Aussie Affair, Beta's Twilight

[Raverdave]

A few days have now passed since the CV battle and I let Luskan's tankers off the hook, mainly because I coudn't see what was further east. It would not be unlike Luskan to have a trap waiting for me and so in the end I was content with my haul of three jap CVs. There will be plenty of time in the years to come to sink a few clapped-out tankers. Besides which I have more pressing concerns such as two gravely wounded CVs to worry about.

This turn Luskan launched a shock attack with his pathetic troops that he has on the Admiralty Islands, which was repulsed. I have just managed to hang on to the Admiralty Islands....just. It was a close thing getting the troops and supplies there to hold Luskan off, but with total command of the air Luskan was doomed.

Now where shall I hit next?

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/19/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Moulmein , at 29,35

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 33
Hudson I x 6
B-25C Mitchell x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 2 destroyed


Japanese ground losses:
24 casualties reported

Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
7 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
25 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 6

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 4
Beaufort V-IX x 9
B-24D Liberator x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
20 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Admiralty Islands, at 58,84

Allied Ships
DD Nizam
DD Nestor
DD Le Triomphant
DD Ward
DD John D. Ford
DD Balch
CL Concord
CA Chester
CA Northampton

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 42nd Naval Guard Unit, at 58,84


Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 6
B-17E Fortress x 62


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
101 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
14 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
18 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
16 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 42nd Naval Guard Unit, at 58,84


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 150


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
178 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
29 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
41 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
30 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
18 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
18 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lae at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 15

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
AP President Hayes, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Admiralty Islands

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1348 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 4173 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
181 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported

[Luskan]

Total control of the air - the uber B17s have flown 5 times in 5 days - hopefully this has used so much war supply that the US economy won't recover and the war is won.

Of course, the fact that 200+b17s could fly that often in that many days concerns me. Then again there has to be something for the allied player to do while he lacks the ability to project firepower through other means.

The last few turns I have devoted to mines. Mines and more mines. There are a few islands that I had mined early on - but hadn't topped up in a long time. I have very very large tfs of MLs sorting that out now.

Still haven't seen a sub hit one though (was it Frag or Nik that was having kittens about that? Or someone else?)

In other news 3 previously damaged Jap BBs were released from the yards ready for more action. I know exactly where I'm gonna send them too.

Step 1 for ALL jap players: expand several of the home island repair port facilities repeatedly - and manually ferry supply in to make sure the expansions are quick. I have actually been able to repair faster than things have been getting damaged this game. Even bigger ships etc.

[Raverdave]

Keeping such a high level of operations with my LRB is killing me, over half the aircraft are now down with maintenance problems. I'm going to have to rest them for awhile to recover. Not to mention the drain on supplies.

[Luskan]

Raver has started parking his subs in harbour hexes again. I've detailed a few TFs to dissuade them properly.

I have also completed my 2nd phase of engineering projects within my empire. While the area is classified I sent 150+engineers to every base to build the forts to maximum size before replacnig them with a garrison. Great work by my engineer corps, who are now eager to move onto the third designated defence improvement area.

Does Raver try to leapfrog Rabaul (he still hasn't got full control of Admiralty yet!)? I think he might just to give his bombers a target for 12 months. Admittedly as the allies I would be attacking on a different front, but Raver being an inbred Melbournian (even we Aussies call that the deep south - basically Tasmania let's face it) probably wants to attack north from Oz.

[Raverdave]

Well as to where my thrust are coming from, one does not have to be a mental giant to figure out that I will only be advancing under the protection of an air-umbrella, hence the current thrust up through PNG and also via Timor. But then again I also have plans well advanced for a strike agaist the empire in other areas, but I'm NOT going to even hint as to where this is going to be.
At this stage I have no interest in landing troops at Rabal...why would you when it is now a huge prison camp and I don't even have to worry about guarding or feeding the scum that are trapped there. Much better to leave it to rot on the vine and move onto other places.

I've to trying to use my subs as intel gathering platforms, with i might add little success. All the seems to happen is that Luskan sends a huge ASW TF and sinks them. However the subs are good for spotting when a TF arrives in port. Not sure if I will continue with the form of intel gathering, as it is rather expensive at the cost of a sub per port hex.

