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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: Wild Sheep Chase

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RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/7/2012 4:25:19 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Empire101

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

Did the Colorado and the Arizona both go down? It may be some time before I know for sure.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Are they not showing up in any Naval Search reports?

I would have thought that two or three torps would have slowed them down quite a bit, but hopefully sent them to the bottom! Keeping my fingers crossed......!

No sign of them after the hits in spite of extensive night and day search all over the area, multiple subs moving in and recon on nearby ports. During the latest not posted turn, the Arizona was removed from the sunk list! It doesn't really matter what the list shows of course, it could go back on in two days.

Either way they'll be out for a while, and as this is a critical time for the Allies to push forward, that is a very good thing. I also believe they would likely have to get to Pearl or the West Coast to get the serious damage fixed up, which could add some drama and take a while if the damage is severe.

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to Empire101)

Post #: 1231

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/9/2012 12:33:04 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

NIGHT SEARCH
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

An interesting question posed by Jocke during the past few email exchanges. He has been noticing most of his TFs near New Guinea picked up by night search. He asked;

Wanted to bring something up I have been wondering about for quite some time but I always forget to ask you. How much info do you get from your "night naval search"? From my end it looks like 100% detection of my TFs. If that is correct its sound pretty wonky to me since finding ships without lights in pitch black should be harder then finding them during the day. Not accusing or anything. Just wondering! :)

But if it indeed is working like it looks like from my end I think we need to discuss it a bit.

Should night search be so accurate? The several Jake units here do pick up many traversing task forces and seem to give good intel for the night phase. My intention is that they would help my ASW units, help increase DLs for TFs moving into LBA range, and help identify surface targets or threats early so reaction or fleeing can occur.

I have no idea how much DL is raised by night searches. I would imagine they would increase it less than day searches. For subs this might mean it drops back to near 0 by day anyway, but again, it's all conjecture.

Curious what the experience and opinions are about night searching.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1232

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/9/2012 12:50:17 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

20 - 21 October 1943
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUBS: A nice few hits on another sub operating near Rangoon.

SOUTH PACIFIC: The Allies shut down Port Moresby again. I wish I would have let the CAP stay up, but either way I would lose planes, this way I keep the pilots.

Subs don't choose to battle the small craft bringing in another combat unit to PM. This is where some MTBs would help a bit. I also need DDs here. I'll be sending in a solo E for tomorrow night's phase, but on its own not sure what it will accomplish.

Also, sent a sneak attack into Cairns which actually gets to the runways and aircraft on the ground. A rare moment for a Japanese strike these days. Jocke has not been covering rear bases consistently, and recon has illuminated the blind spots quickly enough to let me take advantage. I keep thinking he'll shut the door and comprehensively allocate CAP, but it hasn't happened yet. I'll keep looking for holes.

BURMA: The engineers are doing well and Meiktila is now at level 6. I'll redistribute units to other bases now in need of a quick boost.

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR October 20, 43
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ASW attack near Victoria Point at 50,63

Japanese Ships
DD Asagumo
DD Michishio

Allied Ships
SS O23, hits 7

SS O23 is located by DD Asagumo
O23 bottoming out ....
DD Asagumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Asagumo attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 48
B-24D Liberator x 36
B-24D1 Liberator x 83
B-24J Liberator x 12
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 3 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 3 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 31
Airbase supply hits 20
Runway hits 90

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 12
B-25D1 Mitchell x 62

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 19

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR October 21, 43
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ASW attack near Port Moresby at 96,130

Japanese Ships
SS I-28, hits 4

Allied Ships
LCM 532E
LCT-469
LCT-467
LCT-366
LCT-361
SC-643

SS I-28 is sighted by escort
I-28 diving deep ....
SC-643 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC-643 attacking submerged sub ....
SC-643 is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub

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Sub attack near Port Moresby at 97,130

Japanese Ships
SS I-174

Allied Ships
SC-643
AM Bowen
LCM 532E
LCM 532D
LCT-469
LCT-466
LCT-365
LCT-360
SC-640

Captain of SS I-174 elects not to launch torpedoes at this target

I-174 diving deep ....
SC-640 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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Pre-Invasion action off Port Moresby (98,130)

260 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
SC-643
SC-640
AM Bowen

Allied ground losses:
75 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 21 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

SC-643 fired at enemy troops
SC-640 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Port Moresby (98,130)

TF 73 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 98,130

Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

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Morning Air attack on Cairns , at 92,140

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 41

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 12 damaged
G3M3 Nell: 4 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
Mitchell II: 40 damaged
Mitchell II: 1 destroyed on ground
B-25D1 Mitchell: 4 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed on ground
F-5A Lightning: 1 damaged
C-47 Skytrain: 39 damaged
C-47 Skytrain: 4 destroyed on ground
B-25C Mitchell: 21 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 2 destroyed on ground

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 18
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 47

Aircraft Attacking:
37 x G3M3 Nell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 7
B6N2 Jill x 5

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 3 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-35 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
VF-37 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
VRF-1F with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
VRF-3F with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-441 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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

Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22280 troops, 154 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 851

Defending force 28844 troops, 487 guns, 645 vehicles, Assault Value = 1113

Japanese ground losses:
68 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
6th Garrison Unit
91st Infantry Regiment
47th Engineer Regiment
22nd Division
14th Garrison Unit
31st Fld AA Gun Co
30th Fld AA Gun Co
16th AA Regiment
22nd JNAF AF Unit
6th Shipping Engr Rgt /1

Defending units:
1st Marine Division
1st USMC Corps Tank Battalion
754th Tank Battalion
1st USMC Tank Battalion
25th Infantry Division
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
II Aus Corps Engr Bn /7 Another new combat engineer unit
131st Field Artillery Battalion
I US Corps
I US Amphib Corps
1st USMC Field Artillery Battalion
148th Field Artillery Battalion

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

Reinforcements: none.

