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after the initial hot phase things are seemingly settling a little bit. Frank´s TFs left the area close to Rennell and pulled back to port (Wunpoko seems to be some staging base).
Meanwhile I lost another cargo ship (medium 2000 class) to one of his relentless submarines which are scattered all-around.




Sub attack

Japanese Ships
AP Meiyo Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier

ORIGINAL: RGIJN


Meanwhile I lost another cargo ship (medium 2000 class) to one of his relentless submarines which are scattered all-around.




Sub attack

Japanese Ships
AP Meiyo Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier

This is obvious propaganda. I do not have enough subs to talk about scattering them around in the theater[:D]

While Rennell can take care of itself right now my fleet has to recover from the heavy blow. Meanwhile the whole IJN has been assembled together west of the tiny island and is showing presence. The reports of several carriers and battleships close to allied waters seemed to change the mind of the people in the congress. The chance of immediate release to the south pacific has changed from low to medium. This are the best news in the past half year[8D]

ORIGINAL: fuelli

This is obvious propaganda. I do not have enough subs to talk about scattering them around in the theater[:D]

While Rennell can take care of itself right now my fleet has to recover from the heavy blow. Meanwhile the whole IJN has been assembled together west of the tiny island and is showing presence. The reports of several carriers and battleships close to allied waters seemed to change the mind of the people in the congress. The chance of immediate release to the south pacific has changed from low to medium. This are the best news in the past half year[8D]

Propaganda? one more cripple, hit from an allied sub-fish, tells another story.
Since fleet action is over, now its time for a renewed bombing campaign from both sides...

I can tell you a story about "LOW" ship release level... [:@] In 1943 Tokyo commits only the most precious units down to the most important theatre of operations. They all start with "AP" and are called "Maru" - maybe this is an encrypted meaning of "mighty"... [;)][X(] Sometimes they even add a fearsome gunboat... But don´t worry about this, since most of the time there is nothing at all in the pipe!








AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/07/43

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack at 34,36

Japanese Ships
AP Shoho Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Russell Islands , at 35,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 7
A6M2 Zero x 13
A6M3 Zero x 10
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 8

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 15
PB4Y Liberator x 3
B-24D Liberator x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 4 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya, Bomb hits 1

Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 15000 feet
0 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
0 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Russell Islands , at 35,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 5
A6M2 Zero x 9
A6M3 Zero x 5
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 8

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 33
PB4Y Liberator x 10
B-24D Liberator x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 2 damaged
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged
PB4Y Liberator x 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano, Bomb hits 1
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 1
CA Suzuya, Bomb hits 1
DD Kiyonami, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 12

Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
7 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
10 x PB4Y Liberator at 15000 feet
0 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
7 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
0 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Rennell Island , at 38,45

Japanese aircraft
Ki-46 Dinah x 2

no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 35th Regimental Combat Team, at 38,45

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 29
Ki-48 Lily x 24

no losses


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 42

Attacking Level Bombers:
11 x Ki-48 Lily at 7000 feet
13 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Rennell Island , at 38,45

Japanese aircraft
Ki-46 Dinah x 2

no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 35th Regimental Combat Team, at 38,45

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 46
D4Y Judy x 19
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 27

no losses


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 58


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 35th Regimental Combat Team, at 38,45

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 11
D3A Val x 80
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 16

no losses


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 46


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

ORIGINAL: RGIJN


I can tell you a story about "LOW" ship release level... [:@] In 1943 Tokyo commits only the most precious units down to the most important theatre of operations. They all start with "AP" and are called "Maru" - maybe this is an encrypted meaning of "mighty"... [;)][X(] Sometimes they even add a fearsome gunboat... But don´t worry about this, since most of the time there is nothing at all in the pipe!

What are you complaining? You already have all of your major assets in the theater. I think in the past four days I have counted nearly all BBs and CVs the japanese posses. BTW if you do not need these APs...I would take the burden from you[:D]

ORIGINAL: fuelli


BTW if you do not need these APs...I would take the burden from you[:D]

Thank you very much Frank, but I´d like to reject this kindness[;)] Since you already sunk a good number of my Cargo vessels I wouldn´t say these "reinforcements" are anything like a "burden". Rather a "drop in the bucket"...[&o]

ORIGINAL: RGIJN

ORIGINAL: fuelli


BTW if you do not need these APs...I would take the burden from you[:D]

Thank you very much Frank, but I´d like to reject this kindness[;)] Since you already sunk a good number of my Cargo vessels I wouldn´t say these "reinforcements" are anything like a "burden". Rather a "drop in the bucket"...[&o]

I was not talking about sinking them. I could need them for myself[:'(]

ORIGINAL: fuelli

I was not talking about sinking them. I could need them for myself[:'(]

OK, let´s have an exchange of some APs for some Corsair squads... [:)] But I´ll need a few instructors for their unique jet engines too! As you´ll get some specialists for the ancient coal-fired engines of your new additions to the fleet[:D]

while you´re talking about propaganda when I was referring to your countless submarines, here´s an example of one of my numerous anchorages down in the Solomons...

