Toraq´s AAR: Defending the Empire

[toraq]

Well, Timtom and I have decided to start another battle. It is the scenario called Stalemate & Counterpunch (15 Feb. 43- 15 May 43) so only 3 moths long. I will play the IJN side, and Timtom, the bad guys. [;)]

This scenario is extremely difficult for the japanese player: allied power is so overwhelming that I doubt if I have some posibilities. However, there are some house rules which try to increase the reality of the South Pacific War. Timtom will write about these house rules, so I´m only stating the most important things:

1) We have decided to reduce the amount of heavy bomber squadrons that can attack one objective at the same time. Only 4 sqds of heavies together. This tries to adjust the tough conditions of the South Pacific area, that caused many heavies to stand down most of the times.

2) Units assigned to one command cannot operate in the AoR of the other.

3) IJN can operate up to 4 sqds in night bombing attacks (as they historically did at this stage of the war)

4) And the most important thing, IJN commitment 160%. The reason... I "Imagoko Toraquichi" take over the South Pacific command and the Emperor & General HQ are so confident with my skills that they decide to send more naval forces to the area. (I hope).

Well that´s all, I think. So let´s analyse IJ and US power in the scenario.

IJ POWER
The decline of the empire has begun: pilots are no longer good and material is outclassed. Despite I have many crack rgts the distribution of the forces is horrible.

These are the air forces
3 Ki-43 IIa Datais---pilots with quite poor experience
6 A6M3 Datais (122 Zeroes) ---datais with 60 to 70 XP
5 A6M5 Datais (90 Zeroes) ---datais with 60 to 70 XP
5 G4M1 Betties (100 bombers) ---XP from 55 to 70
4 Nells datais (40 bombers) ---XP from 55 to 70

These are the naval forces
2 CVEs
1 CVL
2 BB (Haruna and Kongo)
2 CA
2 CL
20 DD (more or less)
6 MLs
6 SS (ONLY!!!)

Many APs, 5 TKs, 2 AO, many PCs and PGs
And in 11 days I´ll receive the Shokaku, Zuikaku, Hiyo with 2 BBs, 6 CAs, 10 DD or so, 3 CS and more APs

Ground forces
You´ll have to wait until I finish the maps of the two areas. There you may see the ground forces.

ALLIED POWER
I´m not going to write the numbers in detail but I´ll point out the main allied "super-powers"

1) Unbeatable airforce
Uffff. Timtom has an unlimited airpower. With many sqds of F4U in Lunga, 18 sqds of heavies, 10 of B25, and 7 of P38. And also P40, SBD, A20, SBDs, Beauforts,...As you know F4U are devils and can get 10:1 favourable odds in a air to air battle. We have to avoid those guys[:-]

6 modern BBs
Yes, guys. 6 BBs with 16.1 inches guns and with a speed of 28 knots. Even the Yamato will die against those ships. [X(]

30 Submarines
[:@]. God! He has so many that I could walk from Truk to Rabaul without touching the water!. This is going to be hard...

1 CV and 3 CVEs
It could be worse but one of them got F4U and all of them can put 200 planes into the air. Enough to fight my CVs in equal terms. [:@]

CONCLUSION
IJ forces are Ok but allied power is sooo, soo BIG that it is imposible to take the offensive. Ie. He´s got 1200 planes while I only got 500. Even a defensive role is very difficult due to the bad deployment of the japanese ground forces. The whole IJN will be involved in escort and FT missions, and the datais will have to LCAP them if we want to get a chance. I´m up 1200 points, that means Timtom will have to take Lae and Munda or something like that. Despite I´m going to play a defensive role, I got a couple of things in my pocket to surprise my opponent.

[toraq]

Lae is the main base here, together with Wewak and Madang. But the former is so weakly garrisoned that I need to send forces there ASAP. Also the supplies are scarce (excep in Wewak and Madang) and every base is exposed to allied air power.
However, NG is the only place where I may challenge his fighters (no F4Us present) and try to avoid the closing of my airports.

