Andy Mac v PZB ....The Allies Fight Back

[Andy Mac]

I may have blown this op I had to committ a surface TF to protect the fleet but my heart nearly stopped when those betties attacked Mass.

I have every PT BOat and Barge in SW PAc at kavieng ....

This had better work !!!!

Andy

[Andy Mac]

Well mixed turn

Mass is at 45 sys from hitting a mine that I think was one of mine (air dropped or laid I am not sure)

I managed to get ashore 28,000 men in one night and I am scuttling off it cost me a DM 2 SC's and about 15 Barges.

My valuable LST and LCI's got away unscathed and I shot down 161 aircraft.

I figure they will come back in tonight with Yamato or Musashi.......

Overall I have to be happy that I managed to unload without interference.

Andy



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/18/43

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1002 encounters mine field at Kavieng (61,86)

Allied Ships
PT PT-64, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1013 encounters mine field at Kavieng (61,86)

Allied Ships
MSW Kelowna
MSW Courtenay
MSW Igonish
MSW Maryborough
MSW Goulburn
MSW Robin
MSW Skylark
MSW Freemantle

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1019 encounters mine field at Kavieng (61,86)

Allied Ships
DD Arunta
DD Selfridge
DD Fletcher
DD Lardner, Mine hits 1, on fire
BB Massachusetts, Mine hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1078 encounters mine field at Kavieng (61,86)

Allied Ships
MSW Caraquet
MSW Wasaga
MSW Launceton
MSW Dubbo
AK Kwangtung, Mine hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1223 encounters mine field at Kavieng (61,86)

Allied Ships
DM Gamble, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1013 encounters mine field at Kavieng (61,86)

TF 1013 troops unloading over beach at Kavieng, 61,86


Allied Ships
MSW Kelowna
MSW Courtenay
MSW Igonish
MSW Maryborough
MSW Goulburn
MSW Robin
MSW Skylark
MSW Freemantle
LCVP 592S, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

Coastal Guns at Kavieng, 61,86, firing at TF 1013
58 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
SC SC-709, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-320, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-280, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Kelowna, Shell hits 2, on fire
PT PT-281
PT PT-282
MSW Courtenay
PT PT-227


Allied ground losses:
194 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1013 encounters mine field at Kavieng (61,86)

TF 1013 troops unloading over beach at Kavieng, 61,86


Allied Ships
MSW Kelowna, on fire
MSW Courtenay
MSW Igonish
MSW Maryborough
MSW Goulburn
MSW Robin
MSW Skylark
MSW Freemantle
LCVP 592S, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-62, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Coastal Guns at Kavieng, 61,86, firing at TF 1013
9 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
PT PT-127, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
37 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1031 encounters mine field at Kavieng (61,86)

TF 1031 troops unloading over beach at Kavieng, 61,86


Allied Ships
MSW Caraquet
MSW Ballarat
MSW Mildura
MSW Warrnambool
MSW Deloraine
MSW Wollongong
MSW Penguin
MSW Kapunda
MSW Gladstone
DD Strong
DD Aaron Ward
LCM 592D, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
39 casualties reported

Coastal Guns at Kavieng, 61,86, firing at TF 1031
114 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Jenkins, Shell hits 2
LCM 542B, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LCT LCT-479, Shell hits 1
LCT LCT-369, Shell hits 1
DD Monssen
CL Nashville, Shell hits 2
LCT LCT-174
DD Isaac Sweers
LCT LCT-172, Shell hits 1
LCT LCT-128, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Aaron Ward

Japanese ground losses:
38 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
851 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1062 encounters mine field at Kavieng (61,86)

TF 1062 troops unloading over beach at Kavieng, 61,86


Allied Ships
MSW Launceton
MSW Horsham
MSW Cowra
MSW Bowen
DMS Hamilton
AK Indora, Mine hits 1

Coastal Guns at Kavieng, 61,86, firing at TF 1062
100 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
LCVP 532N
MSW Launceton, Shell hits 16, on fire
LCT LCT-377, Shell hits 2
MSW Horsham, Shell hits 2, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
3 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
828 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Kavieng, 61,86, firing at TF 1078
TF 1078 troops unloading over beach at Kavieng, 61,86


106 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied ground losses:
487 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Majuro , at 83,83


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 16
A-20G Havoc x 16


Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 3 damaged

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87


Allied aircraft
Boomerang II x 12
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 13


No Allied losses

Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 14
P-40N Warhawk x 5
B-25J Mitchell x 24


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 1 damaged

Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 13000 feet
11 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 13000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kavieng , at 61,86


Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 72
B-25J Mitchell x 42
B-17E Fortress x 30
B-24D Liberator x 46


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 3 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
27 casualties reported

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 50

Aircraft Attacking:
30 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
31 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 8000 feet
34 x B-24D Liberator laying mines at 8000 feet
5 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 8000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator laying mines at 8000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator laying mines at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 8000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator laying mines at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kavieng , at 61,86


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 25
PB4Y Liberator x 8


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 4
Port supply hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
8 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kavieng , at 61,86


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 28


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 4
Port supply hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kavieng , at 61,86


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 5


Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Admiralty Islands , at 58,84

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 40
F-5A Lightning x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter Mk 21: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 14

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
15 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
10 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 40th Construction Battalion, at 55,87


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 9
P-39D Airacobra x 24


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 15th Mortar Battalion, at 61,86


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 13
F-5A Lightning x 1
B-25J Mitchell x 11


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 15th Mortar Battalion, at 61,86


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 23
B-17E Fortress x 23


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 8000 feet
23 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 15th Mortar Battalion, at 61,86


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


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
23 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
17 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Yokosuka 7th SNLF, at 61,86


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 61


Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
24 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
14 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
16 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Yokosuka 7th SNLF, at 61,86


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


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
15 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 18th Naval Guard Unit, at 61,86


Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 68
B-25J Mitchell x 48


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
48 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 7000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 86th Naval Guard Unit, at 61,86


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 4
F-5A Lightning x 1
B-25J Mitchell x 15


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 101st IJN Base Force, at 81,84


Allied aircraft
P-40N Warhawk x 18
B-25J Mitchell x 44
PB4Y Liberator x 6


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
44 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
6 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 62nd Chinese Corps, at 42,36

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
A6M3 Zero x 27
G4M1 Betty x 20
G4M2 Betty x 28

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
17 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
24 x A6M3 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
21 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
9 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A6M3 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 55th Chinese Corps, at 43,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 98
D3A Val x 27
B5N Kate x 74
G4M1 Betty x 40
G4M2 Betty x 43
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 69

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
31 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
34 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
24 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
12 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
6 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
8 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
7 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
24 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
43 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
27 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
27 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
27 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
15 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
6 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
10 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
2 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
9 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 2nd Division, at 61,86


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 24
B-17E Fortress x 7


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 8000 feet
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Kavieng at 61,86

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 6
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 27
Ki-21 Sally x 52

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 5
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 5
P-40N Warhawk x 37
P-38G Lightning x 34
P-47C Thunderbolt x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 6 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 25 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 51 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 5 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Kavieng at 61,86

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 12
Ki-21 Sally x 4

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 5
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 5
P-40N Warhawk x 37
P-38G Lightning x 34
P-47C Thunderbolt x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 10 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 1 damaged
Beaufighter Mk 21: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Kavieng at 61,86

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 10
Ki-51 Sonia x 7

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 4
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 4
P-40N Warhawk x 35
P-38G Lightning x 31
P-47C Thunderbolt x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 10 destroyed
Ki-51 Sonia: 7 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter Mk 21: 3 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 2 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Kavieng at 61,86

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 6
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 12

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 4
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 4
P-40N Warhawk x 35
P-38G Lightning x 31
P-47C Thunderbolt x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 6 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 1 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Kavieng at 61,86

Japanese Ships
AG AG-353, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AG AG-5163, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Massachusetts
CA Quincy
CA Canberra
CL Santa Fe
DD Fletcher
DD Bache
DD Bennett
DD Chevalier
DD Claxton
DD DeHaven
DD Waller
DD Nicholson
DD Lardner
DD Woodworth
DD Sims
DD O'Brien
DD Tucker
DD Selfridge
DD Arunta


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kavieng

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 10814 troops, 103 guns, 2 vehicles

Defending force 23059 troops, 198 guns, 139 vehicles

[Nomad]

Sorry about the mine Andy, I probably dropped it in January 1943. That is when we found that there was a bug with aerial mining missions, CAP can not hit it.

Glad to see you are getting lots of troops ashore in a single phase. That is the key to successfull Amphip operations. Don't want your ships sitting around for long, John will surely try to intercept, time to get them away. Hopefully, with a lot of bombers hitting his troops you can get his forts down soon and take the island. Remember that you can drop supplies using those 200+ C-47s you have in the area, just make sure you put some P-47s or P-38s on LRCAP over the beach. I would pull back one turn and then put the transports back for one day.

Good luck Andy, time to go home.

[Andy Mac]

Na I laid the mine I am allowed one B24 GP for air mining in non caped air bases.

