Scen 17 pbem. An attempt to capture New Caledonia.

[PzB74]

All types of misery are now queing up at Irau, roughly 100 B17's escorted by 100 Hellcats, Ligthnings and Corsairs roamed in today, only tokenly opposed by a few Oscar II's.

4 P38's and 4 B17's are reported lost while 6 Jap ac fails to return today.

Irau has now been built up to a size 2 port and af - so bader things are yet to come as soon as the place turns into a size 4 field.-(

This just shows how important it is to hold on to Irau as long as possible, it's the first floodgate on the road up the Solomons chain, so hold on to it as long as possible!!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/20/43

Weather: Clear

Sub attack at 36,39

Allied Ships
SS Blackfish


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 36,39

Japanese Ships
AG 5051, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
SS Blackfish, Shell hits 5 - That's the spirit and kind of barge driver I like [8D]


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 10

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 20
F4U-1 Corsair x 14
P-38G Lightning x 21
P-38J Lightning x 24
B-17E Fortress x 94

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

2LT W. Sigler of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 5

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 681

Airbase hits 37
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 155

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
7 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

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

[pauk]

ORIGINAL: PzB
2LT E. Pedersen of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 6

2LT E. Pedersen of VMF-112 bails out and is CAPTURED

eer....it seems that you killing your own people? Pedersen is a Norvegian surname, isn't it?[:D]
I remember a soccer referee from Norway with this surname. I think he gived us (Croatian national team) a penatly which never exist. I cant recall was it WC or EuroChampionshim, but, one thing is for sure - he is a great gentelman [:D][:D][:D][:D]

great AAR, keep the good work

[PzB74]

Not killing, only capturing [;)]
Think there are more norwegian americans in the US than there are norwegians in Norway...

There is a referee called Rune Pedersen if I'm not mistaken, ususally quite 'on the ball' as well!-)

Not many bombing raids for me, I sent out my mediums to drop a little something on the new fields on Irau.
Usually more expensive than it's worth, but it's the only way to inflict a little wear and tear.

Having problems with disbanded squadrons that are coming back in great numbers to haunt me [:(] After parading before me in a 'march of the dead'. they park their skeleton units on the Truk airfields and immediately get equipped with reinforcement planes and shitty pilots. It's truly a nightmare to get rid of them.

I had 16 Betties in the pool, and they ALL went to a disbanded 0 size sqd with 2 25 exp pilots. Can't even divide it up
and give replacement ac to my good sqd's that are all understrength. So soon I'll have a 18 strength Betty sqd with 24 24 exp pilots [:(] All I can do is to disband the ac into a good 16 strength sqd that will turn into an overstrength one...argh!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/21/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 36,39

Japanese Ships
AG 120, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Blackfish, Shell hits 11, on fire - The Blackfish is into an unlucky strike now, hopefully these last few hits means a return to base.


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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 15
Ki-49 Helen x 9

Allied aircraft

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
7 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
SS I-175 - Yes! I got a new sub to play around with [:)]

Allied Ships
AP Harris, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
SS I-175

Allied Ships
AP Harris, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage - That's it for Harris!


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

[Alikchi2]

Wow.. this is pretty amazing for this late in the war. Read through the whole thing this weekend and I see the Allies trying to push with another rebuilt CV TF, the KB putting them down (:D), and the situation stabilizing again. But it looks like numbers are finally taking their toll.

Also, whatever happened to the Nicks?

[PzB74]

I receive 5 Nick replacements each month, so the 2 36 size sqd's I got were one shot weapons [:'(]
The remainder is now resting and collecting replacements while it prepares for Mike's last ditch offensive.
As soon as KiraKira developed an airfield, it became impossible to launch strikes at shipping as 20 Corsairs
is more than enough to butcher 20 fb's escorted by 80 Zero's.

Another quiet turn, a lot of activity around Irau...but I can do nada about it.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/25/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Irau , at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 13
Ki-49 Helen x 6

Allied aircraft

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
13 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 21,29

Japanese Ships
MSW Tama Maru

Allied Ships
SS Bonefish

The replacements I now receive are completely useless, take a look at this Zero daitai that arrived
at Truk. It had a few pilots and was immediately issued 27 Zero's....RIP! [:(]

[PzB74]

On November 1st 1943, with exactly 2 months of game time left, another Allied offensive has been launched.
This time against a tiny outpost called Rossel Isl. I've attached a map at the end of this post.

