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Posting air losses from Tracker will give you a more accurate account.

I'm more uncertain about bombardments now than before; when we hit Darwin and all the other bases over the last year or so
port and airfield hits were more plentiful. Could be worth checking up on!
- Ground bombardment could be ok but 4 capital ships hardly send more than a couple of chefs to the sickbay with a serious case of headache.

As discussed before; Andy may have had - and may still have - many different targets and plans for his last offensive.
Suggest you post the not so positive comments directly in Andy's thread or leave it altogether.

Well, at some point in time I need to shrink the perimeter or reduce the garrisons.
It's becoming expensive to keep the hundreds of bases with fuel and supplies.
- Leaving a garrison of 100 AV with 5-6 fort levels in a jungle hex will still be enough to require a division sized enemy assault to take the place.
The rest of the troops will be of better use for us in the SRA and Central Pacific.

Yeah, destroying 3.5 Allied division would be sweet; it will be a tough task though but with air and sea support 7 divisions should be able to complete the job even
in a jungle hex.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Oct 02, 43

Sub-ASW Attacks

This sub laid mines at Port Hedland; massive enemy presence there.
Sub requires R&R...but will live.

ASW attack near Port Hedland at 57,129

Japanese Ships
SS RO-64, hits 10, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB Idaho
CL Richmond
DD Hammann
DD Anderson
DE Sutlej
KV Commandant Duboc
LSI(L) Empire Battleaxe
AK Bootes
AK Charlevoix
LST-484
LST-483
LST-480
LST-353
LST-340
LST-31
xAP Cape Neddick
DD Schley
DD Chew
DD Hull
DD Henley

SS RO-64 is sighted by escort
DD Schley fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Chew fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hull fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Henley attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

177 Helens hit Waingapoe in clear weather!
The irony is that 36 bombers cause 40% of the damage 143 does...
Guess I have to wary bomber altitude and try to get them to attack squadron by squadron to optimize effect.
- Not sure I need the surface bombardment runs anymore.

Morning Air attack on Waingapoe , at 63,113
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 24
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 54
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 143

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane XIIb: 1 destroyed on ground
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed on ground
P-38F Lightning: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 74
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
33 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
27 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
31 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
27 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Waingapoe , at 63,113
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 41 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 33
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 36

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 34

Aircraft Attacking:
36 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

PzB,

Great job so far. I tend to agree with the other comments in terms of your current strategy. Fall back and wait to get clobbered doesn't appeal to me either. If now isn't the time to try a counterattack just when is? You have your assets in place and will have no better opportunity to strike another crushing defeat on the Allies. Could it all go wrong and you suffer a huge defeat...sure, but my hats off to you sticking to your guns and implementing your strategy. Regardless of whether Andy's play contributes to giving you a shot at a victory here or not, you've seized the opportunity to capitalize on his mistakes and possibly upset his entire DEI offensive timetable. Good luck and whether it works or not. Heck of a game, Banzai!

Thx Lemon! This campaign has just begun and many battles will be won and lost before it's decided.
In mid 44 Japan can only delay Allied advance; I still belive we can defeat them in late 43 in scen 2.
- So yes indeed, let's have fun while we can! Any mistakes made by Andy will be made good by Allied reinforcements later on; the time we win he won't get back.

Today the Allied carriers came out from Port Hedland; massive sightings and contacts
by air and sub. Our subs were fended of with heavy damage.

Is Andy on the way back to support his stranded whale?

2xbombardments of Waingapoe and not a single gun fired against ports and airfields [:@]
This is not good...

Our Helens did their job though.

