Toraq´s AAR: Defending the Empire

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/28/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Today, 6 op. losses, including 2 Vals, 1 Irving and maybe 2 or 3 betties [:@]. But thre are some good news!!!!!!
CL Hobart has sunk in Noumea´s port.[:)][:)]. And also this little sweet in my mouth. Taste it!

Sub attack near Noumea at 52,67

Japanese Ships
SS I-27

Allied Ships
APD Schley, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage ***sunk***
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CVs attack Salamaua
It is a dangerous mission, subs may be around and very close to some of his bases, as you may see. Anyway, my intentions are to destroy Salamaua, supplies and distract Timtom´s attention to the north, while I attack GG with my betties.
However, I realised that there are 3 ENG units at Salamaua. No way to close the place [:o]. Anyway I try to attack it again.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
D3A Val x 58
B5N Kate x 57

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 85
Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 55

GG attacked
Only one supply hit [:@]
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 30
G4M1 Betty x 88

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 17
Airbase hits 15
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 70

P-39 from Salamaua counterattack!
This is nasty. Despite being at maximun range, despite Salamaua has been attacked during two days, causing heavy damage, the P-39 attack and get through my CAP very easily [:@][:@]. And of course, they cause damage!
The ships attacked were from and ASW patrol which was following my CVs

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 16

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged ***By Zeros***

Japanese Ships ***the strange thing is that they don´t fire a single AA shot. Two DDs present with 270 and 200 AA values***
APD 38, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akitsuki, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire

[toraq]

Well, Juggalo. Tanaka has finally decided that your strategy is too risky. Main problem is the air attacks. If we attack Lambeti, Timtom could attack with naval bombers from Lambeti (maybe 40 plus 12 TBFs), Russel Island (60), and even from Lunga (20 to 40, at extended range, and we have to add 40 B-25).
As you may see, even if only 50 got through my CAP (forget about the heavy losses that F4U will cause between my Zero datais), they could easily put 2 or three bombs in two of my BBs. A complete disaster. I would need much luck to try it[;)].

Regarding to your battle against the AI. Two things to clearify:
1) Timtom and I are playing a 43 scenario. In 1943, allied radar is superb. Allied ships spots my ships ALWAYS, and got more hits on my ships, specially at night.

2) The commander is essential. Better commander, better results. AI usually pick up the first commander and not "the best". Timtom is a tough player, "a experten". surely Tisdale is commanding his BBs.

Anyway, I´m being forces to protect a FT to Munda. Maybe the big battle everyone is waiting for is just here...[:'(]

[Fux]

Hi Toraq,
as always I am enjoying your AARs, especially the maps

Japanese Ships ***the strange thing is that they don´t fire a single AA shot. Two DDs present with 270 and 200 AA values***

Check the AA-ammo status of your two DDs. IF I remember correctly there is (or had been - maybe they fixed it with the latest patch) a rather nasty bug, that SC-TFs attacked by Fighter Bombers at 100feet don`t fire a single shot but when you look at their ammo status they have completely depleted their AA-ammunition. But I thought it only happens in Scen 17:

A quote from a thread named "Air attacks against combat fleets:

Hi,

The post re IJN AAA ammo being zeroed only happens in UV ver 2.3 Scen.17, this is due to a 'Bug'. (OK in ver 2.0)
You also get a US staff Officer as Capt. of the Akagi.

You can check your Scen.17 by loading for Head to Head and going to Ship Availabilty if the Akagi has T.Aoki as Capt. you are OK, if you find a US Capt. do not play Scen. 17. (Unless you play the US )

I do have a workaround if you MUST play 17.

--Bob

Anyways, good luck!
Fux

[TAIL GUNNER]

ORIGINAL: toraq

Well, Juggalo. Tanaka has finally decided that your strategy is too risky. Main problem is the air attacks. If we attack Lambeti, Timtom could attack with naval bombers from Lambeti (maybe 40 plus 12 TBFs), Russel Island (60), and even from Lunga (20 to 40, at extended range, and we have to add 40 B-25).
As you may see, even if only 50 got through my CAP (forget about the heavy losses that F4U will cause between my Zero datais), they could easily put 2 or three bombs in two of my BBs. A complete disaster. I would need much luck to try it[;)].