The Sara is still in a very bad way and I am still fighting to save her. She has 90% system damage (up from 75%) and I just can't seem to get the flooding under control which remains at a subborn 35%. It would be a real blow to the fleet if I have to scuttle her.

[Luskan]

Just a bit of target practise this turn.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/24/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 48,46

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 9
PC Ch 8
PC Showa Maru #5
PC Showa Maru #3
PC Shonan Maru #7
PC Shonan Maru #6
PC Sonan Maru #6
PC Gamitsu Maru #1
PG Zuiko Maru
PG Saiko Maru
PG Magan Maru
PG Koei Maru
PG Keijo Maru
PG Edo Maru
PG Chosa Maru
PG Hashidate
MSW Tama Maru #2
MSW Ranzan Maru
MSW Fukeui Maru #7
MSW Atsu Maru
MSW Asahi Maru
MSW Wa 2
MSW Wa 1

Allied Ships
SS Pike, hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Torokina at 63,92

Japanese Ships
CA Tone
DD Naganami
DD Ikazuchi
DD Asagao

Allied Ships
AK Empire Lightning, Shell hits 17, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Torokina at 63,92

Japanese Ships
CA Tone
DD Naganami
DD Ikazuchi
DD Asagao

Allied Ships
AK Tjikarang, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk

[Luskan]

Raver starts his bombing at Rabaul. Not a good sign - I plan to switch in and out some vital troops very soon.

On an interesting note - whatever bombs were hitting my ships in port . . . they were really, really small.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/25/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 27

Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 7
Blenheim IV x 3
Wellington III x 26
Hudson I x 3
Beaufort V-IX x 10
B-25C Mitchell x 58
B-24D Liberator x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 2 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 16 destroyed
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 1 damaged
Wellington III: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
Hudson I: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 3 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
196 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 16

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Swordfish bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
20 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
15 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
20 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Swordfish bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 62
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 12

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 13 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88


Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 80
F-5A Lightning x 4
B-25C Mitchell x 15
B-17E Fortress x 102


Allied aircraft losses
F-5A Lightning: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 2 destroyed, 9 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
947 casualties reported
Guns lost 16

Airbase hits 15
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 114
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
20 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
19 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
15 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 223


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 17 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma, Bomb hits 50, on fire, heavy damage
DD Makigumo, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Husimi Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
351 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

Port hits 14
Port fuel hits 11
Port supply hits 18

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
27 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
27 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
20 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
15 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
15 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
11 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
10 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet

[Raverdave]

I was only using the Swordfish at Rangoon to attack the shipping.....damn....I was hoping that they would have attacked using torps. I am shocked by the large losses that the AVG has taken, but I'm only reading what has been posted as i am still downloading the turn from Luskan. The AVG has really lost their edge.

[Luskan]

Raver is getting sloppy. First no air cover to speak of over the Admiralty islands where he's parked yet more of his surface fleet. I think in the last 8 weeks I've crippled 5 enemy CAs - this time I'm hoping I sank at least 1 of the two I just slapped.

In other news Raver is trying to sneak base forces, engineers and supply into the DEI I never got around to taking. Of course, I may have left htose bases between me and Oz for a reason - yet MORE target practise. Tanaka had a field day.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/27/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lautem at 33,78

Japanese Ships
CA Kako
CL Yura
CL Kinu
DD Arashi
DD Hagikaze
DD Natsugumo
DD Minegumo
DD Samidare
DD Suzukaze
DD Akatsuki
DD Hibiki

Allied Ships
PT TM-7
PT TM-8
PT TM-12
PT TM-13, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
PT TM-14, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
PT TM-15, Shell hits 16, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lautem at 33,78

Tallyho bitch!