Again our bombers sank a destroyer near Luganville; the price was 4 bombers.
A convoy was also spotted near the Marquesas. The Netties levelbombing doesn't hit anything, need some Judys down there.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Oct 03, 43

Sub - ASW Attacks

Sub attack near Kangean at 62,104

Japanese Ships
SC Ch 34
SC Ch 26
SC Ch 16
SC Ch 32

Allied Ships
SS Scamp, hits 1

Captain of SS Scamp elects not to launch torpedoes at this target
Scamp diving deep ....
SC Ch 34 fails to find sub and abandons search
SC Ch 32 attacking submerged sub ....
SC Ch 32 attacking submerged sub ....
SC Ch 32 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 32 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 32 attacking submerged sub ....
SC Ch 32 is out of ASW ammo
SC Ch 32 is out of ASW ammo
SC Ch 32 is out of ASW ammo
SC Ch 32 is out of ASW ammo
SC Ch 32 is out of ASW ammo
SC Ch 32 is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Port Hedland at 59,125

Japanese Ships
SS I-29, hits 7, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Stanly
CA Vincennes
CL Mobile
CLAA San Diego
DD Schroeder
DD Terry
DD Taylor
DD Strong

SS I-29 launches 6 torpedoes at DD Stanly
I-29 diving deep ....
DD Terry fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Taylor fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Strong fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Stanly attacking submerged sub ....
DD Stanly fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Stanly fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Stanly attacking submerged sub ....
DD Stanly fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Stanly fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Stanly fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Broome at 60,124

Japanese Ships
SS I-1

Allied Ships
CA Houston
CL Montpelier
CLAA Reno
DD Fletcher
DD Bush
DD Brownson
DD Braine
DD Bennett

SS I-1 is sighted by escort
DD Bush fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Brownson fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Braine fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Bennett fails to find sub and abandons search
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Broome at 60,124

Japanese Ships
SS I-32, hits 18, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Baltimore
CL Phoenix
CLAA Juneau
DD Converse
DD Foote
DD Eaton
DD Dyson
DD DeHaven

SS I-32 is sighted by escort
DD Foote attacking submerged sub ....
DD Eaton fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Dyson attacking submerged sub ....
DD DeHaven fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Foote fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Dyson fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Foote attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-32 eludes ASW attack from DD Foote
DD Foote fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Foote fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Foote fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Exmouth at 52,128

Japanese Ships
SS I-168, hits 7

Allied Ships
DD Wadsworth
TK British Justice
TK British Energy
TK War Sirdar
TK Eidsvold
TK William Strachan
DD Racehorse

SS I-168 launches 4 torpedoes at DD Wadsworth
I-168 bottoming out ....
DD Racehorse attacking submerged sub ....
DD Racehorse fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Racehorse fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Racehorse fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Racehorse fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near San Francisco at 214,78

Japanese Ships
SS I-35

Allied Ships
xAK Cycle, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

xAK Cycle is sighted by SS I-35
SS I-35 launches 6 torpedoes at xAK Cycle
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Madjene at 64,103

Japanese Ships
SC Ch 32
SC Ch 16
SC Ch 34

Allied Ships
SS Haddo, hits 2

Captain of SS Haddo elects not to launch torpedoes at this target
SC Ch 34 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 34 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 34 attacking submerged sub ....
SC Ch 34 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 34 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bombardments

Night Naval bombardment of Waingapoe at 63,113

Japanese Ships
BB Ise
BB Nagato
CA Aoba
CA Atago
DD Uruyuke
DD Hatakaze
DD Amagiri
DD Usugumo
DD Hatsushima
DD Urakaze

Allied ground losses:
56 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

E8N2 Dave acting as spotter for BB Ise
BB Ise firing at 7th Infantry Division
BB Nagato firing at 7th Infantry Division
F1M2 Pete acting as spotter for CA Aoba
CA Aoba firing at 33rd Infantry Division
F1M2 Pete acting as spotter for CA Atago
CA Atago firing at 7th Australian Division
DD Uruyuke firing at 33rd Infantry Division
DD Hatakaze firing at 7th Australian Division
DD Amagiri firing at 33rd Infantry Division
DD Usugumo firing at 33rd Infantry Division
DD Hatsushima firing at 7th Infantry Division
DD Urakaze firing at 33rd Infantry Division
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Waingapoe at 63,113

