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I still got quite a few good naval commanders in the pool WhoCares, but you're right - 2nd Lt. Izumida is overqualified
for command of a MLE. An asw group commander perhaps!?

How big is the allied op losses?

There must quite a bunch of the 200+ AC taking off from the carries that never returns. Or?

Btw: thanks for a great AAR, you inspired me to do start playing Witp again.

Good to hear you're back at it Huggarn [8D] Wish I had the capacity to try a game with the latest patches and mods.

Allied op losses usually equalls Jap losses at around 4-14 ac pr day depending on the size of operations.
(My training missions in China are costly, especially when the units are green) US carrier based ac are high
quality and suffers only minor losses...unfortunately. It's the long range fighters and bombers that takes most
casualties.

ORIGINAL: PzB

I still got quite a few good naval commanders in the pool WhoCares, but you're right - 2nd Lt. Izumida is overqualified
for command of a MLE. An asw group commander perhaps!?

I am not sure whether you can assign him as a dedicated ASW TF commander. The rank has no influence on the skills of a commander (read: a 80/81 2nd Lt is just as good as a Vice Admiral with the same ratings). However, the rank is the defining factor in which list a given commander appears. That's why you can't assign a 2nd Lt. as CV TF commander, nor a Vice Admiral as AK skipper.
That's why I said that I don't think that you can put him on a DD and I'd similarly doubt that you can pick him as a ASW TF commander. I am not even sure whether a skipper actually shows up in the TF commander list (except the skipper of the Flagship, of course)...

Remains also the question what the Leader-Bug will do with him in a turn or five [:'(]

True WhoCares - we've not been plagued much by the leader-bug in this game though [8D]
A 2nd lt should be a good commander for a PC/PG me thinks.

Seems like Andy is on the move: his carrier fleet is moving up the eastern coast of New Guinea.
Several targets were bombed, but I didn't spot any transports? Moving air reinforcements forward,
but I will not engage an enemy uber CAP unless I have to.

The question is: how should we react against an enemy incursion? Snipe and hide is my preferred
approach for the time being. It's not possible to prevent the fall of central NG, so why waste valuable
resources for very little gain? All my airfields are too far away to be a serious threat to enemy landings
in the area. Enemy LBA makes sure of that.

Got some really good units that will be put on naval night attack though and 3 subs have been ordered to intercept
the enemy carrier groupings. Just need a minor mircale [8|]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/03/44

Air Attacks

2 US subs reported hit by asw ac!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Dagua , at 51,81 - could be Dagua next. Got several units ready
for immediate deployment to the base.

Allied aircraft
F-5C Lightning x 1

No Allied losses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 18th/C Division, at 51,81

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 12
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 14
P-40N Warhawk x 72

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
161 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 18th/C Division, at 51,81

Allied aircraft
Boomerang II x 18
Kittyhawk III x 35
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 52
P-40N Warhawk x 77
P-38J Lightning x 29
A-20G Havoc x 9
B-25J Mitchell x 42
B-24J Liberator x 51

No allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
385 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Hansa , at 53,83 - 4 transport ac were shot down over Hansa
by enemy LRCAP today. I hope this is where Andy's heading [:'(]

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 18
SB2C Helldiver x 31
TBM Avenger x 187

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 1 damaged
TBM Avenger: 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
50 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 5
Port supply hits 9
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Enemy fleet moves north along eastern New Guinea coast

Seems like a huge troop convoy is trailing Andy's carriers. I'm betting they will land
just north of Wewak. Let em come, time is on our side [8D]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/04/44

Air Attacks

USS Gudgeon reported hit by asw ac!

Lautern on Timor has been hit on a regular basis over the last few weeks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lautem , at 33,78

Allied aircraft
Boomerang II x 12
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 41
P-40N Warhawk x 14
P-38J Lightning x 33
F-5A Lightning x 5
B-25J Mitchell x 33

Allied aircraft losses
P-40N Warhawk: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 59
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Same with Kusaie Island...

