An Aussie Affair: Re-Match!

[Raverdave]

I would say that it is definately closed!:D

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/24/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31
A6M3 Zero x 40
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 59

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 42
B-17E Fortress x 26
PB4Y Liberator x 28
B-24D Liberator x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 6 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 2 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 9 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 3 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 1 destroyed
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged
PB4Y Liberator x 5 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 7 damaged

PO2 L.Fujita of F1/3rd Daitai is credited with kill number 4

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 699
Guns lost 3

Airbase hits 19
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 82

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
0 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
0 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
9 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
0 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

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[Raverdave]

And yet again! This time I am getting the upper hand in air to air combat.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/25/43

Weather: Overcast

Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 32
A6M3 Zero x 30
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 38

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 33
B-17E Fortress x 30
PB4Y Liberator x 19
B-24D Liberator x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 6 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 3 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 4 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 8 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 2 damaged
J1N1-R Irving x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 3 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 5 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 5 damaged
PB4Y Liberator x 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 2 destroyed
B-24D Liberator x 13 damaged

1LT R. Moose of 8th FS is credited with kill number 3

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 293
Guns lost 3

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 64

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator 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
2 x B-24D Liberator 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
8 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
7 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
7 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

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[SoulBlazer]

Yeesh, three times in a row? Even assuming for FOW factors, it looks like Japan lost about 50 planes in those last three raids at not even half that for the Allies. Lunga may not be closed for long, but it IS closed for the time being. A substained air assault like that will close it for good.

(I would say something like 'Go USA player' at this point, but you're both Aussie's -- what's the point? )

[Luskan]

I have hundresd of planes in the "bank" - loosing them on the ground doesn't cost me pilots so I don't care.

Fighters still rising every turn - and now Raver has stopped the bombing, Lunga and it's 250 engineers were ship shape next turn.

It has all started anyhow!

I had NO idea paratroops worked like this - or so effectively. Raver landed them at Dobadura - and has found my weakest spot. However my fast transport groups and air transport should help the defence.

Raver's ships also ft a unit to Lae Lae - Colorado hit a nice mine on her way in.

All my fleet has mobilised for the defence of PNG - Raver won't survive this encounter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Raverdave]

My CV TF has sailed....Transport TFs moving now under the protection of LRCAP. More paras being dropped. More bombing raids against Lugna....again! Bombardment TFs are also moving. Surface TFs spotted heading for PM..............counter-stroke has been planned and is ready to re-act....it is all happening folks!

[Luskan]

I had it all timed so perfectly - the entire ijn surface fleet was going to sweep down on Irau and crush Raver's landing ships before they could unload. It was going to be a glorious victory (obviously).

only, Raver's tf had stopped where they were last turn - and didn't continue on in to irau. So my glorious fleet set to "retire" waved at the empty shoreline and went back to Lunga in case there were enemy CVs lurking nearby (almost certainly were).

At PM, my ships came under assault by nothing - absolutely nothing from the ocean, but shitloads of bombers from Cooktown. Level bombers just down cut it. A CL was torpedoed by a sub - and Hiei copped 4 bomb hits - with 0 damage from them.

Raver's paratroops (I had NO idea you could dakota them thus) are likely to take lightly defended Dobadura and empty Buna (already have it) but I had two alrge regiments already on transports - so they'll make short work of the intruders there.

As for irau - I've blown it. Raver sidestepped my surface fleet - knows where my CVs are and has an entire turn to unload/prepare himself before my fleet can return to Irau. By then the place will be crawling with allied ships etc.

Lunga beat off a determined bombing raid with 4 losses, while nailing 8 lightnings and a dozen heavy bombers damaged. Also launched betties to nevea, which hit two APs with torpedoes, although the corsairs there flying CAP had a field day, culling almost 12 zeroes.

More to come!!!!!!

[Raverdave]

Months of planning have gone into these two operations, "Operation Warchild" & "Operation Warhelm". Both are off to a great start with Luskan just left swinging at thin air. I had expected a fast response and so stalled the tansport TFs to miss the first big hit expected from Luskan.......which of course came and found nothing. Irau will be stormed by the 1st Marine Div. Meanwhile over in PNG Buna has fallen to my paratroops....and Dona is being attacked by the 503 para regiment. Lea Lea fell to Kanga force, no surprise there as it was undefended, but the pressure is now on PM. Well over 120 B-25s are hunting in the Coral Sea so Luskan is going to be hard pressed to support PM from the sea.

He could use his carriers at PM but cannot afford to allow my CVs free reign over at Irau.....the battle is tense!

Meanwhile his "celebrated" Zeros are falling in droves from the skies under the guns of P-38s and Corsairs. My LRBs are keeping the pressure on Lugna with another raid going in next turn. He can't be everywhere at once and he knows it and something is going to give.