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
BB Kongo
CA Ashigara
CA Takao
CL Kinu
DD Natsugumo
DD Kazegumo
DD Akigumo
DD Yugumo

Allied ground losses:
39 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


BB Mutsu firing at 7th Australian Division
BB Kongo firing at 33rd Infantry Division
CA Ashigara firing at 7th Australian Division
CA Takao firing at 7th Australian Division
CL Kinu firing at 33rd Infantry Division
DD Natsugumo firing at 33rd Infantry Division
DD Kazegumo firing at 33rd Infantry Division
DD Akigumo firing at 33rd Infantry Division
DD Yugumo firing at 7th Australian Division
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Morning Air attack on Waingapoe , at 63,113
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 25
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 25
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 79
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 25

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 28
Port hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Waingapoe , at 63,113
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 47 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 58

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 10
Port hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Waingapoe , at 63,113
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 33
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 32
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 36

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
No Allied losses

Runway hits 14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Epi at 120,153
Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 27
Ki-46-IIIb Dinah x 4

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
26 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 15000 feet *
4 x Ki-46-IIIb Dinah sweeping at 15000 feet *

CAP engaged:
18th FG/44th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 24000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ua Huka at 194,164
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 47 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AM Firm
xAK Steel Age
xAK Alcoa Planter

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Epi at 120,153

Weathein hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 13

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied Ships
DE Arrow
DD Russell
DD Gansevoort

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x G3M3 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
18th FG/44th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 24000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 54 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Epi at 120,153
Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 42 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 18

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Thanet, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DE Arrow

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
18th FG/44th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 24000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes

Thanet dead in the water ...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contact...

PzB,

I notice you are still using Dave's and Pete's as your float planes for BB's, CA's and CL's. Is this intentional, or something you haven't really thought about? I believe you can upgrade them all to Jake's if so inclined. The longer search range is worth it alone and I think they carry a better payload than the Pete's.

Jakes are much bigger than Pete's and Dave's - so I've not upgraded them unless I was sure this was historical possible...

Some things i want to mention:

1.) Try to create Bombardment TFs which contain more BBs. I have experienced that 1 TF with 6 BB deals more damage than 3 TFs with 2 BBs. This could be related that through the bombardment the detection is increased (just speculation).Has anyone any other experience on this ?

2.) Do not forget to get your BBs ready if there are any invasions or supply runs to hit the landing ships. If they are on the way home from a bombardment it will take time to refill their ammo and move them into position/into action. Bombardment is nice but winning some surface battles is worth more.

3.) Always keep some reserve divisions just in the case that something wonky happens. And i think i have written it a few times already but watch for your lvl 9 airfields. I see it in my current game how important they are. You need a lvl 9 base to mount a massive 4E campaign so any half decent allied player will go for them.

4.) How far away are the next gen. Japanese army fighters (Ki-84 for example). With them and good pilots you should be able to put quite a fight. As i am no Japanese expert i have no clue how far it can be accelerated.

I wish you good luck for your fight and it is quite enjoyable to read this AAR.

PzB great job! You have a big chance to sink some of the allies CV's. I read this AAR every day, so make your best )

Just remember, that sea bombardment is probably now THE BEST way to weaken enemy, before you can try land assault. You will probably need also lots of independent artillery.
After 2-3 months of naval bombardment, every 1-2 days of Guadalcanal, I could brush defending forces with some token strength. I had less than 2 Regiments, and base have fallen after second attack.
And, since airfield is closed, you can set BETTYs secondary mission to ground attack at medium altitude.

And, since perimeter around Rabaul was not yet penetrated, keeping there forces could be useful. The safest Allied bet now, will be probably land campaign of New Guinea.

ORIGINAL: inqistor

Just remember, that sea bombardment is probably now THE BEST way to weaken enemy, before you can try land assault. You will probably need also lots of independent artillery.
After 2-3 months of naval bombardment, every 1-2 days of Guadalcanal, I could brush defending forces with some token strength. I had less than 2 Regiments, and base have fallen after second attack.
And, since airfield is closed, you can set BETTYs secondary mission to ground attack at medium altitude.