Day Air attack on Kusaie Island , at 75,82

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Liberator VI x 12
B-25J Mitchell x 16
PB4Y Liberator x 19
B-24D Liberator x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator VI: 1 damaged
B-25J Mitchell: 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 62
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wewak , at 52,81

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 10
B-24J Liberator x 50

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-46-III Dinah: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
62 casualties reported

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 70
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aitape has also been targetted more often than not, but I think Dagua is Andy's
target - cause thats a size 2 af that can be expanded to size 5.

Day Air attack on 12th/C Division, at 51,80

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 21

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
71 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 18th/C Division, at 51,81

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 10
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 13
P-40N Warhawk x 18

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
36 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 18th/C Division, at 51,81

Allied aircraft
Boomerang II x 18
Kittyhawk III x 33
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 49
P-40N Warhawk x 79
P-38J Lightning x 34
A-20G Havoc x 9
B-25J Mitchell x 42
B-24J Liberator x 49

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
221 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Dagua , at 51,81

Allied aircraft
F-5C Lightning x 1

No Allied losses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wewak , at 52,81

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 60
TBM Avenger x 201

Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 1 destroyed, 12 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
69 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 13
Port supply hits 18
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is my secret plan on how the Pacific War can be won:

Blackadder : Tell me do you ever stop bullying and shouting at the lower orders?
Wellington : NEVER! There's only one way to win a campaign shout, shout and shout again.
Blackadder : You don't think that inspired leadership and tactical ability have anything to do with it?
Wellington : NO! It's all down to shouting. WAAGGHH!

Adapted it at school and it's working pretty well [:D]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/05/44

Surface Combat

My spy subs spotted a small surface group and 2 destroyers were sent to intercept:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Amchitka Island at 96,36

Japanese Ships
DD Yugure, Shell hits 2
DD Uzuki

Allied Ships
AK Centarus
AK Edward Livingston
AK Frances E. Willard, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub/ASW Attacks

Another attempt at intercepting an enemy convoy with CVEs ends with disaster!
Another US sub hit by asw ac.

Somehow I-20 managed to reach port with 97 flood [&o]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 55,84

Japanese Ships
SS I-30, hits 3, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*

Allied Ships
AK Prominent
LST LST-24
DE Duffy
DD Downes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Attacks

Impossible to say were Andy will invade but it doesn't really matter. We wait and see!
Doesn't matter much to me were the Empire defeats its enemies [;)]

Day Air attack on Aitape , at 51,80

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 12
B-24J Liberator x 37

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
38 casualties reported

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 9
Runway hits 32
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 12th/C Division, at 51,80

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 24

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 18th/C Division, at 51,81

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 10
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 14
P-40N Warhawk x 15

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
20 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 18th/C Division, at 51,81

Allied aircraft
Boomerang II x 17
Kittyhawk III x 35
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 45
P-40N Warhawk x 74
P-38J Lightning x 40
A-20G Havoc x 11
B-25J Mitchell x 27
B-24J Liberator x 73

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
370 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 2nd/B Division, at 53,83

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 4
P-39D Airacobra x 15

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Hansa , at 53,83

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 60
SB2C Helldiver x 31
TBM Avenger x 189

Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported

Port hits 5
Port supply hits 10
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enemy invasion armada

I believe that is what the military calls a B.F.H......i.e. a Big Hammer......

Yep, but imagine all the sys damage the entire Allied fleet must be working up while the Combined Fleet is
enjoying prolonged R&R in the best spas'! [:D]

Be careful! Some kinds of "spas" can cause sys damage too. [:D]

ORIGINAL: PzB

This is my secret plan on how the Pacific War can be won:

Blackadder : Tell me do you ever stop bullying and shouting at the lower orders?
Wellington : NEVER! There's only one way to win a campaign shout, shout and shout again.
Blackadder : You don't think that inspired leadership and tactical ability have anything to do with it?
Wellington : NO! It's all down to shouting. WAAGGHH!

Adapted it at school and it's working pretty well [:D]

Ahhhh!... Blackadder is just so super[:D]... my favourite is Blackadder WW I...