[toraq]

The US Air force can wipe out my fighters without mercy with its F4U Corsair. Its range is 10 hexes so the occupation of the Russel islands is very important. This allows him to escort bomb raids over Short or Buin. [:(]

I plan to retire my airforce from New Georgia and maybe build a base in Buka to raid Lunga when possible. But that´s all.
Every base (especially Munda and Vila) needs supplies and troops. We will see if we can muster some men to go there...

[toraq]

Two turns already played and nothing happened. Only recon missions, which cost me one Irving.[:@]. Timtom already have photos of my main bases.

NEW GUINEA

I already FT 4500 troops to Lae in three FT TF. Good[;)].
Some transports are heading to Wewak to retire the infantry division that is there.

NEW GEORGIA
Russel Island already in allied hands. I got to do something to slow the construction of that base but, what??. Very close to Lunga, PTs and Henderson Field. And any damage done, will be repaired in one day. It´s impossible. And a counter-invasion is a foolish plan.

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/17/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

His subs already appeared. One AP torpedoed, carrying a CD unit. Later, I will explain some tactics/future plans. 6 Ki-43 already lost due to op. losses. These planes are LCAP FT and transport TF. The pilot experience is soo low that they´re useless against enemy fighters.

Submarine warfare

Sub attack at 20,3***Near truk***

Japanese Ships
TK Fujisan Maru

Allied Ships
SS Stingray
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 16,25***near Rabaul***

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

Allied Ships
SS Albacore

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 34
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No enemy air attacks so far...[:)]. This is quite strange but Timtom is the kind of guy who waits until everything is ready. Good!!

[toraq]

I forget to post my last combat report. My SC TF hit Dobadura, destroyed 4 planes and damaged several ones in the process. Good![:)]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/19/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

[&:]

Nothing important.

The AP previously torpedoed sank today.

My FT missions have succesfully transported 1 Rgt. while my air transports are sending another one to Lae.

Timtom has reinforced the CAP over PM, surely to protect the incoming ships (AKs)

Enemy BBs left Noumea today, probably to avoid further raids to Dobadura. But I gues I have time for another one...

[toraq]

Tactics and strategy

As promised, I detail some of my thoughs about this scenario. If anyone is interested.

New Guinea

Right now, I have some doubts about what to do in this area. The key is to keep open the supply line between Rabaul/Gasmata and Lae. Lae worths more than 500 points so it is critical to keep it in Japanese hands. If I manage to do it, I have many chances to win the scenario.

What I´m going to do to get that??

Ground forces

-Send up to 4 INF regiments there. 1 from Salamaua (won´t fight here much), 2 FT, and 1 using air transports.
To keep the supply levels is another story. It would be difficult, and if Timtom wants, he could completely isolate Lae. So I plan to put up some fight in the air and over the surface.

Base expansion
-Gasmata base will be expanded and planes based there will LCAP FT missions to Lae
-Madang base will be expanded also. Just to threaten the enemy bases there and to keep planes LCAP over Lae if necessary.
-Wewak will be used as a rear base (for R&R)

Engineers are needed to avoid the closing of a base. I plan to have 100 to 120 engineers in my main bases. They could be enough...

Naval forces
-I plan to base all my CVs at Rabaul, just to keep his BB away from my supply lines with NG
-If necessary, my SC TF should engage his BB: the point is to damage them and force them to retire (long lance torpedoes)
-Only a couple of SS are available to base in this area.

Air Forces
-On the other hand, all my air forces are available to fight against those P38 and P40
-Maybe, if everything is quite favourable, my level bombers will attack some of his less defended bases. But only maybe...

My big doubt
Maybe is better to develop a strong Jap. Base in Goodeburg Island (spell?). This place is so important that Timtom should pay much attention to it. Thus, pressure over Lae should be reduced (which is the important thing)
Mmmm, still thinking about that...

