Scen 17 pbem. An attempt to capture New Caledonia.

PzB74 · Post by **PzB74** » Mon Apr 12, 2004 12:27 pm

This is my highest scoring Daitai: 140 kills is quite impressive, but the highest scoring living ace
only got 5 though.... Not many of the 99 skill 'experten' left!
Lcdr Inano is one, and with 82 leadership and 88 inspiration, he is one of the best Daitai commanders I've ever seen in UV

PzB74 · Post by **PzB74** » Fri Apr 16, 2004 2:01 am

Been a few quiet days! Finally managed to 'release' my barges, had to divert a transport to Rabaul. Would not work at Shortland even though it is a barge hub.

Heavies raids Lunga again, I loose a dozen fighters - mostly on the ground. Base is closed for another day, but 12 Allied ac are also lost, including 8 heavies, 2 mediums and 2 P38's. Nicks still get off the ground to pound barges [:)]

I'm expecting an effort to reinforce Irau now after heavy raids against the bases above Irau. Will prepare the level bombers and alert the navy.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/14/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
A6M3 Zero x 8
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 25

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 11
B-17E Fortress x 90

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 10 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 15 damaged

FO E. Degraffenreid of 433rd FS is credited with kill number 3

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 346
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 62

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 28th Regiment, at 42,43

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 67

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 101

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 28th Regiment, at 42,43

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 17
PB4Y Liberator x 43

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 35

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
6 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
9 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Buna at 12,38

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 9

no losses

Japanese Ships
CL Isuzu

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

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 24

no losses

Allied Ships
LCM 8/2ESB, Shell hits 20, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 4/2ESB, Shell hits 24, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCM 9/2ESB, Shell hits 8, on fire

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

PzB74 · Post by **PzB74** » Sun Apr 18, 2004 3:44 pm

No convoys appeared of Irau - but the eternal stream of barges!
Heavies continues to hammer Lunga, loosing 5-10 ac each time and destroying a similar number of fighters on the ground. Field is usually closed for 1-2 days, depending on the severity of the attacks - then my engineers opens it for business again.
Mediums strike the besieged garrison at Irau, but are still taking casualties from flak. (Flak means Flieger Abwehr Kanonen for those of you that didn't know...a German WWII abbreviation that turned into a global 'hit')

Small convoys have brought supplies to Lae, Buna, Gili Gili and Port Moresby. It's not very economic to let supplies travel from Lae/Buna -> PM.
I've built up the forts at these bases and maintained the garrisons, but I don't think much will happen in this theater. There's simply not enough time, but I'm not
opening the doors for potential invasion armadas either!

An Escort carrier and a seaplane tender have been up and down from Truk->Rabaul/Shortland, bringing in new Tony Daitais and Rufe replacement ac. It's difficult to get
these reinforcements where they belong since transports can't load em.

Another positive development is that my search and float planes have started attacking subs on a much bigger scale than have been seen for quite some time.
This helps me track down subs and evade them - it also depletes fuel and forces them to return to base much sooner.

I'm just able to keep average pilot exp between 50-60 by rotation and training. The Oscar II is actually a great asset: it got long range and decent aramament, and I find it an improvement over the Zero actually. Even though I have 108 Tony's, I don't use them much: their short range doesn't make them suitable for the long range missions in the South Pacific.

If I'm not mistaken, Mike may be able to gather 3 fleet carriers: The Intrepid, Bunker Hill + one I damaged severly over a year ago. These are formidable ships, and the Kido Butai will most likely shoot its bolt taking them on. Hopefully Pearl don't want to loose anymore cv's [8D]
Not very happy about the brass in Tokyo though: Only gave me 2 old Kongo's to play with, and I've not lost a single battleship in this campaign [:(]
A fleet consisting of 9 dd's, 4 ca's and the Yamatos is what I'm dreaming of! [&o]

PzB74 · Post by **PzB74** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 9:04 am

Fast transports and surface tf's at Irau! 20 P38's flew LR-CAP and got involved in fierce
air to air combat! 20 Jap ac and 19 P38's goes down - happy about that.
An additional 8 op losses and 25 flak victimes ain't so funny. My low level bombers
get shredded when they try to attack. Future attacks will be carried out from higher
altitudeds, they don't hit anything anyway [:'(]

Keeping the number of "twin tailed devils" low is a good thing though!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/20/43

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack at 40,40

Allied Ships
SS S-45

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28
A6M3 Zero x 13
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 24
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 8

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 13 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 3 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 6 damaged

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

CPO K. Muto of F1/3rd Daitai is KILLED

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 24
Ki-21 Sally x 13

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 6 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 12 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 4 damaged

1LT C. Ray of 433rd FS is credited with kill number 7

1LT C. Wooley of 433rd FS is KILLED

Allied Ships
CL Mobile
DD Braine
CLAA Reno
CLAA Atlanta

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x Ki-21 Sally at 5000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 5000 feet
1 x Ki-21 Sally at 5000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Rennell Island at 38,45

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 21

no losses

Japanese Ships
AG 368, Shell hits 12
AG 367, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 363, Shell hits 36, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 373, Shell hits 20, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Rennell Island at 38,45

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 3

no losses

Japanese Ships
AG 2052, Shell hits 4

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M3 Zero x 11
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 15
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 damaged

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

CPT L. Kirsch of 8th FS is credited with kill number 3

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 12
Ki-21 Sally x 9

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 6 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 3 damaged

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

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

Allied Ships
DD Foote
CLAA Atlanta
DD Terry

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x Ki-21 Sally at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 5000 feet
0 x Ki-21 Sally at 5000 feet

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

PzB74 · Post by **PzB74** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 12:28 pm

Observing US tf's arriving at Irau, a two pronged plan was executed:

Phase 1.