I am withdrawing immediately all ships except for PT Boats one phase shoot and scoot !!!

In addition all of my LR Fighters are remaining on CAP and my Transports are dropping supplies to troops on the beach.

Every bomber in SW PAc is ordered to flatten the place in support of a shock attack.

(Disruption in 3rd Marines and Americal was 12 after landing which is why im trying it straight away)

Andy

[Andy Mac]

All transports and barges are ordered to concentrate on Torokina where the TF Sutherland is prepping for Emirau (1st Cav Div/ 1st Marines and 2 Armoured Regts)

If I have major problems on Kavieng the reinforcing formations will be TF Highlander currently in Brisbane and elements of 9th Aus Div at Gasmata.

Andy

[Andy Mac]

OK my shock attack didnt work need to go away and think again after disruption falls.

I dont like the fact that my TF's go outside Rabaul to get to Kavieng I feel exposed

I think I will send in a second wave of the last Bde of Americal and 9th Aus plus a couple of additional Armoured Regts taken from TF Sutherland I will send them the long way round via Sag Sag

Andy

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/19/43

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1062 encounters mine field at Tabar (62,86)

Allied Ships
MSW Cowra
MSW Bowen
DMS Hamilton

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1161 encounters mine field at Rabaul (61,88)

Allied Ships
AK Titan, Mine hits 1


Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1154 encounters mine field at Samo (62,88)

TF 1154 troops unloading over beach at Samo, 62,88



Allied ground losses:
32 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1154 encounters mine field at Samo (62,88)

TF 1154 troops unloading over beach at Samo, 62,88



Allied ground losses:
43 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3
Ki-21 Sally x 27
Ki-48 Lily x 21
Ki-49 Helen x 7
Ki-46-III Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-153c: 1 damaged

Resources hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 15000 feet
5 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
9 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Majuro , at 83,83


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 16
P-40N Warhawk x 11
A-20G Havoc x 8


Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 1 destroyed

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 6000 feet
4 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87


Allied aircraft
Boomerang II x 6
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 14


No Allied losses

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 12

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kavieng , at 61,86


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 33
P-38G Lightning x 65
B-25J Mitchell x 37
B-17E Fortress x 26
B-24D Liberator x 48


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
26 casualties reported

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 105

Aircraft Attacking:
26 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
17 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 8000 feet
36 x B-24D Liberator laying mines at 8000 feet
13 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 8000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator laying mines at 8000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator laying mines at 8000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 8000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 8000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator laying mines at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kavieng , at 61,86


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 23
PB4Y Liberator x 10


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
5 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
2 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kavieng , at 61,86


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 40


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
21 casualties reported

Port hits 6
Port supply hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
40 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kavieng , at 61,86


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 12


Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 1 damaged

Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Admiralty Islands , at 58,84


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 32
F-5A Lightning x 2


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter Mk 21: 6 damaged

Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
13 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
5 x Beaufighter Mk 21 bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 15th Mortar Battalion, at 61,86


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 8
B-24D Liberator x 15


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
32 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 18th Naval Guard Unit, at 61,86


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 15
B-24D Liberator x 32


Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
129 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
16 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
16 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 86th Naval Guard Unit, at 61,86


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 1
B-25J Mitchell x 16


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
62 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 86th Naval Guard Unit, at 61,86


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 46


Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
41 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
28 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 101st IJN Base Force, at 81,84


Allied aircraft
P-40N Warhawk x 21
B-25J Mitchell x 31
PB4Y Liberator x 8


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
77 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
31 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
8 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 55th Chinese Corps, at 43,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 102
A6M3 Zero x 27
A6M5 Zeke x 27
D3A Val x 54
B5N Kate x 27
B6N Jill x 9
G4M2 Betty x 6
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 71

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
35 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
36 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
24 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
27 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
27 x A6M3 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
48 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
27 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
24 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
27 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x B6N Jill bombing at 6000 feet
24 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
3 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 55th Chinese Corps, at 43,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 98
D3A Val x 27
B5N Kate x 75
G4M1 Betty x 39
G4M2 Betty x 41
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 71

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
36 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
32 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
27 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
15 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
13 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
11 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
27 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
48 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
27 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
27 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
27 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
17 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
7 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
6 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 2nd/A Division, at 61,86


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 30
B-17E Fortress x 22


Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 8000 feet
14 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
15 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 8000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 63,87

Japanese Ships
SS I-170, hits 1

Allied Ships
AK Steel Engineer, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Deimos
AK Cabell
MSW Dubbo
DD Bancroft


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kavieng

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 22315 troops, 197 guns, 133 vehicles

Defending force 19343 troops, 116 guns, 1 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)


Japanese ground losses:
429 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
1508 casualties reported
Guns lost 31
Vehicles lost 12

[Andy Mac]

OK I suspece kavieng was a mistake I may have over reached I wanted to bypass Rabaul but that may have been a mistake .