And, since perimeter around Rabaul was not yet penetrated, keeping there forces could be useful. The safest Allied bet now, will be probably land campaign of New Guinea.

A note of caution here. This smacks to me of declaring a battle won that hasn't even really started yet. I somehow doubt that the Allies will idly stand back and admit defeat here at Waingapoe. Suggesting they'll land in New Guinea/Solomon's now is a possiblility especially with KB currently tied down, but I don't think there will be much focus there from the Allies at this point other than what can be accomplished locally. Full scale invasion of Timor or some adjacent islands is my guess. He's got to take the heat off Waingapoe and start stretching PzB's defences in the region, not in another theatre completely. I'd be very worried right now about a major effort to capture more bases immediately in the Timor line.

In my experience trying to close Allied airfields strictly by Japanese air power alone can't be relied upon. All it will take is a few consecutive days of poor weather and more Allied support units on hand and that airfield will be up and running. Add to that the possibility of more landings opening up more bases for Allied CAP and all the Helen's in the world won't close anything down. I don't think 2-3 months of bombardment against Waingapoe is even an option at this stage to weaken Allied forces and is pure fantasy. We are talking a couple of weeks at best, not months. Japan does not have the luxury of time, the longer things are focused on Waingapoe, the more can go wrong everywhere else. Hit it and hit it hard until it falls before the Allies change the situation with new invasions.

Concur that Andy will either invade another base near Timor in force or will at least attempt to reinforce and re-supply Waingapoe soon. I believe that this attempt will result in a significant battle. If PzB wins, he probably is freed up to re-take Waingapoe and close the breach. If not, the initiative will finally shift to the Allies in this game.

Oh, I am sure Andy will fly at least 2 another Divisions into Waingapoe (although without heavy equipment). Problem is, that surprise is gone, and any surface attempt will meet half of Japan air, and naval forces.
There is not enough airfields in northern Australia to employ significant portion of Allied airforce, so New Guinea seems the best bet. Once Allies land there, it will be impossible to throw them out, because island is too large, and once conquered, it will give eastern flank for Timor, and southern for Philippines.

inqistor,

I don't disagree that New Guinea or the Solomon's is a likely target, but only for what can be accomplished locally. You won't see a large scale invasion on the scale of what is happening at Waingapoe. It's just doesn't make sense to me that the Allies would not throw everthing they have at the Timor line right now. I think you underestimate the 4E threat and once Japanese airfields come under direct bombardment that will begin to erode PzB's effectiveness in the air. I think this is it, the decisive theatre and there will be as Cribtop suggested a huge battle forth coming if PzB responds.

If I can make a Western theatre analogy here. What you suggest is like the Allie's having tried Normandy (Waingapoe) and having that not go so well, decide they better try to invade the Pas de Calais (New Guinea) instead. That just isn't going to happen, the Allied might is focused on the Timor line and it's not going to be a series of jabs any more, but body blow after body blow [:D]. As much as PzB has the possibility of a tactical victory here, the Allies on the other hand have a chance at a strategic crushing of Japanese naval power and a foothold into the vitals of the Empire. New Guinea or the Solomon's offer neither. It's game on!

For IT to be Normandy, Allies should landed on 4 bases, not one. Whole position is currently reinforced, and Waingapoe is closed. Indeed, Allies should invade here further, but actually they should done it week ago. I do not see serious attempt for air control, and without it, sea invasion prospects seems grim. Half of Allied BBs are already in shipyards.
Every serious blow to KB, will be strategic fallback, but remember Palmyra. Every serious blow for Allied CVs will put them back another 6 months. And they are waaaay off schedule.
And in current situation, KB is not needed to be employed. Japan air can handle situation singlehanded. At least for another month.

inqistor,

Let's agree to disagree here [:D]. I fear you put way too much faith in Japanese LBA alone and Japan's ability to provide adequate air support to keep those planes operational once the Allied heavies start pounding. Time will tell and it will be fun to watch!