It's a size 2 port and airfield (max 4/4).
Me thinks Mike will have it quite easily, as only 100 troops are defending the place.

The idea was for this little spot to be invaded instead of Woodlark Isl or Gili Gili, as it would give me time
to prepare a defense and at least be aware of where the enemy intended to attack.

It will undoubtedly provide good aircover for the invasion forces when captured, but my airforce is barely capable of shooting down a few bombers anyway.

An armada of carriers, that be: fleet, light and escort types, are all around the place.
2 CVE's provide close range CAP for the invasion ships while 2 CV's and 2 CVL's make up the
heavy escort. No heavy surface tf's sighted yet.

So the question you will most likely ask is: What reactions will this landing force the Japanese to take?
Is the Kido Butai still capable of taking on a full fledged US carrier fleet, and is there a surface fleet that can
engage the invasion fleet [:'(]

Well, only time will show.....

Heavy airstrikes on Vila and Lunga are probably mean to weaken the IJA.
12 Japanese ac destroyed, but 16 Allied ones are lost - mainly to op losses.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 10/31/43

Weather: Clear

Air attack on Rossel Island , at 25,44


Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 1


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Vila , at 32,36

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 8

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 70
B-24J Liberator x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 5 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally x 1 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
AV Akitsushima, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 53

Airbase hits 20
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 37
Port hits 7
Port fuel hits 3
Port supply hits 3

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24J Liberator at 6000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
9 x B-24J Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24J Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24J Liberator at 6000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 20
F4U-1 Corsair x 17
P-40E Kittyhawk x 16
P-38G Lightning x 24
PB4Y Liberator x 41

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 1 damaged
PB4Y Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 145
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 47

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
9 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Rossel Island , at 25,44


Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 1


no losses


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

[PzB74]

Phase one of the battle has already started, but nothing conclusive yet as bad weather and
frightened US pilots intervenes!

The US carriers react towards the KB and launches one small strike that is partly chewed up by
a strong CAP and flak. The few dive bombers that attack only dives on the escort ships.

A strong strike does take off and hits a troop convoy enroute to Vila [:'(]
Not too happy about that, but if it saved my carriers, I'll live...

The KB didn't launch any strikes at all today, so there may be a big battle about tomorrow.
Weather is rainy, so that may put another dampener on it all.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/01/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack near Russell Islands at 35,39

Japanese Ships
AG 2056, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Gato


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 23,36

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 7
A6M2 Zero x 36
A6M3 Zero x 43
A6M5-B Zeke x 2

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 14
SBD Dauntless x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 2 destroyed
F6F Hellcat x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 8 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 8 damaged

LTJG J.Riley of VF-42 is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
DD Nowaki
CA Mogami
BB Haruna


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 29,35


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 45
SB2C Helldiver x 15
TBF Avenger x 41


no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Yugumo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Nagisan Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tama Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Kaito Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ujigawa Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Zukai Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tama Maru #2
AP Tenryu Maru
AP Shinwa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Mikage Maru #2
AP Shinko Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 250
Guns lost 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 29,35


Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 18


no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Shinko Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Zukai Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ujigawa Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tama Maru #2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Rossel Island , at 25,44


Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 2


no losses


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

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

Allied Ships
SS Ray


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

[PzB74]

A cat and mouse game takes place outside Rossel Isl.
US Marines captured the island today, but the carrier tf's didn't exchange blows!

Lots of Jap op losses - but that's ok, it's only the guys who think they are pilots
that are killing themselves [:(]

USS Greenling is a pest today, launches no less than 3 attack against IJN capital ships
and gets away with it!! A little worried when a fish strikes the Akagi, but it's another firecracker [&o]
9 system and 5 flood is managable!

Weather lifts - cloyd tomorrow. Will that mean a showdown?

