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I'm beginning to get the impression that both this game and WitP portray Corsairs as though they are Tomcats.

Someone posted a combat report for WitP where 7 Corsairs took on something like 150+ Japanese planes shooting down well over 100 without a single lost Corsair........do they even carry enough ammo to do that?

Can't be, but let's ask our "expert" on the Zero.  [;)]

ORIGINAL: tocaff

A classic slow game now escalates to a quicker pace as the Allied and Japanese forces try to deal death blows where opportunities arise.

An opportunity presents itself, so "The Empire Strikes Back" in the dark.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/07/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
BB Ise
CA Atago, Shell hits 1
CL Agano
DD Terusuki
DD Makinami
DD Hayashio
DD Arashi
DD Hagikaze
DD Kasumi
DD Suzukaze
DD Akatsuki
DD Isonami
DD Harukaze
DD Tachikaze

Allied Ships
APD Little, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
APD McKean
APD Talbot, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
APD Waters, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
APD Dent
APD Brooks
APD Humphreys
APD Gilmer, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
DMS Southard
DMS Trevor, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk


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

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
BB Ise
CA Atago
CL Agano
DD Terusuki
DD Makinami
DD Hayashio
DD Arashi
DD Hagikaze
DD Kasumi
DD Suzukaze
DD Akatsuki
DD Isonami
DD Harukaze
DD Tachikaze

Allied Ships
AK Lynx, Shell hits 5, and is sunk


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 74


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Irau, at 42,43


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 2 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 3 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 4 damaged


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 277
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 17
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 150


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40


Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 60


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 47

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 32

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
12 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
9 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
5 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
9 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
12 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 230th Regiment, at 42,42


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 56


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 55

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M3 Zero x 55
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 56

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 19
TBF Avenger x 9
P-39D Airacobra x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 10 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 2 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 damaged
TBF Avenger x 2 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 5 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 8 damaged

LT N.Sugiyama of F2/6th Daitai is credited with kill number 5

LCDR B.Matsuo of F1/6th Daitai is KILLED

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
BB Fuso
BB Hyuga

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

I have (next) no carriers, my planes are going down in flames and my subs are being scuttled, but the IJN surface fleets still own the night, and that's where I'm taking this battle; frankly, there's no where else to go.

More action around Irau as the bombarbment fleets continue w/their missions under the cover of darkness.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/08/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Naval bombardment of Irau, at 42,43


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 8 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 destroyed Well, at least I can destroy Corsairs on the ground.
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 480
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 2

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 11
Runway hits 195


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Irau, at 42,43


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 539
Guns lost 3
Vehicles lost 2

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 75


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 239th Regiment, at 42,42


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 63


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 121

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 239th Regiment, at 42,42


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 57


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 93

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 35,41

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M3 Zero x 4
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 38

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 25
SBD Dauntless x 3

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

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

1LT V.King of VMF-214 is credited with kill number 5

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 42,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3 Zero x 11
G3M Nell x 9
G4M1 Betty x 5

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 39

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 4 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged

LTJG D.Perry of VF-8 is credited with kill number 3

LCDR J. Smith of VF-8 bails out WOUNDED and is RESCUED

Allied Ships
CV Wasp

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
0 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 42,44

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 239th Regiment, at 42,42


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
SBD Dauntless x 28


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 239th Regiment, at 42,42


Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 32
A-20G Havoc x 21


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 37

Attacking Level Bombers:
12 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
2 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
1 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
6 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 35,41

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
A6M3 Zero x 11
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 56

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 26
SBD Dauntless x 6
TBF Avenger x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 4 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 5 damaged
TBF Avenger x 3 damaged

FO W.Farrell of VMF-124 is credited with kill number 5

LCDR R.Matsumura of F2/2nd Daitai bails out and is RESCUED

Japanese Ships
CL Tenryu, Bomb hits 1
DD Nowaki
BB Hyuga


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 42,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
A6M3 Zero x 19
G3M Nell x 9

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 5 destroyed
G3M Nell x 6 damaged

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

CPO B.Kawasaki of F2/6th Daitai is credited with kill number 3

LTJG N.Kondo of DIII-1 Daitai bails out and is CAPTURED

Allied Ships
CV Hornet, Torpedo hits 1, on fire Finally a Betty gets lucky.

