Return to the Valley of the Sun: Condor (USN) vs. Quark (IJN)

[Attack Condor]

Dec 16th, 1942
Weather: Rain

Here we go. Quarks CVs get close to TV, and LBA responds. He has 44 A6M2 and A6M3 Zeroes providing CAP (down from 68 yesterday). I’m sure the decrease is due to him LRCAP TV to try to intercept C47s ferrying troops into TV. This time, I have P-40 support for the bombers, and although the fighters do get chewed up, 4 of his fighters are lost as well in air–to-air combat. Only one A-20 is lost due to CAP. Quark’s flak, on the other hand is as effective as ever. I do manage to get one bomb into Kaga, with a critical damage result (I’m very surprised Quark has exposed his carriers so close to my LBA).

Quark also sends a FT force to take undefended Cairns. It has some fuel there, and I’m sure he wants to use it if he can.

Chenango is caught by Quark’s BB TF. Not much more to say there.

Two sub intercepts, no hits though.

Back east, the supply convoy is unloading. 4000 tons ashore, 17000 more to go. The 43rd division should land in two days. One P-38 and one P-39 squadron provide LRCAP, from LV and Wunpuko, respectively. Quark has a FT TF at Irau, with 3 INF units there. I have the BB TF led by South Dakota (this time, with Southard along for the ride) ready to sail north to Irau again. I also have 2 CA TFs led by Louisville and Vincennes ready to react into Kourouratopo if Quark FTs there. Additionally, S-45 has also moved to Kourouratopo.

In SWPAC, 48 B-26 Marauders have arrived in CT. One half strength Navy F4F-4 squadron joins the defenders at TV. 2 more full strength Army P-40E Warhawk squadrons arrive in TV as well. Also, the first P-38 Lightning squadron arrives at TV as well. Let’s see how his Zeroes like that J And, for good measure, a full strength Beaufighter FB squadron arrives at TV today. With all these moves, I hope to overwhelm his fighters.


More SBDs and TBFs on the way, via Sangamon. I hope they arrive just as Quark’s fighters start to wear down.

The last of the Beauforts and one Hudson squadron are sent from TV to Brissy to rest and refit (I’m learning the Beauforts need to go in after wounded prey, not ships that have effective flak).

Back at Brissy, 6 full strength C-47 squadrons are ready to airlift reinforcements into TV as necessary. First, however, Quark’s LRCAP needs to be removed. He may try to send fighters to Cairns and use the base that way. Due into Brissy in 6 days is the 8th Australian Armored regiment (with Grant tanks).

At Cairns, the IJN DD Tokitsukazi hit a mine during her FT run.

Suwannee with 4 DDs due in 2 days. Maryland with one CL and 7 DDs due in 5 days.

Things are getting very busy. Perhaps Quark will have his coordination problems again…… One can hope

The report:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/15/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 40,41

Japanese Ships
AG 111, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage (sunk0

Allied Ships
SS Trout

Burn, baby, burn
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 14,56

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Hiei
BB Yamato
CA Mikuma
CL Kiso
DD Akitsuki
DD Fumizuki
DD Kamikaze
DD Matsukaze

Allied Ships
CVE Chenango, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

With no maneuvering to speak of, Chenango is simply overrun.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 12,58

Japanese Ships
AP Zukai Maru

Allied Ships
SS Greenling

I can’t afford to miss APs like this…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,56


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 14
Hudson x 17
Beaufort x 7
P-40E Warhawk x 10
A-20B Boston x 9
B-25D Mitchell x 5
B-17E Fortress x 6


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged
Beaufort x 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato
CA Mikuma
CL Kiso
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 5
DD Fumizuki
BB Hiei

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
0 x Hudson at 20000 feet
9 x A-20B Boston at 20000 feet
3 x Hudson at 20000 feet
6 x Hudson at 20000 feet
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort at 200 feet
8 x Hudson at 20000 feet
5 x B-25D Mitchell at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet

No planes lost, but no penetration on Kongo, either. The SBDs were only carrying 500 lb bombs this trip
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,56


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Matsukaze

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,58

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
A6M3 Zero x 17

Allied aircraft
A-20B Boston x 6

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
A-20B Boston x 1 destroyed
A-20B Boston x 1 damaged

LTJG I.Kasai of BI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
AP Tarushima Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x A-20B Boston at 20000 feet

An AP with effective AA. Yikes!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,58

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
A6M3 Zero x 17

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 12
B-25D Mitchell x 3
B-17E Fortress x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Kensho Maru
DD Ayanami
AP Kembu Maru
MSW Hagoromo Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 20000 feet
9 x Hudson at 20000 feet
0 x Hudson at 20000 feet

Damaged fighters always welcome.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,58

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
A6M3 Zero x 17

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Batavia Maru
AP Tatsuwa Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet

More planes for the CAP to intercept……
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,58

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
A6M3 Zero x 17

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 28
Hudson x 15
Beaufort x 3
P-40E Kittyhawk x 25
P-40E Warhawk x 26
A-20B Boston x 4
B-25D Mitchell x 5
B-17E Fortress x 6
A-20B Havoc x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 4 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 14 damaged
Hudson x 1 damaged
Beaufort x 1 destroyed
Beaufort x 2 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 5 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 2 damaged
P-40E Warhawk x 11 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 5 damaged
A-20B Boston x 1 destroyed
A-20B Boston x 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged
A-20B Havoc x 1 damaged

CPO B.Muto of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 6

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho
CVL Shoho
CV Akagi
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 1
CV Shokaku

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x A-20B Havoc at 20000 feet
2 x Beaufort at 200 feet
3 x Hudson at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston at 20000 feet
5 x B-25D Mitchell at 20000 feet
3 x Hudson at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
9 x A-20B Havoc at 20000 feet
9 x Hudson at 20000 feet

I hope he keeps his carriers in range.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,57


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 10


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 3 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
CA Tone

The Marine SBD pilots get experience the hard way.
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Sub attack near Gili Gili at 17,42


Japanese Ships
DD Takanami

Allied Ships
SS Grayback

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More to come…

[Attack Condor]

December 17, 1942
Weather: Overcast

Quark’s forces sail into TV harbor. No less than 8 MSWs sweep a path clear for him. He unleashes his battleships to bombard the base, but all damage is repaired by morning.

Daylight leads to one of the bloodiest days of air combat to date. Almost 150 planes are destroyed. Most of them are the P-39s and P-40s, but also among the carnage are 33 of Quarks fighters. That has to hurt. As expected, he sent LRCAP over TV, and they took a toll on the planes returning. The Lightnings perform well, and have an even money chance against the Zeroes.

Quark sent his carrier dive bombers to TV and attacked my ground troops. I don’t know what he is trying to accomplish there, but he sent half his fighters as escort. Fine with me.

The naval attacks did manage to score a pair of 1000 lb bomb hits – one each on Shokaku and Zuiho.

Also as expected, Quark has Cairns, and has already based planes on it. Time to switch tactics on him again.

