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Tomorrow Nagumo will move closer to the newly established Allied bases south of New Britain.
He has been ordered to keep within range of land based CAP and out of reach of enemy LBA.
Size 3 bases will not launch ac that launch torpedoes, so I feel safe enough.

It's a gamble to move within 4 hexes of Gili Gili, but there are many capital ships that I would like to
hit here. The Allies have lost so many large ships that further losses will hurt Ken.

There is still to few Zeros in the Solomons, but I'm trying to build a reserve for a rainy day. Nothing
really critical going on right now.

In Burma I'm resting my divisions before they move against Mandalay. Hoping to trap 20-30k enemy troops
here.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/09/43

Sub/ASW Combat

My pest control program continues...today the Triton was sunk.
It's not wise to put so many subs around Kwajalein, more than 200
ac there.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 79,81

Japanese Ships
DD Karukaya
DD Matsukaze
DD Harukaze
DD Yuzuki
DD Satsuki

Allied Ships
SS Triton, hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Many anti shipping strikes today! Results were mixed. Unfortunately the most
valuable targets were missed.

Day Air attack on Taung Gyi , at 33,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 10
Wellington III x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 3 destroyed
Wellington III: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
1 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Taung Gyi , at 33,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 3 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Kiriwina Island at 57,93

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Arkansan

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 56,94

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
G4M1 Betty x 14

Allied aircraft
CW-21B Demon x 5
P-38G Lightning x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed, 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
CW-21B Demon: 3 destroyed
P-38G Lightning: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Canberra
BB Maryland

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 56,94

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
CW-21B Demon x 4
P-38G Lightning x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
BB California

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 56,94

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3

Allied aircraft
CW-21B Demon x 4
P-38G Lightning x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
BB California

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 56,94

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
G4M1 Betty x 4

Allied aircraft
CW-21B Demon x 4
P-38G Lightning x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
AK Empire Ranger

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 56,94

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
CW-21B Demon x 4
P-38G Lightning x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AK West Portal

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 56,94

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
CW-21B Demon x 4
P-38G Lightning x 3

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
AK Empire Rainbow, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Empire Torrent

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

Today we showed Ken that predictability killed the cat! [;)]
After yesterdays failed naval bomber attacks against enemy capital ships of Gili Gili I feared that numerous P-38s would cover the anchorage.
Not so!

Nagumo sailed in at full speed, covered by Tanakas surface combat group!
The group managed to move all the way to Woodlark Island without being spotted and surprise was this achieved.

A joint Allied strike was first mauled by the crack Zero pilots, but a dozen bombers still managed to break through.
The reason I attached Tanaka to Nagumos Car Div 3 was the 'old trick of the trade' - to give the enemy more than one target.
It worked...a poor old cruiser took a torpedo and is heading for Rabaul with moderate damage.

30 Kates escorted by 30+ Zeros hit the enemy ships of Gili Gili and put four lances into the battleship California and one in the Dutch
cruiser Trump. Both ships were reported heavily damaged. The Vals aboard the Junyo were not launched, just as well since their bombs
have a hard time knocking holes in dreadnoughts.

In the afternoon bad weather shrouded in Gili and a small strike found and sank a minesweeper.

The mission must therefore be considered a success! Ken has been given a stern warning and will have to proceed with more caution
from now on.

2 enemy transports were hit by naval bombers of Vella Lavella as well, and these ships are within striking range of Tanaka.
A swift and daring attack before RTB!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/10/43

Air Combat

Day Air attack on Taung Gyi , at 33,32 - dunno why Ken is so persistent at getting his British bombers killed over this little malaria pit [&:]

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 8
Wellington III x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged
Wellington III: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombers bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Taung Gyi , at 33,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 59,93

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6 - ordered these Oscars at Rabaul to fly LRCAP!