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
2 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
0 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

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

Although my Zeros can hold their own w/the F4s, they're no match for the Corsairs.

My fleet is in position to intercept these nightly bombardment runs and as of yet all that's happened is they wave as the IJN sails by.  Though it's certainly hurting me I'll make adjustments and then maybe......

i remember an AAR here, in which 7 (i think) Corsairs drstroyed around 100! japs zeros and oscars in dogfights. so your zeros are doing much better then in this AAR against the Corsairs, joe.

but i find it ironically that your own signatur seems to become your nightmare as japs-player.[;)]

You noticed that too, huh. "Irony" puts it midly.

IJ didn't call the Corsair "whistling death" for nothing!

To Todd's credit, I was amazed how quickly he swept my troops off the far-end of Irau, and got then an airbase up-and-running in no time; but building a base on Irau is one thing: keeping it going w/the Tokyo Express around is another.

Irau may prove to be the preliminary round before the featured fight for the'Canal.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/09/43

Weather: Overcast

... Air attack on TF at 42,44

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Chester

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 42,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
A6M3 Zero x 29
G4M1 Betty x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 11 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 14 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Wichita, Torpedo hits 3
CA Astoria, Torpedo hits 1
BB Maryland, Torpedo hits 1
CL Helena
CA Minneapolis

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
A6M3 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 57

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 130

Airbase hits 11
Runway hits 29

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 239th Regiment, at 42,42


Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 32
A-20G Havoc x 20

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 23

Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
0 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
9 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 239th Regiment, at 42,42


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 63

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 67

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 239th Regiment, at 42,42

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 11

no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Tulagi at 38,39


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 25
SBD Dauntless x 3


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Namikaze


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Tulagi at 38,39


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 6


Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Usugumo

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
2 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet

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

Keeping Irau up and running isn't an option, it will be done and as it it expanded it'll be the Nips on the receiving end. 

The Battle of The 'Canal has a nice ring to it, though maybe I could strike elsewhere first and try to snag it later.  I have the key in the lock and am about to turn it.  Once I do that the defensive network starts buying time and I try to recoup VPs.

The USMC are well rested and chomping at the bit as well as the Aussies sitting in Oz.

I sent two heavy fleets to break-up Todd's amphibious activity around Irau, but they met up w/2 equivalent Allied surface fleets; heavy surface action followed.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/11/43

Weather: Clear

Sub attack at 43,44

Japanese Ships
SS I-25

Allied Ships
DD Bush, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


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

Allied Ships
SS S-38


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

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
BB Ise, Shell hits 3
CA Atago, Shell hits 9, on fire
CL Agano, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Terusuki, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Makinami, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Hayashio, Shell hits 23, on fire, heavy damage
DD Arashi
DD Hagikaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Kasumi
DD Suzukaze
DD Akatsuki, Shell hits 1
DD Isonami
DD Harukaze

Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA Astoria, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 4
CA Quincy, Shell hits 4
CL Helena, Shell hits 1
CL Honolulu, Shell hits 3
CL Columbia, Shell hits 1
DD Nicholas
DD Waller
DD Strong, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Taylor, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Bache, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Monssen, Shell hits 2


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

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
BB Ise, Shell hits 2
CA Atago, Shell hits 4, on fire
CL Agano, Shell hits 14, on fire
DD Terusuki, Shell hits 71, and is sunk
DD Makinami, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hayashio, and is sunk
DD Arashi, Shell hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hagikaze, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kasumi
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Akatsuki, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Isonami, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Harukaze, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City, Shell hits 34, and is sunk
CA Astoria, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
CA Quincy, Shell hits 3
CL Helena
CL Honolulu, Shell hits 1
CL Columbia, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1
DD Nicholas, Shell hits 1
DD Waller, Shell hits 12, on fire
DD Strong, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Taylor, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Bache, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Monssen, Shell hits 10, on fire


