Defending the empire 1943, the allies attack - a Jap AAR

[Hortlund]

Day 6 of the offensive. We are closing in on Darwin.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/27/42

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TF 1071 encounters mine field at Norfolk Island (60,119)

Allied Ships
DD Electra, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

He is continuing his probe of Norfolk Island. Reasonably this should mean that there is a CV-TF in this area aswell.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Derby, at 24,85

Japanese Ships
BB Ise
BB Mutsu


Allied ground losses:
1022 casualties reported
Guns lost 32
Vehicles lost 16

Runway hits 6
Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 1

My first somewhat effective bombardment...after 6 days!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Norfolk Island, at 60,119 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

30 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
CL Detroit
CL Raleigh
BB New Mexico, Shell hits 8

Japanese ground losses:
70 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

A US BB makes its appearance off Norfolk Island. The base is at fort lvl 7 with a shore defence gun battery and circa 150 AVs. Should be interesting to see what happens when he lands.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 30,76

Japanese Ships
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Natsugumo
DD Isokaze
DD Maikaze
DD Kagero
DD Akizuki
CV Hiyo

Allied Ships
SS S-40, hits 1

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3
B-17E Fortress x 35

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 damaged
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 16 damaged

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
11 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet

This is great news. B17s are shifted from the front in Northern Australia and are attacking Port Moresby instead. Perhaps he can see the writing on the wall at Darwin...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 84
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 57
Ki-49 Helen x 15

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 3 destroyed, 9 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 3 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 2 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
24 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet

And here is the writing on the wall. He does not even try to defend the base. Fortunately I suspected asmuch and sent along a handful of bombers. They manage to torch several aircraft on the ground.

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Day Air attack on Wyndham , at 30,86

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 117

No Japanese losses

Same at Wyndham. Unfortunately bad weather prevented my Bettys from attacking the base today. But I find it telling that he refuses to put up his fighters in the air. Actually Im starting to suspect that he is getting short of fighters here. He is only defending two bases right now, and in neither of these bases is he putting up a defensive CAP.

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Day Air attack on TF at 12,85

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 19
E13A1 Jake x 7
E7K2 Alf x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Modjekerto, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

This is off the coast of Australia, between Pearth and Broome. My picket-force of CS and a CVE. They should be the perfect weapon to pick off stragglers from the northern coast.



Orders for tomorrow.
1) The two CV task forces are to move in to attack position and hold. They will sit 7 hexes off Darwin and wait.
2) Surface forces are to move into position to bombard Darwin, they should arrive in 2-3 days.
3) One sweep from Dilli to Darwin.
4) One sweep from Lauterm to Darwin, accompanied by 30 Helens.
5) 80 Bettys on airfield attack from Kendari to Darwin.
6) 40 Zeros from the CV does a sweep of Darwin.

[Hortlund]

Some observations.
 
1) The offensive has cost me alot of bombers. I suspect my total loss so far is around 100 Helens and Sallys. Most of these losses has been against a flak-heavy base.
 
2) My fighters have effectively achieved air superiority in the area. His fighters are reluctant to defend his bases, and his bombers suffer from very low morale. This is mostly thanks to his attacks on Timor before the offensive started. This low bomber morale means that he has problems with bombers turning back at the first sign of defensive CAP.
 
3) I am getting ready for the final attack on Darwin. Recon tells me the port is loaded with subs and ships. I expect his subs to evacuate soon, but his surface ships cannot escape now. I have put 80 Bettys on naval attack at Koepang, and Ive got several carrier taskforces operating in the area. If the attack tomorrow goes well, and I have every reason to expect that it should, Im doing 3 sweeps with over 300 fighters, followed by 30+100 bombers on airfield attack...if all goes well tomorrow, then I can start sending in the bombardment taskforces...6 BBs and 6 CAs, they can run shuttle back and forth between Kendari and Darwin, and after that...the port strike, or the decisive naval engagement.

[Hortlund]

I just realized that I need to plan for one more thing. He might try a desperate breakout from Darwin in a day or two, when he realizes he has been caught.