Allied aircraft
Avenger I x 6
CW-21B Demon x 6
Kittyhawk I x 11
Beaufort V-IX x 12
P-40E Warhawk x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed - the Zeros were invinsible today
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Avenger I: 4 destroyed
CW-21B Demon: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Kittyhawk I: 4 destroyed, 3 damaged
Beaufort V-IX: 3 destroyed, 4 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 8 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko
DD Tokitsukaze
CL Yura, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 56,94

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 10
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18

Allied aircraft
CW-21B Demon x 2
Kittyhawk I x 3
P-38G Lightning x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Vincent

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 56,94

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 37
B5N Kate x 32

Allied aircraft
CW-21B Demon x 2
Kittyhawk I x 3
P-38G Lightning x 7

Japanese aircraft losses - my carriers only missed a mere 4-5 Kates and even fewer crews when I checked today!? All downed by flak
B5N Kate: 10 destroyed, 12 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
CW-21B Demon: 1 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 2 destroyed
P-38G Lightning: 6 destroyed

Allied Ships
BB Maryland
BB California, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage [:D]
CL Adelaide
CL Tromp, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
All B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 59,93

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5

Allied aircraft
Avenger I x 2
P-40E Warhawk x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Avenger I: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Yura, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 64,94

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
G4M1 Betty x 12
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Largs Bay, Torpedo hits 1
AP Barnett, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied ground losses:
37 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
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 at 56,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 39
B5N Kate x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
MSW Vireo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

Situation Map: Nagumo strikes back!

you're a Master PzB[:D]

Keep on hitting those damned allies![8D]

All the jap fanboys are with you, as always[&o]

Ta Hoepner, seems like you got a firm grasp on the situation in your game too [8D]

A little dissappointing results today! Again the enemy transports were able to retreat from my surface group
under Tanaka! I can't understand how this can happen so often? These ships were damaged and received
no prior warning, and yet they scattered like clouds in the wind... [&:]

If that wasn't enough, a small enemy bombardment group hit Shortland after loosing a destroyer to mines.
Tanaka had his group set to react 6 and was at Vella Lavella only 1 hex away and still didn't react to the enemy
ships? Grumble...

An air strike against Munda by 20 Bettys left 2 fat transports unharmed while the sole SC was hit by 2 torps, aargh!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/11/43

Sub/ASW Attacks

Several fierce sub/asw group battles took place today

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 78,79

The Tambor had claws and APD-39 will require a few months in dock...

Japanese Ships
APD APD-39, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
MSW W.21
APD APD-46
APD APD-36
APD APD-34
APD APD-2

Allied Ships
SS Tambor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 26,67 - spotted a Dutch sub in the Java Sea a few days ago. An ASW group made contact today

Japanese Ships
PG Shinko Maru #3
PG Seikai Maru
PG Nikkai Maru
PG Kongosan Maru
PG Keiko Maru

Allied Ships
SS KXV, hits 1, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 26,67 - in a follow up attack the KXV was reported to be heavily damaged. Probably took on a lot of water.. Guess we won't see much of her for a while!

Japanese Ships
PG Shinko Maru #3
PG Seikai Maru
PG Nikkai Maru
PG Kongosan Maru
PG Keiko Maru

Allied Ships
SS KXV, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bombardments

I got quite a few mines at Shortland and Ken should bring his valuable DMS if
he wants to play!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1101 encounters mine field at Shortlands (63,93)

Allied Ships
DD Ward, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
DD Welles, Mine hits 1, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1117 encounters mine field at Kiriwina Island (57,93) - my sub laid minefields also get attention

Allied Ships
LCVP 532P, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1135 encounters mine field at Gili Gili (56,94)

Allied Ships
MSW Starling
MSW Townsville
MSW Bundaberg
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Shortlands, at 63,93

Allied Ships
DD John D. Edwards
DD Woodworth
DD Barton
DD Lansdowne
CL Phoenix

Japanese ground losses:
83 casualties reported

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 11
Port hits 3
Port supply hits 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

A really heavy strike against Kunming today!

Day Air attack on Kunming , at 39,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 32
A6M3 Zero x 14
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 30
Ki-21 Sally x 108
Ki-48 Lily x 12
Ki-49 Helen x 27
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-153c: 8 destroyed
Hudson I: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported

Airbase hits 19
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 71

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombers bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Munda at 64,95

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 20

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied Ships [:(]
AP Moreton Bay
SC SC-518, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Empire Pride

Aircraft Attacking:
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
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Green Island at 63,89 - this TF has almost finished unloading

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Kiji
MSW Shawa Maru #10, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage - had to scuttle this ship!
AP Palao Maru
AP Toko Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Meizan Maru, Bomb hits 1
PC Ch 14

Aircraft Attacking:
All B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet

Ken reported that he is short of base and air units to fill his newly conquered bases with!
This is good news...I wondered about the lack of enemy ac when I drove Nagumos carriers up
to Woodlark Isl.