...and this is the only access to alot of my subs...

Obviously doctored pictures....

(Sorry only funny for the german people out there)











Now to something completely different:
Japanese Troops have landed at Rennel...again.
This time they came in bigger numbers. But exactly the day they landed
the airstrip got ready for operation and now my Dacotas will
keep the defense of the island up. Right now one regiment has unloaded
and will be completely ashore next turn. Barges have joined the operation
so I think there will be at least another regiment coming mayby a whole
division. This fight seems to become our Guadalcanal. Meanwhile I´m still
waiting for my Midway.....

The very next day I had my forces in position and caught the invasion force with only few CAP fighters above it.
The result is satisfying at least even with all the torpedo bombers just carrying duds.

Air attack on TF, near Rennell Island at 38,45

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 2
A6M2 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 111
SBD Dauntless x 105
TBF Avenger x 57

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 9 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed

LTJG F.Jordan of VF-8 is credited with kill number 6

CPO B.Chono of BII-1 Daitai is KILLED

Japanese Ships
AP Takunan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Tarushima Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shinsei Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP Toyo Maru #2, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tenryu Maru
AP Shinai Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Taiho Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shirogane Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shinwa Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tsunushima Maru
MSW Toshi Maru #2
AP Tama Maru #2
AP Taganoura Maru
AP Sumiyoshi Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 319
Guns lost 7

He now has about 10k troops ashore and out there in the open ocean we are facing each other with everything we have right now. Its the dance on the volcano....

I guess the outcome of the next turn could be crucial, since both fleets are in potential position for an epic battle... Fortunately the allied reaction wasn´t far from bold enough to wipe out my counterstrike at Rennell. I am pretty aware of the significance of this tiny rotten island... it´s the linchpin of the whole Solomon campaign. Most people choose Irau as the initial foothold and I was well prepared for some move like that, and not for a Rennell shoot-out.
But though I was able to detect Frank´s invaders early and could launch some assets against, he has established an airstrip with Corsairs now (alot of ENG are working there & last turn the airfield has become operational). Hopefully supplies are getting low...

We´ll see... !

what a strange turn! KB´s bold CAP (140 fighters aloft on duty) did an outstanding job fending off almost all attacks of the USN Carriers. Some of these strikes came in with no or only weak escort. But even the heavy ones met a relentless fight. Actually, it was quite a slaughter. Frank lost 230 a/c today (88 SBD, 71 F4F, 51 TBF alot Dakotas and others). My losses were not that severe (134 in all), but the entire airpower of KidoButai was scattered on secondary targets (his invasion bulk of SC and Transport TFs) and unfortunately the Kates were barely out of Torpedo range. Just bombs Though these TFs were hit hard, I would be much more happy if they would have accomplished a nice, coordinated full-blown strike on the US flattops. It did not happen. Just one (weak & landbased) attack came on them, and was knocked out of the sky. One small and one medium CV out of my eleven were hit. I was pretty lucky when SS TUNA missed that great chance to score early on. I´m sure his CVE is a goner due to the 16 or so bomb hits.
At least I was able to surprise my opponent with the mass of troops I could bring ashore by now.

So what is the conclusion now? It was a kind of a crucial turn as anticipated, but by far no decisive one. No Midway yet.






AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/12/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 38,44

Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu
CV Shokaku

Allied Ships
SS Tuna


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Rennell Island , at 38,45

Japanese aircraft
Ki-46 Dinah x 2

no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 28th Regiment, at 22,39


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 14
SBD Dauntless x 61
TBF Avenger x 15


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 83
Guns lost 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
7 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
8 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 4000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 170th Regiment, at 50,43


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 113
TBF Avenger x 12
P-39D Airacobra x 18
P-40E Kittyhawk x 15
P-40E Warhawk x 9


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 98

Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
9 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
3 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 41st Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 15
A-20G Boston x 12


Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Boston x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 12

Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
6 x A-20G Boston at 6000 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
0 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x A-20G Boston at 6000 feet
6 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x A-20G Boston at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 13th Regiment, at 38,45

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 2
A6M2 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 17
B-25J Mitchell x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
Hudson x 2 damaged
B-25J Mitchell x 1 destroyed
B-25J Mitchell x 1 damaged