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/20/43

Weather: Rain

Well incredibly, my opponent didn´t lauch any air attack. Only recon missions. Again Timtom is acting quite conservative...Meanwhile, my transport missions are on its way. Supplies are needed in Rabaul ASAP (only 5000 left).

His subs are detected near my bases, possibly on mine operations

My Topsy are intercepted over Lae [:@]. He got me!. One lost

More operational losses...[:@]

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/21/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Well allied airpower appeared, showing me how weak I am. Everything went quite wrong for the japanese side.

Submarine warfare
Some SS detected and attacked near Rabaul. But no way, another AP torpedoed. I´ll try to save him...

Japanese Ships
AP Hakutetsu Maru #13, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Growler

Unsuccesful night attack

[:@][:@] Two Emily lost. One due to flak, the other due to those P70!!!. first time I see this in a PBEM.

Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 9
H8K Emily x 16

Allied aircraft
P-70A Havoc x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged
H8K Emily x 1 destroyed x 1 damaged

Air attack over Rabaul
I consider a little victory for me. Yesterday no CAP was present but today, I expected something and many ships were at Rabaul. 38 B17 attacked and half of them resulted damaged. 4 lost

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M3 Zero x 50

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 38

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

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 16 damaged ***All of them damaged by fighters***

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 53
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 12
Runway hits 32***Tomorrow the airfield will be completely repaired***

A disaster in the sea
[:@]...But naval bombardment of Dobadura went VERY wrong. Damage was minimun. And worse, one FT moved too close to Dobadura and was subsequently attacked...

Naval bombardment of Dobadura, at 13,38

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

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 8

Airbase hits 6
Runway hits 27***I want to kill Tanaka...Some ships hardly fired a shot[:@]***

And finally the disaster....Because this FT was far from the others, no LCAP was protecting it.

Air attack on TF at 15,33 ***various strikes***

Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 8
A-20G Havoc x 17
P-39D Airacobra x 41
B-25D Mitchell x 3

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 3 destroyed x 6 damaged
A-20G Havoc x 1 destroyed x 7 damaged
B-25D Mitchell x 3 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 5 damaged


Japanese Ships
DD Asashio, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage ***to gasmata***
DD Yukikaze
DD Arashio
CL Yubari, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage ***sent to Gasmata***
DD Asagumo, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 111 plus some more troops from a crack regiment [:@]

Both ships will surely sink, either due to a new air attack, either due to a sub attack. I feel quite stupid...
My planes are LCAP many TF and some of them fell into the sea today. Soon I´ll have to rest them.

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/22/43

Weather: Clear

Again a quite frustrating day for the Japanese. The CL Yubari sank today, despite he was not so severly damage. Will be followed by the Asashio which has 90 sys damage. Bad luck-good luck is one thing that I can´t understand: his SS were very succesful, like his P38, and my fighters refuse to attack his heavies....[:(]

Night attack against PM
I need to increase the number of aircraft that attack. Only 40-50%...poor

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8
H8K Emily x 7

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 destroyed
B-25J Mitchell x 5 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1 ***good***
Runway hits 7

Sub contacts
As I said, many, with two of my DD severely damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Satsuki, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Greenling

Sub attack at 10,34

Japanese Ships
DD Yukikaze, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Tuna

Sub attack at 11,34

Japanese Ships
DD Yugure
DD Kiyonami

Allied Ships
SS S-40, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Air battle over Rabaul
He tried again. This time heavily escorted. My Zeroes were mauled by his P38. But they suffered some op. losses.

Air attack on Rabaul , at 21,28 ***two strikes, 40 P38 each***

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
A6M3 Zero x 10

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 40
F-5A Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 6 destroyed [:@]
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 2 destroyed x 3 damaged ***10 lost***

Despite these losses, I´m not very worried with the air offensive against Rabaul. Against the AI, even as late as June 43, allied can´t really close Rabaul and losses to P38 usually force allies to stop/reduce operations against that base.

Air attack on Rabaul , at 21,28

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 23
B-24D Liberator x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 5 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 101

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 28

Also Buka and Salamaua were attacked. In Buka, despite 36 Zeroes on CAP, only 1 B17 was damaged. This is the kind of thing I can´t understand.[&:].

