all other surface combat groups are ordered to converge on Andaman Island in order to lock the back door, and if possible find some protection from the airunits stationed there. I do not want to get too close to Andaman Island though, because of the dreadful range of the Japanese G4Ms stationed at Bangkok.

The day ends with the Japanese carrier taskforce spotting Repulse and launching a devastating air attack, sinking her and her cruiser escort.

At the same time a new threat arrives. A Japanese taskforce is spotted south of Andaman Island heading north west. My greatest fear is that this could be an invasion force heading for India or Ceylon, or Andaman Island, my priorities for the battle change.

NOTE at this point in time, the Japanese player has not spotted my CVs nor my western battleship groups. Meanwhile I know exactly where he is, thanks to superior recon assets in the area.

Day 3

Indomitable, Prince of Wales and the only remaining Battleship group are ordered south to intercept the new Taskforce. Surving ships up north are limping to port. The Japanese CV group is now a secondary concern. Priority 1 is to defend Andaman Island.

As the day progresses, a very very unfortunate Japanese minelayer is bombed to dust by the Indomitable and Hemes airgroups AND airgroups flying out of Andaman Island. Apparently the Japanese high command had tried to sneak in a Minelayer into the Bay of Bengal. Presumably to disrupt my shipping lines. Well, now the Japanese know that we have carriers in the area. The Jap CVs are heading south already.


Day 4

The order sent from Royal Navy headquarters at midnight on the night between day 3 and day 4 can be described thusly: Form Squares.

The Japanese CV taskforce knows exactly where my Carriers are. While I could attempt to flee south, the speed of the Hermes ensures that it would be a futile gesture indeed. As originally stated, the entire objective of this battle is to prevent the Japanese CV from destroying my shipping lines in the bay of Bengal, and to save the ships still at port. All Royal Navy vessels are ordered to the same location, a bit west-northwest of Andaman Island.

There, in accordance with the finest traditions of the Royal Navy, HMS Indomitable, HMS Hermes, HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Resolution together with their destroyer escorts would make their final stand.

Around 3am local time, the Commanding Admiral aboard HMS Prince of Wales briefed his men. Throughout the PA systems on all ships in that taskforce his words echoed. And as men stood silent at their posts, looking up at the loudpeakers, the Admiral reminded his men of their duty to the crown and the fleet, he talked about the desperation of the situation in the war, and the absolute disaster if the lines of communications to India and Burma were cut. And he ended his briefing with a poem... a poem that can be found on the tombstone of a crewmember from the Titanic.

Each man stood his post,
as weaker ones went by.
And showed the world once again,
how Englishmen should die.



The battle
Royal Navy lands the first punch.

As dawn broke on that dreadful morning, the Japanese taskforce was found to be a mere 60 miles away. During the night, unbeknownst to both fleets, they had actually been convening on the almost exact same location. A recon flight from Andaman Island spotted the Japanese carriers first though, and managed to alert the Indomitable before the Japs could strike.

At 0545, the first aircraft was launched from Hermes in the pre-dawn light, and 15 minutes later, a small strike force had gathered above the fleet. As they set cource for the Japanese fleet, the pilots could but wonder if they were to return from their mission.

FIRST STRIKE

Day Air attack on TF at 20,31

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 22

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 20
Albacore x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 0-Sen: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar: 8 destroyed, 2 damaged
Albacore: 8 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CV Zuikaku


SECOND STRIKE

Day Air attack on TF at 20,31

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 20

Allied aircraft
Albacore x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Albacore: 4 destroyed, 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku




As the Japanese Zeros dived in on the escorts, a handful of Albacores managed to get through the Japanese fighters, and one pilot managed to score a direct hit with his torpedo on the Light Carrier Shoho.

Only a handful of aircraft managed to return from the strike though. And as they landed, the crews looked at the sky with weary eyes...looking for the Japanese counterstrike that would undoubtedly follow.


The first sign of the Japanese came from a completely unexpected direction. Luckily the fighters high above the Royal Navy spotted them in time to alert the ships. Fighters and AAA took a heavy toll on the Japanese land bombers, who musht have been airborne for several hours. Their attack proved inneffective as the Prince of Wales was manuvering furiously to avoid the Japanese torpedos.