LT S.Matsumoto of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 10

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 52

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 13th Regiment, at 38,45

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 34

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 42

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 39,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 58
A6M3 Zero x 65
A6M5-B Zeke x 16

Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 8

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 10 destroyed

WO B.Hanamoto of CI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 39,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 58
A6M3 Zero x 65
A6M5-B Zeke x 16

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 14 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged

LTJG M.Kawasaki of DII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 39,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 56
A6M3 Zero x 64
A6M5-B Zeke x 16

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21
SBD Dauntless x 16
TBF Avenger x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 2 damaged
A6M5-B Zeke x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 9 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 4 damaged
TBF Avenger x 10 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 3 damaged

LTJG K. Sugino of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 6


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 39,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 47
A6M3 Zero x 62
A6M5-B Zeke x 16

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
SBD Dauntless x 48
TBF Avenger x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 damaged
A6M5-B Zeke x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 38 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 12 damaged
TBF Avenger x 14 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 4 damaged

CPO F.Kaneko of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 5

LCDR M. Hidaka of CII-1 Daitai bails out and is CAPTURED

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 39,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 40
A6M3 Zero x 57
A6M5-B Zeke x 16

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
SBD Dauntless x 17
TBF Avenger x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M5-B Zeke x 1 destroyed
A6M5-B Zeke x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 9 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 9 damaged
TBF Avenger x 7 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 7 damaged

ENS E.Carey of VF-71 is credited with kill number 4

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryuho
CV Junyo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CVL Hosho, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 39,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31
A6M3 Zero x 39
A6M5-B Zeke x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 23
SBD Dauntless x 11
TBF Avenger x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M5-B Zeke x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 5 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 4 damaged
TBF Avenger x 2 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 3 damaged

LTJG S.Kurihara of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4

LCDR W. Lamoreaux of VF-8 bails out and is CAPTURED

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, on fire, heavy damage
CVL Hosho, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged


Allied Ships
AK Megrez, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,47

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 26
B5N Kate x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 damaged


Allied Ships
DD Wilson
AP Wharton, Bomb hits 3, on fire
AP President Polk, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Monrovia, Bomb hits 1
DD Fanning, Bomb hits 2, on fire


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 115
Vehicles lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,47

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 12

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 6 destroyed
B5N Kate x 9 damaged


LCDR J. Fitzpatrick of VF-27 is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
BB Indiana, Bomb hits 1
DD Craven


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,47

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Indiana, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,46

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28
D3A Val x 22
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 25
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 12
Ki-48 Lily x 11

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 32
F4U-1 Corsair x 11
P-38G Lightning x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 16 destroyed
D3A Val x 7 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 2 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 damaged
Ki-48 Lily x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair x 2 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed

LTJG O.Pierce of VF-3 is credited with kill number 6

CPT T. Christian of 67th FS bails out and is CAPTURED


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,47

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 7 destroyed
B5N Kate x 9 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 2, on fire
BB Colorado, Bomb hits 2
CA Astoria
CA Shropshire, Bomb hits 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,47

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 6
D3A Val x 17
B5N Kate x 13
Ki-21 Sally x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 16 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 damaged
Ki-21 Sally x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 5, on fire
CA Canberra, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA Shropshire
BB Colorado, Bomb hits 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 7000 feet
1 x Ki-21 Sally at 7000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,47

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Feland
AP Sumter


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,47

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Suwannee, Bomb hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,47

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 13
Ki-49 Helen x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Suwannee

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 8000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Rennell Island , at 38,45

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 107
Ki-21 Sally x 7
Ki-48 Lily x 25
Ki-49 Helen x 9

no losses


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 12

Airbase hits 7
Runway hits 11

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
5 x Ki-48 Lily at 7000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen at 8000 feet
5 x Ki-48 Lily at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily at 7000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen at 8000 feet
6 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Rennell Island , at 38,45

Japanese aircraft
Ki-46 Dinah x 2

no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 39,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 55
A6M3 Zero x 36
A6M5-B Zeke x 12

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 22
TBF Avenger x 16

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 5 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 6 damaged
TBF Avenger x 7 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 4 damaged

CPO F.Kaneko of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 6


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 39,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 55
A6M3 Zero x 36
A6M5-B Zeke x 12

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 26
SBD Dauntless x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 23 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed

CPO F.Kaneko of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 7

LCDR C.Glass of VF-8 is KILLED


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,47

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48 Lily x 4

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48 Lily x 1 destroyed


LCDR J. Fitzpatrick of VF-27 is credited with kill number 3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,47