Regarding to your battle against the AI. Two things to clearify:
1) Timtom and I are playing a 43 scenario. In 1943, allied radar is superb. Allied ships spots my ships ALWAYS, and got more hits on my ships, specially at night.

2) The commander is essential. Better commander, better results. AI usually pick up the first commander and not "the best". Timtom is a tough player, "a experten". surely Tisdale is commanding his BBs.

Anyway, I´m being forces to protect a FT to Munda. Maybe the big battle everyone is waiting for is just here...[:'(]

Understood.....so I guess the great hypothetical Battle of Lambeti will be debated by historians and enthusiasts alike for years to come....[:D]

But of course I've thought of something new!
Now there are several classes of IJN DD that are equipped with surface radar....also a class of CL (Kiso?)...

I wonder if these ships were included with your 7 BBs if it would give you an edge?
7BB, 1 Kiso CL, 5 Yugumo DDs...

I really think you overestimate the air threat though....if you went in during thunderstorms, the odds of ALL the Allied AC attacking are pretty low...
I also really can't recall medium bombers (B-25) ever hitting a surface task force while it's at sea!
Also BBs can take alot of aeriel-induced damage.....especially the Yamatos!
Plus the amount of AA heavy-metal 7 BBs can throw in the air has got to be extreme...you should come out on top points-wise just by the amount of Allied aircraft shot down...

Chad

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/29/43

Weather: Overcast

Thx Juggalo and Fux. [&o]
Fux, yes, I don´t know if the skip bombing bug was fixed or not. Maybe I was only unlucky during the attack, because in other attacks (like today´s one) they fired some shots.
Juggalo, yes, I always put one DD with radar but it doesn´t make any difference. Regarding to the air power, today´s air attacks answer your question quite clear. B-25s, and TBFs attacked, most of them to my CAs, one of them (Chikuma) set on fire. Many enemy planes failed to locate my ships.
I decided not to continue with my FT to Munda. Vella Lavella reached level 2 !!!!!!!![X(]. In two days...how powerful the allies are!.
That means that my retiring BBs (speed of 8 or 9 hexes ) will be within normal range of SDBs and TBFs. Weather is partly cloudy, so I´m not going to risk them. I feel a little coward[8|], but if I lose a BB I may lose the entire scenario. (in VP, of course)

BBs attacked by brave pilots
Maybe 18 or so enemy planes lost today, 9 of them due to flak. Yes, flak destroys many planes but his low flying B-25 are good placing 500 lbs bombs in my CAs. They always go for my CAs (which can be set on fire by these bombs) instead of BBs which are invulnerable.

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 14
B-25J Mitchell x 7
F4U-1 Corsair x 4
TBF Avenger x 12

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 16 damaged
TBF Avenger x 11 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano
CA Chikuma, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Mutsu, Bomb hits 1
CA Ashigara, Bomb hits 1 ***dud***

CVs visited by B-25
CAP was mauled by escorting P-38. I ordered my CVs to retire. I want his fighters to get some replacements. Many subs close to them.

Air attack on TF at 11,25

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 40

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 7
B-25J Mitchell x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 7 damaged

1LT V. Winders of 35th FS is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
DD Yugumo
CVL Ryuho
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Nadzab , at 8,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
D3A Val x 59
B5N Kate x 55

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 25

Other attacks
Vila, Shortland, Lae attacked. Supply damage [:@]

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/30/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Fifteen days until the end of the scenario. I´m still up a hundred points. I have 5059 vs 4938.
It seems to me that Timtom won´t attack Short, Vila or Munda. He wants to reduce them to ashes, so I can´t get VP from them. Right now, situation is poor in those bases but not disastrous. I need Thunderstorms but, (Toraq´s luck) that´s almost imposible there days.
Short has 6000 supplies, and requires 1100
Vila has 800 supplies and requires 700
Munda has 1100 and requires 1300

Sooner or later I´ll have to send some supplies to Vila and Munda (both together 480 VP), but later on, so Timtom don´t have time to reduce the its supply levels again. Then, we can have a naval battle, I guess[:'(].
Since I can resupply Lae unloading supplies at Finschafen Lae is not so difficult to resupply.
Today, I write down the bases Timtom has attacked today. You may see how big is his power...not much that I can do. 5 planes lost today (2 nells lost on air to air combat,[:@] they were on ASW mission)