If PM falls the war will be won as LRB will be able to hit every major base with the exception of Truk.........and Luskan has already seen what my LRB can do when they are well trained and rested.




AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/27/43

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack at 10,41

Japanese Ships
CL Tenryu, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Natsugumo

Allied Ships
SS Cabrilla


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Sub attack near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi
DD Oboro
DD Sazanami
DD Uzuki

Allied Ships
SS Greenling


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Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 53
A6M3 Zero x 45
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 19
B-17E Fortress x 26
PB4Y Liberator x 27
B-24D Liberator x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 5 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 8 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 5 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 8 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 5 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 8 damaged
PB4Y Liberator x 4 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 2 damaged

2LT P. Murphey of 80th FS is credited with kill number 5

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 343
Guns lost 4

Port hits 12
Port fuel hits 4
Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
7 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator 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
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

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Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 8
B-25D Mitchell x 3
B-25J Mitchell x 16


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 6 damaged
B-25J Mitchell x 2 destroyed
B-25J Mitchell x 12 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Tama
CL Tenryu, on fire
DD Ariake, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Isokaze
DD Yukikaze

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x Hudson at 1000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x Hudson at 1000 feet

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Air attack on TF, near Dobadura at 13,38


Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 6
B-25J Mitchell x 14


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Tama Maru #2, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Hokkai Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tamashima Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
2 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet

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Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 17
B-25D Mitchell x 10
B-25J Mitchell x 73


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
Hudson x 2 damaged
B-25D Mitchell x 1 destroyed
B-25D Mitchell x 1 damaged
B-25J Mitchell x 2 destroyed
B-25J Mitchell x 15 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Murakumo
CA Nachi
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 1
CL Tatsuta
DD Tanikaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Umikaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Kiso, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x Hudson at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
2 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x Hudson at 1000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x Hudson at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x Hudson at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x Hudson at 1000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet

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Air attack on TF, near Dobadura at 13,38


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 15
B-25D Mitchell x 19
B-25J Mitchell x 64


no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Iwaki Maru, Bomb hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
AP Goyo Maru, Bomb hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tamashima Maru, Bomb hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hokkai Maru, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tama Maru #2, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Seki Maru #3, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
2 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x Hudson at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x Hudson at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x Hudson at 1000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x Hudson at 1000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
2 x Hudson at 1000 feet

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Air attack on TF, near Nevea at 50,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 57
A6M3 Zero x 6
G4M1 Betty x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 8

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 9
P-38G Lightning x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 10 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed

LTJG P.Newman of VF-26 is credited with kill number 3

LCDR U.Kurihara of F2/1st Daitai bails out and is CAPTURED

Allied Ships
AP Sumter, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
AP Cambria


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 20

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

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Ground combat at Lea Lea

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 1392 troops, 9 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 36 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Lea Lea base !!!



MAJ A.Walker of VMF-124 bails out and is RESCUED

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Ground combat at Buna

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 961 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 16 to 1 (fort level 6)

Allied forces CAPTURE Buna base !!!



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[Raverdave]

Got to love those paratroopers!:D

[Luskan]

Gotta give Raver his due - he certainly out foxed me. I have been sweating about not reacting fast enough to Raver's tfs - and now I've gone and reacted too fast.

Not enough fuel at either destination, Raver's fleet closing in for the kill - and his bombers suddenly finding form at 1000ft on my transports at buna and Dobadura - throwing the issue into confusion there.

I am confident that the northern side of PNG - I can salvage by using the "reserve" fleet of damaged ships as FT missions. I have more than enough troops to handle anythnig Raver can fly in - the issue being getting them to the front line.

Raver's CVs are sitting in a vertical line with Nevea - waiting for a chance to dash in and support the invasion fleet (or more likely, wait for my cvs to strike first so that his counter strike will be the finishing blow).

Raver KNOWS that I can't afford not to strike - so will be holding my breath for a little bit.

On better news, last turn Nevea was closed due to bad weather, and the now tired allied heavy bombers went to Lunga and found 140 fighters waiting for them. Results were good - with little real damage to the airfield and plenty of operational losses. Raver has now (according to the "i" page) lost over 200 b17s. he's got 7 a month for 8 months = 56 replacements. The other 144 losses have come from the squadrons themselves and haven't been replenished. Forgot to check the liberator numbers.

Hoping that my betties would launch at something - Raver has his whole fleet on the ocean and they've all been spotted - but none of my pilots wants to fly! What the blodoy hell have I been training them for?

On the other hand, Raver's MRB have produced some outstanding results on northern PNG.