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 10

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 3 damaged


Allied Ships
DD DeHaven, Bomb hits 1
BB Indiana, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,47

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 16

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3

no losses

no losses

Allied Ships
MSW Heed, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Ballarat, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Requisite, Bomb hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,47

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 10
B5N Kate x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 6 destroyed
D3A Val x 5 damaged
B5N Kate x 5 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 damaged


Allied Ships
BB Maryland, on fire
BB Colorado, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Porter, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Achillies


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,47

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 26
B5N Kate x 11

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 14 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 3 damaged


Allied Ships
DD Dale, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Dunlap
CL Achillies, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Maryland, on fire
BB Colorado, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,47

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 19

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 7 damaged


Allied Ships
AP McCawley, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Feland
AP Neville
AP Arthur Middleton


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 6
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,47

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 8

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen x 3 damaged


Allied Ships
DD Sterett
AP Pierce

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 8000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 8000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,47

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
A6M3 Zero x 4
D3A Val x 22
B5N Kate x 8

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVE Suwannee, Bomb hits 15, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Rennell Island

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12163 troops, 66 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 16501 troops, 123 guns, 75 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 2)



PO1 J.Obayashi of EIII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 8
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 195

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 272


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

intense battle..and another example for the poor japanese target selection later in the game. there must be a code to prevent the japs from attacking the right targets from a point in the game on..or to send this famous "3 betty" or "160 zero, 3 betty" strikes to far targets, while alot mof defenseless targets are much closer.

you´re right, the general ability to mount proper, bold attacks is decreasing after 1942. And the overall destructive potential depends alot on the skill of the crews which is usually poor then.
But at least I´d expected some coordinated strike on the carriers, just a bit, the more so as the US CV TF "reacted" on mine - and closing in range. Perfect torpedo range for the Kates...[:@] All other targets were two hexes further away... Or dozens of hexes (the 3 lonely Betties attacked this AK in GiliGili harbour)

Anyway. This turn could have become worse to any of us... [X(] Just a weird battle down in the South Pacific... As in real life!

ORIGINAL: bigbaba

intense battle..and another example for the poor japanese target selection later in the game. there must be a code to prevent the japs from attacking the right targets from a point in the game on..or to send this famous "3 betty" or "160 zero, 3 betty" strikes to far targets, while alot mof defenseless targets are much closer.

This is not a Japanese problem. I had a few of these strikes with my B25 as well. I would have preferred an attack on my carriers beacuse they where capped. I think this is the reason why they were not attacked . They had to choose between high value targets (BBs) with 5 wildcats above or higher value targets (CVs) with 50 fighters above. Taking into account that only about 30 zeros were available for escort I think it was a good decision.
Also If you read the combatreport well you will notice that the American strikes were far away from well coordninated or escorted as well.

But what makes me disappointed about this turn is the story that is behind all this:
When I got the messages from the battle I was about to sign the execution order for Mr. Mitchel because he left his position and therefore gave the Japanese the opportunity to attack my invasion force unprotected. But then I saw one little envelope lying on my desk. Inside was an order that somehow was missed to be send to his respective commander:

To Rear Admiral Mitchel Stop
Follow TF 220 Stop
Do not retire Stop
Do not react to Enemy Stop

Crap. I missed to gave the right order to prevent the carrier force to react to the enemy.
He was still ordered to hold position at 45,46 with Do not react and do not retire. And this will lead to one hex movement towards an enemy carrier force. It was all my fault. In this case all enemy attacks would have been slaughtereed by my CAP. Even a concentrated strike would have done only little damage. Would have...could have...doesn´t matter. The losses in planes (about 230) hurt but the reinforcement pools are full and fortunately you do not have to wait for planes like for ships. No ship is mortally wounded and my most precious Task Forces (The ones with the troop transports) are more or less unscratched. On the other hand it looks like Junyo and Hosho are out of the war (Both were shattered by secondary explosions after the bomb hits) and about enemy 100 carrier planes are lost as well. All in all not a too big catastrophe.

While the struggle for Rennell goes on, Frank decided to open up another slaughterhouse... several TFs aim for Irau now. What I had strongly expected the last few days. So I am quite prepared for that.
Though he wisely attached alot minesweeping craft along his fleets (DMS, MSW) several of the thousands of eggs set off under his precious vessels - making them even more vulnerable to the next stage of attack...





I like it to cause chaos!