[Hortlund]

WOHOOO!!! The battle for Darwin is in my hands!!!!

His morale has shattered, he is not defending Darwin, the ships are leaving the harbor, yesterday I saw over 40 ships in port, today the port is empty and the sea is full of fleeing vessels. He is running straight into the Agaki and my picket ships. What a great day for the empire!!!!

I cannot express in words how relieved I am to see him fleeing. The offensive was touch and go for a while, and during the first days the losses to my bombers almost broke my will to continue the offensive. Now we have broken his spirit however, and he is the one who folded.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/28/42

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Naval bombardment of Derby, at 24,85

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
CA Ashigara
BB Hiei


Allied ground losses:
626 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
Vehicles lost 3

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 2

Another good hit at Derby. Although the base is empty...as is the entire northern seaboard.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 137 encounters mine field at Kwajalein (79,79)

Japanese Ships
MSW Kyo Maru #5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Broome at 21,85

Japanese Ships
SS I-159

Allied Ships
DD Pakenham

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Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 81
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 39
Ki-49 Helen x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 2 destroyed, 15 damaged


Allied ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 12

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet

No defences at Darwin! No fighters in the air, no fighters or bombers on the ground. No ships in the harbor...except the Battleships!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 94
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

No Japanese losses

Victory victory!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 116

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 5 destroyed, 33 damaged


Allied ground losses:
39 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 27

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 16000 feet
12 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 16000 feet
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 16000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 16000 feet
14 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 16000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 16000 feet
5 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 16000 feet
7 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 16000 feet
5 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 16000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 16000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 16000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 16000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 16000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 16000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 16000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 16000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 16000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 13,85

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Aylwin, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

And here his fleeing ships are running into my picket off Broome, see screenshot.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 13,85

Japanese aircraft
E7K2 Alf x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Aylwin, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 13,85

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Aylwin, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

DD Alwin sinks.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 41,86

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 25

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AD Whitney, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

And here the Agaki. First this AD meets its fate in the depths.

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Day Air attack on TF at 39,85

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 12
B5N Kate x 20

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Sims, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

And then this DD.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 13,85

Japanese aircraft
E7K2 Alf x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
E7K2 Alf: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DD MacDonough, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 13,85

Japanese aircraft
E7K2 Alf x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
E7K2 Alf: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DD MacDonough

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 13,85

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD MacDonough

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

This is off Broome.

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Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 55

No Japanese losses

This sweep is from my CVs off Lauterm.

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Day Air attack on TF at 14,85

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
MSW Eland Dubois

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

Off Broome

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Day Air attack on TF at 42,87

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 16

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Sipirok, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

And this is Akagi in what will soon become known as the great Darwin turkey shoot...but with ships
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 14,85

Japanese aircraft
E7K2 Alf x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Empire Ocean

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
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Day Air attack on TF at 41,89

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 11

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AR Medusa, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet

Aha, an AR trying to flee. I almost pity him
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 14,85

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Fox, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

Another DD meets its fate...

[Hortlund]

Orders for tomorrow:

1) Bettys at Kendari port strike Darwin.
2) Bettys at Koepang port strike Darwin, 50 Bettys on naval attack.
3) Helens at Lauterm port strike Darwin, Zeros at Lauterm escort and LRCAP.
4) Akagi, move south to get into better position to attack ships fleeing.
5) ZuikakuTF, move to two hexes south of Lauterm to prepare for attack on Darwin.
6) Yamato TF meet up with Zuikaku TF.
7) Picket force move one hex north to avoid surface combat.

I must remember that he has only evacuated the bases, they are not destroyed. In other words, he can fly in 200 bombers and 50 fighters at a moments notice.


I must remember that he has only evacuated the bases, they are not destroyed. In other words, he can fly in 200 bombers and 50 fighters at a moments notice.
I must remember that he has only evacuated the bases, they are not destroyed. In other words, he can fly in 200 bombers and 50 fighters at a moments notice.
I must remember that he has only evacuated the bases, they are not destroyed. In other words, he can fly in 200 bombers and 50 fighters at a moments notice.

