RGIJN vs Stingray

[a1981stingray]

I know where your CV TF is now... I am surprised that my CV aircraft did not launch a strike against yours. We are within 8 hexes of each other...Maybe rain...OR  Maybe your search planes did not fly and spot me because of sake the night before? And yes these are empty transports as I was preparing to setup barge hub/supply lines back to Brisbane, Townsville, and Noumea... oh well Noumea has about a dozen new heavy transports of 3K size arriving in the next day...

[RGIJN]

foul weather today. Spotted some vessels in the PM area, but none in the Solomons/Hebrides region.

Surprisingly, out of the sudden we got to detect enemy troops at Irau. They landed some ENG units there already... Truly admire that audaciousness.

However, countermeasures already ordered & underway.

[a1981stingray]

It appears the IJN CV TF is having fun playing fox and hound as they steam south past Luganville and within striking distance of Noumea as they continue to chase the convoy transports from the previous day. I think the APs went north instead of south as most players auto assume "retirement allowed" on transports means they go south when harmed... I override the default and made their home port a northern green dot...
 
I wonder... if I close the noose on the IJN CVTF this far south and "risk" a naval encounter, If I can damage their flattops just enough to cause serious flotation damage they may sink as they struggle to get back up north to a Shortland Island with a port size of 4.
 
in other news and areas 7th Australian Division troops continue to march north on a long winding trail towards Wau hoping this little outpost is still there...
 
Port Moresby now has 2 Radar towers installed at their airfield and several fresh squadrons of fighters.
 
SoPacHQ reports Hornet and Enterprise will be arriving within a day or two... Saratoga and Wasp are scheduled to be released into the South Pacific....

[a1981stingray]

Search Planes:[/b]
I really didn't need to know where the IJN would be and what base locations would be captured, since every spot West to East looks too good to pass up for creating a chain of airfield bases from Buna, Gili-Gili, Rossell Is., Russell Is., Lunga, Tulagi, etc. and few extras to be sure.
 
I thought about transferring all of my long range PBY search planes to Noumea. Using them as long range troop transports to get vital assets to Lunga and defend it. I knew I could do this and I could hold it for awhile. But the airfield would have been pounded by bombers from Rabaul and Shortland. Also the IJN CVTF(s) would have strangled the shipping lanes between Luganville and Lunga, and BB TF would have hammered both airfields completely out of commission...
 
Instead I decided on a completely new approach and used some smaller Engineer Regiments to be deployed by Submarine Transport while the IJN was busy capturing the Islands and over towards Gili-Gili. This would allow me to see over several days what locations the IJN was going to capture without losing my valuable base force units, ships, and aircraft. In the meantime the engineer units could start with the airfield improvements until larger construction battalions could be deployed with strong infantry units to defend them. Then the fighter aircraft could be transferred, hoping the Japanese did not capture those locations - AND they did get all of them indeed... it's what I would do too...
 
Transports vs. Fast Transports:[/b]
I knew I needed Fast Transports to get Lunga and keep it in Allied control. BUT those ships would be needed to defend the Allied CV TF(s) while they provided fighter cover for the slow transport task forces. And that CV TF(s) is split between Gili-Gili / Lunga in the first week to cover that area and then full speed back to Noumea to refuel and rearm.... it's a catch 22...use it and lose one or the other or both either way its cost is too high...
 
 
Base Forces, Aircraft, Support & Radar Tower(s):[/b]
Port Moresby does not have a Radar Tower when the game begins. This really hurts the fighter squadrons that are stationed here. The enemy gets the jump on the Port Moresby CAP. I needed to get a base force unit there quickly that has Radar so detection of inbound enemy aircraft will allow my fighters to get airborne and on CAP faster. So I have to wait for the Base Force to arrive in Brisbane before I can transport it.
 
I used small transport task forces to gather up the Eng Reg(s) in Australia and get them to Port Moresby. I was hoping to airlift them into Wau, Buna, or Gili-Gili and use aircraft to run supplies into those locations. Unfortunately the IJN/IJA had other plans...
 