Japanese Ships
CA Kako
CL Yura
CL Kinu
DD Arashi
DD Hagikaze
DD Natsugumo
DD Minegumo
DD Samidare
DD Suzukaze
DD Akatsuki
DD Hibiki

Allied Ships
MSW Cochin
AK Santa Teresa
AK Empire Bay, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Empire Scout, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Empire Lake
AK Indora, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
AK Høegh Merchant
AK Mabella
AK Needwood, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
AK Prominent, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Ravnaas

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88


Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 80
F-5A Lightning x 4
B-17E Fortress x 97


Allied aircraft losses
F-5A Lightning: 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 15 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma, Bomb hits 23, on fire, heavy damage
DD Makigumo, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Husimi Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
211 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 7
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
15 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
22 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
13 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
11 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 208


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 14 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma, Bomb hits 51, on fire, heavy damage
DD Makigumo, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage sinks
AP Husimi Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
399 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Port hits 14
Port fuel hits 9
Port supply hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
24 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
17 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
27 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
15 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
11 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
11 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
14 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
11 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lautem at 33,78


Allied aircraft
Beaufort V-IX x 9
P-40E Warhawk x 12


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Hagikaze
CL Kinu
DD Natsugumo

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
1 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Admiralty Islands at 58,84

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 5
G4M1 Betty x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed, 12 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Concord
CA Chester, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Ward
CA Northampton, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lautem at 33,78


Allied aircraft
Beaufort V-IX x 4
P-40E Warhawk x 14


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Yura

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Admiralty Islands at 58,84

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 4
G4M1 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Nestor

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

[Raverdave]

Smackdown my arse ! First off the ships that got hit at Lautem were all empty, Luskan should have hit them two days ago, but he is so dim-whitted that it took him awhile to figure out how to launch an attack.
Second point, the fact that some bombers managed to find and hit my ships at the Admiralty Islands is due to the CAP failing not at appear, and it is NOT because Luskan has such a brillant tactical mind. It was a screw-up plain and simple.
Note how he glossed over the fact thart he has still got 40,000 troops trapped at Rabal, note how he glossed over the fact that Rabal has no port or airfield to speak off. Note how Luskan is UNABLE to send a relief force to Rabal. Note how I now have FULL control of Timor and will soon be kicking in the door on the rest of the DEI. This will expose just how weak his defences really are.

[Luskan]

Is this what full allied control looks like? Was I too late this turn (the turn after your CAs got smacked by aircraft I mop up what is left???). Rabaul???? You haven't dented it yet!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/28/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Admiralty Islands at 58,84

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Yamato
CA Myoko
CA Nachi
DD Shiranuhi
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Tanikaze
DD Asashio
DD Asagumo
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Umikaze
DD Hatsushima
DD Wakaba
DD Ariake
DD Shinonome
DD Shirayuki
DD Hatsuyuki
DD Murakumo
DD Shikinami
DD Ayanami
DD Yuzuki
DD Fuyo
DD Sagi
DD Kari

Allied Ships
PT PT-118, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
PT PT-122, Shell hits 14, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Admiralty Islands at 58,84

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Yamato
CA Myoko
CA Nachi
DD Shiranuhi
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Tanikaze
DD Asashio
DD Asagumo
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Umikaze
DD Hatsushima
DD Wakaba
DD Ariake
DD Shinonome
DD Shirayuki
DD Hatsuyuki
DD Murakumo
DD Shikinami
DD Ayanami
DD Yuzuki
DD Fuyo
DD Sagi
DD Kari

Allied Ships
PT PT-73, Shell hits 9, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Admiralty Islands at 58,84

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 3
BB Yamato, Shell hits 1
CA Myoko, Shell hits 10
CA Nachi, Shell hits 7
DD Shiranuhi, Shell hits 1
DD Tokitsukaze, Shell hits 2
DD Tanikaze
DD Asashio
DD Asagumo
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Umikaze
DD Hatsushima
DD Wakaba
DD Ariake
DD Shinonome
DD Shirayuki
DD Hatsuyuki
DD Murakumo, Shell hits 1
DD Shikinami
DD Ayanami, Shell hits 1
DD Yuzuki
DD Fuyo
DD Sagi
DD Kari

Allied Ships
CL Concord, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage sunk
DD Balch, Shell hits 39, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD John D. Ford, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Ward, Shell hits 18, on fire, heavy damage sunk 1 18 inch shell it did it.
DD Le Triomphant, Shell hits 18, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Nestor, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Nizam, Shell hits 6, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 160


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 16 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Husimi Maru, Bomb hits 13, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
196 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Port hits 7
Port fuel hits 4
Port supply hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
22 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
29 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
16 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
18 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
10 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet

[Raverdave]

Well I got some good hits in on the Myoko.....I bet she is running strait back to Japan. Truth be known this Jap TF came out of no where. It slipped my search a/c and I was caught out as a result.