All level bombers from CT, TV, and RH now turn their attention to Cairns. All FBs are set to Naval Attack at 100 feet, while the SBDs are set to stand down. All fighters CAP TV.

I’m going to roll the dice again and try to send the artillery unit in via FT tonight. If Quark sends his BBs in again, it may get ugly, but I want the guns on the ground. Also en route is a FT TF from Noumea carrying the SeaBees. Temporary destination is RH, but TV is their ultimate goal.

North Carolina is two days away from being a threat to Quark, but she sails on westward. If the DDs survive the run into TV, they’ll join up with the battleship.

In the Solomons, unloading at Kourouratopo continues. A large BF (AS = 120) is also there, and should be ready to handle planes tomorrow. The airfield is only a level 2, but the SeaBees should ramp that up soon enough.

South Dakota makes another raid on Irau, this time with DMS support. Quark has had a FT TF land there every couple of days. This will have to be the last raid for a few days. The BB TF fuel is down to 98.

Back in Oz, I have decided to send the 7th division from RH and, if necessary, the 6th from Brisbane. I’ll fly them in if necessary. This will leave them without their heavy weapons, but if I can hang on to TV, perhaps there is still hope. I can’t worry about feints anymore. It’s pure, simple numbers now. I hope I have enough.

The report:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/16/42

Weather: Rain

Sub attack near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
DD Akitsuki
DD Kamikaze

Allied Ships
SS Greenling


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Sub attack near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese Ships
AG 354, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Grayback


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Night Time Surface Combat, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
CA Tone
CA Takao
CA Atago
CL Kinu
DD Yamagumo
DD Yudachi
DD Harusame
DD Nagatsuki

Allied Ships
PT 38, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
PT 48, Shell hits 24, and is sunk
PT 110


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
CA Tone
CA Takao
CA Atago
CL Kinu
DD Yamagumo
DD Yudachi
DD Harusame
DD Nagatsuki

Allied Ships
PT 110, Shell hits 1, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 6


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged

Airbase hits 15
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 17


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tulagi at 38,39

Japanese Ships
AG 356, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-42


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 40,41

Allied Ships
SS Trout


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 1st Aus Motorised Brigade, at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
D3A Val x 74

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 8 damaged


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 30


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 48
A6M3 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Kaihei Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 47
A6M3 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 10
B-24D Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

LT K. Notomi of EIII-1 Daitai bails out and is CAPTURED


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 11,59


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 3
P-38G Lightning x 3
A-20B Boston x 3
B-25D Mitchell x 3
B-26B Marauder x 6
A-20B Havoc x 3


Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 1 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Teizui Maru
MSW Toshi Maru #2
CL Naka, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Tokai Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x A-20B Boston at 10000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 10000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 11,59


Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 20


Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Tatsuta Maru
AP Tokai Maru
AP Kirishima Maru
DD Oite

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,57

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 32
A6M3 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 14
Hudson x 9
P-39D Airacobra x 45
P-38G Lightning x 10
B-26B Marauder x 24
B-17E Fortress x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 5 damaged
Hudson x 2 destroyed
Hudson x 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 18 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 5 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 5 damaged

PO2 K.Ikeda of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 6

LCDR U.Handa of AI-1 Daitai bails out and is CAPTURED

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CVL Shoho
CV Akagi
CV Hiyo

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Hudson at 10000 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
3 x Hudson at 10000 feet

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Air attack on TF at 10,57

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
A6M3 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
SBD Dauntless x 8
Hudson x 8
Beaufighter VIC x 21
P-39D Airacobra x 15
P-40E Kittyhawk x 33
P-40E Warhawk x 53
P-38G Lightning x 11
A-20B Boston x 6
B-25D Mitchell x 5
B-26B Marauder x 4
B-17E Fortress x 9
A-20B Havoc x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 6 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 7 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged
Hudson x 1 damaged
Beaufighter VIC x 9 destroyed
Beaufighter VIC x 6 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 5 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 3 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 14 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 4 damaged
P-40E Warhawk x 16 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 7 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 2 damaged
B-25D Mitchell x 1 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged
A-20B Havoc x 1 damaged

LTJG L.Banno of BI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 8

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho, on fire
CVL Shoho
CV Kaga
CV Hiyo
CV Akagi
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 10000 feet
4 x A-20B Boston at 10000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 10000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 10000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 10000 feet
4 x Hudson at 10000 feet
4 x Hudson at 10000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 10000 feet
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 10000 feet
2 x A-20B Boston at 10000 feet

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Air attack on TF at 13,54


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 10000 feet

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Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 46
A6M3 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 19
B-24D Liberator x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 3 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 6 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

CPT P. Brown of 36th FS bails out WOUNDED and is RESCUED

Japanese Ships
AP Brazil Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
7 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet

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Air attack on TF at 11,59


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 13
Hudson x 12
A-20B Boston x 9
B-25D Mitchell x 6
B-26B Marauder x 10
B-17E Fortress x 9
A-20B Havoc x 9


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Shirayuki, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Naka, on fire
AP Teizui Maru
AP Aki Maru
DD Fubuki
DD Yayoi
AP Kumagawa Maru
DD Oite
AP Nagara Maru
DD Murakumo
AP Kirishima Maru
AP Syoka Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x A-20B Boston at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 10000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
3 x Hudson at 10000 feet
4 x A-20B Boston at 10000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston at 10000 feet
4 x Hudson at 10000 feet
3 x Hudson at 10000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 10000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 10000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
1 x A-20B Havoc at 10000 feet
2 x Hudson at 10000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 10000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 11,59


Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 40


no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Shirayuki, on fire, heavy damage
CL Naka, on fire
DD Murakumo
DD Yayoi
AP Tokai Maru
AP Nagara Maru
AP Aki Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
1 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet

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Air attack on TF at 10,57

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34
A6M3 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
Hudson x 6
Beaufighter VIC x 10
P-39D Airacobra x 10
P-40E Kittyhawk x 19
P-40E Warhawk x 36
P-38G Lightning x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
Hudson x 2 damaged
Beaufighter VIC x 2 destroyed
Beaufighter VIC x 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 6 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 2 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 2 damaged
P-40E Warhawk x 8 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 2 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged

ENS L.Bando of AI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 8

SLDR G.Middelton of No. 75 Sqn RAAF is KILLED

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho
CV Shokaku, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Hudson at 10000 feet
2 x Hudson at 10000 feet

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Air attack on TF at 10,57

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
A6M3 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 14
B-17E Fortress x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 4 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged

ENS L.Bando of AI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 9

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet

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Ground combat at Cairns

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1481 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 65 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Cairns base !!!