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

Japanese Ships
CS Chitose
BB Kongo
BB Fuso, Shell hits 1
BB Hyuga
CA Mogami, Shell hits 2
CL Tenryu, Shell hits 6, on fire
CL Yubari, Shell hits 1
DD Nowaki
DD Yamagumo, Shell hits 1
DD Inazuma
DD Uranami
DD Asagiri
DD Fumizuki, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Nagatsuki

Allied Ships
BB South Dakota
CA Northampton, Shell hits 1
CA Chicago
CA Australia, Shell hits 1
CA Canberra
CL Montpelier, Shell hits 1
DD Chevalier
DD DeHaven
DD Bagley, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Helm
DD Henley


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

Japanese Ships
CS Chitose
BB Kongo, Shell hits 3
BB Fuso, Shell hits 3
BB Hyuga, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Mogami, Shell hits 3
CL Tenryu, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
CL Yubari, Shell hits 2
DD Nowaki, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yamagumo, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Inazuma, Shell hits 2
DD Uranami, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Asagiri
DD Fumizuki, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Nagatsuki

Allied Ships
BB South Dakota, Shell hits 1
CA Northampton, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA Chicago, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
CA Australia
CA Canberra, Shell hits 3, on fire
CL Montpelier, Shell hits 3
DD Chevalier, Torpedo hits 1
DD DeHaven, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Bagley, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
DD Helm, Shell hits 2
DD Henley, Shell hits 2


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

Allied Ships
SS S-38


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

Allied Ships
SS S-38


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40


Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 62


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 98

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 29

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
7 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
16 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
5 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
12 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
9 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 41
TBF Avenger x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 21 damaged
TBF Avenger x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Matsukaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Usugumo, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Ayanami, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Samidare, Bomb hits 1
DD Namikaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Matsukaze, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 41,43


Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 8


Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Nowaki, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CL Tenryu, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
4 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 41,43


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 10


no losses

Japanese Ships
CL Tenryu, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
BB Hyuga, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 36,41


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 32
SBD Dauntless x 16


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Atago, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Agano, Bomb hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 41,43


Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 2


no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Arashi, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 46
B-17E Fortress x 39

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 172

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 14

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 239th Regiment, at 42,42


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 18


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 11

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 43
TBF Avenger x 41

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
TBF Avenger x 3 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 25 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Yugure, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Wakazuki, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Hokaze, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Ushio
DD Harusame, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Murasame, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kawakaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 22
SBD Dauntless x 8

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged

LTJG M.Doikawa of F2/2nd Daitai is credited with kill number 4

Japanese Ships
DD Usugumo, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 41,43


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 24


no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Hagikaze, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Arashi, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 41,43


Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 9
A-20G Havoc x 8


no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Fumizuki, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
4 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet

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

Todd's air hit my injured stragglers, but most were escort vessels w/the notable exception of 1 BB, which I had to scuttle.

I can trade Todd ship for ship, but I may have to marshall my forces and see if he makes a move towards Lunga or elsewhere before I send the Tokyo Express on another run.

Great action guys.

The US cruiser forces did amazingly well against the IJN BB forces.

i had a similar night naval battle in my game at PM between my 5 CA and 10 DD and my opponents 2 BB and several DD and the outcome was totaly different. i lost 1 CA and 2 were heavily damaged and hi got only 2 badly damaged DD. the battle was early in the game i think in juli.

maybe it is that way in the game, that the US warships are no match for the japs in night action at the beginning and they get better and better the longer the game goes on?

anyway...very nice and intense AAR with a lot of action in the last turns. keep it going on.

Todd's cruisers did a little too well; I was hoping my DDs would get more LL hits, esp. in close, but torpedo strikes were about even.

bigbaba, we can keep it going provided we don't run out of ships, which at this rate is a possibilty.

A very real possibility as it looks like both sides have chosen Irau as the must contest spot on the map.

With Nomad I fought out some fierce naval battles around Irau recently too. Its June 1943 in our game now, and we got several varying results. One short conclusion is that the Japanese can win surface encounters even that late in the campaign. But they just can´t sustain even the slightest losses for a long time. There is almost nothing coming down from Tokyo anymore whereas the Allies have tons of stuff on hand to throw on you. So you´re forced to act rather provident when committing your vessels... Though it´s quite thrilling to wage such battles with the men-of-war to stem the allied tide. [;)]

Todd wisely pulled some PT squadrons into Irau and apparently raided his CV escort to make a surface fleet, which more than held it's own vs 4 IJN BBs.

