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another day passed by... with rather mixed results. While Franks carrier air arm pounded my convoi that brought reinforcements I caught one of his FT TFs at Rennell. Both actions led to the loss of ships, but wondrously no troops were lost. So I have to suspect he´s about to pull out of Rennell...
Meanwhile, the attack on my Transport TF cost me another couple of APs... [:(]

Bad weather still impedes any bold air engagements.




AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/22/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Night Time Surface Combat, near Rennell Island at 38,45

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 2
BB Yamato
CA Kumano
CL Kiso
DD Murasame
DD Samidare
DD Isonami

Allied Ships
APD Little, Shell hits 1, on fire
APD Brooks, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
APD Humphreys


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Rennell Island, at 38,45


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 266
Vehicles lost 2

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 15
Port hits 5
Port supply hits 3


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


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 18


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 34

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 16th Regiment, at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 8
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 4

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 21
A-20G Havoc x 10
A-20G Boston x 7

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
Hudson x 2 damaged
A-20G Havoc x 3 damaged
A-20G Boston x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 28

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Maizuru 4th AA Battalion, at 50,43


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 15


no losses

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

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3
A6M2 Zero x 8

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 12

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIC x 1 destroyed

LTJG L.Minobe of AI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 161st Regimental Combat Team, at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 8
B5N Kate x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 damaged

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 29
B-17E Fortress x 15
PB4Y Liberator x 7
B-24D Liberator x 6

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Nana Maru, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AP Maya Maru, Bomb hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
AP Manju Maru, Bomb hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nagano Maru, Bomb hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 15000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x PB4Y Liberator at 15000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 15000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 60
SBD Dauntless x 64
TBF Avenger x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Haguro Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP Mitsu Maru #3, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Noshiro Maru #2, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hiyoshi Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nissen Maru #3, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Meisho Maru, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hokusho Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hokuyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Naniwa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hakutetsu Maru #13, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 44,47

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
A6M3 Zero x 11
D3A Val x 17
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 35

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged
D3A Val x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed

LTJG K.Hirano of DII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4

LCDR J.Oda of F1/3rd Daitai bails out and is RESCUED


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Irau

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 26773 troops, 408 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 29662 troops, 333 guns, 127 vehicles



WO A. Shirane of AI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 6


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

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4564 troops, 57 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 11208 troops, 89 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 3


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

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 20550 troops, 207 guns, 32 vehicles

Defending force 12947 troops, 114 guns, 64 vehicles

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 466
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 403
Guns lost 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Irau

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 19988 troops, 306 guns, 72 vehicles

Defending force 37067 troops, 547 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 5)


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 257

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 326
Guns lost 1


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

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 8711 troops, 76 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 4561 troops, 57 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 12 to 1 (fort level 0)


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 5792
Guns lost 70

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 59


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

rather disappointing to see all those monster guns killed just one out of three tiny nutshells... However, always a delight to have some action[:)]

this war truly is a tough struggle!
While our A/C are still hampered by the lousy weather, the land battle continues. And it doesn´t look very good for the GIs down in the Southern Solomons.
Some Vals tried feeble-minded attacks on the Allied Carriers and of course were fend off. But my opponent is loosing countless transport planes (Dakotas and Catalinas) day by day over Rennell... And my naval guns are working over this island relentlessly, with quite an impact. One night ago another two US APDs fell victim to my fleet, adding them to the wreck list. They were lonely out on a suicide mission. Again, I wondered since it seemed they had no troops on board (at least no troop losses reported). What were they intended for?[&:]

We´ll see who is able to pour sufficient forces into the theatre to win at least this fiery phase of the campaign.



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/24/43

Weather: Rain

Naval bombardment of Rennell Island, at 38,45


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 392
Vehicles lost 2
Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 7
Port hits 3
Port supply hits 2


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


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 10
PB4Y Liberator x 6
B-24D Liberator x 21


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 57

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 16th Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 51
SBD Dauntless x 121
TBF Avenger x 55


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 85

Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
16 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
15 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
18 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
0 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
6 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 16th Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 31
A-20G Havoc x 14
A-20G Boston x 9


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged
A-20G Havoc x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 10

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 16th Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 119


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 52

Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
7 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
7 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 8000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 161st Regimental Combat Team, at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 27
Ki-21 Sally x 9
Ki-48 Lily x 22
Ki-49 Helen x 13

no losses


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 22

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x Ki-21 Sally at 7000 feet
13 x Ki-49 Helen at 8000 feet
9 x Ki-48 Lily at 7000 feet
13 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 2
A6M5-B Zeke x 2