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/02/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack near Woodlark Island at 22,39

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi
CV Hiryu
CVL Ryujo

Allied Ships
SS Greenling


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Woodlark Island at 22,39

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Greenling


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Woodlark Island at 22,39

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
CA Kumano

Allied Ships
SS Greenling


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 24

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AG 103, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 111, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AG 107, Shell hits 12
AG 2064, Shell hits 4
AG 2067, Shell hits 12
AG 2065, Shell hits 20, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 26,45

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 9

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 14
F4U-1 Corsair x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen x 5 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen x 5 damaged


LTJG S.Lawson of VF-27 is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
BB Washington

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 5

no losses

Allied Ships
LST 459, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 95

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
1 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Rossel Island

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 4204 troops, 21 guns, 26 vehicles

Defending force 90 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 174 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Rossel Island base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 123


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

[PzB74]

More cat and mouse games...

Allied subs are swarming, but can't achieve much.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/03/43

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack near Woodlark Island at 22,39

Allied Ships
SS Greenling


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 29,35

Allied Ships
SS S-38


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 23,40

Japanese Ships
CS Nisshin
CV Zuikaku

Allied Ships
SS Corvina


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
Ki-49 Helen x 12

no losses

Allied Ships
LST 459, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 27,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally x 4 damaged

Allied Ships
AO Sabine
AO Kaskaskia

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
Ki-49 Helen x 9

no losses

Allied Ships
LST 459, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet

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

[PzB74]

A funny situation as non of the parts launches any decisive strikes, but instead
moves around to analyze the opponent.

A few Dauntlesses from Rossel managed to land a few bombs on my battleship.
The old battered Hiei takes one through her decks, while the Yamato shrugs one off.
Yees, I've actually managed to get Tokyo to send me their biggest steel coffin.

Not sure how valuable it will be, the airborne threat may cripple her quickly enough.
Really difficult to keep the carriers in the same hex as the battleships - the react to the
enemy no matter what I order I issue...(

Well, I can't leave and Mike can't withdraw his carriers - interesting indeed.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/04/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack near Tassafaronga at 37,39

Allied Ships
SS Sculpin


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 32
TBF Avenger x 16
P-38G Lightning x 15

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 13

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 12

Attacking Level Bombers:
16 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 20

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AG 369, Shell hits 48, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AG 5030, Shell hits 28, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
Ki-49 Helen x 6

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 6
P-38G Lightning x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed


1LT J.Irwin of 35th FS is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
LCI 341

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 29,50

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 6

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 4
F4U-1 Corsair x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally x 1 destroyed


MAJ P. Fontana of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 2


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
A6M3 Zero x 12
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 26

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 9
SBD Dauntless x 13
P-40E Kittyhawk x 5
P-47D Thunderbolt x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 9 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 5 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 damaged

LTJG G. Hill of VF-6 is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Yamato, Bomb hits 1


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

[Crocky]

Tis very interesting ...... what to do next the stand-off is to PZBs benefit not mine so may have to move sooner rather than later

Either way its been a great game ..... looking forward to continuing on with WitP

[Crocky]

My AAR also showed I hit a transport TF ????????

[PzB74]

A string of 'unfortunate' events made this into a very poor day for the IJN [:(]

The battelship group first bombarded Rossell Isl and closed it down, but already here a light cruiser hit one of my
own mines that nearly broke her back. Then subs torpedoed 2 destroyers, including the one I had ordered the KB to follow
to avoid the deadly 'react to enemy' move. Yes, you have already guess it..it did react 1 hex toward the enemy [>:]

Then heavy bombers closed down the airfields at Woodlark Isl, dang - thought it was out of range!
All these events efficiently took away my aircover over Woodlark - I had hoped to gut the attacking planes with a large number of fighters. Instead my 'battleship row' got devastated by large number of carrier ac!!

Lots of damaged goods floating around, and only the KB is now intact, strange how the US cv's have ignored them over the last few battles...got to be some way I can use this to my advantage!?

The last events that caused me grief were caused by my carefully hoarded naval bombers! With lots of targets nearby they select to fly all the way to NEVEA!!! to torpedo small LST's and DD's!! Buhu, the lack of tactical control is really killing me right now. I lost over 60 bombers and fighters this turn against a mere 20 allied ac.