If I loose either one of these battles, Raver will settle in for 5 months with his bombers and infinite transports - and his CVs will stalk my CVs and sooner or later he will sink them -and whether or not I sink his CVs in doing so as well - that will be the end of me.

On the other hand, if the impossible does happen, and I manage to fend Raver off Irau - and keep Buna, Dobadura and PM (Lae Lae is pretty much lost) then Pm stands a fighting chance of holding out against the allies marching from Lae Lae - even if Raver' brings in more troops from the sea.

Wishing I had more troops on the front line - and cursing the number of supply snafus I've had. I have an ominous feeling of dread about the whole thing (I mean, the opening 3 turns couldn't have gone any better for Raver - when I was counting on them to save my butt!).

Raver, needing beauty sleep, has gone to bed. I on the other hand, will now be up all night worrying about it. My CVs have been given their attack orders - and many of you will disagree with my choice of target, but there it is.

Emperor asked for a status report yesterday. I told him "There are no US troops at Irau."

[Raverdave]

Looks as if there are now some troops on Irau...fast TF'ed maybe? Either way it will not be enought ! I am sure that Luskan has not idea of how many Divisions are facing him.......and all that weight can be brought to bare on a fraction of his forces......thats the beautiful thing about Island hopping !

So far so good......all is going well, but the next few days will be critical, and Luskan is a very tough and sly bugger.

[wobbly]

Excellent Excellent Excellent. This is really starting to hum now - up goes my internet usage to some sight called www.matrixgames.com ????

[Luskan]

Ok - after a sleepless night, I've reviewed the situation and it isn't a total loss. I'd better summarize what happened step by step (the big battle hasn't happened yet, but I've lost all of th eopening rounds).

Part 1. How to confuse an IJN Admral

Raver's TF of DDs, APDs and DMS sighted off PM. I think "easy kills" and put the Hiei, and twenty surface combatants of smaller size with her (and most of my remaining cruisers) on alert and send them off to PM for a night of blood. Of course, Raver went to Lae lae instead, and although he had a BB hit a mine - he dumped a small unit there and ran off in another direction. Kono and the other admiral (Sakimaki I think) find nothing at PM and stay, as they were ordered to.

The next turn Raver's LBA comes to the party and pounds at them -not donig much damage, except to a CL and the CA Nachi, both fairly smashed up but not likely to sink if they get a turn or two of peace at PM.

TF stays in position and this time Raver's LBA goes over to Buna and Dobadura and sinks about ten transports in two turns. That in itself is a disaster for me - supplying my empire is going to be hell. Raver dumps units at buna and Dobadura - somehow flying them onto my bases with a paratrooper command (got to figure out how to do that!) and takes Buna without a fight, but fails to take Dobadura.

I FT in reinforcements to both, but Buna is just a nuisance force, Dobadura has a full 150 assault points to throw at him, with 300 more on the way.


Part 2. Irau
Nervous - I sight a shitload of USN ships approaching Irau. Or so I thought. Now I sent all my killer surface combat squadrons into mince Raver's advance ships only to find they weren't there and my ships sailed away again. I sent them back in the next turn, and STILL nothing - rather, Raver has formed up his invasion force off Irau and also sent a large chunk off it off to empty Rennel Island. Clever bastard. At this stage I'm well aware that the PM fiasco is just a nuisance, and not to be taken seriously. All the hardware for invasions is over here off Irau, so, in my biggest mistake yet, I take the Hiei and all her attendant ships and send them off to Lunga at warp 2.

Nachi and the damaged CL Tenyru stay behind for 1 turn to fix up a few fires before limping off to GG.

bombers and lightnings swarm over Lunga - but take very heavy losses - although my pilots are still unkilled for the most part, all the lost planes you see were destroyed on the ground. Am finally starting to really win here as the LRB raids are down to 50 bombers or so.

So: having dodged me at PM and Irau, and taken Buna and threatened Dobadura with his paratroops, and is landing marine raiders at Rennell, Raver's careful plan has also sucked my protection TF away from Pm - given them an extra turn to get closer to Lunga for good measure - before his PM invasion TF pulls into the harbour and clears the largest minefield on earth. The allied sailors were waving to the smoking Nachi and Tenyru as they passed them on their way in to hit the beach.

Now my betties and nells chose this moment to make their mark on the battle, and surprisingly, it is the less experienced, less numerous Nells that make a more lasting impression. However again, Raver has thought ahead and given me nothing but SCs and MSWs to shoot at for the most part. My level bombers hit a few little ships, some at Rennell, some at PM, but that is about it.