Ok, I think I'll remember it now.

[Hortlund]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/29/42

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TF 52 encounters mine field at Lautem (33,78)

Japanese Ships
DD Hayashio

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Sub attack at 25,83

Japanese Ships
SS I-159

Allied Ships
AK Eidsvold, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 25,83

Japanese Ships
SS I-159

Allied Ships
AK Eidsvold, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

5 torpedos..the unlucky AK sinks

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Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 7

Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 123

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington III: 2 destroyed, 14 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
559 casualties reported
Guns lost 10

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 46

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
4 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
9 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
5 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
4 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
9 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
12 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
4 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
5 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
4 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
6 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
4 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
2 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
2 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
2 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
2 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
2 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
2 x Wellington III bombing at 16000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Myitkyina , at 36,28


Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 21
B-26B Marauder x 31


No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
28 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 16000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 16000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 41
Ki-49 Helen x 51

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 8 destroyed, 35 damaged

Allied Ships
MSW Jan van Amstel, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
25 casualties reported

Port hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

Costly attack. The MSW sinks, but it cost alot of bombers. We wont be doing more port attacks for a while.

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Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84

Japanese aircraft
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

No Japanese losses

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Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 destroyed, 16 damaged

Allied Ships
MSW Jan van Amstel, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
63 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 1

Port hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet

Same here. But we need to keep the pressure up here aswell, I dont want him to get any ideas about returning with his bombers...

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Day Air attack on TF at 42,88

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 7 damaged

Allied Ships
AS Griffin

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

no hits..?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 42,88

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
AS Griffin, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

Ah..thanks. AS sinks

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Day Air attack on TF at 25,83

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
G4M1 Betty x 25

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Loa Koeloe, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

AK sinks

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Day Air attack on TF at 25,83

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Pasir, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

AK sinks

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Day Air attack on TF at 43,88

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 15
B5N Kate x 19

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Foxhound, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

DD sinks

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 12,85

Japanese aircraft
E7K2 Alf x 11

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Fox, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 12,85

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Fox, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 12,85

Japanese aircraft
E7K2 Alf x 11

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Fox, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet

DD sinks

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 12,83

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 5 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Sumatra, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

CL sinks

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 12,83

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 7

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 12,83

Japanese aircraft
E7K2 Alf x 3

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84

Japanese aircraft
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 12,85

Japanese aircraft
E7K2 Alf x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Empire Ocean, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 43,89

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AR Medusa, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet

AR sinks. So far we have sunk one AR, one AS, one AD and a handful of destroyers and a CL.

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Day Air attack on TF at 9,87

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 10

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Pakenham, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet

DD sinks

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 33,80

Japanese Ships
PG Nagata Maru
PG Kyo Maru #10
PG Kyo Maru #8
PG Kogyoku Maru

Allied Ships
SS Perch


All in all a good day. We have sunk alot of ships and Darwin is starting too look like Manilla 2. The BBs are not in port and they are not spotted however, and that concerns me. I want those two BBs too. [/color]

[Hortlund]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/30/42

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ASW attack at 33,79

Japanese Ships
DD Natsugumo
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Isokaze
DD Maikaze
DD Kagero
DD Akizuki

Allied Ships
SS Pike

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 92
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 27,82


Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Eizan Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 28,81


Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 10


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Oyashima Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Sinko Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet

He is starting to repopulate his bases at Broome and Derby now. I dont mind, Ive ordered a strike on Derby just to keep him honest however.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 29,80

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
A-20B Boston x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
A-20B Boston: 2 destroyed, 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Koshin Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x A-20B Boston bombing at 6000 feet
2 x A-20B Boston bombing at 6000 feet
4 x A-20B Boston bombing at 6000 feet
4 x A-20B Boston bombing at 6000 feet

My LRCAP still works ok though. This attack is on one of my picket-ships off Koepang.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 26,83


Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Bunzan Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 8,89