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 12

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIC x 1 destroyed
Beaufighter VIC x 1 damaged

PO2 K.Kubota of FB2/204th Daitai is credited with kill number 2


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

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 15

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 74
F4U-1 Corsair x 44

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 damaged



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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
A6M3 Zero x 8
D3A Val x 14

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 74
F4U-1 Corsair x 44

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 destroyed

LCDR J.Black of VF-8 is credited with kill number 5


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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-46 Dinah x 1

no losses


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

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 13
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 66
F4U-1 Corsair x 42

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 destroyed


FO T. Mann of VMF-121 is credited with kill number 12


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

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 9

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 48
F4U-1 Corsair x 42

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


LT W. Hiebert of VF-6 is credited with kill number 5


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Irau

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 33415 troops, 496 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 28982 troops, 329 guns, 127 vehicles

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



LCDR V.Baker of No. 76 Sqn RAAF bails out and is RESCUED
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 196
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 585
Guns lost 1

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

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 21016 troops, 205 guns, 32 vehicles

Defending force 13506 troops, 108 guns, 59 vehicles

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 282

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 347
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Irau

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 18895 troops, 301 guns, 72 vehicles

Defending force 36078 troops, 543 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 5)


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 117
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 303

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

one out of the countless tragic moments in a paradise full of cruel thunder

the allied desperation is such that they even stripped Northern Oz and Port Moresby, Buna and Dobadura of all aircraft...! Only GG and Lae have active airstrips in PNG at the moment.

ORIGINAL: RGIJN

the allied desperation is such that they even stripped Northern Oz and Port Moresby, Buna and Dobadura of all aircraft...! Only GG and Lae have active airstrips in PNG at the moment.

I do not need any aircraft in that area right now. Everything the Enemy has is located in the Solomons. PM, Buna and Dobadura are well supplied so no activity necessary there. No need for CAP fighters as I´m sure that the Japanese will not divert any forces to attack me there and if they do I would appreciate the relief at the Solomons front[;)]

ORIGINAL: RGIJN

one out of the countless tragic moments in a paradise full of cruel thunder

Well looking at the overall statistics tells me that this picture can be seen more than tree times the number in Japanese Camps...

Well, the situation is desperate nevertheless. At Irau the Japanes were able to send fresh troops. Their transports won´t come home again but the damage is done. Up to now I was able to reduce the fortification there from 9 to 5 even with 0 to 1 assault odds. But now I think I´m stuck there.
At Rennel the situation has been relieved a little bit. The enemy already was able to get 2 to 1 assault odds with 0 Fortification. But I was able to bring enough Supplies and a few fresh troops even under daily bombardment and also to build up the fortification again to keep the Island for a couple of days more.

All in all there is no doubt that the whole solomons campaign so far is a defeat for me even If I take Irau which is most unlikely right now. It really seems that I found one of the hardest spot in the enemy's defence.

But on the other hand: If I count the enemy troops involved plus the troops he already lost and then take a look at my intel (OOB) I think there is maybe a weak spot somewhere else....

good luck

ORIGINAL: Hornblower

good luck

though I think it rather was meant for Fuelli, Thank you! And it worked well - for me... [;)]

+++ NEWSFLASH +++

+++ RENNELL ISLAND HAS FALLEN +++
+++ IMPERIAL TROOPS TOOK IT THIS AFTERNOON +++
+++ DETAILS LATER THIS DAY +++

+++ END OF THE MEASSAGE +++

as stated ealier today, Rennell Island was taken from the Yankees, and with severe losses of allied troops. This will free up some resources for the fight at Irau and elsewhere... [;)]
While losses in the air are staggering, some success was achieved though.

Next days most probably won´t be calm, since I am busy defending Irau and strengthen some other areas which could become future battlegrounds. Fortunately, Imperial High Command noticed the hair-trigger situation down in its possessions in the South and released some additional reinforcements. Of course I am aware these things are rather a drop in the bucket...

Stay tuned!