But OTOH the first naval bombardment of Rabal went off without a hitch. Ten DMS in the TF ensured that no ship hit any mines, and the months of attacks from the air set to port attack also made sure that his coastal guns were of little use.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 11/29/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 27

Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Port hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Swordfish bombing at 5000 feet
5 x Swordfish bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Rabaul, at 61,88

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
H8K Emily: 1 destroyed
E13A1 Jake: 3 destroyed

Allied Ships
CL Honolulu
CL Nashville
CL Phoenix
CL St. Louis
CL Detroit
CL Raleigh
CA Vincennes
CA Minneapolis
CA New Orleans
CA Louisville
CA Portland
BB North Carolina
BB Mississippi
BB Idaho

Japanese ground losses:
7639 casualties reported
Guns lost 60

Airbase hits 22
Airbase supply hits 10
Runway hits 153
Port hits 4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 14th Tank Regiment, at 35,28


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 10
Wellington III x 80
Hudson I x 12
Beaufort V-IX x 31
P-40E Warhawk x 52
B-25C Mitchell x 163
B-24D Liberator x 39


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
557 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 33

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
9 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
15 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
20 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
15 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
27 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
20 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
18 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
27 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
8 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
14 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
12 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet

[Capt. Harlock]

If Raver's Rabaul bombardment TF meets Luskan's Surface Combat TF, things could get pretty exciting!

[Luskan]

BB vs BB won't work - is too fair a fight. I'd prefer Tanaka and 10 dds surprising that BB tf - and long lancing them at night.

[Raverdave]

In yer dreams ratbrain.

[Capt. Harlock]

I have to agree with Raver: by the end of November 1942, a fair number of USN warships were equipped not merely with radar, but good radar. And the modern American 6-inch cruisers ("light cruisers" in name only) can eat destroyers for breakfast. (Check the number of shells per minute they could pump out.)

[Raverdave]

Also the experiance level of my ships crews grows by the day which is also a factor in countering the IJN night attack tactic.

[Luskan]

Did he just quote that his night experience grows by the day? *sigh*

Well, if I have accomplished one thing so far in the game, it has been to crush the AVG. They really aren't a threat any more. Most of my other allied opponents loose them on the ground for good (sitting at mandalay when jap troops take the place).

I've been running an ocean search op deep behind enemy lines with a CS ship. Turned up diddly in 3 turns of waiting around. Seems Raver's shipping routes aren't where I expected them to be.

[Luskan]

Well, a lot has happened in the last week adn we've both been too busy to post. In fact at the moment Raver is too busy to do turns . . . . I've been there and hated it.

Anyhow - a quick summary for the home viewers!

1. I pulled of a pair of mid ocean intercepts off Akyab with my CA/DD forces pounding 5 or 6 allied transports under. Raver on the other hand met 5 of my dds at Akyab with 4 RN BBs and 21 supporting warships. Wasn't pretty.

2. I lost several transports around Rabaul as Raver's dauntlesses now fly out of the little base next to shortlands . . . forget the name. Torokina probably. Rabaul is continually supplied.

3. My troops in Burma have advanced to myitkina and Raver's bombers are struggling to pound my troops senseless before they can attack. It worked when I was using just 1 arm unit for the assault but I'm going to bring up real firepower and end it properly.

4. I sank a few subs.

5. I swapped over lots of garrisons this turn - replacing older, more experienced but more fatigued troops with younger fresher troops at many front line bases.

[Capt. Harlock]

Raver on the other hand met 5 of my dds at Akyab with 4 RN BBs and 21 supporting warships. Wasn't pretty.

Hmmm... Wasn't that the kind of action you were hoping for? Oh yes, you wanted twice as many destroyers, and Tanaka in command. Were there any Long Lance hits?