I'll lay low until seeing what happens, I don't want to hijack PzB's thread!

That may be true Beppi; I had planned to merge 2 of the bombardment squadrons and see if I could get at least half of the capital ships to fire at other targets
than LCUs. Looks like LCUs is primary target though...

The Frank has been accelerated to 12/43 and we're now in 10/43 - if we're lucky it will be advanced another month but I wouldn't count on it, got ca 100 research ac working to accelerate this type.

Thx Mikhail - and welcome to the forum and thread! [:)]

Guys, I think it's kick a$$ time again [:D]
- Following your advice I have intensified scouting and as Allied ships left Port Hedland we were already shadowing them.

I had 2 destroyers lurking west of Timor and sent them against the anticipated path of another Allied invasion wave.
We hit them straight on and took advantage of a small error on Andy's part; his Amph TF is the lead TF.
The result you can see below; 2 tiny destroyers met a huge force of transports, LSTs, destroyers, cruisers and battleships.
Like angry wolfs they went straight at the lumbering battleships and torpedoed 2 (one dud unfortunatel).
They also pumped shells into both the Valiant and Idaho, the Ayanami got punished and sank after taking heavy hits.

The confusion caused several ships to collide and a fully loaded LST sank! [8D]
Not a good start for Andy's second wave!

So I think you're right about Andy not giving up his assault on the Timor line.
His bombers hit Rota and Koepang hard; I'm not sure what he wants to invade but my guess is that Rota may be next on his wish list.
Rota is a size 1(5) AF and has only 100 AV garrison with 3 forts. So no way we can hold off an invasion by divisions.
- Don't think he will try to reinforce the Waingapo force, they're on their own for now.

Japan simply don't have the resources to seriously contest more than one invasion at the time so I will continue with my plans for Waingapoe until
the situation becomes clearer. We already have 3600 AV and 85k supplies ashore and are ready to go onto the offensive.

Andy has to continue this battle or loose Waingapoe, he knows this and the game is indeed on!
He will now be facing 1100 LBA and our prepared defenses with his Northern OZ LBA and carrier force.
No matter what results the coming battles will have it will be a long and hard fought campaign.
- A victory for us is to stall, seriously hurt and delay the Allied offensive.
A complete victory is hardly something we can expect but everything is possible; in both directions!

Inqistor; with Waingapoe airfields closed Andy can't fly in reinforcements. I can't even get seaplane transports to lift ground troops to a closed base.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Oct 04, 43

Surface Combat

Night Time Surface Combat, near Derby at 61,121, Range 9,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Ayanami, Shell hits 25, and is sunk
DD Akebono, Shell hits 5, on fire

Allied Ships
BB Pennsylvania
BB Idaho, Shell hits 9
BB Valiant, Shell hits 45, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL Richmond
DD Frazier
DD Anderson
DD Hammann
DD Henley
DD Hull
DD Chew
DD Schley
xAP Lurline
AK Eridanus
AK Charlevoix
AK Chatham
AK Chicot
AK Etamin
AK Bootes
LST-27
LST-30
LST-31
LST-34
LST-335
LST-338
LST-339
LST-340
LST-341
LST-342
LST-343
LST-344
LST-353
LST-354
LST-475
LST-478
LST-479
LST-480, and is sunk
LST-482
LST-483
LST-484
xAP Cape Perpetua
xAP Cape Johnson
xAP Cape Neddick
xAP Cape San Juan
xAP Kingswood
LSI(L) Empire Battleaxe
KV Commandant Duboc
DE Sutlej