LTJG R.Ohara of DI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

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[Attack Condor]

December 18th, 1942
Weather: Partly Cloudy

Fighting today definitely favored the Allies, as Quark’s invasion has lost a significant portion of its air cover. Yesterday’s results and a tally afterwards:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/17/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
AP Brazil Maru
CA Maya
DD Nowaki
DD Yugiri
MSW Hagoromo Maru
MSW Noshiro Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS Greenling

Greenling is sent deeper into the 30-mile patch of water just north of TV. S-38, a shallow water specialist, has arrived to properly welcome the invaders.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied Ships
SS Grayback

Perhaps a mirage…the captain takes no chances and dives deep for the day.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Townsville , at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 35
G4M1 Betty x 69

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 2 destroyed
G3M Nell x 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 9 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 3 damaged

1LT R.Stoltz of 35th FS is credited with kill number 4


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 44
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 10

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
14 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
9 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
0 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
5 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
2 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
0 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
0 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
5 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
2 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
0 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
18 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
15 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet

Quark actually had fighters on the Air Combat screen, but apparently they never saw the P-38s, who were circling the base at 10000 feet. The fighters, for their part, dismissed the fighters and engaged the bombers. Good show, lads!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Charter Towers , at 8,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
G3M Nell x 33
G4M1 Betty x 42

no losses

Airbase hits 22
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 48

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
0 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
0 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
11 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
0 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
16 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
14 x G3M Nell at 1000 feet
11 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet
11 x G4M1 Betty at 1000 feet

FOW here, CT base damage totals only 24. More engineers are on their way to keep it minimal.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Cairns , at 7,56

Japanese aircraft

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 22
P-40E Kittyhawk x 16
P-38G Lightning x 14
A-20B Boston x 12
B-25D Mitchell x 6
B-26B Marauder x 12
B-17E Fortress x 6
A-20B Havoc x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 11

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 42

Attacking Level Bombers:
10 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston at 6000 feet
6 x Hudson at 6000 feet
5 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
11 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

First strike………
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Cairns , at 7,56

Japanese aircraft

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 25
B-25D Mitchell x 10
B-26B Marauder x 65
B-17E Fortress x 3
A-20B Havoc x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 11 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 7 damaged


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 100

Airbase hits 17
Runway hits 80

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
9 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
5 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
1 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
12 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
1 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
10 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
9 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

Second strike……
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Cairns , at 7,56


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6


no losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 5

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

And the last one. Very profitable, indeed. More in the summary below.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 29th Aus Brigade, at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
A6M3 Zero x 3
D3A Val x 44

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed

After all of this, the unit’s disruption is at 5, and fatigue at 12. Keep sending dive bombers against my troops, and not the ships.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 38
A6M3 Zero x 21

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 3 destroyed

LTJG C.Morita of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 6

Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x Hudson at 10000 feet

This was a mistake. I sent them to Brisbane, but forgot to have them Stand Down.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 38
A6M3 Zero x 21

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Jusan Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet

More fatigue on his fighters, I hope.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 38
A6M3 Zero x 21

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
Beaufighter VIC x 8
P-39D Airacobra x 8
P-40E Kittyhawk x 4
P-40E Warhawk x 30

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

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
Beaufighter VIC x 1 destroyed
Beaufighter VIC x 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 3 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 17 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 4 damaged

LTJG V.Hirusawa of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 6

PO2 K.Ikeda of EI-1 Daitai bails out and is CAPTURED

Japanese Ships
AP Taimei Maru
CA Maya, Shell hits 20
AP Shoan Maru

Once again, the P-40’s take a beating, but cannon hits on the Maya leave her smoking. No serious damage, but perhaps she’s a bit slower now.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36
A6M3 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 3

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Natsugumo

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36
A6M3 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
Hudson x 2 damaged

LTJG R.Kotani of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 5

More Hudsons die because of my mistake.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
A6M3 Zero x 10

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 damaged


Japanese Ships
CA Maya
DD Nowaki

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet

Quark’s air cover is starting to thin out…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 8,55


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 4
P-40E Kittyhawk x 9
P-40E Warhawk x 13
P-38G Lightning x 10


Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Minekaze, Shell hits 8

This time, the 37mm cannons poke holes in the destroyer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Summary:

Quark apparently got caught with his fighters on the ground at Cairns. I count 82 fighters and 92 auxiliary aircraft at Cairns, with a airfield damage of 45. Cairns, being a level 7 base, will repair damage slower than usual, and the lack of IJN construction equipment will not help him, either. If there is any base damage to add to the 45 damage rating of the runway, Quark’s planes are sitting ducks. He lost 18 planes on the ground yesterday alone. I’ve added night raids from RH to Cairns to the list. I’m also beginning to bomb the port there as well. Quark has 2000+ combat troops and 5000+ engineers (most likely a BF unit for his planes). Daylight raids from CT and TV scheduled again for tomorrow. I thought long and hard about sending all of the bombers against the port, but if Quark can rescue some troops, that’s better than if I miss what amounts to a golden opportunity to seriously compromise his fighter situation. Once the airfield has a damage of 70+, then I’ll unleash the bombers on the ports and shut them down as well.

Troops are ashore on TV. It was bound to happen, but I feel a bit better about it now that I have a better hold on the air. I count 9 INF units, 1 HQ, and 1 ENG unit on the ground, against my defenders. The CD unit at TV did fire twice at the troops and twice at the amphibs, but no hits reported.

The FT TF actually slipped in during the night, but didn’t unload. I hope they can get the artillery on the ground and themselves out of there ASAP. So far, they haven’t been spotted by Quark.

Back to the air war, yesterday, the Allies lost 25 planes, while the IJN lost 76. 34 of those were Zeroes, and 33 were Bettys.

TV actually had too many aircraft, causing some to go unrepaired. I’ve adjusted the squadrons there by sending some back to Brisbane, and the two remaining Hudson squadrons to RH. CT is getting another 30 engineers and 200+ BF personnel. They’re being airlifted by 7 full strength C-47 squadrons from Brissy. CT also gets 32 more B-26 Maruders, along with another SBD and TBF squadron from the Sangamon via RH.

TV air strength is about 50% operational, 50% in need of repair. Now that I’ve adjusted the levels of aircraft to within the support available they should start repairing more.

CT also sending 2 P-39 additional squadrons on Naval Attack @ 100ft. Also, once the ground fighting starts, I will send about 40 Wirraways in from Brissy to aid the defenders with ground attacks.

CT is worth its weight in gold.

North Carolina will dock @ RH tomorrow 4 DDs will join her TF and move on TV. Suwannee arrives and sails west, to add her aircraft to the fight for TV.

Meanwhile, in the Solomons, Kourouratopo continues to strengthen. Almost all 21000 tons of supplies are ashore, and about half the ground forces. The airfield is already up to 43% complete towards level 3. I’m going to have to get a tanker in there and drop some fuel off there as well. That will also cut my SS turnaround time down. Strangely, this action has drawn almost no response from Quark. One Mavis got too close and was shot down. If I can get some B17s there, then Lunga falls into normal range, and they can carry full bombloads.

The situation is still in doubt, but it’s a lot better than it could have been.