[toraq]

Well, another map with my tactics in the area.
As already stated, no fighters opposition against his F4U (which are based in Lunga). Buka is being developed. From here I plan to night attack Russel Island, Lunga or PM. Just to destroy some supplies and planes on the ground.
I have many MLs so my mission here is to mine the area as much as possible. This should delay any offensive movement. After that I could safely retire some of my forces from the foward bases.

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/23/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Another air battle over Rabaul. 5 heavies lost vs 6 Zeroes destroyed on the ground. Rabaul is far from closed and despite the losses I can cope with the attacks. Rabaul is the most powerful and best defended base, so it´s Ok with me if he tries again.

Rabaul attacked
Air attack on Rabaul , at 21,28

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 6
A6M2 Zero x 25
A6M3 Zero x 4
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 12

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

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 7 destroyed x 16 damaged ***incredible...only 34 heavies attacking***
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 destroyed x 5 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 169

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 37

The Oscar probed absolutely useless in ATA. Their morale is so low that they flee from battle instantly. They are better to LCAP TFs which allows them to avoid air raids.

Buka closed
Yes only 42 engineers there. I need to send some engineers ASAP

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 11

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 19

In three days I receive reinforces: Cvs, DDs, and BBs...

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/24/43

Weather: Rain

Many attacks to my ships. Another DD bombed and damaged...the war is over for him. Tomorrow is a important day. Many Zeros in LCAP and some risk for the next operation.

Submarine warfare
I got all my betties and nells in ASW patrol. My Vals and Kates are also looking for subs. Some of them detected and attacked but no results. On the other hand...first allied ship sank due to my subs. But damaged (out of the war in the process)

Sub attack at 22,30

Japanese Ships
MSW Seki Maru #3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Growler
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 42,46

Japanese Ships
SS I-21, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
AK Bellatrix, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage ***sank with 2000 supplies***
DD Swanson

Rabaul´s ships attacked
Again good results for the P38...but op. losses are high (3 lost)

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36
A6M3 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 20
B-25D Mitchell x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 3 damaged ***three lost***
B-25D Mitchell x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Isuzu

More japs ships attacked

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 12
P-38G Lightning x 19

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIC x 1 destroyed x 14 damaged ***6 lost***

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 20, Bomb hits 1
DD Mochizuki, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire ***38 sys damage***

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Meteiai at 17,24

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 13
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 12
B-25D Mitchell x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed ***by a Ki43***
B-25D Mitchell x 3 damaged

CPT C. Jones of 39th FS is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
DD Hamakaze

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/25/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Operation "Stonewall 1" was successful. 4 ML deployed mines, escorted by a group of BBs and CAs. This was dangerous because it is in front of the nose of 2 BB reported at Lunga, and a SC of some CLs and DD. Zeroes from Short and Buin LCAP these TFs to avoid air attacks.
Munda has now about 200 mines. And Short another 75.

This is Japanese´s life in 1943: to deploy 250 mines, the IJ has to use 2 BBs, 2 CAs, 10 DD and 75 Zeroes. This takes much time!

Rabaul attacked (soon will become the "Rabaul Express")
The bad thing is that my pilots only damage few heavies so losses are not heavy on his side. Also, my AA is useless at 15000 feet.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 13

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 15
B-24D Liberator x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed x 4 damaged ***on the ground***
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 1 destroyed x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 91

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 1 ***
Runway hits 17***damage around 20, 170 engineers at Rabaul***

Solution
1) Half of my fighters will CAP while the other half rest. If rested my pilots should be more efficient. If this doesn´t work I CAP Rabaul with every single plane (massive interception) available.
2) From Gasmata I´m going to retire 2 Field AA units (with 75mm AA guns). This should work against those heavies at 15000.