PM, now cut off from the supply base at Dobadura via Buna, and cut off from Lae's supply base via Lae Lae is screwed. Completely screwed. Raver can land a division, they can sit at PM on their asses while someone marches over from Lae Lae for the two pronged attack and watch my troops starve (they've been getting in lots of practise at this lately). To make it worse, most of my level bombers in the area (only 40) are messed up, and the surface fleet assigned to protect PM is now about 2 hexes from Tulagi. The only forces I have in the area are the Nachi and the Tenryu - both about 40 sys damage, and both spotted by Raver's planes out of Cooktown - no doubt that bastard will be hunting them down soon enough.

GG remains unattacked - so the extra regiments I shoved in there last week are good for nothing.

Irau is going to be the scene of a major CV clash - Hopeflly my planes will launch at Raver's CVs, and not the plethora of little ships hanging around the place. Raver has spotted my CVs (I think) and will be coming to meet them. Fighters on alert, everybody very, very tense.

All this just in 3 turns - very long combat replays.

[Luskan]

If anyone knows how many goats/virgins I have to sacrifice to:

a. conjure up a giant sea monster (giant squid maybe?) to appear off Irau and eat/destroy Raver's TFs, or

b. Call forth the Kamikaze, which would be very usefull right now. i'm talking, massive winds and apopolectic fury to knock Raver's ships under the waves or,

c. Detonate the volcano on Lunga that can produce a meltdown/explosion that sinks Lunga dn Tulagi and Irau beneath the ocean - drowning all of my troops yes, or burning them alive, but also the suction created by the landmass sinking into the sea should also taking some of Raver's ships with them?

Anyhow - if you know how to do any of the above in UV, now would be an excellent time to send me an email hmm?

[Luskan]

RAVER FORGOT HIS CAP!!!!!!!!! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!

Yes, it is true, that fool moved within 4 hexes of Lunga, 6 hexes of Russell Islands, and 8 hexes of Shortlands with NO CAP and surprise surprise they launch. They could have done better, but I enjoyed the results none the less.

I also must confess to misleading you a little bit about my PM group. Yes, the Hiei did race off towards Lunga - but she came back when I realised that Raver wanted me to do just that.

Results are brilliant. Couple of thousand allied troops drowned, plenty of smacked up landing craft - 100s (about 5 minutes worth) of "Batteries firing at transports, at amphibious troops etc". My cd units working real hard.

At Irau my fleets swept in and kicked some fairly good *** too.

Round that off with Raver's weakest air raid at Lunga ever, and my fighters beating him off while my betties and nells and valls (no sally or helen launches yet) launch at his LSTs and MSWs and AKs and APs repeatedly. Was a very long, and EXTREMELY satisfying turn.

Only bad news is that somehow my inf reg. fast transported to Dobadura is exhausted and didn't fight at all well. They weren't rowing for pete's sake, why are they so tired? Never mind, I'll pack another large regiment in there this turn and then turn on Buna with a vengeance.

Enjoy! Hope Raver is dumb enough to leave his CAP down

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/30/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
CA Takao
CA Myoko
CL Isuzu
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 1
DD Hakaze
DD Akikaze
DD Shiokaze
DD Yukaze

Allied Ships
APD Schley, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
APD Crosby, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
APD Kilty, Shell hits 3
MSW Cessnock
PT 146
PT 150, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT 151
PT 163
PT 170
PT 171
SC 750
AP George F. Elliot, Shell hits 17, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
LST 340
LST 342
LST 395
LST 396
LST 398
LST 399
LST 446
LCI 63
LCI 64
LCI 65
LCI 223
LCI 225


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 506
Vehicles lost 2


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Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi
DD Makinami
DD Oboro
DD Sazanami
DD Mutsuki
DD Yayoi
DD Uzuki
DD Fumizuki
DD Nagatsuki

Allied Ships
MSW Ballarat, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
MSW Sage, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LST 343, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
LST 353, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
LST 354, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 1/2ESB
LCVP 2/2ESB
LCVP 6/2ESB
LCVP 7/2ESB
LCVP 11/2ESB
LCVP 12/2ESB
LCVP 13/2ESB
LCVP 15/2ESB
LCVP 19/2ESB
LCVP 21/2ESB
LCVP 25/2ESB
LCVP 28/2ESB
LCVP 29/2ESB
LCVP 30/2ESB
LCVP 32/2ESB
LCVP 33/2ESB
LCVP 34/2ESB
LCVP 35/2ESB
LCVP 36/2ESB
LCVP 37/2ESB


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 260
Vehicles lost 7


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

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato
CA Atago, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Maya
CL Yura
DD Onami
DD Mochizuki
DD Asakaze
DD Matsukaze

Allied Ships
APD Schley, and is sunk
APD Kilty, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Cessnock
PT 146
PT 151
PT 163, Shell hits 25, and is sunk
PT 170
PT 171
SC 750
LST 340
LST 342
LST 395
LST 396, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
LST 398
LST 399
LST 446, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
LCI 63
LCI 64
LCI 65
LCI 223
LCI 225