Its still a good 2-3 months until Corsairs will start destroying my air superiority. So I'm again
tempted to use the KB and the Southern Area Army's 5 crack divisions in an offensive manner.

If several smaller islands and their garrisons - including precious base forces - can be overrun,
Ken will be forced to wait even longer for reinforcements before going onto the offensives. The new
tentative plan will be referred to as Operation Weedless while I consider its potential [:)]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/12/43

Sub/ASW Attacks

It was the USS Shad that got most of todays attention...unfortunately it torpedoed
an asw destroyer. Will make it, but got an awful lot of water in its hold. An asw ac
later hit the Shad.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 79,80

Japanese Ships
DD Ayanami, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Karukaya
DD Matsukaze
DD Harukaze
DD Yuzuki
DD Satsuki

Allied Ships
SS Shad
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Day Air attack on Kunming , at 39,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 27
Ki-21 Sally x 105
Ki-48 Lily x 12
Ki-49 Helen x 25
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 3 damaged
Ki-48 Lily: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses - 9 I-153s were reported destroyed on the ground in this attack
I-153c: 6 destroyed
Hudson I: 2 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 78

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombers bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kweiyang , at 41,35

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 23
Ki-48 Lily x 81

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
I-16c: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 44

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombers bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Taung Gyi , at 33,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 9
Wellington III x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
Wellington III: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombers bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 64,94

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied Ships - again the small ship is hit while the big fat lady gets away with it...(
MSW Glenelg, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Barnett
MSW Wagga

Aircraft Attacking:
3 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My small scale anti shipping strikes in the Solomons continue to reap results.
Ken's shipyards must be filling up with damaged ships...

A large amount of fuel and supplies is now en route to Truk and Rabaul. Want to
top these bases before starting any large scale operations. 8 AO (fleet oilers) have
also been overhauled and are ready to support the KB. I also got 100 Vals/Kates and
200 Zeros that can be used to replace KB airgroup losses.

100 barges will start operating out of Rabaul in order to strengthen the surrounding
bases and supply them. It's time to put more pressure on the Allied forces in this area.

All the units in Shortland have to be moved back to Truk and replaced. They're all but
gutted and worn out. Same with Lae. These are difficult operations and will be carried out
by Tokyo Express TFs and barges.

Only 9 more days until the Taiho arrives, but I will let my fleet carriers receive their 02/43
upgrade before sortying the KB. My battleships are also slowly getting back in shape. I need
the 4 Kongos as fast carrier escorts.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/13/43

Invasions

There has been an enemy ac marker on Pagai Island for a while. Decided
to send a small SNL unit there. 5 Catalinas were destroyed on the ground here.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 79 troops unloading over beach at Pagai Island, 17,51

Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub/ASW Attacks

Had a fallout with the Tambor today. It failed to hit an APD and was hit by a
depth charge in return.

Sub attack at 78,79

Japanese Ships
APD APD-34
MSW W.21
APD APD-46
APD APD-36
APD APD-2

Allied Ships
SS Tambor, hits 1, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Tomorrow I will switch my bombers to city bombing. There are 300
resources and 100 industries for me to destroy in Kunming [:)] The plan
is to leave China without supply and industry production.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kunming , at 39,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 3
Ki-21 Sally x 78
Ki-48 Lily x 11
Ki-49 Helen x 24

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-153c: 3 destroyed
Hudson I: 2 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 60

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kweiyang , at 41,35

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 23
Ki-48 Lily x 80

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 102

Aircraft Attacking:
All Ki-48 Lily bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next attacks are training missions in China:

Day Air attack on 62nd Chinese Corps, at 42,36

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
A6M3 Zero x 27

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
27 x A6M3 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 55th Chinese Corps, at 43,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 62
A6M3 Zero x 27
G4M1 Betty x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
27 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
18 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
27 x A6M3 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
8 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 30th Chinese/B Corps, at 46,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 80
B5N Kate x 11
G4M1 Betty x 15
Ki-27 Nate x 20

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
24 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
11 x B5N Kate bombing at 8000 feet
8 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
8 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
8 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
8 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Munda at 64,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
G4M1 Betty x 19

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
SC SC-706, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Moreton Bay
AP Empire Pride, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
78 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
All G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Kiriwina Island at 57,93

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
MSW Starling, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Munda at 64,95

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 5
P-40E Warhawk x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Tasker H. Bliss

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 7000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Pagai Island

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 604 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Pagai Island base !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Catalina I: 3 destroyed

2 enemy carriers were reported just SW of Gili Gili today. Not sure this is an authentic sighting, but
it would make sense. Ken may want to intercept any further attacks on his shipping in the area!

Wish ship repairs were somewhat more predictable. This is actually one thing that goes slower than
in real life...(

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/14/43

Air Combat

Most of my bombers were ordered to hit enemy resources, still only industrial targets
were reported damaged!?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kunming , at 39,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 3
Ki-21 Sally x 113
Ki-48 Lily x 3
Ki-49 Helen x 3
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 4

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

Allied aircraft losses
I-153c: 1 damaged

Heavy Industry hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombers bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kweiyang , at 41,35

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48 Lily x 78

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 29

Aircraft Attacking:
All Ki-48 Lily bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Munda at 64,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
G4M1 Betty x 21

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed, 10 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AP President Fillmore, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Tasker H. Bliss
SC SC-707

Allied ground losses:
39 casualties reported

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
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Russell Islands at 66,96

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 4

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

A small Chinese Militia division has been surrounded and will now be destroyed

Ground combat at Tatung

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 30106 troops, 344 guns, 2 vehicles

Defending force 3644 troops, 22 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 11 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
397 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

Allied ground losses:
102 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

What is Operation Weedless???[&:][&:]

Spanish HQ recommend you to take a offensive action ASAP. Why wait until the 2/43 upgrades are ready?. Soon F4Us will rule the air... and you won´t have any real chances to take the offensive.
I think until 4/43 or 5/43 the US will have enough to F4Us to oppose any (big) offensive action from japan.
See the post from the fremen AAR. He lost 2 CVs, and his entire elite aircrews in a equal carrier battle against the US in October 43. [:(]
You should start and finish your (last?) offensive campaign before something like that carrier battle may occur! [:'(]

Hi Toraq,

Op Weedless is an idea for an operation that includes wiping out several smaller island garrisons and their base forces.
Ken is low on these...

Patience is a virtue my friend, and I still got so many damaged ships that the KB has to wait for these to finish their repairs in order
to free up enough escorts, surface combat and bombardment units that are needed to support the operations.

In addition I still have to wait another couple of weeks before most of my land units are ready for action in the South Pacific. Large fuel and
supply convoys are currently running shuttle between Japan and Truk/Kwajalein. I really don't won't to run out....
I've gone over these dates several times and I don't think Ken will receive enough reinforcements over the next couple of months to
cripple my coming operations.

Ken also stated that most of his VMF squadrons upgrade to Hellcats and not Corsairs. There won't be enough Corsairs by March 43 to
stop the Combined Fleet, trust me [;)]

When I unleash the hordes for a final moment of glory and victory it will be such a massive operation that the weakened Allied navy will
be swept aside like leaves in an autum storm!

I've never liked half hearted measures, that's why they call me the Hammer [;)]
So rest assured, by mid to late February 1943 the storm will break loose!

A rather quiet turn today!
A small number of naval bombers failed to penetrate enemy CAP or hit
anything. The troop transport Empire Pride was reported sunk though.