Perfect flying weather see almost all my level bombers takes of to bomb
and torpedo the fleets of Irau. Losses are heavy, more than 80 planes lost,
mostly to deadly flak, but P38's also claim many victims.

Claa Heemskerck is sunk, the light cruisers Cleveland and battleship
Massachusetts are torpedoed. In addition a dms is heavily damaged together
with a several transports.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/21/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 40,42

Japanese Ships
AG 5067, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Trout

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
A6M3 Zero x 14
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 23
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 11

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed

2LT D. Germain of 432nd FS is credited with kill number 8

LTJG F.Chono of AII-1 Daitai is KILLED

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 19

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen x 1 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen x 13 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Neville
CLAA Van Heemskerck
CA Baltimore

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen at 10000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 10000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 10000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 9
G3M Nell x 18
G4M1 Betty x 34

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 14 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 6 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 14 damaged

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

2LT G. Portmore of 432nd FS is credited with kill number 4

Allied Ships
CLAA Van Heemskerck, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Claxton
AP Cambria
DD Daly
AP McCawley
AP Elmore, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCI 61, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Beale
LCI 64

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 7

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43
Nicks ravage the cruisers at a high cost to themselves!

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 19

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 9 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 11 damaged

2LT R. Greene of 432nd FS is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
CLAA Atlanta, Shell hits 20, Bomb hits 2
CL Cleveland, Shell hits 4
CLAA Oakland, Shell hits 8
CLAA Reno, Shell hits 8

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
Ki-21 Sally x 21

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed

2LT D. Germain of 432nd FS is credited with kill number 9

2LT G. Mcmurry of 432nd FS bails out and is CAPTURED

Allied Ships
DD Strong
DD Braine
CLAA Reno
DD Philip
DD Thatcher
BB Nevada

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 10000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 10000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 10000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally at 10000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 10000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 33
G3M Nell x 8
G4M1 Betty x 29

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 3 destroyed
G3M Nell x 5 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 6 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 23 damaged

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

WO D.Kamisaka of F1/252nd Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
BB Nevada
BB Massachusetts, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DMS Long
DD Renshaw
DD Philip
CL Cleveland, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Rennell Island at 38,45

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 23

no losses

Japanese Ships
AG 5031, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 5091, Shell hits 16, on fire
AG 5071, Shell hits 28, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 5068, Shell hits 8, on fire
AG 5032, Shell hits 20, on fire

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
Ki-49 Helen x 5

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
LCI 68
CLAA Van Heemskerck, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 10000 feet
1 x Ki-49 Helen at 10000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3 Zero x 11
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 20
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 8

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 4 damaged

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

Allied Ships
CLAA Oakland, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1
DMS Hamilton, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 3

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed

FO D.Kraemer of 432nd FS is credited with kill number 5

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
Ki-21 Sally x 16
Ki-49 Helen x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 1 damaged

1LT O.Evans of 432nd FS is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
BB Nevada
CL Mobile
CL Cleveland, on fire
BB Massachusetts, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Ki-49 Helen at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 10000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 10000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 10000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 10000 feet
1 x Ki-21 Sally at 10000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 10000 feet

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

LCDR M.Harada of 7th Sentai bails out and is RESCUED
Japanese Ships
AG 2081, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Trout, Shell hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 80
Guns lost 1

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

To be continued.....

PzB74 · Post by **PzB74** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 12:46 pm

Phase 2.

At the same time as the airforce ravaged the fleet (and themselves) of Irau, the Kido Butai sortied
together with a battlefleet consisting of the Kongo and the Haruna, 2 cl's and 11 destroyers.

The plan is to intervene the day after the bombers and their escorts have hurt the fleet and weakened
P38 LR CAP. Weather is awful, but the plan is still executed to take advantage of the sacrifice made by the air force.

Some sly ba$tard had mined all the shallow water hexes leading out from Shortland, and only frantic work by minesweeper saw the fleet safely through. Then a sub almost ruined my day by attempting to torpedo the seaplane tender Chitose, again a close escape.

Tanaka is not close enough to engage the enemy off Irau during the night, so a bold daylight action is ordered.
This time to take advantage of the expected chaos created by Nagumos strike.

The morning sees little action as bad weather prevents attacks from being made, but as is usual in the Pacific, weather suddenly clears and reveals a fleet ripe for picking! US battleships (including the damaged Massachusetts) bombarded Irau during the night and headed home, leaving the now almost empty transports alone to face the combined juggernaut of the IJN and IJA.

The single biggest strike since Pearl Harbour materialize as Nagumo launch most of his strike planes, supported by a pletoria of aircraft from Lunga. A total of 360 aircraft sweeps through the P38's on CAP, though not without taking losses,
hitting a total of 12 ships, including the heavy cruiser Baltimore. Bomber losses are low.