Much more (no doubt) to come…

[Attack Condor]

December 19, 1942
Weather: Thunderstorms

The weather turns sour, but I actually need to rest the attacks on Quark’s shipping. The attacks are being strung out, (3 SBDs here, 3 TBFs there, 6 P-39Ds here…) and are easy pickings for even Quark’s tired LRCAP pilots. Therefore, I’m canceling all attacks with SBDs, TBF, and FBs until I can reconstitute them into effective units. They’re going back to either RH or Brissy to rest. I have a couple of newly arrived SBDs, but I’m going to hold them until I can attack with effective escort.

Meanwhile, the “rocks keep shaking” (Quark’s words in the last e-mail) at Cairns. Amazingly, more IJN planes are at Cairns! At last count, there are 109 fighters, and 99 auxiliary aircraft. Airfield damage reported at 49, and now – with the shift of some of the bombers to port attacks – port damage is at 45. I’m not sure if FOW impacts what I see as I roll the cursor over the base or not, but Quark has to be very concerned. The attacks at Cairns continue. I’ve sent them in for two days now at 6000. Tomorrow, the night raids will go in from RH at 6000 (69 bombers ready and available there), while CT and TV will send daylight raids. I’m sending them unescorted as I need to rest the P-38s, so the daylight runs will jump back up to 20000. 74 bombers are ready to hit the ports at Cairns from TV, while another 113 bombers are ready and assigned the job of keeping the airfield closed. Cairns now has reportedly 1880 infantry troops, with 5880 BF personnel.

As to the P-38s, they are performing marvelously. The two squadrons (the 35th FS and the 36th FS) have an average experience of 69, and have a total of 43 kills to their credit.

Back at CT, total base damage is down to 20. The base is still understaffed by 37 in terms of AS. The 163rd BF from Brisbane was loaded onto the 7 C47 squadrons for deployment, but I forgot to assign a destination. <sheesh!> That has been remedied. Also, at Brissy, I have 34 Wirraways ready to head to TV and support the defenders with ground attacks on the invaders. I also have a B-25 squadron and 2 Beaufort squadrons I could press into service at TV in case of emergency, but I really don’t want to do that just now.

At TV, the first shot of the ground battle was fired, as I launched an artillery attack on the invaders. Quark has approximately 84 thousand troops on the ground.

At RH, the SeaBees have been dropped off. A five ship FT TF will load them tomorrow and run them into TV. I’ll need them to keep the fort level up. Another combat engineer unit is road marching to TV (the 116th Engineer Bn). They are currently 240 miles south of TV. With luck, they’ll get there in four days.

Once the C47s have sent in the 163rd BF to CT, they’ll begin ferrying the 6th Australian Div (HQ and 16th and 17th Aus BDEs, approximately 240 combat squads) to TV. Quark’s fighters on LRCAP should be well and tired by then, especially if I can keep his 100+ fighters on Cairns. This will leave Brissy awful thin, but the game appears to hinge here. No reason to hold back. I’ll also begin moving the 7th Division from RH to TV…probably by FT as best I can. I’ll also need to do something about the heavy guns I can’t airlift for the 6th. Again, I’m gambling Quark doesn’t have a force hid away to pounce on RH while they only have one Div defending it, but I can’t ignore what’s happening at TV.

In the Solomons, Southard cleared at least 20 minefields on the trip in, but one mine still hit South Dakota She’s out of action for a couple of weeks (at least).

Speaking of mines, an omission from yesterday’s report. Two IJN ships hit mines in Oz: at Cairns, the DD Minekaze struck a mine, while at TV, the light cruiser Nagara hit one Quark’s MSW forces missed.

Here’s the lengthy combat report:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/18/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
AP Kamoi Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-38

My S-boat missed a fat transport??? He**, I could have left Greenling there to do that! :p
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Irau, at 42,43

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 5


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese Ships
CL Naka

Allied Ships
SS Grayback


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Cairns , at 7,56

Japanese aircraft

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3
P-40E Kittyhawk x 7
P-38G Lightning x 20
A-20B Boston x 12
B-26B Marauder x 14
B-17E Fortress x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 6 damaged
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 39

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 31

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x A-20B Boston at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
8 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Cairns , at 7,56


Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 10
B-26B Marauder x 64
B-17E Fortress x 3
A-20B Havoc x 21


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 27

Runway hits 3
Port hits 14
Port fuel hits 4
Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
0 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
0 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
0 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
1 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
1 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
0 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
9 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
0 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
1 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 29th Aus Brigade, at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
B5N Kate x 47

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1
P-40E Kittyhawk x 7
P-40E Warhawk x 6
P-38G Lightning x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 6 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 3 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk x 3 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 1 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 2 damaged

1LT M.Berg of 35th FS is credited with kill number 3

LCDR W.Doikawa of EIII-1 Daitai is KILLED


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 29

Attacking Level Bombers:
13 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
16 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
18 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3 Zero x 19

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 15
TBF Avenger x 3
PBY Catalina x 3
P-40E Kittyhawk x 4
P-40E Warhawk x 11
P-38G Lightning x 13
F-5A Lightning x 2

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 3 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged
TBF Avenger x 3 damaged
P-40E Warhawk x 1 damaged

PO2 H.Minami of DII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 6

Japanese Ships
AP Keizan Maru
AP Kyosei Maru


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3 Zero x 19

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 15
TBF Avenger x 13
P-39D Airacobra x 26

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 5 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
TBF Avenger x 2 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 7 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 7 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged

PO2 H.Ikeda of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 12

Japanese Ships
AP Uyo Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Batavia Maru, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA Maya, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Koei Maru
DD Yugiri

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 22
Vehicles lost 1

Finally! AP damage! And, for good measure, a 500 pounder penetrates even the cruiser’s armor.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3 Zero x 19

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 2

no losses

The beginning of the uncoordinated attacks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 9

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 8

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 3 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged

CPO B.Muto of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 9


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,55

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 43

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 6

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 2 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 3 damaged

PO2 H.Ikeda of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 13


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,55

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 43

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 6
P-40E Warhawk x 6
P-38G Lightning x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

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

LTJG R.Ohara of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,58


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 9


Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Nagatsuki, Shell hits 12

And all 12 hits penetrated the lightly armored vessel.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Townsville

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 26744 troops, 215 guns, 144 vehicles

Defending force 83748 troops, 900 guns, 76 vehicles



PO2 J.Hanamoto of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 9

Does Quark have any more troops he can commit here? I sure hope not…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Cooktown

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 37 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Cooktown base !!!


Big point shift here, but only 40 troops involved.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

More to come…

[wobbly]

The tide is turning general. 84K troops will require a hell of alot of supplies to get an autovictory!
One pointer I am sure you know already but can't hurt to reiterate. He can't really reduce your supplies, or damage your facilities with his bombers - they are rubbish. But he can with the surface forces. If I was him I would look to make a run between GG and TV with my heavy units to continually bombard you.
Another is something I have observed and asked of the forum but have never had a definative answer: when your C-49s fly into a location that is contested (I think by only LRCAP, but maybe if there are enemy troops on the ground) they appear to incure a very bad hit in fatigue ~ 80 and hence their effectiveness in combat.
Therefore I would drop your aussie 6th into CT and use the road to get them to TV.