THIRD STRIKE
Day Air attack on TF at 19,31

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 x 20

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1: 4 destroyed, 23 damaged


Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales
DD Jupiter



Then, the dreaded call from the lookouts came... "Bombers coming in from the North".

FOURTH STRIKE

Day Air attack on TF at 19,31

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 28
D3A x 38
B5N x 37

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 0-Sen: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
D3A: 19 destroyed, 16 damaged
B5N : 3 destroyed, 13 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar: 10 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CVL Hermes, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CV Indomitable, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage


The fighers did what they could to stop the Japanese onslaught, one pilot described it lates as trying to stop a tornado by pissing into the wind. They all went down, the brave Fulmar pilots, but not before they had managed to take a heavy toll of the Japanese attackers. They could not stop them all however, and several direct hits were scored on both British carriers. Indomitable bore the brunt of the attack and suffered several direct torpedo hits. As the Japanese pilots turned for home, She began listing heavily to port.

But the Royal Navy was far from beaten, and things were about to turn. Because at this precise moment, as the Japanese strike returned from their attack, the Royal Air Force arrived on the scene. In their desire to knock out the British carriers, the Japanese commander must have forgotten that his carriers were well inside range from Andaman Island. And thus, the attack came as a complete surprise.



FIFTH STRIKE


Day Air attack on TF at 20,31

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 21

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 13
Albacore x 14
Wirraway x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 0-Sen: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar: 8 destroyed
Albacore: 22 destroyed, 5 damaged
Wirraway: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku
BB Hiei
CV Shokaku, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
CVL Shoho, on fire


The Japanese reply was an attempt to finish off the British ships.



SIXTH STRIKE

Day Air attack on TF at 19,31

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 25
D3A x 11
B5N x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N : 6 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Indomitable, on fire, heavy damage
CVL Hermes, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
[/b]


SEVENTH STRIKE

Japanese aircraft
D3A x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Resolution, Bomb hits 4


EIGHT STRIKE

Day Air attack on TF at 19,31

Japanese aircraft
B5N x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N : 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Royal Sovereign, Torpedo hits 1, on fire



As the last Japanese bombers turned away from the Royal Navy ships, the sun was setting in the west, preventing any further air operations. The Battleships formed a protective screen around the HMS Indomitable, in case any surface attack was attempted by the Japs. The Indomitable was in bad condition however, listing heavily to port and with several fires raging inside her. Around 2200 local time, her captain ordered the crew to abandon ship. And two hours later, as the last man was picked up on the HMS Prince of Wales, one of the destroyers put two torpedos in the sinking ship, speeding her way to the bottom.

As the day ended, the battle was summarized on both sides. One British fleet carrier sunk, one damaged. One Japanese fleet carrier hit by two torpedos, with secondary explosions reported, and one light carrier hit by one torpedo. Both carriers burning heavily as they withdrew to the north. The Japanese carrier force had been found consisting of
CVL Shoho, CV Zuikaku and CV Shokaku. It was unknown whether these ships would survive the night, but it was quite clear that they would not be raiding British shipping lines in the Bay of Bengal for quite some time.

As the night lay pitch black around the British fleet, the commanding admiral on the Prince of Wales looked up at the stars and wondered what tomorrow might bring.

[Hortlund]

map

[2ndACR]

Last time I reconned Adaman Island, it was a size 1 airfield. Suddenly to my surprise it was a size 2. All CV's should make port.

I was expecting you to run for home during the night, so I was doing a speed run to get with in range. It was quite a shock to see your fleet 60 miles away. You got lucky though. Most of my Betty's were stood down resting up. I did not want them to launch raids at max distance around Diamond Harbor. I would have loved it much more if all 120 Betty's had launched, but I can live with the results.

Excellent write up.

[Speedysteve]

Excellent write up Panzer.......