As the Kido Butai land the strike planes, Tanaka engages the remains of the convoy from 25000 yards. The elite crews of the Kongo and Haruna scores several 14" hits, and the already damaged cruiser soon slips beneath the waves. 2 destroyers are also hit before Tanaka retires. I forgot to mention that several torpedoes were launched from 22000 yards, they didn't hit - but this is the longest distance I've seen torpedoes been launched from in UV!

The US battleships Masschusetts and Nevada escapes, but that also limits my own losses. Keeping the invading army at San Cristobal in supply will continue to be a risky business.

The sight of 360 approaching aircraft will most likely not be quickly forgotten by some old scheming crock down in New Zealand [;)]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/22/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Naval bombardment of Irau, at 42,43

Allied Ships
DD Conway, Shell hits 1, on fire

Runway hits 2
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

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

Japanese Ships
CS Chitose
CV Hiryu
CV Hiyo
CVL Ryujo

Allied Ships
SS Seadragon

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

Japanese Ships
AG 5069, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Argonaut

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 37

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 8

no losses

Allied Ships
LCVP 7/2ESB, Shell hits 8
LCVP 8/2ESB, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 8
A6M2 Zero x 86
A6M3 Zero x 53
D3A Val x 125
D4Y Judy x 15
A6M5-B Zeke x 4
B5N Kate x 47
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 21
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 8

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 13 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 4 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 2 damaged
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 damaged
D4Y Judy x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 8 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 5 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 6 damaged

1LT K.Kraemer of 432nd FS is credited with kill number 9

1LT U.Jenkins of 432nd FS is KILLED

Allied Ships
DD Claxton, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Cambria, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CA Baltimore, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 17, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCI 66
LCI 222, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP McCawley, Torpedo hits 1
DMS Hopkins
MSW Sage, Bomb hits 1, on fire
LCI 223
LCI 68, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Cairns, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Feland, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
LCI 342
AP Elmore, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Beale, Bomb hits 1
DD Waller, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage

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

1LT W.Daigo of 11th Sentai bails out and is RESCUED
Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CL Nagara
CL Tama
DD Akitsuki
DD Terusuki
DD Yugumo
DD Akigumo
DD Yamagumo
DD Samidare
DD Yamakaze
DD Murakumo
DD Uranami
DD Yukaze
DD Tachikaze

Allied Ships
LCVP 29/2ESB, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
LCVP 32/2ESB, Shell hits 2, and is sunk

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

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CL Nagara
CL Tama
DD Akitsuki
DD Terusuki
DD Yugumo
DD Akigumo
DD Yamagumo
DD Samidare
DD Yamakaze
DD Murakumo
DD Uranami
DD Yukaze
DD Tachikaze

Allied Ships
CA Baltimore, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
DD Waller, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Claxton, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Beale
DMS Hopkins
MSW Cairns, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Launceton
MSW Wollongong
MSW Sage, on fire
AP McCawley
AP Neville
AP Feland, on fire, heavy damage
AP Elmore, on fire, heavy damage
AP Cambria, on fire, heavy damage
LSD Carter Hall
LCI 64
LCI 66
LCI 70
LCI 223
LCI 341
LCI 342

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

PzB74 · Post by **PzB74** » Tue Apr 20, 2004 4:06 am

Not much happening today, Tanaka retired and the Kido Butai left the cripples to fend for themselves.
Bab weather, subs and untrained pilots didn't promote a follow up strike.

A few Sally bombers take off and hits a transport though, and one of Tanakas destroyers hits a mine.
Mines everywhere now!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/23/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 40,40

Allied Ships
SS S-45

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

Japanese Ships
AG 2051, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-45

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 46

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 18

no losses

Allied Ships
MSW Sage, on fire, heavy damage
AP Cambria, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Feland, on fire, heavy damage
AP Elmore, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 10000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 10000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 10000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 30
G3M Nell x 3

no losses

Allied Ships
MSW Cairns, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

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

PzB74 · Post by **PzB74** » Wed Apr 21, 2004 2:40 am

I've watched as a steady stream of troop convoys have trickled into Irau - and that's
not mine! Today a renewed attack was launched, and tension rose as I discovered that there are now more
infidels than Japanese soldiers on the island!! But the attack was repulsed - again with heavy
losses, and the forts are still up [:D]

Need another 1-2 fresh divisions Mike [8D]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/24/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 13 - The Nicks are still at large, though somewhat depleted in numbers. I receive 5!!! of these ac
each month. Barely enough to cover op losses....

no losses

Allied Ships
LCM 2/2ESB, Shell hits 24, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 44,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 4
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 14
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 12

no losses

Allied Ships
AP Feland, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

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

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 47313 troops, 560 guns, 254 vehicles

Defending force 46657 troops, 530 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 6)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 380
Guns lost 5

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 835
Guns lost 2

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

PzB74 · Post by **PzB74** » Thu Apr 22, 2004 8:23 am

Decided to deliver a load of supplies to Irau, and since that isn't exactly
easy - most of the fleet had to protect the transports.

More than a 100 medium bombers attacked shipping, and didn't score a single
hit! The biggest wave contained 81 B25s - and they attacked my battleships from 5000 ft.
The Hudsons and Bostons suffered worst though.

My biggest losses occured when 15 Kates decided to strike shipping of Irau.
I had stood down all bombers - but obviously this unit had only just been transfered
to one of the carriers, and didn't get the order. Cost me 20 odd planes, but totals
for todays fighting showed 38 US ac lost to 42 Japanese. 22 from both sides in air-air combat.