[;)]

Black Adder is great - you should read the Flashman series Pauk. Just great, you'll love it!

Propaganda warfare:

ANDREW MCPHIE wrote:

> Now where is the IJN to TRY and stop me !!!!!

PzB replied:

Why should I try to stop you...you're playing right into my hands!
................................................................................

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/06/44

Sub/AW Attacks

Lots of transports all over the place now!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 56,61

Japanese Ships
AP Oyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire - no serious damage
PG Magan Maru

Allied Ships
SS Trigger

Japanese ground losses:
23 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 53,57

Japanese Ships
AK Sasako Maru, Shell hits 6, on fire - should make it

Allied Ships
SS Darter
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

From all the attacks it's pretty obvious: Andy will land on Aitape! Question is, should
we reinforce? The place is only a size 1 af and Andy will have to keep his fleet around to
prevent me from bombarding it back to the stoneage. Me thinks we should turn this debacle
into our advantage!

Day Air attack on Aitape , at 51,80

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 9
B-25J Mitchell x 20

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
32 casualties reported

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Aitape , at 51,80

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 11
B-24J Liberator x 32

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
23 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 55
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 51st Road Construction Battalion, at 51,81

Allied aircraft
Boomerang II x 6
Kittyhawk III x 10
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 18
P-40N Warhawk x 23
P-38J Lightning x 9
A-20G Havoc x 3
B-25J Mitchell x 14
B-24J Liberator x 23

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
92 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 12th/B Division, at 51,80

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 28

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
112 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 12th/C Division, at 51,80

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 9

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 18th/C Division, at 51,81

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 16
Corsair IV x 5
TBM Avenger x 43

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
37 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 18th/C Division, at 51,81

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 11
P-40N Warhawk x 18

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
51 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 18th/C Division, at 51,81

Allied aircraft
Boomerang II x 12
Kittyhawk III x 25
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 24
P-40N Warhawk x 54
P-38J Lightning x 24
A-20G Havoc x 9
B-25J Mitchell x 16
B-24J Liberator x 18

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
147 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 2nd/A Division, at 53,83

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 9
Kittyhawk III x 6
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 18
P-39D Airacobra x 13
A-20G Havoc x 6

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter Mk 21: 2 damaged
A-20G Havoc: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
----------------------------------------------------------

Enemy invasion fleet

Tomorrow the enemy will make landfall... In the meantime we wait: if an opportunity
provides itself we will take advantage of it. If not - well, plenty more bases to fight over.

One thing...if you have Bettys on Palau or anywhere within range 15 of the enemy fleet, put them ALL on night naval attack. That way your kamikaze subs will spot the enemy and apart from dying, possibly trigger night naval attacks. A good number of your Bettys should be high exp and you might find some success with those tactics. Don't send them during day, at least not in number. So better then to sleep, put them on alert, you might get lucky if you play it right.

We're talking the same language Honda - today my Emily's took of and attacked the enemy carriers
in a night raid! 5 boats launched torpedoes, unfortunately no hits were scored. But we're absolutely
on the right track. Will place 150 highly experienced Bettys on night attack today.

A heavy enemy attack is bound to take Dagua and Aitape out in the long run - but we're inflicting casualties
and this is yet another back water base with only 350 mines.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/07/44

Sub/ASW Attacks

My subs got into position and fired at an enemy destroyer before being sunk.
A second sub was simply...sunk [:'(]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 51,79

Japanese Ships
SS I-170, hits 3, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*

Allied Ships
DD Converse
DD Heermann
DD Daly
DD Cotten
DD Cony
DD Conner
DD Charles Badger
DD Bache
DD Charles Ausburne
CA Chester
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 34,53

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 11
PC Ch 9
PC Ch 3
PC Takuna Maru #7
PC Sonan Maru #6
PG Yoshida Maru

Allied Ships
SS Greenling, heavy damage *reported sunk*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 52,80