In the meantime I transferred all my aircraft from Port Moresby to Cooktown. I also transferred all fighters in Australia to Cooktown so if needed in Papua New Guinea it was a quick hop. This prevents high casualties if the enemy shows up to strafe Port Moresby. Besides my fighters got some training and rest.
 
 
So far the initial plans of my Grand Strategy are going accordingly. Yes I have lost some units and RGIJN has gained some points and really good real estate, but soon the Allies will have more ships, troops, and aircraft, and I can start the next part of my plan to reach my Objectives for Mid '42. Where do I go from here, East or West???
 
 
 
Do you readers have any thoughts / comments / or suggestions???
 
 
 

[a1981stingray]

It appears that the USN CVTF have been taking a South Seas Cruise filled with food, drink, and several Island "tourists" layovers. The time has come for them to return to Noumea to refill their fuel tanks and reorganize thier task force to include the Hornet and Enterprise along with some new CLAA escorts...
 
In other news the IJN/IJA have taken Nevea just East of Irau. Bold and gutsy moves... It won't be long before the Emperor decides that moving south is easier than expected... But will his commanders follow orders?
 
From USHQ:
requested transports will arrive in the next few days. Use these to move the Americal Division into their new home up North. The Australian 7th Division should be half way to Wau by this time tomorrow. Air drop supplies into Wau to rebuild the troops.
 
In underwater news a new task force has left Noumea with a TLC package for their "friends" way up north...

[RGIJN]

the enemy still insists to augment strength in the Papua area... But again, we were able to sink the ships trying to deliver more brandy to the rotten jungle village of Lea Lea. Three different ENG units are reported stranded there so far by now.
Another convoy fled out of Port Moresby, straight into sight of one of our submarines. These ships seem to be loaden with troops too. Troops that the Allies will miss somewhere else...





AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/28/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 9,41

Japanese Ships
SS I-28

Allied Ships
AK Lycaon, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 36


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lea Lea at 9,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28
D3A Val x 44
B5N Kate x 57

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Rhesus, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Adelong, Bomb hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


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

[RGIJN]

war report, May 31 1942.

The glorious Imperial submarine force proudly announces the sinking of two more allied cargo ships. One just off Noumea and the other at Port Moresby, loaden with precious INF troops of the 18th Australian Division...
One more attack failed, unfortunately...

On the far east of the map, the enemy made a counter-landing at Nevea. The IJHQ is quite amazed by the "forward" drift the Allies show, and we can´t deny some admiration for that. Even more so considering that this will deliver plenty of targets for our victorious combined forces very soon....








AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/31/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 53,66

Japanese Ships
SS I-21

Allied Ships
SC 646


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 53,66

Japanese Ships
SS I-21

Allied Ships
AP Wanganella, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
SS I-28

Allied Ships
AK Idomeneus, Shell hits 14, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 92
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 53,66

Japanese Ships
SS I-21

Allied Ships
AP Leedstown


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

[RGIJN]

more allied transports ate some fish at PM... big ones (15p)!

First attempt to retake Nevea failed, due to our Sake strategy...








The enemy also lost alot of fighter A/C today...




AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/01/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack near Luganville at 53,53

Japanese Ships
SS I-22

Allied Ships
AP Westralia


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 45
G4M1 Betty x 9

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 4
P-400 Airacobra x 4
P-39D Airacobra x 25
P-40E Kittyhawk x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 5 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 5 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 4 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 damaged

CPO T. Honda of F2/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
AP Esperance Bay, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
AP Moreton Bay, Torpedo hits 1
AP Kanimbla


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 45
Guns lost 1

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

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

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 800 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 59 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 8


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Nevea

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2998 troops, 58 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 712 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 8


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

[a1981stingray]

USNHQ report to the Chiefs of Staff to the President:
The current situation in the South Pacific is probably not going so well with the considerable loss of ships, troops, and aircraft. In order to properly push back the Imperial Japanese Navy and Army, more resources need to be pulled from the European Theater and transferred into the South Pacific. The Allies are making some headway into the hotly and hostile waters that are occupied by the IJN/IJA. Papua New Guinea continues to be a struggle to supply the necessary resources to establish a strong foothold and beachhead in Lea Lea / Port Moresby.
 