As usual, my stragglers got hit w/air and were either scuttled or sunk, but at lest my Long Lance torps did some damage this turn; gunnery radar is difficult for the IJN to contest at this stage of the game.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/17/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 29,33

Japanese Ships
AP Tatsuta Maru

Allied Ships
SS Tuna


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

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Fuso
BB Yamashiro
BB Ise
CA Maya, Shell hits 1
CA Mogami
CL Sendai
CL Yubari, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Onami, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Tokitsukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Tanikaze
DD Kasumi
DD Shigure
DD Asagiri
DD Nagatsuki
DD Harukaze

Allied Ships
BB South Dakota
BB Indiana
CA Quincy
CA Australia
CL St. Louis
CL Helena
CL Honolulu
CL Montpelier
DD Jenkins
DD Nicholas
DD O'Bannon
DD Mustin
DD Mahan


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

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 4
BB Fuso, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 5
BB Ise, Shell hits 7
CA Maya, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
CA Mogami, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
CL Sendai, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CL Yubari, Shell hits 46, on fire, heavy damage
DD Onami, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Tokitsukaze, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Tanikaze, Shell hits 4
DD Kasumi, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Shigure, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Asagiri
DD Nagatsuki, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Harukaze, Shell hits 3

Allied Ships
BB South Dakota, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Indiana, Shell hits 1
CA Quincy, Shell hits 3
CA Australia, Shell hits 1
CL St. Louis, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Helena, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire
CL Honolulu, Shell hits 3
CL Montpelier
DD Jenkins
DD Nicholas
DD O'Bannon, Shell hits 1
DD Mustin, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mahan, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk


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

Japanese Ships
DD Shimakaze, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Oyashio, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Hatsukaze
DD Yukikaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Hamakaze
DD Asashio
DD Oshio
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Inazuma
DD Shirakumo
DD Akebono
DD Yayoi
DD Oite
DD Okikaze
DD Akikaze

Allied Ships
PT 38, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT 66, Shell hits 143, and is sunk
PT 107
PT 150


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

Japanese Ships
DD Shimakaze, on fire
DD Oyashio, on fire
DD Hatsukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Yukikaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Hamakaze
DD Asashio
DD Oshio
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Inazuma
DD Shirakumo
DD Akebono
DD Yayoi
DD Oite
DD Okikaze
DD Akikaze

Allied Ships
PT 123
PT 121
PT 143
PT 149


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

Japanese Ships
DD Shimakaze, on fire
DD Oyashio, on fire
DD Hatsukaze
DD Yukikaze, on fire
DD Hamakaze
DD Asashio
DD Oshio
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Inazuma
DD Shirakumo
DD Akebono
DD Yayoi
DD Oite
DD Okikaze
DD Akikaze

Allied Ships
PT 157, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PT 162, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PT 163, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage


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

Japanese Ships
DD Shimakaze, on fire
DD Oyashio, on fire
DD Hatsukaze
DD Yukikaze, on fire
DD Hamakaze
DD Asashio
DD Oshio
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Inazuma
DD Shirakumo
DD Akebono
DD Yayoi
DD Oite
DD Okikaze
DD Akikaze

Allied Ships
PT 107
PT 150, Shell hits 9, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Irau, at 42,43


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 12 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair x 33 damaged


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 76

Airbase hits 26
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 161


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 37,42

Japanese Ships
DD Yayoi

Allied Ships
SS Amberjack


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40


Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 45


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 12

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 12

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
9 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
5 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
12 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

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


Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 11


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 9 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Maya, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 41,43


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 23
SBD Dauntless x 16
TBF Avenger x 10


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged
TBF Avenger x 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Yubari, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
BB Fuso, on fire, heavy damage
CL Sendai, on fire, heavy damage
DD Tanikaze, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 41,43


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
SBD Dauntless x 30


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CL Sendai, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
BB Fuso, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 41,43


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 26
SBD Dauntless x 42
TBF Avenger x 9


no losses

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
BB Fuso, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 41,43


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
TBF Avenger x 6


no losses

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

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

The question remains: how long can we keep this surface action up before one of us "blinks"?