I've been taking a look at Operation Recoil and decided that it will be part
of Operation Weedless. The latter will be carried out in several phases until
we run out of momentum. The operation is described in more detail at the end
of this post!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/15/43

Air Combat

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Taung Gyi , at 33,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 56,96

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
CW-21B Demon x 2
Kittyhawk I x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 3 destroyed

Allied Ships
AK Mobile City

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 67,97

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 2

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
P-40E Warhawk x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Tatung

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 34883 troops, 398 guns, 2 vehicles

Defending force 3396 troops, 14 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 18 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
42 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Map: Operation Weedless

I really don't want to overextend myself in this operation, and that's the reason why I've divided it into several
different phases.

Phase one of Weedless is Recoil. I'm planning to seize Mili with 2 divs and an engineer regiment. There are 20k enemy troops
on the island. The KB will park next to the island and provide massive air support for the operation. There will not be many enemy
fighters 4 hexes from Makin atoll.

After Mili I will repeat the procedure on Nauru. 18000 enemy troops reported here. Again 1-2 divisions will be landed with heavy
air and sea support. In all I can call on 60 destroyers, 30 cruisers, 6-7 battleships and a dozen carriers. Not to mention hundreds
of support vessels. This is why I need a huge amount of fuel and supplies. There are 30k combat troops on Kwajalein that will act
as reserve units. After the invasion some of these will be moved to the newly occupied islands.

After Operation Recoil is completed there will be a short period for R&R.

Phase 2 and 3 of Weedless have still not received an official name. Suggestions? [8D]

In Phase 2 Vella Lavella and Munda will be invaded simultanously. It's the latter I have to watch out for! Again 2 divisions will be used.
Before the operation both Shortland and Green Island will be reinforced and act as supporting bases together with Rabaul.
Just like Kwajalein Rabaul holds substantial reserves and can also provide LRCAP and naval bomber support.

In Phase 3 Kiriwina, Rossel and Goodenough Isl will be seized before the coupe de grace is delivered at Gili Gili.
The 33rd and Imperial divs already havd 40-50 preparation points towards the Gili Gili invasion. The 5th div is similary prepared for
the invasion og Goodenough Island together with 2 Para regiments and engineer.

5 full divisions + several large and experienced army units will be available for the operation. Several hundred Zeros will be moved
from China together with fresh naval bomber units.

The biggest challenge will be the possible intervention of the enemy carriers. I will take on this challenge as good as I can, but the full
might of the KB should outnumber the enemy at least 2-1.

As long as losses are low to moderate each of the phases will be considered a success! The aim is to push the enemy back and force Ken
to start over again. This could mean a postponement of Allied offensive operations until 1944 and a possible autovictory on 1/1-44.

Comments anyone...do you think I'm crazy, or do you think I can pull of another Allied Stalingrad [;)]

I think Weedless Stage 1 is a definite go - great chances of success, he's at the end of his line of supporting bases, etc. KB can easily control the area and just about guarantee success.

Part 2 & 3, while not a crapshoot, are more troublesome. There are multiple allied bases in the area that can support with LBA.
I don't know what bases he has built up to support level bombers, but those will probably have to be suppressed. I worry that you might be spread too thin trying to suppress, and his navy can sneak in and cause a ruckus.

I like the aggressive approach though - despite my reservations, I say go for it.

And a possible name? I like "Keystone" - because if you fail, your entire defense perimeter is going to be weakened significantly. But if you succeed, you'll likely win the war.

Sounds like a good analysis Madflava!

There are indeed many difficulties involved in the proposed operations. First of all
there must be 25 PT boats at Mili covered by a large number of fighters. So how can
I dispatch of these without sacrificing too much?

There are also some PT boats at Nauru and Makin. The latter also holds a force of
cruisers and battleships that will have to be taken care of.

Ken is also taking about moving 2 new divisions into the Solomons. I'm not worried about
this. If he wants to disperse them around the isles I'll be happy to smash them one by one.
He also mentions that he 'found' an aviation regiment for Gili Gili... We'll see about this. My
recon should be able to identify how strong forces he got here.

Op Keystone sounds like a good name for Phase 2 & 3 [8D]
If you look at the map you can see that the KB can support an invasion of Munda 5 hexes
away from Lunga. Only Allied medium bombers can reach this far and 150 Zeros will cut them
to pieces. The clue is to use 1500 size AP's that can unload quickly after the bombardment TFs
have done their work. A strong Tanaka cruiser TF will then be ordered to protect the invasion.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/16/43

Air Combat

Did a huge number on resources in Kunming today! Seems like it's fairly
easy to bomb China into submission as long as there isn't any oppposition in
the air to talk about.