[Oliver Heindorf]

Hey Panzerjäger ( correct spelling [;)] ) nice work and VERy intresting reading !

thank you guys ! [&o]

[Hortlund]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/25/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palembang at 20,55

Japanese Ships
DD Arashi
DD Oshio
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Minegumo
DD Isonami
DD Shirayuki
DD Hatsuyuki

Allied Ships
DD Piet Hein, Shell hits 17, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 15
G3M2 x 18
G4M1 x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2: 3 damaged
G4M1: 2 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x G4M1 bombing at 10000 feet
12 x G3M2 bombing at 10000 feet
3 x G3M2 bombing at 10000 feet
3 x G4M1 bombing at 10000 feet
3 x G3M2 bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 100th Chinese Corps, at 42,39

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Shoki x 7
Ki-51 x 26
Ki-46-II Shitei x 1

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 16
I-16c x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 : 13 destroyed, 8 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-153c: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
I-16c: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-51 bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 73,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 28

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 0-Sen: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 26 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVE Hosho, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CVL Zuiho
CVL Ryujo, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Taiyo, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 76,96

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 19
B5N x 41

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 0-Sen: 10 destroyed, 1 damaged
B5N : 18 destroyed, 27 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
BB New Mexico, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
BB Mississippi, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 76,96

Japanese aircraft
B5N x 4

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N : 2 destroyed, 2 damaged


Allied Ships
BB Mississippi, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Hengchow , at 45,37

Japanese aircraft
Ki-46-II Shitei x 1

No Japanese losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bataan

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 72934 troops, 790 guns, 10 vehicles

Defending force 49379 troops, 276 guns, 193 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
175 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Hengchow

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 125763 troops, 1593 guns, 14 vehicles

Defending force 158392 troops, 1089 guns, 76 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
240 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Nanning

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 14204 troops, 174 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 8480 troops, 35 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Yenen

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 174834 troops, 1717 guns, 148 vehicles

Defending force 94677 troops, 635 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
4205 casualties reported
Guns lost 121
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
1875 casualties reported
Guns lost 33


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Yenen

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 47447 troops, 323 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 185732 troops, 1680 guns, 145 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bataan

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3549 troops, 92 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 82464 troops, 790 guns, 10 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Guns lost 1



GAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH

[Hortlund]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/26/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Rabaul, at 61,88 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged

18 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
BB California, Shell hits 3
BB Pennsylvania
BB Oklahoma

Japanese ground losses:
1269 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Rabaul, at 61,88

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2: 3 destroyed, 4 damaged
G4M1: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged
A6M2 0-Sen: 13 destroyed, 7 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Smith
CL Phoenix
CL Raleigh
CA New Orleans
CA Northampton

Japanese ground losses:
1296 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 47

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 60,87

Japanese Ships
DD Oboro
DD Shiratsuyu

Allied Ships
SS S-28, hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 3

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 17

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 2nd Burma Brigade, at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 18
G3M2 x 8
G4M1 x 11
Ki-21-II x 38
Ki-48-II x 18
Ki-46-II Shitei x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1: 1 damaged
Ki-21-II : 13 damaged
Ki-48-II : 2 damaged


Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-48-II bombing at 10000 feet
21 x Ki-21-II bombing at 10000 feet
17 x Ki-21-II bombing at 10000 feet
8 x G3M2 bombing at 10000 feet
11 x G4M1 bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 44th Indian Brigade, at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 6
G3M2 x 4
G4M1 x 6
Ki-21-II x 23
Ki-46-II Shitei x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2: 1 damaged
G4M1: 1 damaged
Ki-21-II : 2 damaged


Allied ground losses:
19 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-21-II bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II bombing at 10000 feet
10 x Ki-21-II bombing at 10000 feet
4 x G3M2 bombing at 10000 feet
6 x G4M1 bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 63,88

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 29

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2
SBD Dauntless x 74

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 0-Sen: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 9 destroyed, 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 27 destroyed, 44 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 3, on fire
BB Kirishima, Bomb hits 6, on fire
CV Akagi, Bomb hits 6
DD Fumizuki, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 62,92

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 21
D3A x 47
B5N x 53

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 18
F4F-4 Wildcat x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 0-Sen: 16 destroyed
D3A: 56 destroyed, 1 damaged
B5N : 39 destroyed, 30 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 8 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CV Enterprise, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CV Lexington, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
1 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 61,88

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 x 3
G4M1 x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
G4M1: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Oklahoma, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G3M2 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 61,88