Japanese Ships
SS I-39

Allied Ships
DD Sigsbee
DD David Taylor
DD Walker
DD Swanson
BB Iowa
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 52,80

Japanese Ships
SS I-39

Allied Ships
LCT LCT-360
LCI LCI-336
LCI LCI-330
LCI LCI-329
LST LST-354
LST LST-40
AK Serpens
DE Duffy
DD Downes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 52,80

Japanese Ships
SS I-39, hits 6, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*

Allied Ships
AP Cape Neddick
LCM 533D
LCT LCT-474
LST LST-353
LST LST-180
LST LST-177
LST LST-125
LST LST-88
MSW Bobolink
SC SC-641
SC SC-640
SC SC-522
PC Tiger
MSW Zeal
MSW Token
MSW Gympie
MSW Ararat
DE Emery
DE Dionne
DD Murray
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bombardments

Slight results...

Naval bombardment of Dagua, at 51,81

Allied Ships
DD Haraden
DD Marshall
DD Remey
DD Hopewell
BB Washington

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 15
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Dagua, at 51,81

Allied Ships
DD Saufley
DD Schroeder
DD Hall
DD Halligan
BB Idaho

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 24
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 4
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

This one must have put a scare into Andy...too bad they missed!

Night Air attack on TF at 51,79

Japanese aircraft
H8K Emily x 8

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
H8K Emily: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CVL Bataan
CV Bunker Hill

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x H8K Emily launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x H8K Emily launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Invasions

Looks like Andy may invade both Aitape and Dagua - as suspected he landed at the
biggest base first. 2 regiments there, so he met more opposition than expected me thinks!

TF 1090 encounters mine field at Aitape (51,80)
TF 1090 troops unloading over beach at Aitape, 51,80

Allied Ships
MSW Buoyant
MSW Saunter
MSW Salute
MSW Champion
LCT LCT-324, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Coastal Guns at Aitape, 51,80, firing at TF 1090
1190 Coastal gun shots fired in defense. [8D]

Allied Ships

SC SC-1068, Shell hits 3, on fire
LCVP 542G
LCT LCT-367, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-366
LCT LCT-362, Shell hits 1
LCT LCT-357, Shell hits 3
SC SC-1061, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-351
LCT LCT-330, Shell hits 10
SC SC-707, Shell hits 26, on fire
LCT LCT-324, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-321, Shell hits 3, on fire
LCT LCT-141
CA Canberra, Shell hits 6
LCI LCI-402
MSW Buoyant, Shell hits 11, on fire
LCI LCI-400, Shell hits 2
LCI LCI-218, Shell hits 3
LCI LCI-85, Shell hits 5, on fire
MSW Saunter, Shell hits 8, on fire
LST LST-471
MSW Salute, Shell hits 2, on fire
MSW Champion, Shell hits 32
LST LST-81
LST LST-72
LST LST-39, Shell hits 3, on fire
LST LST-21, Shell hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
3088 casualties reported
Guns lost 16
Vehicles lost 13
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1090 encounters mine field at Aitape (51,80)
TF 1090 troops unloading over beach at Aitape, 51,80

Allied Ships
MSW Buoyant
MSW Saunter, on fire
MSW Salute
MSW Champion
AK Empire Ridley, Mine hits 1, on fire

Coastal Guns at Aitape, 51,80, firing at TF 1090
169 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships

AP Empress of Asia, Shell hits 13, on fire
LST LST-39, Shell hits 2, on fire
AK Empire Ridley, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied ground losses:
389 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1113 encounters mine field at Aitape (51,80)
TF 1113 troops unloading over beach at Aitape, 51,80

Allied Ships
MSW Tumult
MSW Cootamundra
MSW Pirie

Coastal Guns at Aitape, 51,80, firing at TF 1113
27 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships

DE Elden
LCT LCT-177
SC SC-1069, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
123 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Enemy carriers launched heavy air strikes against Dagua!