Japanese aircraft
E7K2 Alf x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
E7K2 Alf: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
MSW Latrobe

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet

Hit rate is appalling...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 8,89

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
MSW Latrobe

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 8,89

Japanese aircraft
E7K2 Alf x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
MSW Latrobe

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 45,89

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 16

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AR Medusa, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

This is the same AR I reported sunk yesterday. I was wrong...this time it sinks however, I promise.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 7,91

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 12
E13A1 Jake x 7
E7K2 Alf x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD MacDonough, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
3 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

This DD should sink soon aswell.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 33,80


Allied aircraft
A-20B Boston x 10


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
PG Kyo Maru #10
PG Kogyoku Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 6000 feet
4 x A-20B Boston bombing at 6000 feet

Strike on an ASW task force off Lauterm. Well, if he bombs my PGs instead of my carriers, Im happy.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 28,81


Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 6


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Sinko Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Oyashima Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 9,88

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
MSW Eland Dubois

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 9,88

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Empire Latimer, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 10,86

Japanese aircraft
E7K2 Alf x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Empire Ocean

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 44,89

Japanese Ships
DD Akebono
DD Nenohi

Allied Ships
SS Grayling, hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 34,80

Japanese Ships
DD Nagatsuki
DD Kisaragi

Allied Ships
SS KXV

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

9 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CA Haguro
CA Maya, Shell hits 7, on fire
CA Chikuma


Allied ground losses:
177 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

My first bombardment of Darwin. Same amount of non-damage here as I managed to inflict at Derby...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 34,80

Japanese Ships
APD APD-39
APD APD-36
APD APD-35
DD Oboro
DD Hatsuharu

Allied Ships
SS KXV, hits 9, on fire

This one should die aswell. The waters around Lanterm is really swarming with subs. He has at least one sub in each hex. Ive got some Vals on ASW duty, and some ASW taskforces, and it seems to work.



Now...some concerns.

I have not spotted his BBs. They are not in port at Darwin, and I have not seen them for two days. This bothers me. I cant believe two BBs would be able to slip past all my hundreds of bombers and search planes...where the heck are they?

I have spotted the allied CV-force off Rockhampton. 17 ships in two TFs with one confirmed CV and one confirmed BB. Im not sure what he wants to do with this force. Is he trying to creep up the coast and reinforce Darwin? In that case he has to run the gauntlet of Norfolk Island, Port Moresby and Gilli Gilli. I doubt he would try that. Is he going to attack Port Moresby and Norfolk Island? I have reinforced Port Moresby and Gilli Gilli with fighters and bombers. We shall see what happens...

But where are his BBs??

[Hortlund]

Losses during the offensive so far:

ALLIED

AK x 6
DD x 5
CL x 1
AS x 1
AR x 1
AD x 1
MSW x 1

B-25C x 40 (+90 dam)
B-17E x 4 (+ 15 dam)
Swordfish x 20
Hurricane x 54 (+11 dam)
Kittyhawk x 32 (+9 dam)
F4F-3 x28 (+9 dam)
P-40B x 20 (+13 dam)

= 198 aircraft destroyed, 147 damaged
= 16 ships sunk, total points 159


JAPANESE

DD x 2

Oscar I x 15 (+31 dam)
Zero x 33 (+29 dam)
Helen x 32 (+150 dam)
Sally x 15 (+72 dam)
Betty x 15 (+112 dam)

= 110 destroyed, 394 damaged
= 2 ships sunk, total points 20

[jwilkerson]

This looks just fine - compared to stock - if you're in like early 1943 - but for mid-1942 - at least relative to stock - you're getting slaughtered!
[:)]

[Hortlund]

ORIGINAL: jwilkerson

This looks just fine - compared to stock - if you're in like early 1943 - but for mid-1942 - at least relative to stock - you're getting slaughtered!
[:)]

Yeah, I know what you mean. I think a big factor in that is the difference in aircombat between nikmod and stock. If we had been playing stock, I think my losses should be half of what they are now, and his should be three times what they are now. I have lost hundreds of aircraft on the ground in attacks that would have been stopped in stock. And I have inflicted pitiful damage to his raids in battles that would have been massacres in stock..