Again I will have to rely on my trusty carriers to protect the last bastions.

The guy I discussed the role of battleships and aircraft carriers with should really read this post - it clearly shows how helpless bb's are against concentrated airpower!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/05/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack near Woodlark Island at 22,39

Japanese Ships
DD Takanami, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Greenling


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Rossel Island at 25,44

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
BB Hiei
BB Yamato
CA Mogami
CA Kumano
CL Noshiro, on fire, heavy damage -> result of one mine!!
CL Isuzu
CL Natori
DD Hatsuzuki
DD Niizuki
DD Suzunami
DD Onami
DD Fujinami
DD Nowaki
DD Suzukaze

Allied Ships
AK Caelum, Shell hits 29, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk - todays only 'success'


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Rossel Island, at 25,44


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 6 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 195

Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 183 - af damage at only 61 after this turn, so it'll be open again quickly enough.
Port supply hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Rossel Island at 25,44

Japanese Ships
DD Fujinami, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Sturgeon


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Woodlark Island at 22,39

Japanese Ships
DD Onami

Allied Ships
SS Ray


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
A6M3 Zero x 12
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 34

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 53

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 7 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 6 damaged
F1M2 Pete x 3 destroyed
F1M2 Pete x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 57

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 50

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 10
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 33

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 47
F4U-1 Corsair x 7
SBD Dauntless x 53
SB2C Helldiver x 18
TBF Avenger x 57

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 10 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 2 destroyed
F6F Hellcat x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
SB2C Helldiver x 3 damaged
TBF Avenger x 2 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 11 damaged

LTJG R.Bannister of VF-42 is credited with kill number 4

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage - will be surprised if she makes it this time!
DD Niizuki, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Isuzu
BB Yamato, Torpedo hits 1
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 2
CA Kumano
CL Natori, Bomb hits 2, on fire


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

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 18

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 16 damaged


Allied Ships
DD Conway
DD Terry
LST 465

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

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


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 21
SB2C Helldiver x 15
TBF Avenger x 29


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver x 1 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage - Hiei is also in a sorry state now
DD Onami, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CA Mogami, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Suzukaze
CL Isuzu, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Nowaki
CA Kumano


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


Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 11


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Nojima Maru
AP Taganoura Maru


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 24

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AG 2057, Shell hits 40, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AG 2081, Shell hits 20, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


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


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 17


no losses

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage - amazing that the old lady didn't have to be scuttled!


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


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 50
F4U-1 Corsair x 8
SBD Dauntless x 11


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Bomb hits 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 29,50

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 4

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 20
F4U-1 Corsair x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally x 1 destroyed


2LT W. Laird of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 6


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
Ki-49 Helen x 6

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Cassiopeia

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Nevea at 50,43 - no comment [:(]

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 6
G4M1 Betty x 13
G4M2 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 2 destroyed
G3M Nell x 4 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 12 damaged
G4M2 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M2 Betty x 15 damaged


FLT G. Jameson of No. 14 Sqn RNZAF is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
LST 474
LST 466
LST 451, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
LST 473, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LST 452
LST 399, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Conway

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

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

[Crocky]

well some good news after a shitty day at work .... will be at home shortly and see if I can take advantage of my good fortune.

Figured you had a shitload of fighters at Woodlark waiting for my CVs now to kill that airfield properly ..... see you soon

[PzB74]

I have now identified the US carriers Wasp, Bunker Hill, Intrepid and the cvl Cabot.
This is a quite formidable cv force, and the 2-3 cve's that covers the invasion fleet made it
all but impossible to attack with the KB. My flimsy Zero's and Val bombers would have been shredded.
That's also why I didn't order any attacks - the importance of having a powerful fleet in being is almost
more imperative than what they actually can accomplish.

3 times I sortied the Yamato battlefleet from Woodlark Isl to try to engage the US cv's in a surface battle.
At all 3 occasions the fleets parked in hexes next to each other. Hm...so close and still so far away.

I scuttled the Hiei today, 99 system and 77 flooding didn't give it a chance. That's the first IJN battleship
to be lost in the war.