Day Air attack on Kunming , at 39,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 29
Ki-21 Sally x 105
Ki-48 Lily x 12
Ki-49 Helen x 26

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
I-153c: 2 damaged

Resources hits 36

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kweiyang , at 41,35

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 2
Ki-48 Lily x 29

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
No Allied losses

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 26

Aircraft Attacking:
All Ki-48 Lily bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Taung Gyi , at 33,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 8
Wellington III x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
Wellington III: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported

Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
1 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Taung Gyi , at 33,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 67,97

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Phoenix

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

Ground Combat

How to make the Chinks good soldiers...surround them [;)]

Ground combat at Tatung

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 34728 troops, 393 guns, 2 vehicles

Defending force 3352 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 52 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
196 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Allied ground losses:
111 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

2-3 of the 5 divisions now at Truk are ready for action while the last 2 needs
another month of R&R. Large number of transports are being moved from Singapore
and other locations.

Only 5 days until the Taiho arrives. The Shokaku and Zuikaku are down to 3 and 5 sys
damage. The Kaga got 3 and Akagi 0. Junyo is down to 23. It's very difficult to repair the
Yamato though, still over 30 sys damage. Most of the other carriers are ready for action

For the battleships 3 of the Kongo's still got sys damage in their teens
while one is at 22. Non of these ships have received their 10/42 upgrade yet.
The Fuso, Mutsu, Huyga and Ise are almost ready for action together with the Musashi.
I hope to get 8 battleships ready within a month.

Most of the cruiers are ready, only 4 still have moderate sys damage.

The situation is even better for the destroyers, most are ready for action but Tokyo Express
and ASW missions are nevertheless putting a strain on this group.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/17/43

Sub ASW Attacks

An enemy sub is spotted south of Truk and an ASW group reports it
sunk. Still an enemy sub icon in the hex though...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 62,80

Japanese Ships
DD Oshio
PC Ch 14
PC Ch 1
DD Uranami
DD Michishio
DD Natsushio

Allied Ships
SS Tautog, hits 3, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ken is now using huge number of LCVPs and LCMs in the Solomons!

TF 1076 encounters mine field at Fergusson Island (57,94)

Allied Ships
SS Tautog, and is sunk
LCVP 542P, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

A huge air strike on Kunming hit enemy industrial targets hard today.

Day Air attack on Kunming , at 39,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 29
Ki-21 Sally x 185
Ki-48 Lily x 12
Ki-49 Helen x 26
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
I-153c: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Heavy Industry hits 29

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombers bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kweiyang , at 41,35

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 23
Ki-48 Lily x 77

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
I-16c: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 45

Aircraft Attacking:
All Ki-48 Lily bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Taung Gyi , at 33,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5
Wellington III x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
Wellington III: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported

Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Taung Gyi , at 33,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 2

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Goodenough island at 56,93

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3

Allied aircraft
CW-21B Demon x 3
Kittyhawk I x 17
P-40E Warhawk x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 3 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Tatung

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 34520 troops, 387 guns, 2 vehicles

Defending force 3214 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 137 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
96 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
190 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Map: The bombing offensive in China

Over half of all resources and industry in Kumning has now been destroyed. I doubt that this damage
can be fixed. There's little industry in Yunan, but the enemy air units and air fields there will soon receive
a pounding. Afterwards it's Chungking's turn before we finish with Chengtu.

Should be able to gain a few easy points and at the same time destroy Ken's ability to mount offensive
operations in China.

I've never liked half hearted measures, that's why they call me the Hammer
So rest assured, by mid to late February 1943 the storm will break loose!

Yes!!!, I wanto to see some action soon[:D].
Regarding your operations: ufff too many operations. Spanish HQ still believe that a operation against Mili and Guadalcanal are the best ones, because of their strategic goals but we agree that there are other possibilities. I think you´re going to try to destroy as many ground troops as possible but...