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 661
Guns lost 5
Vehicles lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei, Shell hits 9
CL Tama, Shell hits 2
CL Kiso, Shell hits 5
CL Tatsuta, Shell hits 11, on fire
DD Yukikaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Isokaze, Shell hits 1
DD Tanikaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Arashio, Shell hits 1
DD Natsugumo
DD Kasumi, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Murasame
DD Yudachi
DD Samidare, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Umikaze
DD Hatsushima, Shell hits 1
DD Ariake
DD Hibiki
DD Shirayuki
DD Murakumo, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
BB Colorado, Shell hits 5
BB Washington, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Astoria, Shell hits 4
CL Montpelier, Shell hits 6
DD McCalla, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mugford, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Monaghan, Shell hits 4, on fire
DMS Hamilton, Shell hits 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei, Shell hits 1
CL Tama, Shell hits 7
CL Kiso, on fire
CL Tatsuta, on fire
DD Yukikaze, on fire
DD Isokaze, Shell hits 2
DD Tanikaze, on fire
DD Arashio
DD Natsugumo
DD Kasumi, on fire
DD Murasame
DD Yudachi
DD Samidare, on fire
DD Umikaze
DD Hatsushima
DD Ariake
DD Hibiki
DD Shirayuki
DD Murakumo

Allied Ships
PG Swan, Shell hits 20, on fire, heavy damage
PG Warrego
PG Kiwi, on fire, heavy damage
PG Moa, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
APD Ward
APD Humphreys, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Starling, Shell hits 29, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Motive, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Adams, Shell hits 31, and is sunk
AP George Clymer, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP William P. Biddle
AK Mercury
AP Orungal
AK Cassiopeia
AK Cetus, on fire
AK Crux
AK Alderamin, on fire
AK Zaurak
AK Shaula, on fire, heavy damage
AK Matar
AK Sabik
AK Menkar, on fire, heavy damage
AK Arkab, Shell hits 23, and is sunk
AK Autauga


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 857


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Sepi at 38,38

Japanese Ships
AP Boston Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Albacore


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 40,42

Japanese Ships
CA Atago, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Balao


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 53
A6M3 Zero x 29
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 31

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12
PB4Y Liberator x 14
B-24D Liberator x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 8 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 15 damaged
PB4Y Liberator x 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 8 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 131
Guns lost 6

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 35

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator 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 PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 6
B-25D Mitchell x 18
B-25J Mitchell x 49


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

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
CL Tama, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Umikaze
DD Isokaze
DD Yudachi
CL Tatsuta, on fire
CL Kiso, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Ariake
DD Samidare, on fire
DD Hatsushima
DD Natsugumo
DD Arashio

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
2 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
2 x Hudson at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x Hudson at 1000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 8
G4M1 Betty x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 6 damaged

Allied Ships
LST 342, Bomb hits 1, on fire
LST 340
LST 399, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 21
Guns lost 1

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 6 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Orungal, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
APD Ward, on fire
AP William P. Biddle, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Mercury, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 20

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 6
G4M1 Betty x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 4 damaged

Allied Ships
APD Humphreys, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
APD Ward, on fire
PG Warrego, on fire
AK Matar
AK Mercury, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 15

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 44,38

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 9 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CLAA San Diego, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CV Lexington, Torpedo hits 1

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 8 damaged

Allied Ships
APD Talbot, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
APD Dent

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

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

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 3

no losses

Allied Ships
LCVP 36/2ESB


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1005 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2225 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 191

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 51


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dobadura

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 6306 troops, 84 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2182 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 76

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 15


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

[Raverdave]

The battle is going to plan....so far... but a few points I want to explain.........


1/ We need friggin beach marshals! The idiots landed the CD and Seabee units at Irau first while the 1st Marine Div is laying on the decks of the AKs like it is some sort of getaway holiday! Needs less to say that things are very tense at Irau, I have a bad feeling that the next turn some of my troops are going to get chopped.


2/ I have allowed the loss of at least one Division at each of the two major landing sites, Irau and PM. Following up with the first wave I have three division either on the way or on standby to follow up.

3/ My plan of using the SCs PGs and PTs as targets mixed in with the AP/AKs seems to be working, as well as that they are good for soaking up any mines missed by the MSWs. A good tactic that is working well. Nothing better than seeing a betty line up on a SC when there is a fat AP right next to her full of troops....gamey but what the heck...I HAVE to get the troops on the beach!