It's obvious that my roster now consists of many rookies + quite a few elite pilots.
In some engagements many Thunderbolts falls victim to the Zero, but mostly my newbies
gets hurt.

Liberators hits Lunga en masse again, this is ok since that's what I wanted when I moved
base forces back in. Most of the heavies now pound Lunga twice a week, while the mediums
harass Irau.

Tomorrow forecasts predict rain, and I had to make a difficult decisions. Should the KB stand
like a defensive buffer against intervention at Irau, or should I ready the bombers?
My decision should be obvious tomorrow.....Can't tell Mike too much!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/26/43

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack at 42,44

Japanese Ships
AP Teiyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-39

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 42,44

Japanese Ships
AP Hirokawa Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-39

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 42,44

Allied Ships
SS S-39

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 1
B-24D Liberator x 68

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged
E13A1 Jake x 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 334
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 82

Attacking Level Bombers:
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
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
7 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
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
A6M3 Zero x 28
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
A-20G Boston x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Boston x 2 destroyed
A-20G Boston x 1 damaged

CPT B.Kabase of 24th Sentai is credited with kill number 4

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
A6M3 Zero x 28
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 10

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 7 destroyed
Hudson x 4 damaged

LTJG M.Chono of F1/253rd Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
AP Hirokawa Maru
AP Nako Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 1000 feet
1 x Hudson at 1000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3 Zero x 20
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 22

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
AP Oigawa Maru
AP Reiyo Maru
AP Hirokawa Maru
AP Nako Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
A6M3 Zero x 28
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 18

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 destroyed
B-25J Mitchell x 5 damaged

LTJG T.Kurakane of F2/253rd Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
AP Shozan Maru
AP Tokyo Maru
AP Toa Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
A6M3 Zero x 28
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
P-47C Thunderbolt x 15
A-20G Boston x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-47C Thunderbolt x 3 destroyed
P-47C Thunderbolt x 2 damaged
A-20G Boston x 2 destroyed
A-20G Boston x 4 damaged

FO R. Gibb of 342nd FS is credited with kill number 3

CPT R.Hunter of 342nd FS bails out and is CAPTURED

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
A6M3 Zero x 11
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
Hudson x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Hudson at 1000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M3 Zero x 7
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 81 = 81 misses [:)]

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

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 17 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
BB Kongo
CL Tama
DD Samidare
DD Akitsuki

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 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 TF, near Nevea at 50,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 70
A6M3 Zero x 29
B5N Kate x 14

Allied aircraft
P-47C Thunderbolt x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 11 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 9 destroyed
B5N Kate x 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-47C Thunderbolt x 1 destroyed

FO R. Sutcliffe of 342nd FS is credited with kill number 3

LCDR S.Fujita of AI-3 Daitai bails out and is CAPTURED

Allied Ships
DD Braine
CLAA Reno

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
A6M3 Zero x 15

Allied aircraft
P-47C Thunderbolt x 9
A-20G Boston x 3

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

Allied aircraft losses
P-47C Thunderbolt x 1 destroyed
P-47C Thunderbolt x 1 damaged

2LT U.Gregor of 342nd FS is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
DD Akigumo

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
A6M3 Zero x 10

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 3 destroyed

CPO N.Sakai of F1/253rd Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo

Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x Hudson at 1000 feet

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

PzB74 · Post by **PzB74** » Thu Apr 22, 2004 1:52 pm

Interesting day! Mike sent in the rest of his operational surface fleet to interdict my transport convoys of Irau.
The Kongo & Haruna + 1 cl and 10 destroyers under the command of Tanaka acted as cover and engaged the Nevada, 3 anti aircraft cruisers, 1 large cl and 13 destroyers.

Tanaka achieved surprise and opened fire first, devastating the Nevada with numerous 14" shells at short range. Not a single one of the US battleship big rounds hit back. 5 US destroyers were torpedoed and one claa heavily damaged by 14" shells. 7 US ships were heavily damaged in all, 2 dds sank outright. Only 3 Japanese ships were heavily damaged, though not critically.

A stubborn US commander drove through the smaller Japanese fleet and engaged one of the transport fleets.
The escorting light cruiser and destroyer were both sunk, but only after torpedoing one US destroyer. 3 transports were sunk or damaged, but the troops were all ashore.

Next time the Marines attack, they'll see what Santa brought to Irau [:D]

The day could very well end there, but US surface forces are really the least of all evils.
Subs torpedoed 2 transports before an enourmous air armada attacked the Japanese ships off Irau.
Dive bombers, torpedo bombers, medium and heavy bombers all pounded both the warships and transports, landing several hits. Both my battleships received a torpedo each, taking damage up into their upper teens.
(Can't you damage my ships more decisively in the future Mike!! Now they're too healthy to send home and to damaged to send into battle [:'(])

I'm afraid the vultures will feed on several of my damaged destroyers and transports in the days to come, but I still consider the day a good one! US surface forces were given another uppercut and US ac losses were nearly twice as high as mine! 18-32 as far as I can remember. Troops and supplies are ashore, and the forts are being reinforced.
More time has been bought!