Wewak attacked
Yes, trying to avoid my base construction. In 2 or three days I guess I can send engineers there.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22 ***very poor results***

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 4
B-17E Fortress x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 5 damaged ***Two field AA unit did a good job, one lost***

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 20
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 39

Lae bombed
Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 14
A-20G Boston x 14

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 39
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 19

Shortland suffered a lot
I moth ago it had 20.000 supplies or so. Port attacks destroy many supply points

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 26
PB4Y Liberator x 19

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 135
Port hits 12
Port fuel hits 5
Port supply hits 2***I should send more AA units here***

Munda attacked
Munda has at least twenty 75 mm batteries or so, and this is what they get: only 1 liberator damaged. Altitude: 6000 feet.

Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 2
B-25J Mitchell x 41
B-24D Liberator x 9

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 48
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 9
Runway hits 37

Lae...only ahses left
And a few guns also [;)]

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 92

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 88

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 37

[toraq]

I´ve lost the last combat report. Anyway, I summarize: paratroops were dropped in Finschafen, supported by every enemy bomber.

Finschafen
Some weeks ago, I thought Finschafen could be invaded by FT missions. So I reinforced with a SNLF unit. After that, Timtom attacked some of my troops there. The base is important, but since it is the base I use to resupply La, its possesion is CRITICAL. I won´t lose it. I´ll send reinforces inmediately.
1 NG from Kavieng in one day
1/2 crack Rgt from Rabaul in two days
1 SNLF unit from Lae in 8 days.

Tomorow is clear, so I can expect more air raid over that place. I was thinking about attacking the enemy Paras with my airpower but in the last two days I haven´t seen any P-38 or P-40 over NG. Timtom is surely going to LCAP the paras, so I´ll hit GG instead, which is very important to reduce Timtom´s base points.

RO-103 sunk by enemy DDs. [:(]. 5 SS sunk, so far vs 5 USN subs sunk.

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/02/43

Weather: Clear

Bad luck again. Clear weather permitted enemy air activity but Rabaul´s air missions were cancelled by poor weather [:@].

Finschafen reinforced
One NG unit present, at the cost of one DD torpedoed
Sub attack at 15,27

Japanese Ships
DD Nowaki, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Urakaze

Allied Ships
SS S-43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The supply war
Yes Timtom finally got me in VP.[:(] His efforts to reduce my supply levels in my foward bases are worthwhile. Munda, Vila under supplied. Probably send a FT soon.
Also Short, and Momote were attacked.

Air attack on Madang , at 7,30

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 35
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Momote , at 10,23

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 25

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 93

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 4 ***[:@]***
Runway hits 20

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

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 24

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 32

Port hits 4
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 3***at this rate my supply levels here will be below the required level

My little victory
Today saw the first mission of a new type of aircraft. The A6M5 Zeke, flying fighter-bomber missions. Two PTs sunk...at the cost of two Zekes (op. losses)

Japanese aircraft
A6M5-B Zeke x 18

Allied Ships
PT 120
PT 124, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PT 115
PT 171, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PT 114

Battle of Finschaffen
I was right, there were over 40 P-38 flying at Fisnch. [;)]. My troops hold quite well this time but paras are close to the 1:1 odds

Ground combat at Finschhafen

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 2056 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 4512 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 78

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 77

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/03/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Well mines are dangerous!. At last, my great mine effort made Timtom to pay a price.
BB South Dakota and North Carolina hit type 93 mines near Shortland. North Carolina had previously hit a type 88 mine some days ago. I know this mines are quite harmless against USN BBs, but at least I hope BB North Carolina is damaged enough. Maybe he have to be retired [:)].
A enemy DM hit another mine, and I believe he is not going to make it.
The situation is detailed in a map (see below).
My betties attacked GG, at the cost of 4 planes (3 A6M3 1 Betty).

Submarine warfare

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage ***he was retiring to Truk, I hope he will survive, previously damaged by one 500 lb bomb***

Allied Ships
SS Greenling
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 16,33

Japanese Ships
DD Akigumo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Seadragon

Finschafen reinforced
At the cost of one DD torpedoed, 1500 crack troops managed to beach at Finschaffen, despite the attempt of enemy PTs to avoid it. Finschaffen is now safe (for the moment)

Night Time Surface Combat, near Finschhafen at 11,33

Japanese Ships
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 2
DD Suzunami, Shell hits 4
DD Michishio, Shell hits 7
DD Yamagumo, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Inazuma
DD Ushio

Allied Ships
PT 114
PT 115
PT 120, Shell hits 284, and is sunk
PT 121

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Finschhafen

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1980 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 5898 troops, 55 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 48
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 60

GG attacked
I have to destroy supplies...