4/ The para drop on Dona and Buna worked very well and caught Luskan off balance, Buna fell the next turn, and I am now madly trying to fly in reinforcements, which brings me to my next point......I was shocked at how fast Luskan managed to get reinforcements sent to these two areas
he really moved like a cut cat, and I am still trying to figure out how he did it, as I had banked on at least three turns before the cavalry showed up......maybe he will let that little secret out next post.

5/ I have had my CV sailing around for the last 3 turns with the CAP set on training......goes to show you how hectic things can be ....so uch so that when glanced at the CV TF Fighters and saw 70% I thought that everything was ok. Lucky that I "only" got away with one torp in Lex, she will be ok sys 25% and Float 15%.

6/I think that I have won PM, I have far too many troops ready or on their way for that invasion to fail.......unless Luskan finds some fresh surface units that he can send but by then the troops will be ashore. Gilli Gilli......didn't even bother....why would I? The airfield is closed and the troops that Luskan has there cannot harm me in any way.....better to let them fight against the jungle.


7/ Why has it taken so long for Luskan to commit his CVs?????????????? If they had been committed one or two turns earlier he could have smashed either one of the invasion fleets....hence my launching two attacks at once. There are storms the next turn, that should play havoc with the up comming CV battle.

[Luskan]

Well well well. Seems I've done a repeat performance of last turn with one or two more beautiful strokes of luck, along with that disappointing 1 torp hit on the Lex, and 1 into the Atlanta - why the hell weren't they aiming for another CV?

1/ Well, I'm afraid I noticed Raver's weakness at irau - enjoy the CR below.

2/ Raver hasn't lost anywhere near a brigade yet, much less a division, but I can say that he will loose more troops at Irau than at PM. The shock attack at PM failed - there are already too many troops ashore. I should be able to hold out and bleed his boys down some, but I think it is probably too late on this one.

3/ Yes, Raver has sacrificed over a hundred little ships so far - and it has worked. Many of his transports have survived. Too many.

4/ I have 4 AVs at Rabaul, as well as 2 damaged CA, 2 damaged CL and a dozen damaged DD on repair rotation. They were formed into a bad-*** fast transport group. More to come for Bune, Dobadura, and very soon after, PM.

5/ oh well.

6/ I have news for you about the airfield at GG

7/ My CVs are going to serve me a whole lot better after the first round of shitty targets has passed - there are so many ripe things to shoot at off Irau - hopefully Raver will refuel in the next few turns and i'll catch him napping.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/31/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 40,42

Japanese Ships
DD Yayoi
BB Musashi
DD Makinami

Allied Ships
SS Balao, Shell hits 1, on fire


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

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
CA Takao
CA Myoko
CL Isuzu
DD Akigumo
DD Hakaze
DD Akikaze
DD Shiokaze
DD Yukaze

Allied Ships
MSW Cessnock, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
PT 170
LST 340, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
LST 342, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
LST 395, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
LST 398, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
LST 399, on fire, heavy damage
LCI 63
LCI 64
LCI 65
LCI 223
LCI 225


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

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
CA Takao, Shell hits 3
CA Myoko
CL Isuzu
DD Akigumo
DD Hakaze
DD Akikaze
DD Shiokaze
DD Yukaze

Allied Ships
PT 170
LST 395, and is sunk
LST 399, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
LCI 63, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
LCI 64
LCI 65
LCI 223
LCI 225


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

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi
DD Makinami, Shell hits 3
DD Oboro
DD Sazanami
DD Mutsuki
DD Yayoi
DD Uzuki
DD Fumizuki
DD Nagatsuki

Allied Ships
PT 170
LCI 63, and is sunk
LCI 64
LCI 65, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
LCI 223, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCI 225


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 41,43

Allied Ships
SS S-39


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 11 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Colorado, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
CL Montpelier, Torpedo hits 1

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 6
G4M1 Betty x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Sabik, Torpedo hits 1
AK Cetus, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Menkar, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Shaula, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Cassiopeia
PG Warrego, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Zaurak, Torpedo hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 18

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

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

Allied Ships
CL Helena

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 32665 troops, 428 guns, 57 vehicles

Defending force 20552 troops, 200 guns, 2 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 771
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 650
Guns lost 1


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

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 12117 troops, 157 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 3590 troops, 131 guns, 2 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 0)


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 272

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 2119
Guns lost 138
Vehicles lost 2

Irau is now clear of enemy infestation With all the LSTs and LCIs and APDs all empty, the marines are going to take a while longer to unload
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Raverdave]

I care little for the loss of the AKs and APs, Pearl has got 23....count em again 23 AK and APs heading my way, along with heaps of LST LSI and even a few LSDs.

But it is the CV battle that I am really looking for.....once again, I care little how many of my CVs he sinks........so long as I hit his hard. I have 8 CVs lined up at Pearl just waiting for the release order, and it is only 18 fdays steaming time from pearl, so I can replace my damaged/lost CVs faster than Luskan can.........it is war of attrition, and one that I intend to win!