Also Shortland was attacked, and Salamaua Garrison.
I guess he saw my fighter...despite no recon mission in the last turn. [:@]

Air attack on Shortland Island , at 29,34

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 34
F-5A Lightning x 6
B-25J Mitchell x 29
B-17E Fortress x 35

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 85

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 29***open, so I retire my Zeroes***

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/26/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

A new day and allied power went for Buka which was quite well defended. Some sub contacts but no success.

Submarine warfare
I knew it was going to be tough but not so much. Only one S-Boat hit, but it didn´t sink!.
Anyway, I guess my ASW attacks are wasting their fuel. I´ve attached a map showing the situation about this little problem...[:o]

Sub attack at 22,30

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

Allied Ships
SS Growler

Buka attacked
And is closed. More engineers will be FT next turn, so I can reach 100. However, I probably have to leave the base soon. Thus, SOPAC heavies can only target Rabaul

Air attack on Buka , at 26,30

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 40

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 21
PB4Y Liberator x 5
B-24D Liberator x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 destroyed x 7 damaged ***reasonable results***
B-24D Liberator x 4 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 30

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/27/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Casualities
I can´t understand some things...he is soo lucky and my commanders are so stupid...[:o]. Two other DD damaged. This is VERY bad. In 15 days of combats these are my losses:

Sunk
3 APs (1000 cargo)
1 CL

Damaged
6 DD
1 SS
1 TK

My ship commintment is 160% but HQ in Tokio doesn´t want to send me more BBs or CVs. . Only MODERATE the probability...
Being Jap. means thinking VERY much to squeeze your assets. Damaged DDs can´t move at 30 knots but their speed is enough to used them on ASW TFs. So VOILÁ, I´m using some of them in ASW patrols. If they´re damaged again, I´ll send them to Tokio, but meanwhile I will only send to Tokio APs and TKs (enough of both).

Pilot replacement
I forgot to mention but the pilot quality is very poor. I received some below 20 XP. And 22 or 23 is quite normal. This is normal, and I think I can live with that. However, his bomber pilots are "only" good (but not superb- 60 XP) and they hit my ships like if they have 75 XP points...

Submarine warfare
Luck is not by my side...Two more attacks (by DDs) and nothing.

Sub attack at 22,30

Japanese Ships
DD Akitsuki, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Growler ***already sank one AP***
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 20,31

Japanese Ships
DD Tanikaze
DD Wakazuki

Allied Ships
SS Grampus

BBs attacked
Close to Dobadura to smash that place or GG. Attacking at 6000 feet, they scored 2 hits with no losses.

Air attack on TF at 23,36

Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 6

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 1 ***destroyed 4 5.5 guns***
DD Yugure, Bomb hits 1, on fire ***very damaged, with a lot of fires***

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
4 x Beaufort at 6000 feet

Japanese players always bet the entire game in one turn and maybe tomorrow is one of those days...

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/28/43

Weather: Overcast

Finally a good turn for the Empire [:'(]. I risked my assest and I won a small victory. I shelled Dobadura. Then, a fighter sweep attacked at 100 feet cleaning the skies for the bombers which caused more confusion and distraction.
A total of 13 planes were destroyed on the ground, for the cost of 6 Zeroes. A expensive mission but the reason for this operation has been this:

1) I don´t want Timtom to feel unbeatable. I want him to be very careful, to spend resources protecting his bases and ships. I want his pilots to be tired of CAP over their own bases. But if he decides to be aggresive and attack Rabaul, I think I can win the battle over there.
2) I needed a small victory. Moral is also important in this game [;)]

Dobadura´s attack
I sortied his subs using another approach. I was lucky about the mines. No mines found.