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
A6M3 Zero x 28
G4M1 Betty x 82

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 30

Airbase hits 15
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 65

Tomorrow, an important day...

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/04/43

Weather: Rain

Well, things went reasonable well. I could send a FT TF with supplies to Munda, without being intercepted, despite I had to cross Vella Lavella hexe!! [8D]. As expectec, my DDs found a minefield at that base. Good, this way next time my commander will follow another path to Munda.
I sent my CVs near to GG in order to surpise any incoming ship to that base. No luck this time, so I suppose I will turn my CVs back to Rabaul.

Submarine warfare
Sub attack at 29,35

Japanese Ships
SS I-159

Allied Ships
DM Sicard
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 30,35

Japanese Ships
SS I-16

Allied Ships
DM Gamble, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage***sunk***

NG attacked

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Madang , at 7,30

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 13

Allied aircraft ***enemy sweep***
P-38G Lightning x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Momote , at 10,23

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 66
Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 238th Regiment, at 11,33

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 14
A-20G Havoc x 32
A-20G Boston x 16

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 37
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lae , at 9,33

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 14
B-25J Mitchell x 68

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 destroyed x 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 38
Port hits 4
Port fuel hits 8
Port supply hits 1

Munda and shortland visited

Air attack on Munda , at 31,37

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 54
B-24D Liberator x 13

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 66
Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 88
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Shortland Island , at 29,34

Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 2
B-17E Fortress x 27

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 32
Port hits 10
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 2

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/05/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Nothing happened. But I regained VP and now I´m leading the score.[;)]. Only air activity. Timtom has put some CAP over his PT in Dobadura to avoid my Zekes to sink them. But I sent my Zeroes to get some easy victories. Also, my Tonies which were LCAP AGs were attacked by F4Us. Two Tonies lost, but 2 F4U fell into the sea, due to engine trouble[;)]

Sub attack at 19,27

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

Allied Ships
SS Amberjack
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Buka , at 26,30

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 29

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 2 destroyed

FO Schuler of VMF-121 is credited with kill number 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Munda , at 31,37

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 54
PB4Y Liberator x 9

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 151
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 57
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 238th Regiment, at 11,33

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 27
A-20G Boston x 16

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 13
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,33

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 22

Japanese Ships
AG 365, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AG 120, Shell hits 20, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Dobadura , at 13,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
J1N1-R Irving x 1

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 10

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

PO2 H.Kumagaya of F2/251st Daitai is credited with kill number 2

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/06/43

Weather: Clear

Clear weather always brings more air activity. I had reinforced my CAPs but this was not enough. I lost 12 A6M2 and M3 in a big air battle over Rabaul [:@]. Despite my datais bounced the enemy, P-38 shot up my zeros very badly.
The "good news": Beaufighters and B25 attacked my ships, suffering terrible losses due to AA fire: 8 Beaufighters and 5 B25 lost.

Wewak attacked
Despite my good interceptions, only 1 B17 was lost today. [:(]. Wewak has now 120 engineers. A major effort to try to increase the airport level of that place: 50 VP worth!!

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 34

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed x 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 8 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 33
Airbase hits 11
Runway hits 37

Limited japanese offensive
Need to reduce the supply level of his foward bases. Not luck thius time. tomorow we´ll try with GG.

Air attack on Salamaua , at 9,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
A6M3 Zero x 23
G4M1 Betty x 84

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 2 destroyed x 8 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 64
Airbase hits 16
Runway hits 44

New georgia attacked
Yes, Munda, Vila and Shorland attacked, with the intention of destroying supplies as a real invasion is now quite impossible. Only 8 days left.

Air attack on Shortland Island , at 29,34

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 27

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 27
Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 36
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Vila , at 32,36 ***got plenty of AA guns in this place but today they refused to fire***

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 11

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 26
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 6
Runway hits 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Munda , at 31,37 ***got plenty of AA guns in this place but today they refused to fire***

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 56

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 122
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 68

My BBs attacked by Beaufighters
I suffered a lot of anxiety while watching the combat report, as Beaufighters attacked my CAs and not my BB (500 lb bombs can not penetrate the BB armour). I hate these devils, and for me is a great victory to see 8 of them under the water or destroyed.