SoPacHQ update:
Nevea is now in Allied control, but the mines still exist in the shallow harbor. Hopefully the MSW task force from SwPac in Brisbane will transfer over to handle the pesky little things...
Irau is currently being invaded and shall be in Allied control within the next day or two. The IJA garrison abandoned their post and went chasing a few engineer fragments thru the jungle. Now the Americal Division can land safety and work on the fortifications.
 
SwPacHQ update:
IJN CV TFs and a BB TF were spotted heading around the Gili-Gili point to make a mad run at some transports carrying rum for the little beach party at Lea Lea. Sadly, these transports were already moving back to Brisbane to load up on the 3rd and 7th Australian Divisions. This "lift" of 9+ units will take considerable transports and probably require at least 4 CVTFs to provide adequate air cover while they slowly make their way into Papua New Guinea hostile waters. These Divisions have heavy equipment that cannot be airlifted and must be transported by AK type ships.

[RGIJN]

report:

An allied DD struck a mine at Nevea, we hope for maximum damage...

our surface forces made a visit at PM, shelling airfield & town. Results very encouraging, even more so given the small size of our flotilla (just three cruisers plus minimum escort).

But by far the most spectacular news is that the enemy went forward to "invade" Irau with several transport ships. Truly audacious! Fortunately, a FT TF leaving the area after delivering fresh troops to this spot had some floatplanes to their avail. They were immediately ordered to attack beachhead & all vessels offshore.

Chief of staff, Nihon Kaigun arrived at Truk HQ and is very pleased by the progress made so far. Though our forces are still incomplete and split into much too many fractions we´re convinced to cope with the allied forward deployments.
Due to the latest news from the frontline we´re about to re-think our entire strategy or at least consider to do some major changes. Even more than actually envisioned is possible now!

stay tuned for the next Imperial bulletin...[:)]












AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/03/42

Weather: Clear

Sub attack near Shortland Island at 29,34

Japanese Ships
TK Kyokuto Maru

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 8 destroyed
Wirraway x 6 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 8 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 57

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 36


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

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 8

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Adhara, Bomb hits 4, on fire
AK Alchiba, Bomb hits 2


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 32
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 57th Engineer Battalion, at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 5

no losses


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 11


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

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Fomalhaut, Bomb hits 2, on fire


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 25
Guns lost 1


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

[RGIJN]

the Allied supreme command does not hesitate to keep on sending their brave men into certain death...



Today´s report:

Enemy MSW cleared some of our eggs at Nevea.

The whole day, the allied invasion force off Irau got pummeled by our combined land and naval based A/C. Even long range twin-engined bombers from Vunakanau airfield (Rabaul) joined the attacks, sending many 18" LL torpedoes into the bellies of these vessels.

Obviously the Allied campaign secretely left the "Europe first" path, most probably not to the knowledge of The President of America yet. We´re pretty curious to find out what he will think about the increasing wrecking of precious lift capacity... [;)] Further, major contingents of the 164 RCT drowned off the hostile beachhead at the southernmost tip of the Solomon Islands.

Another AK that got some damage in the PM area the other day was reported sunk today, far from port and only few sailors survived. This is due to the fact the allied upper echelons ordered to remove most of the personal buoyancy onboard these cargo vessels, just to make way for more troops to carry.

Eventually, one of the precious fast DMS fell victim to our sub I-22. The only regrettable thing is that he wasted three fishes for this vessel. Alot of Sake is reserved anyway for this crew...

Already 13 enemy transports destroyed after just one month of intense fighting. Truk HQ announced some kinda party tonite, however for the top brass only. We´re celebrating the arrival of the Chief of Staff, and it seems to be a good omen.