Anyway the route around the outside is to riky with KB there

[Andy Mac]

Hmmmmm I have been doing some thinking.

At present my strike forces and objectives are outlined below.

Gilberts/Marshalls

Offensive Strike Force

6th US Div
24th US Div
37th US Div
503rd Para Regt

Theatre Reserve

33rd US Div
41st US Div (Pearl)

I was going to use only 2 Divs for the attack but I have no choice given the results from Kavieng I need to reinforce my landing forces (hence I have pulled in 24th Infantry and 503rd Para) and find the capability to land more troops although the bases in the lower Marshalls dont appear to be highly protected.

Kavieng/ Emirau Island/ Admiralties

Offensive Strike Force

Kavieng

Americal
3rd USMC

Emirau
1st USMC
1st US Cav

Reserve

9th Australian
43rd US Div

OK at Kavieng I have been left no choice but to reinforce heavily or to bypass.

As I see it three options

1. Land Emirau and Reserve Corps at Kavieng and try to force a decision.

Pros Will end campaign quickly

Cons will exhaust my entire force and is highly risky with KB so close.

2. Combine Reserve and Emirau force and land at Rabaul

Pros

Kavieng now in LRCAP range of Corsairs
Capture a good forward base
Relatively risk free

Cons

Slow and safe and will mean that my Emirau and Reserve force will need some refit time

3. Combine Emirau and Reserve Force and hit Admiralties or Emirau

Pros

Prep almost complete
Takes pressure off of Kavieng making it a backwater
Starts to make Truk untennable

Cons

Highly risky
Would need carrier cover
Minimum 3 waves to get 4 Divs plus support ashore.

I need thought and discussion guys I am not sure what to do. My strong tempatation is to play it safe and just land 4 Divs at Rabaul so option 2.

Lae/ New Guinea

Lae

6th Australian Div Marching on Lae
3rd NZ Div prepping for landing on Finschafen

Reserve (prepping for base hopper up coast when amphib assets become available)

7th Australian Div

SWPAC Theatre Reserve (Brisbane)

1st Australian Div
4th Australian Div


My Theatre Reserve is really of limited use as I dont have enough amphib shipping to carry what I have now never mind 2 more Divs.

If anything I would use them to keep up momentum after I break through the crust using them to replace other worn out Divs.

My main decision point is what to do around Emirau / Kavieng and I am torn

Andy

[String]

I'd go for rabaul, it's a nice big base, BUT, it might be very heavily defended. You sure you can crack it?

[Speedysteve]

Hi Andy,

My thoughts are that you're right - you may have over-extended beyond safe range. Kavieng and Emirau are far away from safety considering he controls the seas with surface forces and KB.

If you think Rabaul isn't too badly defended I agree with String go for it. However, in my mind most Japanese players will stock Rabaul full of stuff for the very reason once it falls there are no safe places for the Japanese in the local area. Even Truk can be threatened.

If you think Rabaul is a no go maybe it is worth evac'ing your men from Kavieng and awaiting further developments.

In short my thoughts are that I would not go for Kavieng/Emirau and would only go for Rabaul if it is not heavily defended.

Regards,

Steven

[Bliztk]

Well, I would go for a limited offensive, taking first Talasea and Samo (Southern tip of Kavieng) and Tamar. Fully developed you get two size 3 AF + 1 4 AF in 4 hex range of Kavieng and Emirau

Kavieng is at only one day of full speed of the KB + Mushashi. Play safe.

Consider using New Guinea (Finschafen, Sador and Madar) as a lateral move towards isolating Admiralty Islands.

He cannot defend everything, he can only block you where KB is in striking distance

[Andy Mac]

Thanks guys.

I appreciate the advice.

Samr will fall in next day or so and I will start to develop it.

He has 20,000 men only at Rabaul 4 Divs should be enough to take it.

I hate to say it but playing it safe seems the best option.

The very worst thing I could do is land 4 more Divs at Kavieng tying up all my strike force and not take the base......or take it after a 3 month campaign.

Thats the kind of fight he is hoping for.

I think a change of strategy towards Rabaul is the way I will have to go.

The advantage as well is that I can bring up my Theatre reserve in AK's to use at Rabaul.

That would give me 6 Divisions to take it quickly.....

He wont be able to defeat me at kavieng just as I wont be able to take the base.