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 16

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIC x 5 destroyed x 11 damaged

WCDR F.Evans of No. 9 Sqn RNZAF is KILLED[;)]

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 52, on fire ***really on fire, 15 fires, 12 sys damage***
CA Takao

Ships at Rabaul attacked
A very daring attack as my CAP is always powerful, my CVs have a strong AA escort and usually the P-38 suffer when attacking at long ranges. (not this time)

Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 21,28

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
A6M3 Zero x 30

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 52
B-25J Mitchell x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged ***1 lost***
B-25J Mitchell x 2 destroyed x 5 damaged ***5 lost***

1LT V. Winders of 35th FS is credited with kill number 4
LCDR J. Yamashita of F2/1st Daitai bails out and is RESCUED ***my best commander***

Japanese Ships
CS Nisshin, Shell hits 4
CA Myoko, Shell hits 4

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/07/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

At least, no much air activity. I need to keep my supplies intact. today, a FT arrived at Finsch, but suppllies didn´t go to Lae [&:]. Is it because of the Paras dropped there?. We´ll see next turn.
One other good thing is that weather avoided my planned attack to GG, which now seems to be defended by F4Us [:@]. We´ll have to think twice before attacking that base!. See the herbie AAR to see what happens when you attack places with F4Us.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Munda , at 31,37

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 57

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 116

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 53

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/08/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

No way, even with thunderstorms, Timtom planes go through my bases and bomb the supply depots[:(]. At least my planes also took off and damaged Salamaua heavily. I´m down in base points and general points: 5193 (allies) vs 4984 (japs). Need to send suppplies to foward bases!!. Tomorrow also Thunderstorms. Good!

Japaneses their sting!
Air attack on Salamaua , at 9,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
A6M3 Zero x 6
G3M Nell x 21
G4M1 Betty x 75 ***it was a time when 100 betties could take off***

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 109
Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 57

Munda, Vila ans Short, attacked
Vila supply reserves are in red numbers while Short and Munda are about to be reduced below the required number. I surely will have to send another massive FT there. tmtom won´t let me do that as easily as the last time.

Air attack on Shortland Island , at 29,34

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 3 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Vila , at 32,36

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 46

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 63
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 32
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Munda , at 31,37

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 17

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 31
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 34

My fleet again attacked by naval bombers
This time Avengers, from extended range. 6 lost [:)]. No damage to my ships
Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 12
TBF Avenger x 29

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 3 destroyed x 11 damaged

LCDR E.Walton of VC-28t is KILLED [;)]

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, Bomb hits 1
CA Kumano, Bomb hits 1
BB Yamato, Bomb hits 1
BB Musashi
CA Maya
BB Nagato
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 1

New ships from Tokyo
Including two CV (CV Hiyo and a CVL), CA Tone, 4 CLs, various DDs. But they will arrive too late to take part in this scenario. [:(]

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/09/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Final days...and we are fighting to get a "draw" or an "allied minor victory". My problem is to supply my foward bases and destroy as many enemy supplies in GG, Salamaua and Nazbad. Tomorrow I´ll attack the latter, as GG has been protected by F4Us and F4F...

timtom managed to evacuate his Para Btll from Fisnch, in front of my nose [:@]. He passed through my mines and his mines. Although 14 men were left behing. Tomorrow, I´ll shock atack and unless thre is a Rambo with them I should defeat them!. however this is a miracle!, because I expect that my stock supplies at Finsch will move to Lae ASAP. [;)]

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/10/43

Weather: Rain

Good news and bad news. . My ships at Kavieng were visited by almost 100 bombers, and caused a lot of damage. 1 AP and 1 DD have been scuttled, 1 APD sunk, while another DD is close to its death.
The good news are that Finschafen-Lae supply line is open again, so Lae is full of fresh supplies, boosting my base points.
If I want to get a draw, I need some little victories: tomorrow my bombers will attack GG, while my CVs have departed from Rabaul (once more) to attack that base. No CAP is expected, as recon indicates no planes based there.
I´m being lucky with the weather: tomorrow also rain. Some enemy air raids have been cancelled. (also japanese ones)