Heavies pound Woodlark again, destroying a number of fighters. A small strike also attack Shortland harbour.
My fleet was not sighted today, it retreated a bit to reorganize and wait for an opportunity.
The US fleets are far from their bases and have to be low on fuel, and woe on Rossel Isl when they leave [:@]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/06/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Air attack on Woodlark Island , at 22,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
A6M3 Zero x 6
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 29

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 31
B-24D Liberator x 62

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 3 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 2 damaged
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 12 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 262

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 71

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
7 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
7 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Shortland Island , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 2
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 10

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator x 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Takuei Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Port hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24J Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24J Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24J Liberator at 6000 feet

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

[PzB74]

Not much but carnage to write home about....
Swarms of heavy bombers and carrier ac swarms all over the Solomons, all but immune to the
Japanese fighters on CAP.

2 surface combat tf's closed in on Woodlark Isl today, not sure whether it's an attempt to invade.
Would be somewhat early if you asked me, but we'll see.

The US carriers had another lucky day and found 2 IJN supply tf's at Shortland and bombed the $hit out of them.
Only 3 ap's sank, but 60% of them need considerable repairs...and then some [;)]

I can't sacrifice the KB for naught, so I have to be patient and look for an openining.
50 Hellcats are more than enough to kill all my 350 carrier ac [:(]
I'll go through my well used stack of cards in the meanwhile and try to find another ace.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/09/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Rossel Island , at 25,44

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 6

Allied aircraft

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 2 damaged

Runway hits 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x G3M Nell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Woodlark Island at 22,39

Allied Ships
SS Greenling


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 2
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 4

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 7
F4U-1 Corsair x 26
P-40E Kittyhawk x 12
B-24D Liberator x 60

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 3 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 1 damaged


2LT F. Thomas of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 7

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 216

Airbase hits 11
Runway hits 51

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Shortland Island at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 2
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 38
F4U-1 Corsair x 8
SBD Dauntless x 52
SB2C Helldiver x 18
TBF Avenger x 55

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged

LT H. Eckard of VF-11 is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
AP Mogamigawa Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
APD 31, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kirishima Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Asakasan Maru
AP Kumagawa Maru
AP Miike Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Arizona Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shinano Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hakusan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Hokkai Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Yamura Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tokai Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Nankai Maru
AP Goyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Kinryu Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Vila at 32,36

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 7

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 20

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AG 359, Shell hits 20
AG 355, Shell hits 12
AG 118, Shell hits 24, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 357, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 119, Shell hits 8


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Shortland Island at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 2
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 27
TBF Avenger x 50

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Nankai Maru
AP Asakasan Maru
AP Yamura Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kirishima Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Miike Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Arizona Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kumagawa Maru
AP Tokai Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
APD 31, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Shortland Island at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 2
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 45
F4U-1 Corsair x 9
SBD Dauntless x 11
SB2C Helldiver x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 1 damaged

LTJG R.Drake of VF-42 is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
TK Akebono Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire
PC Ch 18
TK Kyokuto Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
TK Kokuyo Maru, Bomb hits 1
TK Fujisan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
TK Teiyo Maru, Bomb hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 36,39

Japanese Ships
AG 112, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Blackfish


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

[PzB74]

A much better day today [:)]
My bad lucks suddenly left me, but since it's such a contagious disease, Mike now got it [;)]
A bad weather front formed up over Rossel Isl AND the US cv fleet, severely disrupting CAP over Woodlark Isl.
US troops are actually going ashore there today.

Naval bombers seized the opportunity and launched two strikes, and they both scored!
In the first raid a US bb and a dd got hit, only the latter got severely damaged.
In the second raid 2 AV's and 2 CVE's were hit! Both escort carriers went straight down, taking more than 30 ac with them

This was very good news, and next turn thunderstorms have been reported.
So now you have to ask yourself one question Mike; Do you feel lucky today?-)

I've ordered everything available to strike, strike, strike!
If bad luck stays where it is for another turn, the carpenters at Noumea will be very busy over the next few weeks....