1st The naval bombardment

Naval bombardment of Dobadura, at 13,38

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 3 destroyed x 1 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 2 destroyed x 5 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 141
Vehicles lost 2

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 4 ***very good***
Runway hits 82

2nd the fighter sweep
At 100 feet

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 52 ***two sweeps of about 50 aircraft***

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed ***this one had one victory***

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Kittyhawk x 3 destroyed x 5 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed x 3 damaged
Beaufort x 1 destroyed x 1 damaged

3rd the bomber raid
At 6000 feet. No AA units present

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 63
G3M Nell x 22 ***the empire still has some assests***
G4M1 Betty x 72

Allied aircraft

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 3 destroyed x 2 damaged
Beaufort x 2 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 67

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 2 ***good***
Runway hits 50

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/01/43

Weather: Rain

Another small victory for the empire. One enemy sub sank and another one was hit 3 times by nells and betties. I hope it won´t survive.

Submarine warfare
The other one damaged has been the loved SS Growler, responsible of sinking one AP and damaging one DD.

Sub attack at 25,30

Japanese Ships
ML Hoko

Allied Ships
SS Swordfish, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Sub attack at 21,30

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 11, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage ***sank***

Allied Ships
SS Grampus

This time I found 26 P-38 and 15 P40 over Dobadura. [:)]. I guess I got my objective. Tomorrow I´ll recon PM to frighten Timtom

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/02/43

Weather: Overcast

Submarine warfare
Again many sub contacts and with no success for the IJN. I´m a little surprised by the nº of sub attacks I´m receiving from always the same subs. Even with 4 ASW patrols, I only sank one. Two more damaged but SS 40 is being repaired at Buna and SS Groyler didn´t sink (despite 3!!!!! hits from my betties and nells)

Sub attack at 20,32

Japanese Ships
AV Akitsushima, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Grampus

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 20
Guns lost 1

Ships at Rabaul attacked
Fortunately, no losses and Timtom lost 2 precious PBY24

Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 21,28

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 24
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 9

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator x 9 damaged ***two lost...few***

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya

Mine warfare
More mines in the MUnda-Vila area


Tomorrow is Clear. I´ve increased my CAPs and no FT missions will be deployed away from Rabaul´s umbrella. Something is going on...[8|]

[toraq]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/03/43

Weather: Clear

Clear days are always busy and bloody. Rabaul´s CAP was mauled by that little basttard called P-38[:@]. In the air, I lost 11 to 7 from the allied side. US Submarines are quite accurate and has no ammon limitation (me thinks)

Submarine warfare
Today, a disaster for the IJN. More than 5 attacks and no depth charging. Even with high skilled leaders. I lost 2 APs and one PG. All the attack near to Rabaul

Sub attack at 20,32

Japanese Ships
PG Keijo Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage***sunk***

Allied Ships
SS Amberjack
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Japanese Ships
AP Sumiyoshi Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage ***sunk***

Allied Ships
SS Grampus
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Japanese Ships
AP Kashiwa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage ***scuttled***

Allied Ships
SS Amberjack

Rabaul´s attack
First a fighter sweep and then a massive attack by heavies. Of a total of 48 heavies allowed (due to our house rule), 45 attacked. I´ve never seen so many % of aircraft flighing...

Fighter sweep
Two attacks, from Dobadura, I think

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28
A6M3 Zero x 21

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 4 destroyed x 1 damaged ***9 lost***

CPT C. Jones of 39th FS is credited with kill number 3

2nd the heavies
Air attack on Rabaul , at 21,28

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
A6M3 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 19
B-17E Fortress x 22
B-24D Liberator x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 10 destroyed x 3 damaged ***maybe 4 on the ground***
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 1 destroyed x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged ***1 lost***
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

1LT D. Campbell of 35th FS is credited with kill number 3

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 220

Airbase hits 19
Runway hits 39***Quite damaged***

Total losses are 12 A6M2 and 6 A6M3 (two of them while flying from base to base). TOO high. But he lost 9 or so P-38 which should stop this air offensive...

A little surprise
I LCAP Salamaua with 1 datai of A6M3, which damaged 4 B25J. 2 of them lost (op. losses). Just to threaten Timtom

Air attack on 102nd Regiment, at 9,34 ***this rgt is deployed at Salamaua and has been under attack almost since the first week***

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 18

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 23
B-25J Mitchell x 61
A-20G Boston x 9

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 92