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
A6M3 Zero x 8
D3A Val x 66
B5N Kate x 10
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 11
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 23
Ki-21 Sally x 8
Ki-48 Lily x 26
Ki-49 Helen x 9

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 22
P-38G Lightning x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 8 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 2 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 6 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 1 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily x 2 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily x 3 damaged
Ki-49 Helen x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 9 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 6 damaged

CPT D.Campbell of 67th FS is credited with kill number 10

1LT E. Harris of 8th FS is KILLED

Allied Ships
CVE Chenango, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Copahee, Bomb hits 1

I hope one flattop less to provide CAP over the ships that are anchoring off Irau, once more in another try to bring in reinforcements... [:)]

As with so many issues, this has one good and one bad thing for both sides too. The good news for the Allies is that they now will save alot of Dakotas and Catalinas, since they aren´t longer needed for supplying the starving Rennell garrison...[;)][:D]

BANZAI ! ! ! [:)]

and the Land combat at Irau is also taking the right direction so far...

What division got pushed into the sea.

wow, now that hurts the allied war efforts. an entire division destroyed at rennel. congratulations to the empire! 

very impressive

ORIGINAL: bigred

What division got pushed into the sea.

several units were doomed to get trapped. They´re on their way into the famous prisons of Singapore now, where they will get food and other luxuries which weren´t available for them a couple of days yet... So Frank - better don´t sink any japanese transports anymore. You could kill your own POWs in doing so... [;)]

new turn - new action.

Another ScTF visited the allied beachhead at Irau last night, and some guns and Torpedoes were released on both sides... [;)] The US screening force wasn´t able to prevent my flotilla from sneaking into his transports. But the results could have been worse I think, considering the potential of destruction carried by the IJN units... [X(]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/26/43

Weather: Clear

Sub attack near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
SS I-156, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Stevens


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 3
BB Yamato, Shell hits 1
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano, Shell hits 4
CL Kiso, Shell hits 4
DD Kazegumo, Shell hits 1
DD Makigumo, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Tanikaze, Shell hits 7, on fire
DD Murasame
DD Harusame, Shell hits 2
DD Hatsuharu, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatsushimo, Shell hits 1
DD Isonami, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Northampton, Shell hits 2, heavy damage
CA San Francisco, Shell hits 2
CL St. Louis
DD Pringle, Shell hits 1
DD Stanly
DD Cony
DD Stevens
DD Sigourney
DD Bush
DD Laffey
DD Morris
DD Shaw


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Kinda Battle of Samar... BBs against CVEs - but better results (since it was at night[:D])

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 8
BB Yamato, Shell hits 2
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano, Shell hits 1
CL Kiso, Shell hits 1
DD Kazegumo, Shell hits 1
DD Makigumo, on fire, heavy damage
DD Tanikaze, on fire
DD Murasame, Shell hits 1
DD Harusame
DD Hatsuharu, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatsushimo
DD Isonami, on fire

Allied Ships
CVE Chenango, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
CVE Copahee, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Brownson, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Duncan, Shell hits 37, and is sunk
DMS Long
DMS Zane
DMS Hamilton, Shell hits 26, and is sunk
AP Pierce
AK Bellatrix
AK Titania
AK Electra, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Demodocus
AK Sterope
AK Serpens, on fire
AK Alkaid, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 142


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


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 4


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 16th Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 32
A-20G Havoc x 15
A-20G Boston x 13


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged
A-20G Boston x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 11

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x A-20G Boston at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet
2 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x A-20G Boston at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet
0 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
5 x Hudson at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
4 x A-20G Boston at 6000 feet
9 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
0 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
1 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
0 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
6 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x A-20G Boston at 6000 feet
4 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet

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

and again my LR bombers "chose" targets far away... [:@][&:][X(]

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 5
G4M1 Betty x 3
Ki-21 Sally x 9

Allied aircraft
P-47C Thunderbolt x 41

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 2 destroyed


Allied Ships
AK Grumium, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Murzim, Bomb hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 12

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x Ki-21 Sally at 7000 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 7000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally at 7000 feet

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Air attack on Irau , at 42,43


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 2


no losses


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Air attack on 161st Regimental Combat Team, at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 15
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7
Ki-48 Lily x 24

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 27
P-38G Lightning x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily x 3 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged

LTJG N.Black of VF-6 is credited with kill number 5


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
A6M3 Zero x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 22
Ki-21 Sally x 13

Allied aircraft
P-47C Thunderbolt x 34

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 7 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 5 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 destroyed


1LT L. Zaage of 340th FS is credited with kill number 2

PO2 W.Matsumura of F2/6th Daitai is KILLED

Allied Ships
AK Crux, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Azimech
DD Jenkins

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

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Ground combat at Irau

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 32891 troops, 491 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 31140 troops, 369 guns, 127 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 292

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 521


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