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/10/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 29,33

Japanese Ships
TK Genyo Maru

Allied Ships
SS Scamp


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Rossel Island , at 25,44

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 8

Allied aircraft

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 7

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 2
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 3

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 19
F4U-1 Corsair x 8
PB4Y Liberator x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 33

Attacking Level Bombers:
7 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
9 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 7

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 27

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 4000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 9
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 7
F4U-1 Corsair x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 4 destroyed
G3M Nell x 6 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged


2LT W. Laird of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 7

Allied Ships
BB Washington, Torpedo hits 1
DD Bennett
DD Sigourney, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
2 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
2 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 17
G3M Nell x 16
G4M1 Betty x 40
G4M2 Betty x 10
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 40

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 2 destroyed
G3M Nell x 5 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 6 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 13 damaged
G4M2 Betty x 5 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 2 destroyed
F6F Hellcat x 2 damaged

ENS V.Moore of VF-27 bails out and is CAPTURED

Allied Ships
CVE Suwannee, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage Sinks!! [:D]
CLAA Oakland
AV Thornton, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AV Curtiss, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CVE Copahee, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage Sinks!! [:D]

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M2 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43 - Betties goes here to die...

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 4

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty x 4 destroyed


FO R. Owens of VMF-215 is credited with kill number 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x G4M2 Betty at 200 feet

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

[PzB74]

Ah - this was one of those turns....
Desperate situations requires desperate measures, so I sent in the KB on a defensive mission.
It survived, and that must be counted as success!

A heavy US cv strike went in and lost 36 ac with another 49 damaged while scoring only 2 insignificant hits on a cve and a cvl! LR CAP took most of the heat, and I still got a potent cv force left.

My aim is to wear down the US carriers striking potential - if the knife gets dull it will require 2-3 weeks to
be sharpen it again, and the clock is ticking!

If the enemy carriers stay for another round, I may actually manage to put in my own strike.
My surface combat force arrived back at Woodlard, but didn't engage the US ships still there, poodo [&:]
That was the bad news of the day...but hey, I'm still alive to fight another day.

46 US ac lost vs 86 Japanese, actually a good 1-2 odds at this stage of the war. 5-1 of is 'the normal' one..(
Constant CAP and strike duties must be inflicting fatigue and loss of morale among the Allied fly boys?

The attack on Woodlark was repulsed, 7k troops defended against 9k - but the forts provided sufficient protection, so only a 0-1 odds. More sacrifices will be required to capture this base!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/11/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Air attack on TF, near Woodlark Island at 22,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 7
A6M2 Zero x 23
A6M3 Zero x 36
A6M5 Zeke x 4
A6M5-B Zeke x 1
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 7

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 44
F4U-1 Corsair x 5
SBD Dauntless x 52
SB2C Helldiver x 18
TBF Avenger x 37

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 10 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 9 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 damaged
A6M5 Zeke x 1 destroyed
A6M5-B Zeke x 1 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 8 destroyed
F6F Hellcat x 4 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 12 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 25 damaged
SB2C Helldiver x 1 destroyed
SB2C Helldiver x 1 damaged
TBF Avenger x 15 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 24 damaged

LT P.Alford of VF-42 is credited with kill number 6

LCDR H. Maeda of FB2/204th Daitai bails out WOUNDED and is RESCUED

Japanese Ships
CS Chiyoda
CVE Chuyo, Bomb hits 1
CV Zuikaku
CVL Zuiho, Torpedo hits 1
CVL Ryujo
CV Hiryu
CV Akagi
CV Hiyo


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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 13

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 10
P-47D Thunderbolt x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally x 1 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 1 damaged


LT R. Merritt of VF-6 is credited with kill number 5

Allied Ships
AV Curtiss
DM Gamble
DMS Hopkins

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43 - Why, why, why does the Betties HAVE to fly
to Irau each and every day..( There are unescorted targets much closer, and still
they come back time and again to be massacred by Corsairs..oh the pain.