[Hortlund]

Today I called off the offensive. There is no reason to press on now. I have emptied the port of Darwin, so I must seek his ships on the ocean instead of on the coast of Australia. I spotted an AS trying to escape NORTH, and that surprised me alot. Maybe his BBs are escaping this way too...Im sending all my CVs to this area, and Im moving airunits into the area to see if I cant find him now.

Today, he launched a 100 B17 strike on Port Moresby, a strike that was surprisingly ineffective. His CVs are just waiting off Cooktown, presumably he is waiting to neutralize Port Moresby..

[Hortlund]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/01/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 69 encounters mine field at Lautem (33,78)

Japanese Ships
PG Kogyoku Maru, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 35,80

Japanese Ships
CL Oi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Akigumo

Allied Ships
SS Shark

This is bad. Oi is one of my favourite ships. She was part of the escort for the Zuikaku, and I suppose it was better that she took the torpedo than the CV. Oi should make it back to port with damage in the 20 10 20 category.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 34,81

Japanese Ships
DD Uranami

Allied Ships
SS Perch

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 34,80

Japanese Ships
DD Nagatsuki
DD Kisaragi

Allied Ships
SS Tarpon

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 34,79

Japanese Ships
CVE Unyo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Ushio

Allied Ships
SS Searaven

This torpedo puts Unyo (not Hosho, I wrote the wrong name in the picture) out of action for at least three months. But she should make it to Kendari.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 34,80

Japanese Ships
PG Nagata Maru
PG Kyo Maru #10
PG Kyo Maru #8

Allied Ships
SS Tarpon

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lashio , at 35,30


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 13


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
3 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 11

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 4
B-17E Fortress x 105

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 30 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 17

Aircraft Attacking:
B-17E Fortress bombing at 16000 feet

Huge strike, surprisingly ineffective.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Derby , at 24,85

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 30
Ki-49 Helen x 48
Ki-46-II Dinah x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 5 destroyed, 34 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 31

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet
18 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet

I will order one more attack on Darwin tomorrow, and after that the offensive is halted.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 26,83


Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Bunzan Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 7,91

Japanese aircraft
E7K2 Alf x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
MSW Eland Dubois

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 7,91

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
MSW Eland Dubois

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 7,92

Japanese aircraft
E7K2 Alf x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
E7K2 Alf: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
MSW Latrobe

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 7,89

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Empire Latimer, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 8,88

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 7
E7K2 Alf x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Empire Ocean

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

All of these attacks are in the picket-fight off Perth. My ships have now run out of air missions and they are retiring to Java. All in all they performed admirably, and will return after refitting.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 41,74

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AS Colombia

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

This surprised me...not a single hit. It was very valuable to spot this ship however, as it might lead me to hte BBs

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 28,82


Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 9
A-20B Boston x 13


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Koshin Maru, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 6000 feet
2 x A-20B Boston bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x A-20B Boston bombing at 6000 feet
4 x A-20B Boston bombing at 6000 feet

[Hortlund]

Well, not the Bismarck, but those two BBs...Ramilles and Colorado. Where the heck are they?

Today I spotted the AS again, and managed to score a couple of hits, but where are his damn BBs?

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/02/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 43,88

Japanese Ships
DD Akebono
DD Nenohi
DD Kawakaze
DD Shigure
DD Natsushio
DD Kuroshio
DD Makigumo
CVL Shoho

Allied Ships
SS Flying Fish

This is a failed sub attack on the AgakiTF. Agaki and company are sprinting north, to refuel and then chase the BBs.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 33,79

Japanese Ships
PG Nagata Maru
PG Kyo Maru #10
PG Kyo Maru #8

Allied Ships
SS Searaven, hits 4, on fire

Amazingly a PG manages to score a real hit.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 31 encounters mine field at Lautem (33,78)

Japanese Ships
PG Kyo Maru #10
PG Nagata Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Dutch Harbor at 103,36