You may have noticed the absence of the Kido Butai: It was on defensive duty north of Irau, providing LR CAP for the fleets. I didn't find it worthwhile to launch airstrikes without proper escort.... Think that was a wise decision based on the stream of attacking bombers that arrived today, all in all 295 Allied bombers attacked and scored 24 bomb and 2 torpedo hits. (US Liberators were extremely efficient against the slow transports and scored 16 hits on 4 ships in a single attack, meaning that the remaining 268 bombers only scored 8 hits!!)

Tomorrow will most likely see the combatants retreating, meaning more massive airstrikes on my remaining transports and cripples...then the subs will claim their usual kills [:(]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/27/43

Weather: Rain

Sub attack near Irau at 42,43

Allied Ships
SS Triton

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

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 6
BB Haruna, Shell hits 27
CL Tama, Shell hits 12
DD Akitsuki, Shell hits 22, on fire
DD Yugumo, Shell hits 1
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Samidare, Shell hits 2
DD Yamakaze, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Murakumo, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Uranami, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yukaze
DD Tachikaze, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
BB Nevada, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
CLAA Atlanta, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
CLAA Reno, Shell hits 8
CL Mobile, Shell hits 9
DD Strong, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Foote
DD Thatcher, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Wadsworth, Shell hits 2
DD Daly, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Luce, Shell hits 17, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Aulick
DD Braine
DD Renshaw
DD Terry
DD Philip, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Eaton, Shell hits 2
DD Mugford

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

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara, Shell hits 71, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Terusuki, Shell hits 39, and is sunk
AP Taganoura Maru
AP Nichiryu Maru, Shell hits 35, and is sunk
AP Kiri Maru, Shell hits 47, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kaito Maru
AP Kenshin Maru
AP Mikage Maru #20
AP Naniwa Maru
AP Shirogane Maru, Shell hits 31, and is sunk
AP Tenzan Maru
AP Yoshinogawa Maru

Allied Ships
BB Nevada, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CLAA Atlanta, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CLAA Reno, Shell hits 1
CL Mobile
DD Foote, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Thatcher, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Wadsworth, Shell hits 1
DD Daly, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Luce, on fire, heavy damage
DD Aulick
DD Braine
DD Renshaw
DD Terry
DD Philip, on fire, heavy damage
DD Eaton
DD Mugford

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

Japanese Ships
AP Yoshinogawa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Triton

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

Japanese Ships
AP Tenzan Maru, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Amberjack, Shell hits 12

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

Allied Ships
SS Triton

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 50
A6M3 Zero x 13
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 10

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 49

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Nako Maru
AP Hirokawa Maru
AP Reiyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Oigawa Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 50
A6M3 Zero x 13
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 10

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 6

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 2 damaged

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 50
A6M3 Zero x 13
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 10

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 15
TBF Avenger x 28
Beaufort x 16
P-38G Lightning x 24
P-47C Thunderbolt x 9
A-20G Havoc x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 5 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 4 damaged
TBF Avenger x 4 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 12 damaged
Beaufort x 1 destroyed
Beaufort x 4 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 3 damaged
A-20G Havoc x 1 destroyed
A-20G Havoc x 2 damaged

CPO O.Inano of F1/3rd Daitai is credited with kill number 7

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Yukaze
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL Tama, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Murakumo, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
2 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
4 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
4 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 42

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 destroyed
B-25J Mitchell x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Yamakaze, on fire, heavy damage
BB Haruna, on fire
BB Kongo, on fire
DD Akitsuki, on fire, heavy damage
DD Uranami, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Tama, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 37
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 6

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
AG 2067
AG 2068

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 41,44

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 14

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Naniwa Maru
AP Mikage Maru #20
AP Kenshin Maru

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 43
A6M3 Zero x 11
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 40

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Reiyo Maru, on fire
AP Meiten Maru
AP Hirokawa Maru, Bomb hits 2
AP Nako Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Meiten Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Hirokawa Maru, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AP Oigawa Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Reiyo Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
2 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 43
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 6

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Tokyo Maru
AP Teiyo Maru, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 43
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 38

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, on fire
DD Yamakaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
BB Kongo, on fire
CL Tama, on fire, heavy damage
DD Murakumo, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Tama, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet

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

Crocky · Post by **Crocky** » Thu Apr 22, 2004 8:00 pm

Agonised long and hard over wether to commit the remainder of my surface fleet to this action in the long run decided I had to take some positive action [:(] cant let him land to many fresh troops and supplies without at least trying to stop him ...... already suspected the result unfortunately was right

What now Pearl needs to release the remainder of my carriers and what surface forces are left for one more major push until that happens I may be restricted to bombing raids and sub attacks.

PzB74 · Post by **PzB74** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 2:39 am

Well, I don't feel Mike has started to restrict himself quite yet.....
Seems like the Bunker Hill has been released, cause a cv and cvl launched strikes against my cripples today!
3 heavily damaged destroyers are hammered and sinks, while Liberators continue their amazingly accurate level
bombing of transports. This time 3-4 of Lunga are hit!

Another event took place today: A US size 1 af base popped up at KiraKira! Now this was expected and I will have to
live with it. Last time I tried to operate from a size 1 field, the planes refused to do anything but fly CAP - let's hope
this will be the case this time as well. Should take another good month to get build it into a size 2 field.

Will attach a sit rep picture at the end of the report...