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 3
G4M1 Betty x 10
G4M2 Betty x 8

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 4 destroyed
G4M2 Betty x 2 destroyed
G4M2 Betty x 1 damaged


2LT J. Stack of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 4

Allied Ships
AK Betelgeuse, Torpedo hits 1
AK Venus, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Lyra, Torpedo hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
0 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M2 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
Ki-49 Helen x 6

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen x 2 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen x 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 damaged

2LT W. Sigler of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 6

Allied Ships
LST 461

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 10
G4M1 Betty x 11

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 3 destroyed
G3M Nell x 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 5 damaged


2LT D.Carter of VMF-215 is credited with kill number 4

Allied Ships
PG Kiwi, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LST 466

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Woodlark Island

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 9139 troops, 94 guns, 32 vehicles

Defending force 7493 troops, 6 guns, 103 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 4)



LT R. Merritt of VF-6 is credited with kill number 8

LCDR I.Fujiwara of CII-1 Daitai is KILLED
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 138

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 173


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

[PzB74]

The carnage continues! The Akagi is hit by yet another sub torp as she retires towards Rabaul.
That ship is a tough ole lady, damage is still not serious! Thank gawd the yanks doesnt' have long lances.

A little armada of small ships are approaching Woodlark - and Mike hasn't retired at all.
Fierce air duels and attacks are carrierd out through the day, and both sides suffers casualties.
I loose more than 80 ac, nicely divided between air-to-air combat, flak and op losses [:'(]
A mere 15 Allied ac are lost, more like the 'normal' for these troubled times.

The butchers tab:

IJN :
8 IJN transports are hit, although only a few sinks. 1 cl acting as escort is also hammered and sinks, while a dd is severely damaged and had to be scuttled. Several barges are also sunk, but I can afford that.
Allies:
1 LCI sunk (my bombers return daily to hurt themselves over Irau.)
1 AP heavily damaged
1 CLAA torpedoed and damaged
BB Washington hit by another 2 torpedos and are reported to be on fire [:)] If I'm lucky, she has to go home now!

No land combat, as I'm sure Mike wants to land more troops.
Thunderstorms reported for tomorrow, which suits me fine...perhaps some of the airstrikes will be grounded.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/12/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack near Woodlark Island at 22,39

Japanese Ships
AG 2082, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Greenling


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Woodlark Island at 22,39

Japanese Ships
AG 2061, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Greenling


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 21,29

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi, Torpedo hits 1
CV Hiyo

Allied Ships
SS Bonefish


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 3
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 7

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 11
B-17E Fortress x 87

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

LTJG O.Sakai of F2/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 4

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 203
Vehicles lost 2

Runway hits 6

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
7 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 18
P-38J Lightning x 24
B-24D Liberator x 39

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed


1LT U.Patocka of 35th FS is credited with kill number 2

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 12

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 37

Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
Ki-49 Helen x 9

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 23
P-39D Airacobra x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed

2LT W. Sigler of VMF-112 is credited with kill number 7

Allied Ships
SC 984
LCI 342
LCI 71, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
1 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 6

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 13
P-47D Thunderbolt x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally x 1 destroyed


CPT M. Wiecks of 340th FS is credited with kill number 2


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
A6M3 Zero x 4
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 10
Ki-51 Sonia x 5

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 13
P-47D Thunderbolt x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 4 destroyed
Ki-51 Sonia x 3 destroyed
Ki-51 Sonia x 2 damaged


ENS E.Jeffries of VF-6 is credited with kill number 6

Allied Ships
AV Thornton, heavy damage


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 15
G3M Nell x 15
G4M1 Betty x 32
G4M2 Betty x 11

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 9
P-47D Thunderbolt x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 4 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged
G3M Nell x 4 destroyed
G3M Nell x 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 6 damaged
G4M2 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M2 Betty x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 damaged

LTJG J. McInerny of VF-6 is credited with kill number 5

Allied Ships
AK Saggittarius
AP Warren
AK Prince Georges, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CLAA Oakland, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Reid
DD Renshaw
MSW Motive
AV Thornton, heavy damage
AV Curtiss


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M2 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty at 200 feet
0 x G3M Nell at 6000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
2 x G4M2 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 13

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 6
P-47D Thunderbolt x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally x 1 destroyed


FO N.French of 340th FS is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
AV Curtiss
CLAA Oakland, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 24,38


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 9
SBD Dauntless x 11
P-40E Kittyhawk x 9
P-38G Lightning x 13
P-47D Thunderbolt x 6


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Yugumo, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tama Maru #2, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 17