Day Air attack on 12th/B Division, at 51,80

Allied aircraft
TBM Avenger x 97

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
118 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 12th/C Division, at 51,80

Allied aircraft
TBM Avenger x 144

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
174 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 18th/C Division, at 51,81

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 16
Corsair IV x 4
TBM Avenger x 42

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 18th/C Division, at 51,81

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 142
SB2C Helldiver x 315 - ouch!

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
410 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A few smaller raids failed to penetrate the LR uber cap over Aitape!

Day Air attack on TF, near Aitape at 51,80

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 4

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 10
P-40N Warhawk x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 4 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Aitape at 51,80

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 13

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 10
P-40N Warhawk x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 13 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 2 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Aitape at 51,80

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 10
P-40N Warhawk x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Aitape at 51,80

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 10
P-40N Warhawk x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 52,80

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 2

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 55
F6F Hellcat x 13
Corsair IV x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

A large NZ LCU has been landed together with tanks and supporting units.

Ground combat at Aitape

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12673 troops, 91 guns, 2 vehicles

Defending force 25065 troops, 231 guns, 185 vehicles
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Close Call!

As the situation unfolds the might enemy armada runs into problems...it will soon become
dispersed and damaged ships will become vulnerable as they retreat.

The strain of keeping a large CAP over several bases + protecting the carriers AND launching
ground attacks will also inflict casualties and fatigue. Strong air units will be made available for strikes.

I'm moving the Combined Fleet back to Ulithi - some 800 ac can be brought into action but I'm more interested
in the surface combat opportunities. 10 battleships, a dozen cruisers and 30 destroyers can be made available.

Biak and Noemfoor are my primary airfields (size 4) within range of the enemy fleets.

What do you think gentlemen?

Aitape Invaded

IMO, if you going to face with the enemy you need combined strike: using SC and CVs. The main problem if you using only surface ships is that Andy can intercept you - he need to move his CV's northeast of invaded base (and by day phase your fleet is in range of his Avengers).

Ok, you can count on night surface interception on his CV but this is more than pure luck[:)].

Both solutions is too risky, so i would wait till Andy come to bases in northern Guinea (which you can't affort to loose just like that) - you will have support from several lvl 4 AFs...

I know that is very tempting to attack his transports but you are right... Andy plays right in your hands. After he capture these bases he will need a tons of supply to keep bases operational - and it is looong way from his supply sources....

It would be perfect that you delay him few more months (until Franks arrive) and then strike him at Northern Guinea....

yeah, I mean, is new guinea really that vital? Takig Aitape opens up the door to... nothing. You said it yourself, its only a lvl 1 airfield! Do NOT go through the big ocean space between palau and Aitape to strike at him. If you will strike, go from western new Guinea, and hug the coastline.

I don't pipe up much, but I agree with Pauk and gnome, don't risk your vital assets in a place that doesn't take advantage of all those nice lvl 4 airfield closer to the PI and farther north NG.

For now stick with the massed night air attacks and suicide subs!

Thx for the input! I agree with your assessment... Loads of enemy troops came ashore at Dagua today.
I do have plans though: if the enemy fleet withdraws from central NG the bases will become extremely
vulnerable to bombardment attacks.

So this is what we'll do:

Dozens of cheap cargo ships and small minesweepers and barges will swarm towards Aitape and Dagua.
This will attract a lot of attention from the carriers and make them launch multiple strikes.
In the end they will have to withdraw to replenish. Then our battleships can move in and prepare the
way for naval bomber attacks.

IF we can isolate an enemy carrier TF the KB will stand by at Ulithi and be able to make a quick sprint
and wreck havoc.

It's all about waiting for the right moment and I think all opportunities should be studied closely and
preparations made just in case.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/08/44

Bombardments

Another two inefficient bombardments!