Japanese Ships
AK Kashii Maru, Shell hits 15, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Farragut
DD Dewey
DD Hull

Up north, a DD sweep bags an AK. Fortunately for me, the AK was empty. I just loaded an aviation unit here, and had his destroyers showed up yesterday, he would have bagged a juicy target indeed.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lashio , at 35,30


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 60
P-40E Warhawk x 19


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 31

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
5 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
10 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Darwin , at 36,84

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 30
Ki-49 Helen x 48

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 7 destroyed, 34 damaged

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 25

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet
16 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet
10 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 11000 feet

when I ordered this attack, he had bombers at Darwin..now the base was empty. Oh what fun it is to play the jap side...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 28,80


Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 12


No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 27,80


Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 8
A-20B Boston x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Bunzan Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston bombing at 6000 feet
1 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 45,73

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
Ki-49 Helen x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied Ships
AS Colombia, Bomb hits 4, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

Recon tells me there are two AKs in this hex. I doubt my spotting could confuse an AK for a BB, so Im hoping the other "AK" is something as juicy as this AS. Sending all my CVs, BBs and aircraft into this sector...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 35,81

Japanese Ships
AP Ginyo Maru, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS O21, hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
72 casualties reported

This is the invasion force for one of those small islands off Darwin. I changed my mind however and Im sending these guys as garrisson on Ambonia instead. I dont want to give his airunits an easy training target by taking those three undefendable islands.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 29,27

Japanese Ships
SS I-28

Allied Ships
MSW Romney
MSW Poole

[Hortlund]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/03/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 173 encounters mine field at Lautem (33,78)

Japanese Ships
DD Hato, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hasu
DD Isonami

This DD sinks. amazing..from one mine hit..

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 24,61

Japanese Ships
ML Hirashima
ML Hoko

Allied Ships
SS S-45, hits 8, on fire, heavy damage

And this submarine sinks too...apparently the MLs are quite good subhunters aswell..

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lashio , at 35,30


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 72
P-40E Warhawk x 2


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
90 casualties reported

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 21

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet

I dont know what he is trying to achieve here. Training for his pilots I suppose. Eventually I will have to return to defend this area with my airforce..but not yet.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 48,72

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
B5N Kate x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AS Colombia, Bomb hits 11, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet

And with that, the fate of the Colombia is sealed. The Kates from Zuikaku make short work of her. Now if I could only find those BBs...

[Hortlund]

On a sidenote...

The signs are gathering that I might be up for another bombardment attack at Akyab. His Wellingtons have stopped attacking my airbases, and instead they are on ASW or Naval attack duty. I also spotted two MSWs hovering in the area off Akyab, and there really is no logic reason for that unless he wants to pave the way for a bombardment attack.

The US CVs are at Rockhampton. I have no idea what for. At the same time activity has slowed down around Norfolk Island.

I wonder if he will strike at Norfolk Island or at Port Moresby. I have decided to move one brigade from Rabaul to Port Moresby just in case.

[jwilkerson]

I still suggest occupying all the little islands/bases near Northern Oz to increase diversion and delay upon the Allies attempt to return. That remains your most vulnerable sector IMHO.

You are prolly next weakest in Burma, then in the Aleutians and of course you are strongest in the SOPAC and CENPAC areas, you can avoid to be weak in those areas, those Port Moresby, Gili-Gili and THursday Island are quite critical. They allow possible leap-frogging into Western NG which threatens the SRA.

[Hortlund]

ORIGINAL: jwilkerson

I still suggest occupying all the little islands/bases near Northern Oz to increase diversion and delay upon the Allies attempt to return. That remains your most vulnerable sector IMHO.

But I cant see how I would ever be able to defend those islands. They are too close to Darwin. Im having enough trouble trying to defend Timor and Ambonia. To defend those 00-islands would be a nightmare..

[Hortlund]

Well, today I found the hiding ships...