Allied ground losses:
239 casualties reported
Squads: 18 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 18 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (5 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 5 (5 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Reduced sighting due to 28% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 28% moonlight: 12,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 19,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 9,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 9,000 yards
AK Charlevoix collides with LST-480 at 61 , 121
BB Valiant engages DD Ayanami at 9,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages BB Idaho at 9,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages LST-478 at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
BB Valiant engages DD Ayanami at 3,000 yards
BB Idaho engages DD Ayanami at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
BB Valiant engages DD Ayanami at 2,000 yards
BB Idaho engages DD Ayanami at 2,000 yards
BB Valiant engages DD Ayanami at 2,000 yards
BB Idaho engages DD Ayanami at 2,000 yards
AK Chatham collides with LST-480 at 61 , 121
LST-27 collides with LST-482 at 61 , 121
BB Idaho engages DD Akebono at 2,000 yards
BB Valiant engages DD Ayanami at 2,000 yards
DD Akebono engages BB Valiant at 2,000 yards
BB Idaho engages DD Ayanami at 2,000 yards
AK Chicot collides with LST-480 at 61 , 121
BB Valiant engages DD Ayanami at 2,000 yards
BB Idaho engages DD Ayanami at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
BB Idaho engages DD Akebono at 3,000 yards
BB Idaho engages DD Ayanami at 3,000 yards
LST-478 collides with LST-482 at 61 , 121
BB Valiant engages DD Ayanami at 3,000 yards
DD Ayanami sunk by BB Idaho at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
LSI(L) Empire Battleaxe , AK Bootes , AK Etamin ,
AK Chicot , AK Chatham , AK Charlevoix ,
AK Eridanus , LST-484 , LST-483 ,
LST-482 , LST-479 , LST-478 ,
LST-475 , LST-354 , LST-353 ,
LST-344 , LST-343 , LST-342 ,
LST-341 , LST-340 , LST-339 ,
LST-338 , LST-335 , LST-34 ,
LST-31 , LST-30 , LST-27 ,
xAP Kingswood , xAP Cape San Juan , xAP Cape Neddick ,
xAP Cape Johnson , xAP Cape Perpetua , xAP Lurline screened from combat
- escorted by DD Schley , DD Chew , DD Henley ,
DD Hammann , DD Anderson
BB Valiant engages DD Akebono at 2,000 yards
LSI(L) Empire Battleaxe , AK Bootes , AK Etamin ,
AK Chicot , AK Chatham , AK Charlevoix ,
AK Eridanus , LST-484 , LST-483 ,
LST-482 , LST-479 , LST-478 ,
LST-475 , LST-354 , LST-353 ,
LST-344 , LST-343 , LST-342 ,
LST-341 , LST-340 , LST-339 ,
LST-338 , LST-335 , LST-34 ,
LST-31 screened from combat
- escorted by DD Schley , DD Chew , DD Hull ,
DD Henley , DD Hammann , DD Frazier
BB Idaho engages DD Akebono at 2,000 yards
LSI(L) Empire Battleaxe , AK Bootes , AK Etamin ,
AK Chicot , AK Chatham , AK Charlevoix screened from combat
- escorted by DD Schley , DD Chew , DD Hull ,
DD Henley , DD Hammann , DD Anderson ,
DD Frazier , DE Sutlej
BB Valiant engages DD Akebono at 2,000 yards
LSI(L) Empire Battleaxe , AK Bootes , AK Etamin ,
AK Chicot , AK Chatham , AK Charlevoix ,
AK Eridanus , LST-484 , LST-483 ,
LST-482 , LST-479 , LST-478 ,
LST-475 , LST-354 , LST-353 ,
LST-344 , LST-343 , LST-342 ,
LST-341 , LST-340 , LST-339 ,
LST-338 , LST-335 , LST-34 ,
LST-31 , LST-30 , LST-27 ,
xAP Kingswood , xAP Cape San Juan , xAP Cape Neddick ,
xAP Cape Johnson , xAP Cape Perpetua , xAP Lurline screened from combat
- escorted by DD Chew , DD Hull , DD Henley ,
DD Hammann , DD Frazier
BB Idaho engages DD Akebono at 2,000 yards
LSI(L) Empire Battleaxe , AK Bootes , AK Etamin ,
AK Chicot , AK Chatham , AK Charlevoix ,
AK Eridanus , LST-484 , LST-483 ,
LST-482 , LST-479 , LST-478 ,
LST-475 screened from combat
- escorted by DD Schley , DD Chew , DD Hull ,
DD Henley , DD Hammann , DD Anderson ,
DD Frazier
BB Idaho engages DD Akebono at 2,000 yards
LSI(L) Empire Battleaxe , AK Bootes , AK Etamin ,
AK Chicot , AK Chatham , AK Charlevoix ,
AK Eridanus , LST-484 , LST-483 ,
LST-482 , LST-479 , LST-478 ,
LST-475 , LST-354 , LST-353 ,
LST-344 , LST-343 , LST-342 ,
LST-341 , LST-340 , LST-339 ,
LST-338 , LST-335 , LST-34 ,
LST-31 , LST-30 , LST-27 ,
xAP Kingswood , xAP Cape San Juan , xAP Cape Neddick ,
xAP Cape Johnson , xAP Cape Perpetua , xAP Lurline screened from combat
- escorted by DD Schley , DD Chew , DD Hull ,
DD Hammann , DD Frazier
BB Valiant engages DD Akebono at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
LSI(L) Empire Battleaxe , AK Bootes , AK Etamin ,
AK Chicot , AK Chatham , AK Charlevoix ,
AK Eridanus , LST-484 , LST-483 screened from combat
- escorted by DD Schley , DD Chew , DD Hull ,
DD Henley , DD Hammann , DD Anderson ,
DD Frazier
BB Valiant engages DD Akebono at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
LSI(L) Empire Battleaxe , AK Bootes , AK Etamin ,
AK Chicot , AK Chatham , AK Charlevoix ,
AK Eridanus , LST-484 , LST-483 ,
LST-482 , LST-479 , LST-478 ,
LST-475 , LST-354 , LST-353 screened from combat
- escorted by DD Schley , DD Chew , DD Hull ,
DD Henley , DD Hammann , DD Anderson ,
DD Frazier
Allied Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Morning Air attack on Roti , at 67,116
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
A6M5 Zero x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 8
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 10

Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38E Lightning: 3 destroyed
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Waingapoe , at 63,113
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 22
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 22
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 48
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 15

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 29
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Waingapoe , at 63,113
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 22
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 58

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 24
Port hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
31 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Roti , at 67,116
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 8
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 12

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 11

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Roti , at 67,116
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 15

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 8
B-25D1 Mitchell x 14
P-38H Lightning x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38H Lightning: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 12000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 12000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 12000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Roti , at 67,116
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 3
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 12

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 3 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 12000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 30
B-24D Liberator x 26
B-24D1 Liberator x 15
B-24J Liberator x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 20
Runway hits 38
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Roti , at 67,116
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 3
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 14

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 1000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
47th Sentai with Ki-44-IIb Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 30000
Raid is overhead
Unyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 30000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4
B-24J Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 19

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 12000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 12000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Roti , at 67,116
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 3
P-38G Lightning x 8
P-38H Lightning x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 10000 feet
3 x P-38H Lightning sweeping at 10000 feet
3 x P-38E Lightning sweeping at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Waingapoe , at 63,113
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 32
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 36

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 39

Aircraft Attacking:
36 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Not much left of the poor Kiwis Andy landed at Luganville.
Our remote air support from Guadalcanal has been enough to thwart the effort so far!

Ground combat at Luganville (120,150)
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 561 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 20
Defending force 519 troops, 0 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 25

Japanese adjusted assault: 7
Allied adjusted defense: 5

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-), fatigue(-), experience(-)
supply(-)
Attacker: leaders(-)

Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
II/81st Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
14th NZ Bde /2
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Attack and counterattack!

A situation map:

PzB,  Looks like you have a good picture of what is coming.  If anyone can pull this off, it is you.  Good Luck!
 

party time

Tension is rising[X(][:D]