Ordered a bombardment attack at Irau tomorrow to 'show off' before my supplies yet again are bombed
into nothingness!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/28/43

Weather: Clear

Sub attack near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
AP Nako Maru, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS Triton

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M3 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Shoan Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M3 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 36

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Hinko Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP Sangetsu Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Sakido Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shoan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 41,44

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 5
SBD Dauntless x 18

no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Murakumo, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yamakaze, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Uranami, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 41,44

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 12
SBD Dauntless x 18
TBF Avenger x 15

no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Murakumo, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yamakaze, on fire, heavy damage
DD Uranami, on fire, heavy damage

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 18

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 14
F4U-1 Corsair x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 damaged

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 26
SBD Dauntless x 17
TBF Avenger x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
AP Nako Maru, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M3 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 12

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Sakido Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hinko Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shoan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M3 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 10

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Shoan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Sakido Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hinko Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M3 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 33

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Sakido Maru, Bomb hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shoan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Sangetsu Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hinko Maru, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

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

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 19

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 10
F4U-1 Corsair x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed

1LT C.Jensen of VMF-212 is credited with kill number 4

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

Crocky · Post by **Crocky** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 3:05 am

Ahhhh a training run for my newly arrived carrier [;)] better watch out for your CVs now time to run away

PS: FYI Nevada ... [:(] Scuttled

PzB74 · Post by **PzB74** » Sat Apr 24, 2004 9:54 am

The sinking of the Nevada was good news, the best today actually!

Sent the Kido Butai after the US carrier fleet - react on. Wouldn't get any better
shots at them anyway. It was a clear fine day for turkey shooting anyway....)

Mike didn't get the Bunker Hill, but the WASP and the light carrier Montery.
(May have fixed previous battle damage on the former.)

Nagumo launched 4 strikes at the US fleet, but escort was awfully inadequate and 22-50 Hellcats
defended the carriers [:(] My green pilots had a terrible time, shredded by both CAP and intense flak.
Hits were scored on both carriers, a battleship and a heavy cruiser. That SOUNDS great, but the 60kg bomb
that hit the WASP didn't do much damage, neither did the 250kg hits on the Washington and the ca. The solid
hit on the cvl Montery was the best achievement of the day.

The price? 100 bombers and 20 Zeros....

Betties and Nells were also ordered to strike, but instead of joining hands with the naval aviators, they torpedoed
a bunch of transports and a destroyer minelayer somewhere above Luganville. Altogether I lost almost 149 ac today vs 19 US.
Didn't suffer any ship losses though. The single US strike against my cv's failed to score any hits.

Afraid the KB will have to play a more defensive role from now on, only 4 months left to go and I need 3 of them to replace todays
bomber losses. Well, it was a good try - I could have disabled another US carrier tf, but skills are fading and it's getting more and more
obvious why the KB's historical effort in the Marianas came to nothing.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/29/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 40,41

Allied Ships
SS Tambor

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

Allied Ships
SS Tambor

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,55

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
A6M3 Zero x 4
D3A Val x 55
B5N Kate x 11

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 51

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 6 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 42 destroyed [:(]
D3A Val x 29 damaged
B5N Kate x 12 destroyed
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 1 destroyed

ENS H.Bannister of VF-26 is credited with kill number 5

Allied Ships
CV Wasp
DD Guest

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,55

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M3 Zero x 5
D3A Val x 26

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 50

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 22 destroyed
D3A Val x 8 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 1 destroyed

LT P.Alford of VF-42 is credited with kill number 5

Allied Ships
CVL Monterey
CV Wasp
CA Boston, Bomb hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kourouratopo at 52,48

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 11

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Shaula
AK Fomalhaut, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Centarus
AK Ganymede, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

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

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 21

no losses

Allied Ships
LCVP 7/2ESB
LCVP 10/2ESB, Shell hits 16, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 34/2ESB, Shell hits 20, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 14/2ESB, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 15/2ESB, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,49

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 5
A6M2 Zero x 32
A6M3 Zero x 19
A6M5-B Zeke x 2

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 23
SBD Dauntless x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 4 destroyed
F6F Hellcat x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 5 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 12 damaged

LTJG M.Webb of VF-42 is credited with kill number 5

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho
CV Soryu
CVE Chuyo

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
A6M3 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Sangetsu Maru, heavy damage

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
A6M3 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 14

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Uyo Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Enju Maru

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
A6M3 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 13

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Azumasan Maru
AP Hikade Maru
AP Uyo Maru, on fire, heavy damage

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
A6M3 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 23

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Hikade Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP Uyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Enju Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Azumasan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,54

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
A6M3 Zero x 13
D3A Val x 41
B5N Kate x 14

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 19 destroyed
D3A Val x 22 damaged
B5N Kate x 9 destroyed
B5N Kate x 8 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 2 destroyed
F6F Hellcat x 2 damaged

LT B.Hammond of VF-42 is credited with kill number 4

Allied Ships
CVL Monterey, Bomb hits 1
CV Wasp, Bomb hits 1
BB Washington, Bomb hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gavigamana at 51,47

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 22
G4M1 Betty x 33

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 6 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 4 damaged

CPT R. Mchale of 8th FS is credited with kill number 5

Allied Ships
AK Alkaid, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Menkar, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DM Tracy, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Alkes

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

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 14

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 23
F4U-1 Corsair x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 2 destroyed

1LT T.Reese of VMF-212 is credited with kill number 2

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

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 49262 troops, 611 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 50879 troops, 555 guns, 254 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 28

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

PzB74 · Post by **PzB74** » Sat Apr 24, 2004 2:51 pm

The last damaged transports of Irau sinks, but only after unloading the remainder of
the supplies they carried. Around 50% of the transports that took part in the operation have
been damaged or sunk, but 95% of the troops got ashore.