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/07/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 28,50

Japanese Ships
TK Kokuyo Maru
DD Yuzuki
DD Uzuki

Allied Ships
SS Gudgeon, hits 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 27,67

Japanese Ships
PG Kamitsu Maru
MSW W.18

Allied Ships
SS Thresher

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 50,97

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
G4M1 Betty x 17

Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 52
F4F-3 Wildcat x 11
F4F-4 Wildcat x 138

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 15 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 17 damaged

The CVs are moving closer to Port Moresby. I am not sure whether he will attempt to run through the gauntlet of Norfolk Island to save his trapped ships. As you can see, the results are asburd again as I lose close to 100% of my aircraft. 100 percent. Not a single leaker...all shot down.

Pure BS.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 50,97

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 31

Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 52
F4F-3 Wildcat x 8
F4F-4 Wildcat x 111

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 24 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Martlet II: 1 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 10 damaged

Whats this then? 75% shot down? 31 attacking aircraft...24 destroyed.

Again PURE BS.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 41,96

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
AS Sperry, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet

Here are the first bombs on the hiding ships. Hugging the north coast of Australia between Darwin and Port Moresby.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 41,96

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
AS Sperry, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet

This AS should sink. Unfortunately Im not in torpedo range with my Kates.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 41,96

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
B5N Kate x 20

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AD Dixie, Bomb hits 11, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 41,96

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
B5N Kate x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 1 destroyed, 18 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Colorado, Bomb hits 7, on fire
BB Ramilles, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet

They would be dead if I had been inside torpedo range. I have to move in closer with my CVs, despite the threat of the allied CVs on the other side of Norfolk Island.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 50,97

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
G4M1 Betty x 5

Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 42
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9
F4F-4 Wildcat x 105

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 damaged

Again...100% losses.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 50,97

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 14

Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 42
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9
F4F-4 Wildcat x 100

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 damaged

Only 3 destroyed this time...well the morale is all fucked up, so they turned back at the first sign of combat.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 41,96

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AR Vestal, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet

And the final attack of the day, one hit on the AR.


This day was a fucking joke.

[Hortlund]

This is what the situation looks like.

I have Akagi and 2 CVLs attacking the hiding ships. 3 CVs are two days out. All my other CVs are in the Truk area. They have transferred their fighters to Gilli Gilli and Port Moresby.

I have 100 fighters and 80 Bettys at Gilli Gilli and Lae. At Port Moresby I have 100 fighters and 80 bombers (Kates and Helens). If he is trying to run the gauntlet, then he will pay for it.

The results from yesterdays combat was fucking stupid by any standard. It annoys me to no end that allied bombers can fly through any type of resistance, while japanese bombers all get shot down...to the last plane. Three of my attacks had 100% losses. A HUNDRED PERCENT SHOT DOWN.

[Hortlund]

Big day today.








AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/08/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 24,50

Japanese Ships
TK Kokuyo Maru
DD Yuzuki
DD Uzuki

Allied Ships
SS Trout

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1052 encounters mine field at Port Moresby (53,91)

Allied Ships
CA Astoria, Mine hits 1

I suspected Port Moresby would be hit hard today. Therefore I made Gilli Gilli and Lae my main bases for the Bettys and A6M2s. I filled up PM with Helens, Vals, Bettys and Zeros to make him believe this was an important base for me. In reality, PM is almost out of supply and I cant use it to stage large airstrikes because of that.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 47,89

Japanese Ships
DD Kuroshio
DD Natsushio

Allied Ships
SS S-32

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 12 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen: 3 destroyed
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed
D3A Val: 4 destroyed
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 4 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CA Portland
CA Dorsetshire
CA Chester
CL Detroit
CL Raleigh

Japanese ground losses:
475 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 17
Runway hits 129

As you can see, mostly assorted crap here. I threw in the odd 9-plane Betty wing, in case as if by a miracle they would survive to fly. Alas...no.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 26,64

Japanese Ships
AK Taiko Maru #3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Akagane Maru
AP Hawaii Maru
PG Kamitsu Maru
MSW W.18