[Attack Condor]

Wobbly - After reading the post...I muttered, "well duhhhhh!" loud enough the wife wondered what was wrong. :p Moving the 6th to CT and then marching is something I never even considered until you pointed it out!! Now, of course, it seems ridiculously simple. Thanks much for the bucket of cold water in the face!!! The C47 pilots appreciate it!

In addition, I'll send the 43rd from Brissy as well using that route. And then the 7th can road march south to cover Brissy while the 35th holds RH. This way, I won't have to risk FTs until I want to send their guns in.

Thanks again!

[Attack Condor]

December 20, 1942
Weather: Overcast

Quark starts his ground offensive at TV today. His engineers reduce the fort level to 8, mine get busy rebuilding it. The 18th SeaBees are loading in RH to FT into TV to add their know-how and bulldozers to the cause.

Sub attacks not bearing fruit, yet. They will.

No night attacks out of RH – don’t know what’s up there, and don’t care. They’ve been reset to fly in the daytime, targeting the ports at Cairns. Meanwhile, at Cairns, Quark has FT’d 2 more ENG units to the base, no doubt trying as best he can to get some of his aircraft out of there. Cairns information at last report: 60 Airfield damage, 52 Port damage, 107 fighters, 101 auxiliary aircraft, 3 ENG units, 1 INF unit.

The TV attack against Cairns flew yesterday, but not the CT missions. I suspect they couldn’t get off the ground with all the C-47 traffic bringing in the 163rd BF. Only one C-47 squadron from Brisbane is still scheduled into CT, bringing in the 30 remaining engineers, as the other 6 recover from the 50+ fatigue they amassed from the one mission. With the C-47s out of the way then, the bombers should again fly. They did recover during the day, and almost all of the CT bombers are 70+ in morale, with fatigue in the teens. CT base damage down to 10.

At TV, 2 FB squadrons assigned to close air support against Quark’s invaders, with one P-40E Warhawk squadron flying escort at 1000, and one P-38 Lightning flying escort at 20000. I’ve also dispatched the second P-38 to escort the bombers into Cairns (all bombers back down to 6000 feet) in case Quark gets froggy and decides to LRCAP Cairns.

In the Solomons, Kourouratopo has now accepted a Marine F4F-4 squadron for air cover, releasing the P-39 and P-38 that had been flying LRCAP over the cargo ships. Almost the entire 41st division is on the ground, amazingly, without incident.

More B-17s transfer from EPV to RH (15 IIRC) to help with the destruction of Quark’s forces on Cairns. Two Navy SBD squadrons are now en route to RH as well, via my stopover CVEs. Two Navy fighter squadrons now at Noumea, waiting their turn to fly west to Oz.

The decision to suspend Naval Attacks has helped clear almost 20 damaged aircraft from TV, either by repairing or transferring to bases east. With the arrival of the 2 SBDs at RH, I project in about 3 days, I’ll have 3 SBD squadrons at TV, 2 TBF squadrons, and rested fighters for escort. I’m also going to fly the third P-38 to TV from LV. Then we’ll see about his ships.

North Carolina and her group (1 CA, 2 CL, 4 DD) has fueled at RH and heads for a position inside the Reef allowing them to threaten Quark’s forces at TV. Quark has more BBs north of TV, (Yamato among them, I suspect), but I want my battleship ready to escort the DD FT TF with the SeaBees into TV (and maybe cause some mayhem along the way).

Next up on the agenda is the movement of the 6th Aussie from Brissy to CT. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather.

Yesterday’s report:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/19/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 10,61

Allied Ships
SS Greenling


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
CL Jintsu
DD Harusame
DD Hatsuharu

Allied Ships
SS S-38

Hatsuharu actually got a d/c attack off that was too close for comfort. Quark’s ASW is improving.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese Ships
DD Arashi

Allied Ships
SS Grayback

Time for Grayback to leave. She heads for deep water in the shipping lane 60 miles SW of GG – hopefully to intercept Quark’s ships returning for fuel and ammunition.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Cairns , at 7,56


Allied aircraft
A-20B Boston x 16
B-26B Marauder x 42
B-17E Fortress x 12


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 5

Port hits 6
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x A-20B Boston at 20000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston at 20000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 20000 feet
5 x B-26B Marauder at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 20000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 20000 feet
9 x B-26B Marauder at 20000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 20000 feet
1 x B-26B Marauder at 20000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
4 x A-20B Boston at 20000 feet
6 x A-20B Boston at 20000 feet

These bombers will rest next turn, while the bombers from CT keep the pressure on Cairns.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Townsville

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 78910 troops, 892 guns, 96 vehicles

Defending force 44690 troops, 231 guns, 220 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 8

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 8)


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 460
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 249

Quark can’t like the odds here, about 10000 short for his 2-1; and he starts off with losing twice as many troops on the first attack. He’ll need to try and get more troops in.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Townsville

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 26541 troops, 215 guns, 144 vehicles

Defending force 85500 troops, 916 guns, 96 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 11

Every little bit helps, although the guns will concentrate on defense now.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

More to come…

[Attack Condor]

December 20, 1942

Quark sent the CR only and will send the turn later, so here’s the results:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/20/42

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack at 10,61

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

Allied Ships
SS Greenling

Greenling, in deeper water, gets back on track by picking off one of the invaders leaving TV. Only one hit, but against IJN APs far from a home port, it should be enough.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lunga at 38,40

Allied Ships
SS S-46

Something chases S-46 away…not sure what it was…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 19,70

Japanese Ships
SS I-24

Allied Ships
AP Manoora, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 144

I was actually cheering until the 2nd torpedo hit, when I realized the target vessel had the wrong paint scheme. I thought Quark mothballed his I-boats. This was a surface attack, in daylight. A brutal reminder about escorting the APs. This one carried part of the CD unit from Noumea.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 66th Regiment, at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 15
P-39D Airacobra x 12

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIC x 4 destroyed
Beaufighter VIC x 4 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 2 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged

ENS L.Kawato of DI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 10

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 13

I had P-38s on escort (8 of them) but they didn’t engage the Zeroes. Interesting.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Townsville at 10,62


LCDR S.Muto of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 5
Japanese Ships
DD Shiranui, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS S-38

And, in shallow water, S-38 is in her element, picking off an offending escort.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Townsville

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 77928 troops, 889 guns, 96 vehicles

Defending force 44353 troops, 231 guns, 220 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 7

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 7)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 6


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 1145
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 324
Guns lost 1

Quark gets the fortifications down 2 levels, but at a cost of almost 3-1 in losses. Time to get the reinforcements going.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Again, the bombers from CT and RH fail to fly. Have to wait on the turn to see what happened this time. Quark sneakily LRCAPs CT, and shoots down a C-47. Thank goodness I only had one squadron flying in there.