[Luskan]

Ok, this was a bad turn. I screwed up big time - my PM group was out of ammo - why they didn't resupply from PM is beyond me. No fuel at PM = no ammo at PM.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/01/43

Weather: Rain

Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
CL Kiso, Shell hits 3, on fire
CL Tatsuta, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yukikaze, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
DD Isokaze, Shell hits 22, and is sunk
DD Arashio, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Natsugumo, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
DD Murasame, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Yudachi, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Umikaze, Shell hits 2
DD Hatsushima, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Ariake, Shell hits 7, on fire
DD Hibiki
DD Shirayuki, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Murakumo, Shell hits 3, on fire

Allied Ships
BB South Dakota, Shell hits 1
BB Indiana
CA Chicago, Shell hits 1
CA Minneapolis
CA Australia, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL Helena, Shell hits 4
DD LaValette, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD O'Bannon, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Chevalier
DD DeHaven, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Aulick
DD Ammen, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Farenholt
DD Sims
DD Benham
DD Stack
DD Wilson
DD Gridley
DD Craven
DD Maury
DD Cummings
DD Lamson
DD Alwin


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
CL Kiso, on fire
CL Tatsuta, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Arashio, on fire
DD Natsugumo, and is sunk
DD Murasame, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yudachi, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
DD Umikaze, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Hatsushima, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Ariake, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Hibiki
DD Shirayuki, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Murakumo, on fire

Allied Ships
BB South Dakota, Shell hits 1, on fire
BB Indiana
CA Chicago, Shell hits 1
CA Minneapolis
CA Australia, on fire
CL Helena
DD LaValette, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD O'Bannon, on fire, heavy damage
DD Chevalier, Shell hits 1
DD DeHaven, on fire, heavy damage
DD Aulick, Shell hits 1
DD Ammen, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Farenholt
DD Sims
DD Benham
DD Stack
DD Wilson
DD Gridley
DD Craven
DD Maury
DD Cummings
DD Lamson
DD Alwin


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

Japanese Ships
AG 106
AG 108, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
AG 111, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
AG 119
AG 351, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
AG 353
AG 355, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
AG 359
AG 360, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 2050
AG 2052
AG 2053

Allied Ships
BB Idaho
BB Massachusetts
CA Portland
CA Louisville
CL Denver
DD Stevens
DD Spence
DD Jarvis
DD Flusser
DMS Dorsey


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

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

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier


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

Japanese aircraft

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12
PB4Y Liberator x 11
B-24D Liberator x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 6 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator x 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 551
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 18
Runway hits 57

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
8 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 1


no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Hibiki

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet

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


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 16


no losses

Japanese Ships
AG 2050
AG 119, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 2052
AG 106, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 18
B-25D Mitchell x 10
B-25J Mitchell x 38


no losses

Japanese Ships
CL Kiso, Bomb hits 20, on fire, heavy damage
DD Arashio, on fire
DD Murakumo, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x Hudson at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x Hudson at 1000 feet
3 x Hudson at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x Hudson at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x Hudson at 1000 feet
1 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet
2 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 1000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
PG Kiwi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Zaurak, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 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 Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 70
A6M3 Zero x 47
G4M1 Betty x 6
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 52

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 4 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Massachusetts

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

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

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 4
G4M1 Betty x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 8 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 7 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Stevens
BB Massachusetts
CA Portland, Torpedo hits 1
DMS Dorsey
BB Idaho

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

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

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 51

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Caledonia, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Pavo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Chatham, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCI 68, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Neleus, Bomb hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 169


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 8 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Wharton
APD Dent, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Caelum, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
APD Talbot, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3
G4M1 Betty x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 7 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Leedstown
APD Dent, on fire, heavy damage
AK Diomed
AK Lyra

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

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Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 18


no losses


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Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 46

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 17 destroyed
D3A Val x 30 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Idaho
BB Massachusetts
CA Portland, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CL Denver


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Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Denver, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

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Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 6 damaged

Allied Ships
LCI 224
SC 739

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

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[Raverdave]

Ah that was a good turn! Did the IJN surface fleet some real damage!

Sent yet another air raid to Lugna.....this time I was surprised that there was no CAP...... ......put another 57 holes in his runways and killed 551 engineers
The battle for Irau is in the balance, I have now got 2500 marines ashore, and hope that they can hold off the expected Banzi charge long enough to allow the rest of the division to storm the beach. Resistance is still very heavy on all fronts....Luskan refuses to yield one inch.

Still no sign of his CVs? I just don't understand as these ships are his force multipliers and could well swing the balance at Irau

[Raverdave]

Luskan just copped another wolloping from my surface TFs.....it does not make for happy reading if you are an IJN player.