...IJN & IJA airforces immediately commenced attacks on the invaders. And they hit very hard. Besides some pilots of KB who deliberatly decided to die in the wall of the Allied CAP over the enemy carriers (considerable strong and with Corsairs), the overwhelming majority of bombs and fishes available has befallen the fleets heading for the hostile beaches of Irau... And I think this is just the first foretaste for things to come.
Unfortunately, no surface units of the IJN were in range to join the endeavors of destruction today [:(]

See here what happened in the air (and at land):




AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/13/43

Weather: Clear

Naval bombardment of Rennell Island, at 38,45


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 82

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 5
Port hits 4
Port supply hits 6


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Woodlark Island , at 22,39


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 45
PB4Y Liberator x 18
B-24D Liberator x 21


no losses

Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
7 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
0 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
0 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
0 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
6 x PB4Y Liberator at 15000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 15000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
0 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
0 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
0 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
9 x PB4Y Liberator at 15000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet

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


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 27
PB4Y Liberator x 7
B-24D Liberator x 34


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 99

Airbase hits 20
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 61

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 15000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
7 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Rennell Island , at 38,45

Japanese aircraft
Ki-46 Dinah x 2

no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 170th Regiment, at 50,43


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 115
TBF Avenger x 12
P-39D Airacobra x 16


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 104

Attacking Level Bombers:
7 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
1 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 13th Regiment, at 38,45

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
A6M3 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 27
B-25J Mitchell x 27

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
Hudson x 1 damaged
B-25J Mitchell x 3 damaged

PO2 J.Ohara of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 6

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
1 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 13th Regiment, at 38,45

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 39

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 25

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,46

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
D3A Val x 22

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12
F4U-1 Corsair x 25
P-40E Kittyhawk x 2
P-40E Warhawk x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 11 destroyed
D3A Val x 8 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 damaged

LTJG B.Lawson of VF-42 is credited with kill number 6


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,46

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 4
D3A Val x 19
D4Y Judy x 20

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12
F4U-1 Corsair x 89
P-40E Kittyhawk x 7
P-40E Warhawk x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 4 destroyed
D3A Val x 7 destroyed
D4Y Judy x 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 damaged

LTJG E.O'Neill of VF-42 is credited with kill number 4

LCDR B.Okura of CII-1 Daitai bails out and is CAPTURED


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,46

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
F4U-1 Corsair x 42
P-40E Kittyhawk x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 38
A6M3 Zero x 15
D3A Val x 37
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 31
Ki-21 Sally x 7
Ki-48 Lily x 6
Ki-49 Helen x 8

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 40

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 6 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 5 destroyed
D3A Val x 6 destroyed
D3A Val x 5 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally x 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 8 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 9 damaged

1LT M. Haedtler of 67th FS is credited with kill number 6

LT Y. Shiga of DII-1 Daitai is KILLED

Allied Ships
AP Arthur Middleton, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Ormiston, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP McCawley, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
SC 750
AP Crescent City
SC 749, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Sumter


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 66

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Rennell Island , at 38,45

Japanese aircraft
Ki-46 Dinah x 2

no losses


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

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Alhena, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Maury, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 46
A6M3 Zero x 21
D3A Val x 41
D4Y Judy x 17
A6M5-B Zeke x 6
B5N Kate x 66
E8N Dave x 7
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5
Ki-49 Helen x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 6 destroyed
B5N Kate x 20 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Indiana, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
CA Indianapolis, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA Australia, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Craven, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
CL Boise, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Bush
CA Wichita
DMS Zane

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-49 Helen at 8000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
A6M3 Zero x 24
D3A Val x 75
B5N Kate x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 43
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 9
Ki-21 Sally x 9
Ki-48 Lily x 14
Ki-49 Helen x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 5 destroyed
D3A Val x 8 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 3 damaged
Ki-21 Sally x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 1
DD Chevalier
CA Shropshire, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 4, on fire
CL Phoenix, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Saufley, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Dunlap, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Tucker
DD Dewey, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CA Astoria, Bomb hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 7000 feet
1 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
1 x Ki-21 Sally at 7000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen at 8000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 7000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 8000 feet
1 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 8000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
AO Cuyama, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AO Cimarron
MSW Toowoomba, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Rennell Island

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 14475 troops, 68 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 16181 troops, 123 guns, 75 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 2)



LTJG S.Okano of F2/6th Daitai is credited with kill number 2
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 182

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 224


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

The USA lost their 2nd battlewagon today, and I am sure it won´t be the last one. Additionally, a DD and several smaller escort craft are reported sunk. Most probably some more of the enemy ships are doomed too... [:D]

Unfortunately, no allied troops came ashore so far so I couldn´t kick them off shockingly ...

nice air attacks. seems that the japs sushi air force still has some claws even in 1943.