Allied Ships
SS Thresher

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lashio , at 35,30


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 89
P-40E Warhawk x 24
Hurricane IIc x 16


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 27

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
11 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
5 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Hurricane IIc bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIc bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Hurricane IIb bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

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

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 104

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 8 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 7 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 4 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen: 2 destroyed
B5N Kate: 8 destroyed
D3A Val: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 21 damaged

Airbase hits 8
Runway hits 80

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
14 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
14 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 11000 feet

And here comes the B17s from Cooktown. You are getting predictable Castor...tsk tsk.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 48,89


Allied aircraft
Albacore x 16
Martlet II x 3
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2
SBD Dauntless x 85


Allied aircraft losses
Albacore: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Kuroshio, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Natsushio, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet


I had a decoy TF of two DDs move in towards Thursday Island. Looks like the decoy worked, he spent his entire strike on those two hapless destroyers...and thats all fine with me. Eat up sorties, show me what you have. I dont mind.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 48,89


Allied aircraft
Albacore x 22
Martlet II x 4
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 48,89


Allied aircraft
Albacore x 12
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
SBD Dauntless x 34
TBD Devastator x 15


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 48,89


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
SBD Dauntless x 17
TBD Devastator x 15


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 48,89


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
SBD Dauntless x 17
TBD Devastator x 15


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 48,89


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 17


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet

As we can see, he doesnt have that much escort. Good to know...tomorrow Im setting all my Zeros on CAP for the CVs (who are running away).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 45,93

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 18
B5N Kate x 47

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 2 destroyed, 10 damaged
B5N Kate: 2 destroyed, 18 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Ramilles, Torpedo hits 2
BB Colorado, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
DD Tjerk Hiddes

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

He is trying to run away with his BBs. They are attempting to meet up with the CVs off Thursday Island. No luck. BB Colorado sinks after this strike.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 51,96

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 108
A6M3 Zero x 25
G4M1 Betty x 49

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Astoria, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

Remember CA Astoria that hit a mine at Port Moresby harbor? I would have preferred if this strike had been on the CVs instead, but the CA sinks like a rock after this one.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 49,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 85
G4M1 Betty x 29

Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 50
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9
F4F-4 Wildcat x 108

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 59 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 17 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Martlet II: 14 damaged
F4F-3 Wildcat: 7 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 13 destroyed, 57 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Indomitable
BB Warspite, Torpedo hits 1
CV Formidable
CV Hornet

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

I dont get the air combat results in this game. I lose 60 out of 85 Zeros? Today we make it through the CAP and score one hit on the Warspite. More important however is that we are wearing down his fighter force with our land based Zeros. His CV fighters for my land fighters...thats a good trade off for me.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 43,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
D3A Val x 12
B5N Kate x 11

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AS Sperry, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

And here we finish off the AS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 42,95

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 23

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AD Dixie, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

...the AR

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 45,94

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 47
D3A Val x 15
B5N Kate x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AR Vestal, Bomb hits 15, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet

...the AR...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 45,93

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 43
D3A Val x 24
B5N Kate x 48

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 3 damaged
B5N Kate: 1 destroyed, 12 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Ramilles, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Stuart

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

And the BB. Ramilles sinks after this massacre.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 45,93

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
D3A Val x 11
B5N Kate x 34

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
BB Ramilles, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 45,93

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

Here our Bettys are torpedoing the hole in the water where Ramilles sank earlier.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 49,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 30
G4M1 Betty x 9

Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 37
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
F4F-4 Wildcat x 60

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 13 destroyed, 4 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Martlet II: 5 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed, 10 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Warspite
CV Hornet

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

Another attack on the CVs with absurd losses.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 49,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 54
A6M3 Zero x 16
G4M1 Betty x 14

Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 26
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
F4F-4 Wildcat x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 22 destroyed, 10 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 5 destroyed, 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 12 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Martlet II: 3 destroyed, 11 damaged
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 12 destroyed, 6 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Formidable
BB Warspite, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CV Hornet

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

And the last attack of the day. Again...more pathetic results.