...Two questions about these operations:

1) Why do you want to take Nauru: no strategic value and as soon as you invade it you´ll have to leave it. Too far to protect it! Again to destroy enemy troops?
2) GG is a risky operation: you will meet strong opposition from PM...I know that you´re trying to cut enemy forces (advance) at Buna but still I don´t think it is worthwhile. GG is also impossible to keep in jap hands.

Anyway, I will follow your next post.... Very risky opperations...really, very risky.

Don't worry Toraq! The plan outlines all the objectives I want to carry out. It's not a given that they will all be carried out.
This depends on losses and enemy strength. The objective is to hurt the enemys ground and naval units in the area.

Nauru is a good objective because Ken will have to use his carriers if he wants to save it because it is easy to destroyed 20k
enemy troops on an unsupported island. If I eliminate these units here they can't be used in future operations and delay future Allied
offensives.

I would prefer an offensive against Port Moresby more than one against Guadalcanal...but both of these objectives are currently
out of my reach. Both Vella Lavella and Munda AND Russel Island have to be taken before I can get to Lunga. On the other side
Goodenough and Gili Gili are in the way of a PM operation.

How many destroyers should I group in each TF's before I sail the into Mili in order to destroy the enemy PT boat presence there?
Was thinking about 4x5 ship TFs...

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/18/43

Sub/ASW Combat

There was another sub in the hex were we sank the Tautog yesterday...
The Sailfish followed suit today [;)] Ken must take a hint soon and move his
boats to safer waters!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 62,80

Japanese Ships
DD Natsushio
PC Ch 14
PC Ch 1
DD Uranami
DD Michishio
DD Oshio

Allied Ships
SS Sailfish, hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Day Air attack on Kweiyang , at 41,35

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 18
Ki-48 Lily x 76

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 74

Aircraft Attacking:
All Ki-48 Lily bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Fergusson Island at 57,94

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
MSW Townsville, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
MSW Bundaberg, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

The Hopei Militia Division gave up today...

Ground combat at Tatung

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 34481 troops, 387 guns, 2 vehicles

Defending force 2903 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 1080 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
131 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
5638 casualties reported
Guns lost 14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm capturing some small islands on the east coast of Malaysia

Ground combat at Mentawi Island

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 510 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 22 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Mentawi Island base !!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Map: Operation Lock Down

This is the plan for Operation Lock Down - the final offensive in Burma. The aim is to surround and eliminate
the Allied/Chinese presence in Mandalay and Burma.

The Red arrows indicate the first stage, the blue is stage 2 while green is stage 3.
The black line indicates the future Chinese border.

In all there are 104000 troops ready for this operation together with 300 ac.
Overall command is under the Burma Area Army while local controll is under the 15th Army.

55th Div
48th Div
1 Bde
1 Naval Guard Unit
3 SNLF units
3 Engineer Regiments
4 Tank Regiments
3 Field arty units

Ken wasn't happy about me sinking those two minesweepers yesterday!
MSW Bundaberg reminded me about something...RUM! I still got a Bundaberg beer cooler
from my year in Brisbane [;)]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/19/43

Air Combat

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kunming , at 39,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
Ki-21 Sally x 76
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-153c: 3 destroyed

Heavy Industry hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombers bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/20/43

Air Combat

Almost all industry in Kunming is now destroyed. Switching to bomb resources!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kunming , at 39,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 27
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11
Ki-21 Sally x 173
Ki-48 Lily x 12
Ki-49 Helen x 27
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-153c: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Heavy Industry hits 15

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombers bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 64,94 - another good hit by my small naval bomber units!

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
APD McKean
APD Manley, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
36 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Kwajalein at 79,79 - pretty sure these PB4Ys took of without Ken's permission [;)]

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 48

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
PG Taiko Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Map: Solomon islands

This picture shows how the Solomons have been built up and the gap over to the Marshall Islands!