More to come…

[Attack Condor]

December 21, 1942
Weather: Partly Cloudy

The SeaBees are at TV, unloading. A second FT TF is leaving RH with the second half of them. I'm also sending a second SeaBee BN from Noumea via FT TF. I'm getting a feeling I'm finally doing the right moves, just too late.

I'm also reorganizing the B17s into groups of 12. I had been nursemaining each unit, but it finally dawned that fewer squadrons will mean fewer commanders screaming for replacements, allowing reserves to be built up. Again, part of the learning curve, I imagine.

Only 2 B24 squadrons at TV, I've got all the medium bombers at CT, the long range bombers at RH, and am getting the naval strike planes formed at TV. Should be a couple of turns before they can hit back.

The 16th BDE is on its way. Let's hope Quark doesn't have his LRCAP up.

Bombing runs assigned again for Cairns. even Quark's bamboo shovelers shold have repaired some of the damage with two days of no attacks. I keep assignig the missions, fatigue and morale are okay, but they don't fly . I did make one change, the Hudsons cannot reach Cairns in their normal radius, so we'll try them against the troops at TV. The FBs didn't do much, let's try the heavy bombers. P-38s have been lowered to 10000 to try and escort the bombers.

My third P-38 squadron is now at RH. They'll join the others tomorrow.

North Carolina is going in with the FT TF to try and cover them. Quark's battleships are about. I don't know how effective she'll be in a BB vs BB duel (never fought one in UV) - and she may be outnumbered, but I have to try. If Quark manages to tear down the walls at TV, it may all be over. So the engineers have to go in, and they need protection.

More to come...

[Shadow of the Condor]

Back in business, although Attack Condor never was able to log back in[:(] , even with repeated reset password requests - just a short message to see if I can get on...

[Shadow of the Condor]

Well now, where to begin? Enough has been said about the dubious family heritage of ther hacker, so enough of that.

Quark's invasion of TV crashed mightily on the Great Barrier Reef, and he picked up about 70,000 troops (if I can believe his e-mails) out of the 100,000 that invaded and limped north towards safe waters. His APs took one h*** of a mauling, and as of now, I have the fort levels at TV back to 9, all the ground forces (about 1200 assault points worth) are ready or in reasonable shape. They have their own eyes trained north towards a return to New Guinea, and all except the Northern Command units are busily getting their immunizations up to date and their quinine rations in preparation for a ride north.

In the Solomons, Irau is in the good hands of the Allies, with a fort level of 2 + 55%. The remnants of the 1st marine Division are ashore (about 150 assault points worth), and a convoy just entered harbor today (2-6-43, IIRC) carrying the entire 43rd Infantry Division. The 153 BF is also en route to join with their orphans at Irau. I'm sending a second BF, and a second supply convoy is one day away from Irau with, among other things, a Coastal Defense unit consisting of 12 x 155mm shore guns. Irau has about 55000 tons of supplies ashore, and more are off-loading. The 24th SeaBees are building defenses, and first priority is to get the fort level up to 9, then increase the airfield from a 2 to a 4. Last concern will be the port level improvements (I learned that one the hard way when I lost PM earlier on in the campaign). 6 APDs make the nightly run to/from Kopurouratopo/Irau. Once the 153rd is gone, Kourouratopo wil be nothing more than an emergency airfield/port.

I have split my 4E bombers between theaters. Most in SOPAC are resting at Noumea. Quark has a couple of airstrips built for his LRCAP fighters NW of Lunga. I have three fighters squadrons for escort/CAP, one PBY squadron for search/recon, and am rotating one DB squadron to harass his shipping at Irau now. They're almost at the 100 plane limit of the size 2 field. Once I get the field to level 4 and about 100,000 supplies, I can rotate one fighter squadron in for CAP, use the base as a springboard for 2E bomber harassment of Lunga, and pull all the ships out, giving his bombers nothing but the field to go after (I also have an AA unit on the ground at Irau as well).

There are obivous targets for me to go after as I try to whittle into the 5800 point lead Quark has, and I won't disappoint him. But there are also some less obivous targets he may think are out of range...

I'll provide details of my plan to return to New Guinea and points north in another post. For now, we can finally get the CRs back for you to see.

More to come...

[PzB74]

Irau is a good springboard...but you are only strong enough to invade either NG or Lunga!?
Have you decided where to strike or are you looking for openings?

So if I were Quark, I'd take out Irau asap and then mount a mobile defense.
The IJN can make a lot of problems for you if you don't strike with sufficient force.

Should be in for a good game though

[Shadow of the Condor]

ORIGINAL: PzB

Irau is a good springboard...but you are only strong enough to invade either NG or Lunga!?
Have you decided where to strike or are you looking for openings?

So if I were Quark, I'd take out Irau asap and then mount a mobile defense.
The IJN can make a lot of problems for you if you don't strike with sufficient force.

Should be in for a good game though

I think I'm definitely strong enough to get back to NG as soon as I have the transports in place. As to the Solomons, Quark has enough mines in place to seriously crimp my plans there. I'm also sure he's planting the farm there to defend against the invasion. I'm not sure yet if I'll use Irau as a springboard or as a shield. I will probably also get the 25th Infantry Division to Irau as well. I am determined to hold the base. I still have a plethora of Navy attack aircraft operating from LV, itching for some targets. As I said earlier, I just don't know yet whether to just harass Lunga while trying to sweep his mines away in preparation for a move onto Guadalcanal or just harass him. He can't have many escorts or transports left, and his last invasion attempt left a bad taste in his mouth.

Which means, of course, he'll invade Irau

At least that's what I'm preparing for.

As to the troops in SOPAC, the entire 2nd Marine Division is at LV, and I'll have 1 and a half divisions (the 1st MarDiv is only about half of what it should be) at Irau, with the 25th on the way. There are a few combat units assigned directly to SOPAC, but I'm leaning to making Irau the anvil, and letting the forces in SWPAC sweep north, then perhaps east.

The other critical factor in the decision not to commit to Lunga at this time is the fact it is only worth about 300 points for each side. While a 600 point swing would be nice, I can get almost that much at PM and GG - apiece. Quark must be made to use his mobile defense to react to me. If I simply hold Irau and threaten the Solomons, it may fix his units at Lunga, leaving NG open enough for me to begin the takeover of the bases there.

Frankly (as always) it rests in the ability of the one who can move troops and supplies with greater efficiency.

Something I didn't get to mention earlier, is my lack of carriers. I have 4 CVEs, but I also have 3 CVs sitting at PH (and have had them there almost a month). It's not critical that I get them, but it wouldn't hurt.

As for an overall plan, I'm going to try for Rabaul. The base is worth 2400 points to each side, and that is what I need to erase the defecit. I hope to be entrenched in NG by April, and be ready to move onto Rabaul no later than October.

That's the plan. We know how plans go, don't we?