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Air attack on TF, near Kavieng at 18,24

Japanese aircraft ***my usual CAP for that place***
A6M2-N Rufe x 14
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 20

Allied aircraft ***planes based at PM, two attacks***
Beaufighter VIC x 22
B-25J Mitchell x 86

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 8 damaged ***most of them due to ATA, don´t know what happens with my AA fire***

Japanese Ships
APD 34, Shell hits 28, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage***sunk***
DD Shirayuki, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage ***scuttled***
AP Kembu Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage ***scuttled***
DD Nowaki, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PC Toshi Maru #3
DD Hagikaze
PC Takunan Maru #10
DD Makinami, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PC Ch 12

AGs attacked by naval bombers
They fulfilled their mission to Buin (a very dangerous one) without engaging the enemy´s PTs. No such luck with the P39 and their companions

Allied aircraft ***from Vella Lavella***
F4U-1 Corsair x 14
SBD Dauntless x 28
TBF Avenger x 12
P-39D Airacobra x 44

Japanese Ships
AG 2054
AG 5051, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 2052, Shell hits 16, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AG 5032, Shell hits 4, on fire
AG 5029, Shell hits 24, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 5032, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 5, heavy damage

Victory Points
Japs: 5185
Allied: 5286

Proportion 1.02...a draw, but 1.05 and the score will turn to allied minor victory [:-]

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/11/43
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/12/43
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/13/43

Tomorrow forecast: clear

Well, I´m suming up the reports of three days. Not as interesting as before. We are both engaged in the supply war so no much action. While Timtom can bomb 6 bases at the same time, destroying many supplies, I can only bomb 1 base. While Timtom repairs his bases in one or two days, my engineers usually have to spend 5 days closing holes!

Submarine warfare
I called off my ASW offensive, as all my betties are now attacking enemy bases. However I keep one ASW patrol and my petes still search for enemy subs. Many close to Rabaul and my fleet.

Sub attack at 30,35

Japanese Ships
SS I-16, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
CL Montpelier, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Bagley
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Sub attack at 25,30

Japanese Ships
DD Oite, Torpedo hits 1 ***very little damage [:'(]***

Allied Ships
SS Guardfish

My bases attacked
Munda, Short and Vila are more or less attacked everyday, depending on the weather. Just the same with Madang, Lae, Finschaffen and Wewak. Everytime 30 to 60 bombers attack, sometimes escorted, sometimes alone (heavies and B25).
Damage is huge in all these bases: red numbers in airbase and runaway, while supplies are scarce in Lae, Munda, Short and Buin. I show you an example of one of these attacks

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 5
P-38G Lightning x 10
B-25J Mitchell x 55

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 4 damaged ***usually one or two planes are shot down everyday due to AA fire: very poor results, considering that almost 300 bombers attack****

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 152
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 17
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 46

Japanese power reduced to attack GG
I decided to risk my CVs to attack GG. It seems to me that it has been empty of planes and protection. Maybe is a trap, maybe not, but I have no option. I´m scared of his CVs but probably Timtom won´t risk them at the end of the scenario. What really scares me is his subs. I have to do stupid movements with my CVs to avoid possible contacts.
During three days I´ve been bombing GG, but enemy base points are still high...why? how? FT missions? C-47?
An example:

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Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
D3A Val x 58
B5N Kate x 56

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 33
Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 54
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Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M3 Zero x 11
G3M Nell x 21
G4M1 Betty x 84

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 71
Vehicles lost 1
Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 70

Next step
Now, only two days left and we´re still playing the cat and mouse game with the VP. I´m close to the draw and Timtom is close to allied minor victory.
I plan to resupply my foward bases in the last turn, using a complicate plan to confuse the enemy and (maybe) attract him to a trap. I´ll try to post a map so you can see my plans
My BBs and DDs are ready to resupply/attack enemy forces so maybe the action is not over yet. [:'(]

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/14/43

Weather: Clear

More or less I´m satisfied with the turn. Clear days are tough ones, but I managed to deceive Timtom and this time I attacked Salamaua instead of GG, which was protected by P-38. I also made a sweep over PM skies, shooting down 9 P40.
On the other hand, I lost 3 Rufes defending Kavieng and 3 Zekes while attacking PTs.
Supplies arrived safe to Finschaffen, and my AGs and DDs close to Shortland and Buin were not detected by allied recon planes [&:]

Wewak attacked
No porblem, Wewak is well defended and has plenty of supplies.