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1: 2 destroyed, 15 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Pennsylvania, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
BB Oklahoma, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB California, Torpedo hits 4, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 62,93

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CA New Orleans

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Hengchow , at 45,37

Japanese aircraft
Ki-46-II Shitei x 1

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Hengchow , at 45,37

Japanese aircraft
C5M Karigane x 1

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 63,88

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 10

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 0-Sen: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 14 destroyed, 10 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 62,92

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 8
D3A x 4

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A: 9 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Lexington, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 61,88

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 x 3

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 61,88

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1: 2 destroyed, 9 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Pennsylvania, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB California, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 136,47

Japanese Ships
SS I-9

Allied Ships
DMS Perry
DMS Wasmuth
DD Waters
DD O'Brien

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Rabaul at 61,88

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
BB Yamato
BB Fuso
CA Kako
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Oboro
DD Wakatake
DD Kuretake
DD Sanae

Allied Ships
DD Worden, Shell hits 7, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Rabaul at 61,88


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
OS2U-3 Kingfisher: 9 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 1
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 2
BB Yamato, Shell hits 3
BB Fuso, Shell hits 1
CA Kako, Shell hits 2
DD Shiratsuyu, Shell hits 3
DD Oboro
DD Wakatake, Shell hits 1
DD Kuretake
DD Sanae

Allied Ships
BB Pennsylvania, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
BB California, Shell hits 50, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Preston, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bataan

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 73247 troops, 799 guns, 11 vehicles

Defending force 48790 troops, 269 guns, 192 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
321 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Hengchow

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 125981 troops, 1598 guns, 14 vehicles

Defending force 158545 troops, 1092 guns, 77 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
532 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Nanning

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 14232 troops, 175 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 8449 troops, 35 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Yenen

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 180993 troops, 1697 guns, 3 vehicles

Defending force 92790 troops, 598 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
84 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 52,30

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 14872 troops, 182 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2858 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 322 to 1



Allied ground losses:
56 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Yenen

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 47652 troops, 331 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 186583 troops, 1697 guns, 146 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bataan

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3437 troops, 86 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 82851 troops, 799 guns, 11 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported









AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/27/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 136,47

Japanese Ships
SS I-9, hits 1

Allied Ships
MSW Ungava
MSW Nipigon
PG Dawson

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 1st Burma Brigade, at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 18
G3M2 x 11
G4M1 x 6
Ki-21-II x 8
Ki-48-II x 15
Ki-46-II Shitei x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2: 2 damaged
Ki-48-II : 3 damaged


Allied ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-48-II bombing at 10000 feet
8 x Ki-21-II bombing at 10000 feet
11 x G3M2 bombing at 10000 feet
6 x G4M1 bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 2nd Burma Brigade, at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 10
Ki-48-II x 9
Ki-49 Donryu x 3
Ki-46-II Shitei x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-II : 2 damaged
Ki-49 Donryu: 1 damaged
Ki-46-II Shitei: 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
23 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-48-II bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Donryu bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 13th Indian Brigade, at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 6
G3M2 x 3
G4M1 x 4
Ki-21-II x 18
Ki-48-II x 10
Ki-46-II Shitei x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-II : 4 damaged
Ki-48-II : 2 damaged


Allied ground losses:
24 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-21-II bombing at 10000 feet
10 x Ki-48-II bombing at 10000 feet
5 x Ki-21-II bombing at 10000 feet
7 x Ki-21-II bombing at 10000 feet
3 x G3M2 bombing at 10000 feet
4 x G4M1 bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 16th Indian Brigade, at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 21
Ki-48-II x 6
Ki-46-II Shitei x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-II : 3 damaged


Allied ground losses:
2 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-48-II bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 61,88

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 7

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 0-Sen: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 4 destroyed, 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 68,89


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 27


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 2 destroyed, 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVE Taiyo
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CVE Hosho, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 71,91


Allied aircraft
TBD Devastator x 15


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 70,93

Japanese aircraft
B5N x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N : 10 destroyed


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Hengchow , at 45,37

Japanese aircraft
Ki-46-II Shitei x 1

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Hengchow , at 45,37

Japanese aircraft
C5M Karigane x 1

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 61,88

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 0-Sen x 7

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 7

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CV Kaga, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Batavia at 19,59