Naval bombardment of Dagua, at 51,81

Allied Ships
BB New Jersey
BB Iowa

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 14
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Dagua, at 51,81

Allied Ships
BB Washington
BB Idaho
DD Schroeder
DD Marshall
DD Saufley
DD Halligan
DD Remey
DD Hopewell
DD Haraden
DD Hall

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 31
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 4

Invasions

38k troops unloaded at Dagua - in all some 75k troops have been landed in two days.
Andy really brought his arsenal. Well, I don't mind - they're kinda bugged in between
my major bases and I'm planning to make a bit of fuss [;)]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1116 encounters mine field at Aitape (51,80)
TF 1116 troops unloading over beach at Aitape, 51,80

Allied Ships
DMS Boggs
DMS Long
DMS Chandler
DMS Elliot
MSW Robin
MSW Pirie
MSW Cootamundra
MSW Tumult
DD Barton
DD Nicholson
DE Elden

Coastal Guns at Aitape, 51,80, firing at TF 1116
12 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD McCalla
DD Barton
DD Helm

Allied ground losses:
122 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Dagua, 51,81, firing at TF 1134

TF 1134 encounters mine field at Dagua (51,81)
TF 1134 troops unloading over beach at Dagua, 51,81

8 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
LCT LCT-462
LCT LCT-461
LCT LCT-379
LCT LCT-378
LCT LCT-376
LCT LCT-373
LCT LCT-372
LCI LCI-524
LCI LCI-522, Shell hits 1

Allied ground losses:
1034 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
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TF 1116 encounters mine field at Aitape (51,80)
TF 1116 troops unloading over beach at Aitape, 51,80

Allied Ships
DMS Boggs
DMS Long
DMS Chandler
DMS Elliot
MSW Robin
MSW Pirie
MSW Cootamundra
MSW Tumult
DD Helm, Mine hits 1, on fire
DD Warrington
DD Caldwell
DD Barton
DD Nicholson
DD McCalla
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1134 encounters mine field at Dagua (51,81)
TF 1134 troops unloading over beach at Dagua, 51,81

1 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
LCT LCT-464

Allied ground losses:
153 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1138 encounters mine field at Dagua (51,81)
TF 1138 troops unloading over beach at Dagua, 51,81

Allied Ships
MSW Bobolink
MSW Zeal
MSW Token
MSW Gympie
MSW Ararat
DD Miller
DD McCord

Coastal Guns at Dagua, 51,81, firing at TF 1138
Allied Ships
DD Isherwood
LCVP 542K
LCM 542A
LCT LCT-474
LCT LCT-350
LCI LCI-448
LCI LCI-447
LCI LCI-328
LST LST-353
DD Knapp
CA Salt Lake City
LST LST-124
LST LST-86

Japanese ground losses:
24 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
1311 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1139 encounters mine field at Dagua (51,81)
TF 1139 troops unloading over beach at Dagua, 51,81

13 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DE Duffy
DD Downes
LCM 592E
LCVP 532F
LCT LCT-327, Shell hits 1
LCT LCT-323, Shell hits 1
LCT LCT-180
LCT LCT-160
LCI LCI-62

Japanese ground losses:
35 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
1006 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Aitape, 51,80, firing at TF 1162
TF 1162 troops unloading over beach at Aitape, 51,80

Allied ground losses:
140 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Put some outdated Zeros over Dagua as a nuisance and ordered a small coastal defense
unit flown in. Cost me quite a few ac..but it's worth a try.

Day Air attack on Dagua , at 51,81

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10

Allied aircraft
Boomerang II x 18
P-40N Warhawk x 27
P-38J Lightning x 29
B-25J Mitchell x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 23 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Boomerang II: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
P-40N Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kavieng , at 61,86

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 15
P-38J Lightning x 27
B-25J Mitchell x 59
PB4Y Liberator x 12
B-24J Liberator x 46

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 1 damaged
PB4Y Liberator: 1 destroyed
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
35 casualties reported

Airbase hits 22
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 130
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Aitape - perhaps this place can hold on for a while!?

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12694 troops, 96 guns, 2 vehicles

Defending force 26804 troops, 235 guns, 182 vehicles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dagua - with all these troops this place is toast...only a size 1(1) af though.

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4087 troops, 9 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 31851 troops, 437 guns, 35 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
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More landings!