In the meantime, parts of the 1st carrier and 11th battleship division arrived on scene. Major elements of the IJA already made it to forward bases in well coordinated manner together with the navy.







AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/04/42

Weather: Clear

Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 13

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Alchiba, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Libra, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Fomalhaut, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 36


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

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 17
G4M1 Betty x 22

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Adhara, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Libra, on fire
AK Almaack, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Fomalhaut, on fire, heavy damage
AK Alchiba, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:

many at 200ft

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

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 13

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Fomalhaut, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Alchiba, on fire


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 18


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

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 9

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Alchiba, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 6
Guns lost 1


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

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 17
G4M1 Betty x 11

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Fomalhaut, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Libra, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Alchiba, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 70
Guns lost 2

Attacking Level Bombers:

as stated before

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Luganville at 53,53

Japanese Ships
SS I-22

Allied Ships
DMS Zane, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


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

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 971 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2052 troops, 29 guns, 0 vehicles

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



Allied ground losses:
Men lost 19


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

[a1981stingray]

On a bright and clear morning, the Allied Forces at Irau launch an all out attack and CAPTURE the base. This victory along with the base in Nevea, provide a very strong foothold into the Solomon Islands. More troops, aircraft, and ships will now sail these friendly waters. Oh I forgot to mention that IJA did not destroy the ENG fragment on the Island and is currently setting up a small outpost on the Northern tip. Hopefully with 2 airfields there should be enough room for all the Allied Fighters and Bombers that are sitting in Noumea waiting for a chance to strike back.........

[RGIJN]

indeed the remnants of some INF Division managed to settle at Irau, temporarily we may add. Our ENG force wasn´t wiped out either, just hiding in the jungle and awaiting further orders...

Even if they succeeded in landing some troops to Irau, at what cost this came for the enemy!?! Tonight a small bombardment force sent the last AK present to the bottom... Seems to be a very important operation of them.
We wonder how they´re going to supply all these spots AND the main bases with a waning cargo fleet...!?

Another allied vessel, an AV was reported sunk last night at Efate harbour (hit a mine earlier). They weren´t able to save the ship due to the shortage of virtually everything. The Allied supreme command obviously stripped their backward areas of most vital assets, moving head on.

Another air attack from Rabaul hit PM this afternoon, causing several enemy fighters lost along with a torpedo that slammed into another transport. Our own losses are just one Zero and one twin engine bomber.

[RGIJN]

IJHQ proudly annonces the lastes news from the Southern areas:

Part one...

Tonight a decent TF intended shelling Irau, but found another allied FT TF off the beach. Our mighty guns made short work of these craft, sinking them within minutes.

[RGIJN]

part 2...

One more sub attack at a fat 15p transport failed, just off Brisbane.

Next morning to our big surprise we found the allied carriers close to Irau, while parts of KB were on their way to strike the enemy transports at Nevea. Unfortunately, range was one hex too far for effective torpedo strikes, so the local commander of flight operations decided to attack the transports first. They got wiped out almost completely... In the meantime our top notch fighter aces were able to fend off the allied strikes that went in.

During lunch, Rabaul based bombers made another run into PM, destroying alot of A/C and launching more torpedoes. Two more AKs were reported in sinking condition...

In the afternoon we finally attacked the enemy main force, bombing two cruisers and two CVs. At least one flattop was left badly burning and the other down by the bow. Too bad the weather is getting worse and we are low on fuel now.

But this was a real good day... So many enemy ships sunk yet, we can only expect their withdrawal soon. BANZAI!




one of the hits... as seen by our spotting planes






AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/07/42

Weather: Clear

Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima, Shell hits 1
CA Mogami, Shell hits 1
CA Mikuma
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa
DD Yamagumo
DD Asagumo
DD Usugumo
DD Oboro

Allied Ships
AV Ballard, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
AV Thornton, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 485
Guns lost 9


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


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 11


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 23,77

Japanese Ships
SS I-29

Allied Ships
AP American Legion


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 46,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 70

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 11
SBD Dauntless x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 4 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 17 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged

PO1 U.Hagiri of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 46,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 68

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 20
SBD Dauntless x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 9 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 27 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 9 damaged

WO S.Muranaka of AI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4

Japanese Ships
CV Kaga


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 41
D3A Val x 96
B5N Kate x 81

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AP George F. Elliot, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ormsby, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
SC 518, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Alcyone, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
AP McCawley, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Algorab, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Fuller, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Etamin, Bomb hits 18, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PG Tui, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Betelgeuse, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Barnett, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 46,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 53

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 10
SBD Dauntless x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 5 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged

ENS E. Bassett of VF-42 is credited with kill number 3


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 65
G3M Nell x 10
G4M1 Betty x 17

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 15
P-400 Airacobra x 10
P-39D Airacobra x 15
P-40E Kittyhawk x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 11 destroyed
Wirraway x 1 damaged
P-400 Airacobra x 3 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 3 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 5 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 2 damaged

LTJG F.Fujiwara of F2/1st Daitai is credited with kill number 4

Allied Ships
AK Murada, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Barwon
AK Mungana
AK Mildura, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Asphalion, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 31

Attacking Level Bombers:


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 38
D3A Val x 24

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
D3A Val x 4 destroyed
D3A Val x 9 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CA Portland, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CA Astoria, Bomb hits 2, on fire


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

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 40
B5N Kate x 31

no losses

Allied Ships
AP Fuller, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
AP Westralia, Bomb hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
AK Betelgeuse, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
D3A Val x 23
B5N Kate x 24

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 7 destroyed
D3A Val x 9 damaged
B5N Kate x 6 destroyed
B5N Kate x 5 damaged


ENS R. May of VF-3 is credited with kill number 4

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 7
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage


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

[RGIJN]

Nihon Kaigun´s Chief of Staff missed the last meeting one hour ago... he is reported drunk from a little bit too much sake.

In spite of the precarious fuel situation today our carriers went further south to chase remnants of the enemy fleet, and both our TFs ended up just one/two hexes apart (his men might have disobeyed "follow" orders due to some confusion linked with day before).
Localized their forces, but "only" attacked surface craft though. However three CAs and two more AKs (hit yesterday alrady) are reported gone. Enemy CVs seem to have been abandoned, spotted dead in the water by now.

Mr. Roosevelt is said to have fired his CNO back in Washington due to the latest news he got from the PacFront, but official enemy broadcast turned silent for some reason...

Now it´s time to deal with the situation at Irau and Nevea, and our staff has already drawn some kinda plan regarding this.
As promised by the Imperial High Command, more and more assets are going to be released down south to us now.
Last night HQ Dutch East Indies sent a serious message up to Tokyo, complaining about the pull-out of naval forces from their theatre... [;)]






AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/08/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack near Shortland Island at 29,34

Japanese Ships
DD Usugumo

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier


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


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 29


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 32
D3A Val x 57
B5N Kate x 55

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 8 damaged
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 26 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Minneapolis, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
CA New Orleans, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Farragut
CA Astoria, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA Chester, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
CA Portland, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Chicago, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Australia, Bomb hits 2
DD Morris, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


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

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Hammann, Bomb hits 3, on fire


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
D3A Val x 42
B5N Kate x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Astoria, Bomb hits 12, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Portland, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CA Chester, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


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

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Walke
DD Russell, Bomb hits 1


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

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 4 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Morris, on fire
CA Australia


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

[a1981stingray]

From the President of the United States, 10 June 1942.
 
I am the bearer of some undesirable news today.
 
Several USN Admirals and Fleet Commanders were lost at sea yesterday. Names are being withheld until confirmed and family members can be notified.
 