Time to rotate squadrons once again and merge those who have been shattered.
Finally I got enough base forces to support my ac [:'(]

Considering to send back a few cve/cvl's and try to get Tokyo to send me something more
useful instead. Think my fleet carriers will have enough room for the surviving carrier wings now.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/30/43

Weather: Clear

Sub attack near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
AP Oigawa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Triton

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

Japanese Ships
AP Shozan Maru

Allied Ships
SS Triton

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

Japanese Ships
AP Tokyo Maru

Allied Ships
SS Amberjack

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

Japanese Ships
AP Shozan Maru, Shell hits 17, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Triton, Shell hits 8, on fire

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

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 49319 troops, 607 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 50846 troops, 554 guns, 254 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 7

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

PzB74 · Post by **PzB74** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 11:30 am

A very heavy attack by B17's wrecked many transport in Lunga's port today, but the port
itself wasn't hit very heavily.

P38's and Hellcats are now stationed at KiraKira, providing escort for the bombers.
Seems like I will have to save my best fighters until something serious happens.
The Kido Butai re-organized its air wings today. 3 ships in need of repairs were dispatched
to Tokyo and their wings moved to the other carriers to replace their losses.

This still leaves me with a potent force to react to any US provocations asap.

Hopefully the return of relatively undamaged capital ships will trigger a higher ship
committment back in Tokyo... There are a couple of ships I desperately wish to get released now.

Just congratulate Mike with his operational loss # 1000 [;)]
My own losses now number more than 1400....

September 1st today, exactly 4 months left of this campaign. I'm SOO glad I'm not going to follow
this war to its final conclusion. It's just not funny when the skies start filling with P38, P47, Corsairs
and Hellcats. It really makes one think about the general playability of WitP from 1944 an onwards.
Will people really hold out and play such an extremely one sided war to its conclusion?

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/01/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 43,42

Japanese Ships
SS I-11

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
A6M3 Zero x 7
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 10
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 9

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 12
P-38G Lightning x 16
B-17E Fortress x 98

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 damaged
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 1 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

2LT C. Smith of 41st FS is credited with kill number 6

Japanese Ships
AV Sanyo Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire
AP Kamoi Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kensho Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AV Sanuki Maru, Bomb hits 1
AG 2063, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 150

Port hits 11
Port fuel hits 6
Port supply hits 5

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 144th Regiment, at 42,43

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 61

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 78

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
11 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
8 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
5 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

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

PzB74 · Post by **PzB74** » Tue Apr 27, 2004 11:51 am

Sent my fleet to KiraKira to disturb the Allied buildup there.
Was somewhat worried about subs and mines - yesterday I lost another msw to a sub.
It all turned out rather well in fact [8D]

First a few barges were hastily shelled before DM Breeze loaded with troops, not mines,
was surprised and sunk. Finally a US fast destroyer tf also got surprised and 2 ships torpedoed
and sunk/left sinking. The only Japanese casualty was the old destroyer Yukaze - after taking
a few shell hits it was torpedoed on the return leg. I scuttled her with a flooding level of 97%.
Not a too bad price to pay for 3 barges, 1 dml and 2 dd's + 266 men.

We're now into September, and I've finally start receiving 'Zeke' replacements at 25 pr month.
Won't do much to halt the Hellcat/Corsair menace, but at least it'll give me more fighter bombers
to play with in the closing months of the conflict.

Yesterday a Liberator bombing raid caused some damage at Lunga, but 6 B24's were lost. Another
7 B25's failed to return from a raid against Irau.

Otherwise I'm trying to figure out what to do with my Sonias and Lilys..... [&:]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/05/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Night Time Surface Combat, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CL Isuzu
CL Natori
DD Yugumo
DD Makigumo
DD Makinami
DD Samidare
DD Yukaze

Allied Ships
LCVP 6/2ESB
LCVP 7/2ESB, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
LCVP 11/2ESB, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
LCVP 16/2ESB
LCVP 17/2ESB
LCVP 18/2ESB
LCVP 19/2ESB, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 23/2ESB
LCVP 24/2ESB
LCVP 25/2ESB

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CL Isuzu
CL Natori
DD Yugumo
DD Makigumo
DD Makinami
DD Samidare
DD Yukaze

Allied Ships
DM Breese, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 50
Vehicles lost 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 3
BB Haruna, Shell hits 3
CL Isuzu
CL Natori
DD Yugumo
DD Makigumo, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Makinami
DD Samidare, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Yukaze, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Wadsworth
DD Aulick
DD Braine, Shell hits 19, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Terry, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Eaton, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mugford, Shell hits 1
DMS Long
DMS Hopkins

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 216

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

Japanese Ships
DD Yukaze, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Sturgeon

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

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 75

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 86

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

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

Japanese Ships
DD Yukaze, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Sturgeon

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

PzB74 · Post by **PzB74** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 12:05 pm

The last few days have mostly seen air combat, the usual bombing raids against Lunga/Irau.
Liberators make it difficult to keep Lunga in supply as they score more hits in one raid than they historically
did in all of 1942 [:'(] 50 fighters prevents exactly 0 medium/heavy bombers from their assigned missions.