The beach head on Irau held! Those wonderfully brave men of the 1st Marine Division held off an crazed Banzi attack at 1 to 2 odds and held! I have over 20,000 points unloading there now, so unless Luskan is going to reinforce, it will fall.

The landings are going ahead well at PM, and soon the attack will be launched. It will take a while as he has very high fort levels there, but I still have three fresh Divisions up my sleave if needs be.

Launched an air raid on the airfield at Gilli Gilli only to find to was still closed and in fact it is Dona that is now up and running....should have known that Luskan would sow some dissinformation into the post:rolleyes: Not to worry, Dona will feel the full force of my B-25s next turn.

I hold grave fears for the men of the 503rd Para Regiment at Dona and will have to think about with drawing them soon....rations and ammo are getting low......at least I still have Buna for them to retreat too.

Luskan still holds his CVs in reserve......sending them forward now would be a case of too little too late, but while they are still intact they pose a major threat, which will have to be dealt with sooner rather than later. I have tried repeatedly to tempt him into my killing ground but he has refused.....very smart on his part. So it looks like I will have to go hunting, but not until I have completed the current operations.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/02/43

Weather: Rain

Sub attack near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Mutsuki

Allied Ships
SS Greenling


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Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
CA Takao, Shell hits 2
CA Myoko
CL Isuzu, Shell hits 2
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hakaze
DD Akikaze, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shiokaze, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yukaze, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
BB Idaho, Shell hits 2
BB Massachusetts
CA Portland, Shell hits 1, on fire
CA Louisville
CL Denver, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Stevens, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Spence, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Jarvis, Shell hits 1
DD Flusser
DMS Dorsey


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Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi, Shell hits 9, on fire
DD Makinami
DD Oboro
DD Sazanami, Shell hits 1
DD Mutsuki
DD Yayoi
DD Uzuki, Shell hits 1
DD Fumizuki
DD Nagatsuki

Allied Ships
MSW Ipswich
MSW Launceton
PT 152
PT 167, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
PT 168
SC 643, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
SC 739, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Thuban
LCI 222
LCI 224
AK Neleus
LCI 342
AK Pavo, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Blount, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
AK Brevard, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
AK Caledonia, on fire, heavy damage
AK Chatham, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 542


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Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Shell hits 1
CA Maya
CL Nagara, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Yura, Shell hits 1
DD Onami, Shell hits 8, on fire
DD Mochizuki, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Asakaze, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Matsukaze, Shell hits 4, on fire

Allied Ships
BB Idaho
BB Massachusetts, Shell hits 1
CA Portland, Shell hits 1, on fire
CA Louisville, Shell hits 1
CL Denver, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Stevens, on fire
DD Spence, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Jarvis
DD Flusser
DMS Dorsey


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Night Time Surface Combat, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu, on fire, heavy damage
CA Takao
CA Myoko
CL Isuzu, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Akigumo, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hakaze
DD Akikaze, and is sunk
DD Shiokaze, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yukaze, on fire

Allied Ships
MSW Ipswich
MSW Launceton
PT 152, Shell hits 28, on fire, heavy damage
PT 168, Shell hits 2, on fire
SC 739, and is sunk
AK Thuban
LCI 222
LCI 224
AK Neleus, Shell hits 2
LCI 342
AK Pavo, and is sunk
AK Caledonia, Shell hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
AK Chatham, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 395


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Sub attack at 41,43

Japanese Ships
DD Yukaze, on fire

Allied Ships
SS S-39


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 40,42

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS Balao, heavy damage


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Air attack on Dobadura , at 13,38


Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 24


no losses


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Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 12
P-38G Lightning x 34
B-25D Mitchell x 13
B-25J Mitchell x 81


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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 35
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 24
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 32

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
7 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
7 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet
9 x Hudson at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet

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Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally x 1 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally x 12 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Astoria
BB Colorado

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

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

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 12
G4M1 Betty x 8
Ki-48 Lily x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Seginus
AK Aquarius, Torpedo hits 1
AK Fomalhaut
AK Syrma, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PT 169
PT 142
AP Leonard Wood
AK Antrim, Bomb hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 67

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
A6M3 Zero x 11
G4M1 Betty x 3
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Bolivar

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Dobadura , at 13,38


Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 21


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Colorado

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

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48 Lily x 7

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Thuban, on fire
LCI 342

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

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

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 10
Ki-48 Lily x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Ara
LCI 70
AK Aquarius

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

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Ground combat at Irau

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 11859 troops, 156 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 4679 troops, 56 guns, 11 vehicles

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



PO2 H.Bando of F1/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 3
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 147
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 215
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1


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