ORIGINAL: RGIJN

... One short conclusion is that the Japanese can win surface encounters even that late in the campaign. But they just can´t sustain even the slightest losses for a long time. There is almost nothing coming down from Tokyo anymore whereas the Allies have tons of stuff on hand to throw on you. ...

We set the ship committment to 200%, so the IJN always seems to have more capital ships coming from Tokyo.

Apparently Todd used some of his CV escort for a surface fleet to guard Irau against my bombardment attacks, but this left his CVs more vulnerable; so after his carrier a/c hit DDs at Lunga, Lunga's air returned the favor -- w/interest.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/18/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
A6M3 Zero x 6
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 24

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 28
SBD Dauntless x 46
TBF Avenger x 19

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

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 8 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 12 damaged

LCDR R.Turner of VF-71 bails out and is CAPTURED

Japanese Ships
DD Yayoi, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Yukikaze
DD Shirakumo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Asashio
DD Akikaze
DD Oshio, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hamakaze
DD Shiratsuyu, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 44,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
A6M3 Zero x 48
D3A Val x 15
B5N Kate x 11
G3M Nell x 12
G4M1 Betty x 18
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 12

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 4 destroyed
D3A Val x 10 damaged
B5N Kate x 9 destroyed
B5N Kate x 3 damaged
G3M Nell x 4 destroyed
G3M Nell x 5 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 4 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 19 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6 destroyed

LT N.Sugiyama of F2/6th Daitai is credited with kill number 6

Allied Ships
CV Wasp, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 8th Naval Garrison Unit, at 41,42


Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 17
A-20G Havoc x 15


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 17

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
6 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet

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

It doesn't matter any more as the USN has so many damaged ships that I can't keep Irau protected from the IJN and I'm predicting an Allied surrender in the not to distant future.  While Joe hasn't sunk that many of my ships my game consists of trying to get the cripples to Luganville for dousing the fires and reducing the flooding.  From there we're off to Noumea and the PH.  I did a great job of protecting the lift capacity and now the operable warships are few & far between. 

By the way the last bombbardment nearly destroyed the Corsair squadrons stationed on Irau.

I am slowly migrating to WITP as there are to many things about UV that I find to limiting or can't be done.  I really like the game but.......For instance these naval battles in WITP would slow you a bit as the Allies, but the ships would be replaced where in UV a damaged ship in March of '43 is as good as sunk for my purposes.

ORIGINAL: tocaff

It doesn't matter any more as the USN has so many damaged ships that I can't keep Irau protected from the IJN and I'm predicting an Allied surrender in the not to distant future ... 

By the way the last bombbardment nearly destroyed the Corsair squadrons stationed on Irau.

In UV, the only way to destroy a Corsair is on the ground, otherwise they go thru IJN air like a hot knife thru butter.

My actual aim was to destroy your lift capacity and cramp your amphib operations, but you forced me to deal w/your surface fleets first. However, I knew the IJN had plenty of capital ships, even if they didn't have cutting-edge tech.

ORIGINAL: tocaff
I am slowly migrating to WITP as there are to many things about UV that I find to limiting or can't be done.  I really like the game but.......For instance these naval battles in WITP would slow you a bit as the Allies, but the ships would be replaced where in UV a damaged ship in March of '43 is as good as sunk for my purposes.

I don't think it's the game, but the time restraints imposed on the individual scenarios. Re WitP: I have talked-myself out of buying WitP numerous times on account of the unmanagability of the whole PTO, i.e., you can't delegate ops to the computer, just as in PacWar. My real regret is that the WitP forum is always very active, but after last Christmas, several new players have infused UV w/fresh blood, so to speak.

I'm still hoping that CF will incorporate many WitP features w/o all the fuss and bother.

BTW, Todd, I thought Lunga's air had previously put a fish in the Wasp not that long ago.