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 23,37


Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 15


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Yoshinogawa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Unkai Maru #6, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Unkai Maru #3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
A6M3 Zero x 3
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 6

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 33
F4U-1 Corsair x 6
SBD Dauntless x 34
SB2C Helldiver x 18
TBF Avenger x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged
SB2C Helldiver x 1 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged

ENS U.Moore of VF-17 is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
AP Kenshin Maru, Bomb hits 1
CL Natori, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nojima Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Taganoura Maru

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 28


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 3
G3M Nell x 3
G4M1 Betty x 13
G4M2 Betty x 10
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 15

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 10
P-47D Thunderbolt x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 13 damaged
G4M2 Betty x 2 destroyed
G4M2 Betty x 5 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged


LT R. Merritt of VF-6 is credited with kill number 9

Allied Ships
DD Beale
BB Washington, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
DD Bennett
CA Boston

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 8
G3M Nell x 7

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 10
P-47D Thunderbolt x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed


ENS E.Jeffries of VF-6 is credited with kill number 7


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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 24

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 5
P-47D Thunderbolt x 5

no losses

no losses

Allied Ships
CLAA Oakland, on fire
AV Curtiss
AK Indus
AP Manunda
DMS Long

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
1 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Woodlark Island at 22,39


LT F. Blair of VF-6 is credited with kill number 8
Japanese Ships
AG 122, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AG 363, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AG 2051, Shell hits 13, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Washington, on fire
CA Boston
CL Mobile
DD Chauncey
DD Fullam
DD Guest
DD Bennett
DD Hudson
DD Beale


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Woodlark Island at 22,39

Japanese Ships
CL Natori, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
AP Taganoura Maru
AP Kenshin Maru
AP Naniwa Maru, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nojima Maru, Shell hits 22, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ryuosan Maru

Allied Ships
BB Washington, on fire
CA Boston
CL Mobile
DD Chauncey
DD Fullam
DD Guest
DD Bennett
DD Hudson
DD Beale

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 338
Guns lost 2


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

[PzB74]

Thunderstorms prevented most of the airstrikes today, but the sinking tankers that were hit
by the US cv group a few days ago were hit again. I ordered em to go sink in the Coral sea and attract
a few attacks from the bird farms that have camped out there...)

Lost count of how many strikes that came in!-)

Sally's managed to sink a transport loaded with troops at Rossel Isl - hope they lost their buldozer as well [:'(]

Barges and a variety of small transports managed to unload a full regiment at Woodlark, more than 12k grunts there now.
That should be enough to keep Alexander the Great of my premises for a while longer...

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/13/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack near Woodlark Island at 22,39

Allied Ships
SS Peto


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Sub attack near Woodlark Island at 22,39

Japanese Ships
DD Samidare
CA Kumano

Allied Ships
SS Peto


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

Japanese aircraft

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 28
P-38J Lightning x 24
B-24D Liberator x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 28

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 47

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 26,37


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 22
F4U-1 Corsair x 4
SBD Dauntless x 24
TBF Avenger x 15


no losses

Japanese Ships
TK Fujisan Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
TK Nissan Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
TK Kokuyo Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
TK Akebono Maru, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 26,37


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 9
F4U-1 Corsair x 5
SBD Dauntless x 10
SB2C Helldiver x 18
TBF Avenger x 10
P-40E Kittyhawk x 9
P-38G Lightning x 10


no losses

Japanese Ships
TK Akebono Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
TK Kyokuto Maru, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 26,37


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 13
SBD Dauntless x 15
TBF Avenger x 12


no losses

Japanese Ships
TK Nissan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
TK Kokuyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 26,37


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 3
P-38G Lightning x 3
P-47D Thunderbolt x 13


no losses

Japanese Ships
TK Nissan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Rossel Island at 25,44

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 21

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 4

no losses

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Zebra, Bomb hits 10, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 205
Vehicles lost 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
1 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Rossel Island at 25,44

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 3

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 4

no losses

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Amador

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Rabaul at 21,28


LT F. Blair of VF-6 is credited with kill number 9 - WTF? Has Mike hired his relatives to do the dirty work for him now??
Japanese Ships
DD Nowaki

Allied Ships
SS Raton


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