My worry is lack of engineers I only have 2 Combat Engineer Regts both of which are at LA. If every island has 20,000 men and lvl 9 forts thats going to be tough. (God knows what Saipan etc will be like.....)

Andy

[Speedysteve]

I think you have made the right choice Andy [8D]

[rtrapasso]

ORIGINAL: Speedy

I think you have made the right choice Andy [8D]

Ditto.

[Andy Mac]

The new plan

[Arstavidios]

Marine divisions have a regiment of combat engineers included.

[String]

Hm, I presume that Rabaul has been subjected to daily air attacks for the past few months? Do you have minesweepers? [:'(]

[Andy Mac]

Mixed bombing of Rabaul on and off every few days.

Yup Marine Divisions are very valuable I think I will release the West Coast Engineer regts to support my next offensives.

Andy

[Andy Mac]

Quiet day weather wasnt great and I stood down a lot of sqns after the last few days intensive efforts.

Refocus on Rabaul has begun P38's and Mitchells ordered fro a specutlative attack on KB lets see what happens

Andy

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/21/43

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1154 encounters mine field at Samo (62,88)

TF 1154 troops unloading over beach at Samo, 62,88



Allied ground losses:
77 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1154 encounters mine field at Samo (62,88)

TF 1154 troops unloading over beach at Samo, 62,88



Allied ground losses:
58 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1161 encounters mine field at Samo (62,88)

TF 1161 troops unloading over beach at Samo, 62,88


Allied Ships
AK Titan, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1


Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1165 encounters mine field at Samo (62,88)

TF 1165 troops unloading over beach at Samo, 62,88



Allied ground losses:
48 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 36
Ki-48 Lily x 15
Ki-49 Helen x 12
Ki-46-III Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 damaged
Ki-48 Lily: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged


Resources hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
1 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 15000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
6 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 15000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Majuro , at 83,83


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 16
P-40N Warhawk x 11
A-20G Havoc x 15


Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 6000 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 101st IJN Base Force, at 81,84


Allied aircraft
P-40N Warhawk x 21
B-25J Mitchell x 21
PB4Y Liberator x 4


Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
31 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x B-25J Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 62nd Chinese Corps, at 42,36

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
A6M3 Zero x 27
G4M1 Betty x 21
G4M2 Betty x 34

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
27 x A6M3 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
21 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
3 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 55th Chinese Corps, at 43,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 70
A6M3 Zero x 27
A6M5 Zeke x 27
D3A Val x 51
B5N Kate x 27
B6N Jill x 9
G4M2 Betty x 6
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 68

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
36 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
32 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
6 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
27 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
27 x A6M3 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
43 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
24 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
27 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
27 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x B6N Jill bombing at 6000 feet
27 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 55th Chinese Corps, at 43,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 95
D3A Val x 24
B5N Kate x 74
G4M1 Betty x 43
G4M2 Betty x 40
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 71

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
32 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
32 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
24 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
20 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
20 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
12 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
11 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
26 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
43 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
21 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
26 x B5N Kate bombing at 5000 feet
21 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
18 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
5 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
5 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x A6M5 Zeke bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Kavieng at 61,86

Japanese Ships
AG AG-107, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AG AG-354, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
AG AG-2055, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
AG AG-2528, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
PT PT-547
PT PT-548
PT PT-549
PT PT-550
PT PT-551

[frank1970]

Be carefull with Kavieng.
How many divisions does PzB have in surplus after not having to fight in India?
He might bring one or two as reinformcements into Kavieng and kill your divisions there.
But this is alos an opportunity for you:
Bring in your carriers. Slowly from the east so he might not see you apporach and get after his transports or even better his carriers. It seems he has split his carriers into 2 or three carrier TFs, which means with the deathstar approach you might be able to pick those TFs one after the other.
His carriers would be near kavieng to cover the transports and they would have up LRcap so the carriers might be less defended as usual. I´d search for those carriers NE of kavieng (the maximum distance to your airfields).
Use your landing to trap his carriers. Hit Truk with nightbombings to make sure your invasion of Rabaul will not get mauled by Japanese bombers.
Additionally you should check your supplies in theather. You have enough? even if your supply dumps get hit by bombers?
I´d majke following approach:
Do NOT take more troops into Kavieng, draw out some of those you put there, save cadres.
Demolish Truk, target airfields and port, intercept shipping lines with subs and LBA.
Build carrier TFs and send them near Kavieng.
Transport supplies into Australia (about everything you could grab in the USA).

Get his carriers. After finishing his carriers his ScTFs will not be so nasty as before.

Go, get him!