[Shadow of the Condor]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/07/43

Weather: Rain

Sub attack near Russell Islands at 35,39

Japanese Ships
AV Sanuki Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-37


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That was from yesterday. Last night, the 8th, no combat, though Quark did lose three planes to operational damage. Today, the 9th, has an end to the rain. Partly cloudy skies reveal two TFs of AKs at Irau. The 43rd Division from Kourouratopo and 1st Marine Division remnants (1st Marine Tank, 6/7th Marine brigade) along with the 54th CD battalion are off-loading at Irau. Assault point value now 347. Fort level 3 + 40%.

The MSW Whyalla Swept up towards Lunga last night, just to give Quark something else to think about. She actually cleared one field.

The 4E bombers at LV wil resume their attacks on Lunga from 20K tomorrow. Recon flight scheduled from Lv as well to see what is going on there.

4E bombers at TV and Brisbane still keeping quiet. Morale levels climbing steadily. If I can avoid using them I will. I have a plan to negate Quark's AA units sitting at GG.

APs steaming towards TV. 3 already in harbor there, 1 at Cairns bringing the 163rd back to TV. 8 more inside the Reef at RH headed WNW to TV. 4 battleships at RH. 2 DMS support ships. I may bring an APD over as well. All elements of the 41st and 32nd infantry divisions ordered to march from RH to TV. 2 BF units also make the march. Realistically, I'm about two weeks away from having my pieces in place.

Back at Irau, I've sent one P-38G unit with 58 morale back to Noumea. The PBY squadron went back to Wunpuko. This freed up space for VF-3, (36 x F4F-4 Wildcats). They immediately join the two other fighter squadrons there on CAP. The DB squadron is set to Naval Attack and has escort assigned.

Corsairs in 4 days. Night fighters in 3. Carriers not released yet. Lots of shipping at PH, just waiting to be sent over. Commitment level still high.

More to come...

[madflava13]

Attack Condor (I'm not recognizing the new name, hehe),
What's your sense of Quark's fleet status? You mentioned that you only have the CVEs in theater. He must have taken a beating in the TV adventure, right? Do you have any indications of his strength?

Looking forward to the continuation of this AAR - sorry you lost your handle though, Attack Condor had such a nice ring to it!

[Shadow of the Condor]

thanks madflava, I did like the name as well, but such is life on a computer net. As to Quark's capabilities, I'm sure his CVs have licked their wounds by now, and he's holding them as some kind of response force once I show myself. His problem is most likely a lack of escorts...I have dented his DD ranks almost as badly as I have his AP fleet. His strength therefore is in his capital ships. His planes still pose a threat, but Corsairs are on the way, which should begin to spell the end of his air force. His subs are of no consequence to me, as most of my destroyers are now Fletcher class and seem to eat IJN subs for lunch. IMHO, his best weapon now is time.

10 Feb 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

Yesterday’s report:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/09/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 54

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 22
P-40E Warhawk x 13
P-38G Lightning x 13
B-17E Fortress x 13
B-24D Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

1LT K.Gregor of 67th FS is credited with kill number 2

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 55
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 21

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet

Nice, but this proves costly later in the day.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 21

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 25

Runway hits 7

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet

Koumac sends its very best…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 26
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 54

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
P-40E Warhawk x 9
P-38G Lightning x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 8 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
P-40E Warhawk x 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 4 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged

WO I.Ban of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
AK Mercury, Bomb hits 1
AK Celeno, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Crater, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Lycaon, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Saufley


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 37
Guns lost 1

As mentioned earlier, I made a mistake of only having 50% CAP. The damage to the ships isn’t critical, but it should have been even less.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 12
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 33

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7
P-40E Warhawk x 7
P-38G Lightning x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 2 destroyed

WO I.Ban of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 4

Allied Ships
AK Lyra, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Caelum
AK Sculptor, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 41

The fighters give good accounts of themselves, but Sculptor, with 93 SYS, will very likely end up in the Irau War Museum.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First steps to rectify my mistake at Irau is to get the SBD out of there and replace it with a fourth fighter squadron, another P-38G Lightning squadron (the 36th FS). They were at Noumea resting, but they are the only ones who had the range to get to Irau this turn. I’ve sent VMF-112 (24 F4F-4 Wildcats) to Wunpuko. They will rotate into Irau next turn. They have a morale of 99, and a fatigue of 28 from the transfer. No planes were lost during the move.

At Irau, off-loading continues. Elements of the 43rd division are ashore. Almost all of the infantry squads are on the ground; support troops and guns are off-loading now. It will take about two more days to complete the delivery (dang level 0 port) and therefore two more days of 90% CAP for my four fighter squadrons.

Yesterday’s air losses had Quark losing 16 of his Oscars, 5 of his long range Mavis, a Betty and a Val. I lost 16 total fighters as well (9 Wildcats, 5 Warhawks, and 2 Lightning), one P-39D in a training accident, and 2 Liberators did not return from their bombing missions. Also interesting during yesterday’s air combat was the fact one of Quark’s squadrons (2nd Sentai?) was mentioned as “turning back” during the air-to-air engagement. Must be some inexperienced pilots flying the fighters…

With the improved CAP, the fate of the AKs rests in the hands of the fighters (if I did my math right, 76 should be in the air tomorrow). Another raid on Lunga is scheduled for tonight from LV and Koumac. This time, they will have only minimal escort from the fighters at Irau. I’m also dropping the altitude from 20,000 to 15,000 to see if I can get more damage on the base (I know it’ll result in more damage to the bombers). Irau currently has 66000+ supplies, and its fort level is 3 +69%.

TF 219 (1 x AK and 3 x LCI fresh from PH) is unloading the 31st Coastal Artillery CD unit at Wunpuko, along with some supplies. I’ll send the ships back to LV when they’ve finished.

3 PBY squadrons from Wunpuko set to recon the Russell Is., Lunga, and Tulagi.

2 PBY squadrons from TV will recon PM and GG.

6 MSWs are sent into Taivu again. The mines at Irau are just about all gone.

3 APs at TV, 7 more en route from RH. One is at Cairns, bringing the 163rd back to TV. One APD should be repaired enough to participate. 2 DMS will also be available. 4 CVEs will provide CAP. Only 3 AKs currently at RH, and I plan to send a few currently at Irau.

Hopefully, by reconning the obvious targets, I can keep Quark confused as to my destination. The plan forms, and the pieces are moving into position.

More to come…

[Shadow of the Condor]

10 Feb 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

No attacks yesterday. I was a bit surprised by this, but not unhappy.

The bombing missions went off without a hitch. No AA fire from Lunga though...

The unloading at Irau continues. CAP (now 3 x P-38G Lightning squadrons and 1 VMF F4F-4 Wildcat squadron) still flies until it’s completed. 3 of the supply ships are completely unloaded and form up to head back to LV on their own.

I did order the Sculptor scuttled, as her SYS jumped from 93 to 99.

TF212 has 3345 tons of supplies still onboard, with only a few troops from the 43rd HQ and 18th SeaBees left to unload.