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 x 51

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1: 5 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Sumatra, Torpedo hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 136,50

Japanese Ships
SS I-18

Allied Ships
AK Willimoto, Torpedo hits 1
DD Case


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bataan

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 73588 troops, 803 guns, 11 vehicles

Defending force 48043 troops, 268 guns, 193 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
145 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Hengchow

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 126168 troops, 1599 guns, 14 vehicles

Defending force 158208 troops, 1096 guns, 77 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
300 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Nanning

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 14292 troops, 175 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 8418 troops, 35 guns, 0 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Yenen

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 181883 troops, 1713 guns, 5 vehicles

Defending force 93123 troops, 610 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Yenen

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 47869 troops, 337 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 187493 troops, 1713 guns, 148 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
59 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bataan

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3387 troops, 85 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 111132 troops, 1044 guns, 206 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

[Hortlund]

Some very heavy carrier battles going on in the Solomons right now.

For a week or so I had been setting up a raid on Rabaul. The idea was to have two surface taskforces bombard Rabaul to kill off the Bettys there, and maybe catch some APs. So one taskforce with 3 BBs and 2 DDs took position to the south, and one with 2 CAs and 2CLs took position to the southwest of Rabaul. They were covered by a 3 CV taskforce under Halsey.

Meanwhile I had two large convoys coming into the Noumea-Gudalcanal area (exact location classified). Each convoy was escorted by a CV, and each convoy was carrying at least one infantry division. The Japs spotted one of these convoys, and apparently Tojo decided to go after it. I dont think he knew what it was.

Anyway, that is what happened on the 25th of February. A Japanese taskforce of 2 CVEs and 2 CVLs attacked the first convoy. In that exchange, the Yorktown was sunk. But it was a heroic death, since she saved the 10-15 APs that were in the same hex. If the Japs had gone after the transports instead, I would have lost an entire infantry division.

Meanwhile, my BB Taskforce screwed things up at Rabaul. I dont know if it was a bug, or if I accidentaly had clicked off mission speed and clicked on do not retire, because my BBs approached to within 2 hexes of Rabaul on the 25th. They were spotted.

I decided to press on, because I had my CV taskforce on top of things.

So we move in and bombard Rabaul. Well, the Cruisers made it in and out alright. The BBs decided to hover in the target hex though...smart. First they were caught by Betties from Truk, that sunk the Oklahoma. Then the remaining two ran into the mother of all BB taskforces...led by the Yamato no less...*sigh*

Then a new Japanese CV taskforce approaches from the west. In the CV battle, the Kaga and the Agaki are hit several times by Dauntlesses from Saratoga, Enterprise and Lexington. The Japanese counterstrike lands solid torpedo hits on all US carriers.

That was on the 26th.

On the 27th, the carriers are limping south, away from Rabaul. Meanwhile, the Hornet has taken up the chase with the Japanese CVLs and CVEs, and while the Dauntlesses from Honrnet hit the CVL Zuiho and the CVE Hosho, the TBDs launch a separate strike and manage to sink the Ryujo.

Now, we will soon find out what happens on the 28th... The Hornet is going into harms way, because those light Japanese carriers are damaged and without airunits, and it is simply too big a prize not to go after. We must be careful not to venture into Betty-range though. And Im guessing that there is another Jap CV steaming into the area at flank speed. I think the Agaki is coming out (she was in Rabaul on the 27th together with Kaga), because she wasnt hit that bad in the strikes on the 26th.

General Quarters!

[2ndACR]

I see Panzer beat me to it. When I first spotted his transport TF, they were just passing Tarawa. My baby KB had been hovering in the area up UNTIL 2 days prior to spotting this TF waiting on Panzer to do another one of his bombardments against Tarawa. Baby KB had been returning to Truk for minor repairs when what do I see sail by, but a great big 'ol juicy convoy. I gave the orders to go to full speed and mix it up.

Imagine my surprise when I see "TF reacts to enemy CV". I was bugged eyed and cursing up a blue streak. I started praying that my babies would go after the CV and not the transports. They did to great effect. Scratch one flattop.