It seems like my bombing offensive in China is providing me with lots of points!
When I checked the score it was:

Japan: 48012
Allies: 12008

If this is right I only need another 30 points to get a clean 4-1 [X(]
We continue to hit China [:'(]

Tomorrow the Taiho will arrive: anyone managed to get this ship any earlier
than January 22 1943? [:D] Will provide you with a nice shot of Vice Adm Nagumos
First Carrier Division:

Flagship: Taiho
Shokaku
Zuikaku
Akaga
Kagi

The 2 Junyo's and 3-4 light carriers will make up the Second Carrier Division while
the escort carriers make up the 1st Escort Division.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/21/43

Air Combat

Today we destroyed even more of the enemy's resources in Kunming - the place will
soon be sterile [8D]

A coastal RO class sub was sunk by enemy asw ac today in the Solomons. Really dangerous
even to send them out on mining missions...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kunming , at 39,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 29
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11
Ki-21 Sally x 184
Ki-48 Lily x 12
Ki-49 Helen x 27
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-153c: 2 damaged

Resources hits 13

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombers bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Taung Gyi , at 33,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 9
Wellington III x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 3 destroyed
Wellington III: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Burma Area Army is now moving to attack and the AAF is stepping up their
operations!

Day Air attack on 22nd Chinese Division, at 33,30

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3
Ki-21 Sally x 21
Ki-48 Lily x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
8 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 96th Chinese Division, at 32,30

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48 Lily x 28

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 10000 feet
15 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 200th Chinese Division, at 33,30

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 27
Ki-21 Sally x 78
Ki-48 Lily x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
34 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombers bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Training in China is also peaking: I want 250-300 Zeros ready within a month!

Day Air attack on 62nd Chinese Corps, at 42,36

Japanese aircraft - 74
A6M2 Zero x 50
A6M3 Zero x 24

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
27 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
24 x A6M3 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 55th Chinese Corps, at 43,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 63
A6M3 Zero x 27
G4M1 Betty x 58
Ki-27 Nate x 20

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
40 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 7000 feet
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 7000 feet
27 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
27 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
24 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
27 x A6M3 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
9 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 30th Chinese/B Corps, at 46,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 79
B5N Kate x 11
G4M1 Betty x 15
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 10000 feet
23 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
11 x B5N Kate bombing at 8000 feet
8 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
8 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
8 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
8 x A6M2 Zero bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Green Island at 63,89

Allied aircraft - the B-25s are very good at striking at max range - 8 hexes [:(]
B-25C Mitchell x 24

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
ML Aotaka
ML Katsuriki
ML Hirashima, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage - this small ml is severly hurt and may sink before reaching Rabaul!

Aircraft Attacking:
All B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet

Think we encountered a time warp which shock this game pretty badly this turn....

Firstly: the combat animations dissappeared. We're still in V1.5 and if Ken didn't turn them
off something may be wrong.

Secondly: I saw some strange night missions against Kendari today. Not mentioned in the
combat report.

Thirdly: the Taiho arrived with Zekes, Judys and Jills. Great.
Attaching a screenie. What am I going to do with this great carrier now? But the ac ashore and
keep the 'new models' ashore until I start receiving reinforcements - or take em for a spin until
they are in need of reinforcements and then transfer them ashore...

I'm afraid this latest event may be connected with the other.
Comments anyone...

Ken also sent his B-24s to Rabaul - with mines!? They 'dropped' em from 20k feet?
My more than 60 fighters on CAP didn't intercept and I've still not found any mines.
Highly dubious as well!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/22/43

Air Combat

The war on resources continues... The Allies suddenly had 125028
points this turn. Must be Ken undersupplying one of his bases [&:]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kunming , at 39,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 28
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11
Ki-21 Sally x 181
Ki-49 Helen x 27
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 3 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-153c: 1 destroyed

Resources hits 42

Aircraft Attacking:
All bombers bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Taung Gyi , at 33,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 8
Wellington III x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed
Wellington III: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 61,88 [&:]

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 8
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 36
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 32

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 26

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses [&:]

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x B-24D Liberator laying mines at 20000 feet [&:]
6 x B-24D Liberator laying mines at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enter the Taiho...teleported in from the future!

Im sure everyone reads this iconic AAR .. but im just posting my 2pence regarding the future operation name ..

Operation Roundup ? reason being is that roundup is a well know weed killer in the UK [:D]

anyway .. sure hope my AAR opponents cant repeat this amazing japanese success story

good luck [8D]