What I can tell you is that the only 2 Carrier Fleets, Yorktown and Lexington, along with every available Heavy Cruiser and Destroyer escorts in the South Pacific, were stationed east of Irau approximately 180 nautical miles in a support role for an amphibious landings at Irau and Nevea. On June 9, 1942 at or before sunrise, several IJN fleet carriers were spotted North and West of the US Fleets current position by PBYs from Luganville. By all accounts from the search plane pilots, the entire IJN air wing launched for an all out strike against every amphibious landing craft, supply ship, and troop transports. From what the Intel Office can gather is that these amphibious landings have very few survivors as the last bit of intel from PBY pilots noted that more IJN/IJA troops were seen landing on the beaches that evening and the following day.
 
Other reports from pilots, from both carrier squadrons, that were landing at a small dirt strip on Luganville in an attempt to get back to Noumea to be reassigned, that their reports stated that both carriers and most fleet ships were severely damaged by armor piercing bombs and that system damage knocked out the boilers to the engine room and the majority of the ships were listing badly and dead in the water. That afternoon PBY pilots reported the entire IJN appeared within mark 1 eyeball sight of the fleet and launched another attack against the lifeless and sinking Carrier Fleets. There were no other reports except for life rafts and sailors floating in the water and fending off the circling sharks.
 
In an Heroic effort to rescue sailors from the battle, the Hornet and Enterprise were dispatched from Noumea will all haste to the last know position. The latest intel from the Admiral was that their position is approximately 300 nautical miles south from the battle site.  They should arrive within the next 12 hours to start Search and Rescue operations.
 
From the News wire back in the states: citizens were rioting and protesting to the bad decisions made by the USNHQ commanders and several Naval bases in California were repelling rioters and protestors from their main gates. Most USN Officers that were assigned to the South Pacific were released from service and or found dead in the streets.
 
This day shall mark the Battle for The Solomon Seas, where as in other events, it could have been the Battle for the Coral Sea. Either way it will be a very long time before any resources will be able to make it into the South Pacific. It appears that the Imperial Japan will have complete control of the South Seas for some time. Hopefully the miracle workers in Pearl Harbor can find some way to release any and all combat vessels.
 
That is all, thank you, and good night.
 

[RGIJN]

Chief of staff gained control of the board today, after his recent lull...

Tonite our brave surface units caught the Allies pants down in PM harbour, sinking another three AKs which were trying to deliver parts of the 3rd Aussie Division. They were lost with a huge loss of life, again.

In the afternoon one more strike reached CV LEXINGTON with some bombs far south, while KB is slowly retreating north. The reason for the weak strike is that most A/C were either sent to airfields nearby in order to make the CVs light or they´re flying fuel in... The storage is almost down to the bottom now. However, the results justified this crazy action...



(again, we surprised the local allied commander and launched a deadly LL attack in advance of this uneven "battle")






AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/09/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko, Shell hits 2
CA Furutaka
CL Sendai
DD Isokaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Umikaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Hatakaze

Allied Ships
AK Bellatrix, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
AK Electra, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Mercury, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 896


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Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 2 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 8 damaged
Wirraway x 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 23

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 24


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Shortland Island at 29,34

Japanese Ships
CA Aoba

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,49

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A Val x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage


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

[a1981stingray]

INTEL REPORT:
Likelihood of Imminent Ship Release to the South Pacific: HIGH
The majority of ships arriving within the next 2 weeks will include many combat ships and very few [ 5 ] transports. Congress has enacted a new round of drafts to ship all men & material to the west coast and Pearl Harbor to get the US back into the fight. The list is long.....
 
With the rather startling first clash defeat, it surprised many, that the frontline units and those sitting in Brisbane and Noumea were fueled with anger and wanted revenge to satisfy their bloodlust
 
A War plan from the Central HQ has arrived with many new Commanders from the Naval Academy.
 
There are no objections from the Field Commanders, since they all "went down with the ship"...
 

[RGIJN]

brief report of today:

subs did great job again... They caught two flattops at one night! one fish for the old CVE LONG ISLAND, and two for the already crippled YORKTOWN, she made it into Luganville just to eat those 21inchers... [:D] We assume both must be close to sinking...

Nell attack at PM too weak this time, failed to hit something.

Land combat at Irau still a bloody mess.

End of transmission (busy drafting updated war plans...)