TF237 still has almost 9000 tons of supplies on board and troops from the 1st Marine’s armored unit and CD battery.

The minesweepers return to Irau for one more trip into Taivu.

Fortification of Irau now at 4 + 6%, Assault strength at 391, and 74000+ tons of supplies on the ground.

TF 215 (APD x 2) brings the last of the 153rd BF to Irau tomorrow.

The minelayer Montgomery lays a minefield along the western approaches to Irau, and now heads back to Noumea.

TF 201 (APD x 2) heads to Wunpuko to pick up the orphans of the 26th SeaBees for delivery to Irau.

TF226 (APD x 2) heads from Irau to Koumac, then west to TV. All APDs will eventually transit to TV.

Destroyers Dale (SYS 63) and Lardner (SYS 58) return to Noumea from TV and are promptly sent back to PH.

Nightfighters arrive tomorrow. Corsairs the day after that.

North Carolina (SYS 57), escorted by Balch is now 420 miles west of Noumea. Anticipated arrival in 2 days.

More to come…

[Shadow of the Condor]

12 Feb 43
Wx: Thunderstorms

Combat yesterday limited to a 3 plane night raid from Koumac to Lunga – no damage to either side.

At Irau: fortifications now at 4 + 40%. 79000 + tons of supplies are now ashore. Still a few troops to unload, but 20 AKs are empty and reform with 1 DD escort to head back to LV. About 8 AKs left unloading. 2 AKs damaged by the air raids struggle to make Kourouratopo, but with the storms here, ships with 89 SYS and 70 SYS may not make it far at all.

I’m sending a BF to Cairns from TV. I’ve decided to move the B-17s, B-25s, and B-24s to Cairns and begin the reduction of PM. Quark has managed to get 2 more infantry units there. I wanted to try and get the base relatively damage free, but that won’t be possible now. CVEs with fighters are about 1 day out of Brisbane. I’ll begin forming the invasion TFs tomorrow, starting with the battleships and minesweepers, tanker support, supply convoys, etc.

A veritable second Navy exists at PH, just waiting to come over. Already en route are 9 x AK, 2 x APD, 2 x SS, 3 x LST, 6 x LCI, and 1 x TK. At PH we have the following: 3 x CV, 1 x CVE, 2 x BB, 7 x CA, 5 x CL, 5 x CLAA, 12 x DD, 1 x APD, 2 x DMS, 1 x AO, 16 x SS (including 2 S-boats), 1 x AP, 3 x AK, 1 x LST, and 1 x LCI.

How patient can I afford to be?

(1 MSW and 1 AK were sent back to PH today as well.)

More to come…

[Shadow of the Condor]

14 Feb 43
Wx: Overcast

No combat last night, but my PBY squadrons fly recon over the following IJN bases: PM, GG, Russell Is., Lunga, and Tulagi. The forces arrayed against PM are gathering, but we have a little operation to get to first.

Three days ago, a transport fleet left Luganville. They carry the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion. Their target is the airstrip at the Russell Is. base. Recon shows only one engineer unit there (most likely a BF). The transports are now passing through the San Cristobal strait between the Rennel Is. and our base at Irau. They should arrive tomorrow. The fleet carries only enough troops for a hit and run raid. There are only about 400 combat troops, with another 300 second line troops for support. As I said, the fleet doesn’t have a lot of carrying capability.

It was the best I could do with 14 subs. [;)]

Meanwhile, Quark has been heavily defending Lunga. He hasn’t had a CAP flying during the storms, but they should be up tomorrow. I have swapped the four squadrons of fighters at Irau with four squadrons of P-39D Airacobras. Tomorrow 96 planes will make a low-level attack on the ground forces – but not at Lunga. They will hit Tulagi instead, where Quark has a single infantry unit.

My 4E bombers will also resume flying tomorrow, hitting Lunga again from 15000 ft. They have rested during the storms and are ready to go.

Quark has also parked a couple of cruisers at Taivu (according to the coastwatchers). No doubt he was expecting my minesweepers to arrive again. I’ll oblige him tonight, but only one MSW will show up. Following the MSW into Taivu will be the 15 PT boats currently at Irau, hoping for a few torpedo launches against his warships.

Almost all of the 1st Marine Division’s M5 Stuart tanks are ashore, along with all but 3 of the 155mm CD guns. Assault strength at Irau now at 419, with the base fortifications at level 5 +13%.

The transferring of the bombers from TV to Cairns has begun. The 102nd BF is at Cairns now, unloading. HQ 5th AF is also en route to help coordinate the strikes against PM. They should begin in about a week.

Speaking of PM, coastwatchers and search aircraft reported a “AP and CV” sighting leaving PM headed east towards GG. The ships currently are 90 miles from the mines I laid due south of GG. Within the nest of mines lies S-37. If it is an escort carrier, I may get lucky. As far as I know, Quark still hasn’t seen the mines.

I have formed my battleships into two bombardment TFs. If Quark’s planes see them, he may think the invasion is around the corner. In reality, it’s about another week or so from commencing.

My four CVEs arrived in Brisbane. A tanker, the Cache, has been assigned to provide fuel for the carriers. Other tankers will be designated for the battleships, and an emergency tanker will be set up for any APs that run dry.

Quark appears to have a full division on PM, complete with a HQ unit. A CD, and engineers, but no AA spotted.

Finally, I have moved my Corsairs to LV. Once Irau ‘s P-39Ds need to be rotated out, they’ll go in and fly some LRCAP over Lunga.

Tomorrow should be interesting.

More to come…

[Shadow of the Condor]

15 Feb 43
Wx: Thunderstorms

I miscounted hexes yesterday – the invasion force won’t land until tomorrow. Another night of recon by air confirms only the one engineer unit at the base. With luck, I can eliminate the BF, grab the base and be gone before Quark knows what to do. Once the Marines finish their combat and re-board, the TF will scatter and then return the Marines to Irau.

Quark launches a naval strike that seriously damages Hutchins and another transport, but I can live with that. Most of my AKs are long gone, with 15 of them loading up at Noumea ready to head west.

My first bombardment group has sailed. CVEs and tanker following.

BF unit is at Cairns. Bombers are there. 5th AF hQ is also at Cairns, unloading. The 7th Cav will take the APs back from Cairns to TV. The first wave of troops will begin to board tomorrow.

Liberation awaits.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/14/43

Weather: Overcast

Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 15
B-24D Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 94

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 16

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet

A good start. Unfortunately, the storms prevent any further missions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 21st Naval Garrison Unit, at 38,39


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 83


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 58

Quark had to wonder where they came from – until he realizes there are no fighters at Irau.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 3
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
SC 643

Here’s hoping the next wave targets the SCs as well…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 24
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 79

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 5 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Algorab, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hutchins, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Asphalion, Bomb hits 1

No such luck… Hutchins may not make it through the night, but I gamble and leave her docked.
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If Quark flies against Irau tomorrow, he’ll find night fighters awaiting him before the sun rises, and Corsairs patrolling the skies afterwards.

More to come…