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 25
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 2
P-38G Lightning x 4
B-17E Fortress x 24
B-24D Liberator x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 10 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 72
Airbase hits 15
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 56

Salamaua attacked
To deceive Timtom, as I want to attack GG in the last turn. But I don´t want P-38 to LCAP the base!!. However, despite my efforts, allied base points increase everyday

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 24
G3M Nell x 18
G4M1 Betty x 88

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 186
Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 66

A sweep over PM
Tomorrow I want Timtom to LCAP PM and not GG, so I decided to send my two crack datais. They got some few victories. If damaged planes had been destroyed, it would have been a complete victory.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 49
G3M Nell x 3

Allied aircraft ***no P-38, good!***
P-40E Kittyhawk x 31
P-40E Warhawk x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed x 1 damaged
G3M Nell x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Kittyhawk x 7 destroyed x 3 damaged
P-40E Warhawk x 2 destroyed x 1 damaged

SLDR P. Turnbull of No. 75 Sqn RAAF is credited with kill number 2
Runway hits 4

Ships at Kavieng attacked
The lack of a proper LCAP permits Timtom to raid this important port without paying its price. However, damaged APs are big ones, so no sinking risk.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 16

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 33
B-25J Mitchell x 39

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 2 damaged

1LT C. Harvey of 9th FS is credited with kill number 2
CPT C. Troxell of 35th FS is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
AP Hakusan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Miike Maru
PC Ch 4
AP China Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Hakusan Maru, on fire
AP Nagara Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Miike Maru

Last day plans
To avoid an allied minor victory I plan to send supplies to every foward base that need them. Vila, Shortland and Finsch are the chosen one, as their supplies are below the required levels. I also plan to attack GG in a last attempt to destroy supplies and reduce allied VP. It is quite probable that a naval battle occurs...[:'(]

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/15/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

The scenario is over and the final result is A DRAW!!!. I´m pleased with the result, as my naval and air resources were dissapearing day by day. Final score: 5332 vs 5404. (japs/allied)
Every FT arrived at each base. However, one of them hit a mine and stopped in the same hex. Afterwards it was attacked and attacked by naval bombers which destroyed 3 of the 5 DDs. But in this combat report, all 5 are destroyed...I played for a second time and my combat replay was different from the first one....BUGS [:@]
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Air attack on Finschhafen , at 11,33

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 9
P-38G Lightning x 10
A-20G Havoc x 28
A-20G Boston x 15

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 27
Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 36
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Air attack on Dobadura , at 13,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 9

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk x 1 destroyed x 1 damaged
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Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 32
D3A Val x 55
B5N Kate x 41

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 70
Vehicles lost 1
Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 52
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Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29
A6M3 Zero x 13
G3M Nell x 18
G4M1 Betty x 83

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 145
Vehicles lost 2
Port hits 21
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 6
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Air attack on Buin , at 28,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 22
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 11

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 18
B-17E Fortress x 21
PB4Y Liberator x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 destroyed x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 66
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 43
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Air attack on TF at 28,34

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 62
SBD Dauntless x 93
P-39D Airacobra x 45
TBF Avenger x 25

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed x 7 damaged

Japanese Ships ***all sunk***
DD Yuzuki, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Fumizuki, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yukaze, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Susuzuki, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Inazuma, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
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Air attack on Madang , at 7,30

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 25
B-25J Mitchell x 49

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 123
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 20
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Air attack on Lae , at 9,33

Japanese aircraft

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 18
P-40E Warhawk x 7
B-25J Mitchell x 43

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

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 2 destroyed x 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 19
Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 13
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Air attack on Dobadura , at 13,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk x 1 destroyed

LTJG J.Hamano of F1/251st Daitai is credited with kill number 2
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Air attack on Munda , at 31,37

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 21
B-25J Mitchell x 50

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 84
Guns lost 1

Port hits 3
Port supply hits 1
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[TAIL GUNNER]

Nice job toraq!

I think a draw is about the best thing a Jap player in this scenario could hope for....against a half-way competent Allied player anyway...

You and timtom are two of the most evenly matched players I've ever read in these AARs.....and I've read them all...

you guys should play scen. 19!!!

Chad