My only counter to the increased CAP over San Cristobal is to night bomb KiraKira. This is somewhat effective as Mike
can only station 50 ac on the tiny airstrip. That means 0 night fighters, and that keeps my business running.

For a while I thought Mike might bypass Irau, but after thinking about it, I've decided against that possibility. The malaria pit at KiraKira is a lot worse than the one found at Irau - and it will take the rest of the game to build it up to a size 3 af.
Keeping the 7-80k troops at Irau is also a pita (pain in the a$$), and resources have to be freed up for an eventual attack on Lunga. The prospect of bagging 50k worth of Nip troops is also too much of an opportunity to let go. So we'll keep at it until proved wrong! Last few months of this game will be hard, but fortunately this war is soon over for this CinC [8D]

Todays ac losses: Jap 21 - US 11

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/08/43

Weather: Overcast

Air attack on Kirakira , at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 10
Ki-49 Helen x 9

Allied aircraft

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 12

Runway hits 5
Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
10 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
A6M3 Zero x 9
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 12

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 16
PB4Y Liberator x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Shinyu Maru, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
AP Atlantic Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Takanami
AP Maya Maru, Bomb hits 2
AP Sado Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x PB4Y Liberator 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
1 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
4 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
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 17
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 19

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 21
F4U-1 Corsair x 23
P-38G Lightning x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 11 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 2 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 5 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 1 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 2 destroyed

1LT K.Kraemer of 432nd FS is credited with kill number 10

CPO O.Inano of F1/3rd Daitai is KILLED

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
A6M3 Zero x 8
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 6

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 16
PB4Y Liberator x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Atlantic Maru, on fire
AP Maya Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Shinyu Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Takanami, Bomb hits 1, on fire

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

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 3

no losses

Allied Ships
LCVP 33/2ESB, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 11

no losses

Allied Ships
LCM 6/2ESB, Shell hits 4, on fire
LCM 5/2ESB, Shell hits 8
LCM 7/2ESB, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

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

PzB74 · Post by **PzB74** » Sat May 01, 2004 4:59 am

Today 5 ships were torpedoed by subs, and it's getting increasingly difficult to move transpot tf's because of the acute lack of escort ships. (I have 1 patrol craft left)

Lack of waypoints means that I have to micro manage each single ship to make it take a diversionary route to and from Truk. The fleet oiler Aota was also struck by unnecessary carnage today. After unloading at Vila for 5 days, still 300 tons of fuel were left. Somehow it stopped unloading each day, and in the end I was so tired that I ordered it back to Truk - only to be struck by a torpedo that ignited 49 fires [:(]

One bright spot today; Tanaka and 2 fast battleships hammered Irau, sinking 5 barges and 2 transports + 6 fighters on the airstrip.

Gathering all available resources for the storm that is must certainly about to arrive in short time. I'm quite certain that Mike will send in the kitchen sink before the game ends in an attempt to even out the score.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/10/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 33,36

Japanese Ships
AO Sata, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Bonefish

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CL Isuzu
CL Natori
DD Yugumo
DD Makinami
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
LCVP 6/2ESB, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
LCVP 16/2ESB
LCVP 17/2ESB, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
LCVP 18/2ESB, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
LCVP 23/2ESB, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
LCVP 24/2ESB
LCVP 25/2ESB, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Kirakira at 42,42

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CL Isuzu, Shell hits 1
CL Natori
DD Yugumo
DD Makinami
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
AK Adelong, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Carina, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

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Sub attack at 29,33

Japanese Ships
AP Meiten Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Gato

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Naval bombardment of Kirakira, at 42,42

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 damaged
F6F Hellcat x 5 destroyed
F6F Hellcat x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Isuzu, Shell hits 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 237
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 65
Port hits 1

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Sub attack at 29,33

Japanese Ships
AP Meiten Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Gato

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Sub attack at 29,32

Japanese Ships
AP Kyushu Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Peto

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Sub attack at 41,38

Japanese Ships
DD Makinami

Allied Ships
SS Tautog

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Sub attack near Posarae at 31,35

Japanese Ships
AP Myoko Maru, Shell hits 21, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Bonefish, Shell hits 16 -> hope these hits are enough to send her home for a while.

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PzB74 · Post by **PzB74** » Sat May 01, 2004 5:56 am

The Marines launched a deliberate attack on Irau today! Their only success was to reduce the forts one size.
There were 297 more Jap defenders than attackers, claiming 855 Allied casualties to 376 Jap ones.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/11/43

Weather: Rain

Air attack on Kirakira , at 42,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally x 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 7

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet

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Ground combat at Irau

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 55427 troops, 630 guns, 252 vehicles

Defending force 55724 troops, 626 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 6

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 6)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 376

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 855
Guns lost 1

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Scen 17 pbem. An attempt to capture New Caledonia.

RE: Status Quo

RE: Status Quo

RE: Status Quo

RE: Status Quo

Big air & sea battles!

RE: Big air & sea battles!

RE: Calm after the storm

RE: Calm after the storm

Day of the mediums!

Battleship brawl!

RE: Battleship brawl!

RE: Battleship brawl!

RE: Battleship brawl!

Turkey shoot!

RE: Turkey shoot!

RE: Turkey shoot!

Surprise at KiraKira

RE: Surprise at KiraKira

Unrestricted sub warfare

RE: Unrestricted sub warfare