Up at Rabual, the previous turn I had ordered an attack on Port Morseby's air fields to try and kill some B17's that have been raiding me. Needless to say, Panzer decides at that exact moment to come a calling. I spotted his Bombardment TF 2 hexes away from Rabaul when the turn ended.

The next day, I ordered a surface combat TF lead by Yamato to sail at full speed for Rabaul to intercept him. At the same time Carrier Division 1 was also ordered to full speed to head for the area. The next thought that went through my mind was "OMFG Look at all them ship". A furious carrier battle ensued. Luckily, my CV's were at Panzer's extreme range and he could only heft 500lber's. I on the other hand was able to heft in some torpedos.

Now we see if Panzer wants to continue north in pursuit of my remaining baby KB force with Hornet. If he does, he will pay a hefty price for that move. Right now he is at the extreme range of my Betty's in Truk. Come a little closer, come on, come on you know you want too.

[anarchyintheuk]

Glad you guys are back at this one.

[2ndACR]

At least until I leave. This hurry up and wait crap is going to kill me.[:@]

The game will start slowing down now, after the last 3-4 days of CV battles, our fleets are just too banged up. Panzer lost 1 CV and had 3 other fleet CV's banged up. I lost a CVL, Kaga got banged up, 2 baby flat tops banged up.

Shokaku will be out for the better part of a year, banged up from her Indian ocean battle.
Soryu will be out for at least 3 more months after her PT boat encounter[:@], Kaga will be out for at least 6 months, CVL's Shoho out for 2 months. I have been really lucky so far, with some of the risks I have taken with my CV's. I have had low losses to my air crews, have not lost a heavy CV yet.

I have to decide what to do about Lunga. Panzer is rapidly building it up, it is now size 3 with heavy CAP. I do not have the CV strength to suppress him for a landing, plus I bet he has the 2nd Marine division there. Bataan hopefully will fall in the next 2-3 turns and then those units will have to recover for a month or so. Java will have to be secured soon also.

I am slowly moving on Rangoon for another go at it, this time it will not be 2 tired division against his 50,000+ troops there for him to throw back. Once again Rangoon is turning into a fighter meat grinder as Panzer has once again moved heavy fighter units there. Damn those Hurricanes.[:@] For all of you playing a Lemurs mod, beware the evil Hurricanes. They can and will stand toe to toe with Zeros.

Panzer has been doing some weird things around Java. The last couple of turns, he has had surface ships attacked by Betties near Batvia and a tanker and DD got slapped around heading for Darwin. I just can not figure out what he is doing playing around with surface ships that close to my air cover. But I will take the easy kills any way I can get them. Also no CAP was up over Batvia and that is even more confusing.

[CatLord]

Good work guys... I wouldn't have thought there would be that much CV combats that early ! [X(]

Cat

[2ndACR]

Just depends on how aggressive the 2 players are. I think me an Panzer are quite aggressive once we have an idea of what the other has around an area.

[Hortlund]

Yeah, I'll agree to that.

But there has only been two "real" carrier battles so far. The one in the Indian Ocean, and this one in late February.

In the first one I was pretty much forced to act. The alternative would have been to let 2ndACR go up and down the Indian coast, killing every ship at anchor. I lost two british carriers, but I managed to damage his carriers enough to keep them out of the action for 6-12 months. Technically he won the battle, but I bought important time in the Indian Ocean.

In the second one, I was not really expecting him to come out like that. I just wanted to raid Rabaul becauseits a bad strategy to just sit back and let the Japs consolidate their holdings "for free", it is much better to probe him constantly and force him to keep his airforce and his navy on their toes. Just as long as you dont risk your own assets. I honestly dont think he knew I had that CV taskforce there, I dont think he willingly would send two Jap fleet carriers against three US fleet carriers. So that one was hardly planned by either of us. The fact that I lost 3 BBs is either due to a command error or a bug, both alternatives are equally frustrating. My only consolidation is that it was 3 BBs from Battleship row, so I shouldnt really have them anyway.

Then that other carrier battle where I lost the Yorktown...that wasnt a carrier battle at all really. He sent his light carriers to intercept a convoy that happened to have a CV escort. I think we were equally surprised both.