Losses: none.

Ships Sunk: So, this begins the mystery and confusion about what happened with the two BBs hit a few days ago.

Previous report of sinking of BB Arizona incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/13/2012 2:02:28 PM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1233

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/11/2012 2:17:39 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

22 - 23 October 1943
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUBS: A lot of sub action and ASW response lately.

Several subs try both days to hit the small invasion craft heading to PM and they all fail to get a shot off. Can't acquire firing solution.

The Grayback and Sealion are hit by E Tsushima. It does well with both, but succumbs to Sealion's final dying TT barrage after it is forced to the surface. The E sinks later in the day.

The Spearfish is likely sunk near Tavoy.

The I-38 misses a collection of AKEs near Bundaberg, only firing a spread of 2 TT. Grrr.

SOUTH PACIFIC: A small craft TF is engaged by our lone fast E but it can't do more than hit the SCs and one LCT. I don't know if the commander if aggressive enough, but it's disappointing to not take out a bunch of weak craft delivering troops. DDs from Truk are now repaired from previous engagements and will move back down. I will also eventually move 2-3 BBs and escorts to So Pac in order to combat enemy SAGs in the Southern New Guinea area.

The Allies now have about 1120 AV at Port Moresby to our 850 behind 5 forts. I still think he'll have a tough time here. I am contemplating sending an SNLF with DP guns to Port Moresby from Lunga. I had forgotten about it down there, but this would make it tough to bring in weak convoys to deliver dribbles of troops every once and a while and make him potentially use valuable ships again.

The 4Es hit Buna and bleeding Tojos meet them both days. The base is closed, but the second day the Tojos take out a few 4Es at least.

WEST OZ: Recon shows no fighters yet in Gove or other Gulf of Carpenteria bases. He's very focused on New Guinea.

BURMA: Prep for battle continues. A few units are moving from Kalemyo and look to be aiming to sever the rail again. As they go I'll get recon and may try some bombing for better info, so I know how much I need to leave at Katha and Shwebo. Currently a division and two tank divisions are at Katha with several Amry HQs and 5 Arty units. One division and a bunch of Arty is at Shwebo.

CENTRAL PACFIC: Troop ships are converging on the area from all corners to evac and redistribute engineer and base force units. All bases are in the 5-6 fort range, so very ready for attacks. I'l also begin to distribute a good deal of supply here so I don't have to worry about it for a good while in case the Allies attack, get a base r two and cut off supply lanes.

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR October 22, 43
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Invasion Support action off Port Moresby (98,130)

144 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
SC-640
AM Bowen
SC-643

Allied ground losses:
47 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

SC-640 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Milne Bay at 100,133

Japanese Ships
E Tsushima

Allied Ships
SS Grayback, hits 12

SS Grayback is sighted by escort
E Tsushima fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Tsushima attacking submerged sub ....
E Tsushima fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Port Moresby at 99,132

Japanese Ships
E Asagao

Allied Ships
SS S-39, hits 4

SS S-39 is sighted by escort
S-39 bottoming out ....
E Asagao fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Asagao attacking submerged sub ....
E Asagao fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 98,130, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E Asagao

Allied Ships
AM Bowen
SC-640
SC-643, Shell hits 4, on fire
LCT-360
LCT-361
LCT-362
LCT-363
LCT-364
LCT-365
LCT-366
LCT-368
LCT-369
LCT-379
LCT-466
LCT-467
LCT-468
LCT-469
LCM 532C
LCM 532D
LCM 532E, Shell hits 1, heavy fires

Reduced sighting due to 28% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 28% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
E Asagao engages SC-643 at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
E Asagao engages SC-643 at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
E Asagao engages SC-643 at 2,000 yards
E Asagao engages LCM 532E at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
E Asagao engages SC-643 at 4,000 yards
Allied Task Force Manages to Escape Silly, as we absolutely should have taken out some of these small craft at 2k yards regardless of light with the weak escorts in this TF. How do they get away from a 30kt ship?

Task forces break off...

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Sub attack near Tavoy at 52,57

Japanese Ships
DD Arashio
DD Michishio
DD Asagumo

Allied Ships
SS Spearfish, hits 6, heavy damage

SS Spearfish launches 2 torpedoes at DD Arashio
Spearfish diving deep ....
DD Asagumo attacking submerged sub ....
Debris floats to surface in area of attack!
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Port Moresby at 97,130

Japanese Ships
SS RO-64

Allied Ships
SC-643
LCT-468
LCT-368
LCT-362
SC-640

SS RO-64 cannot acquire firing solution on enemy LCT
SC-640 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Bundaberg at 100,152

Japanese Ships
SS I-38

Allied Ships
AKE City of Dalhart
AKE Potter
AKE Maine
AVD Ballard

SS I-38 launches 2 torpedoes at AKE City of Dalhart
I-38 diving deep ....
AVD Ballard fails to find sub, continues to search...
AVD Ballard attacking submerged sub ....
AVD Ballard fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Cairns , at 92,140

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 31

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 24 damaged
G3M3 Nell: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
C-47 Skytrain: 31 damaged
C-47 Skytrain: 4 destroyed on ground
Mitchell II: 3 damaged
Hudson III (LR): 4 damaged
Hudson III (LR): 1 destroyed on ground

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 22
Runway hits 18

Aircraft Attacking:
30 x G3M3 Nell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 7

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 32
B-24D Liberator x 25
B-24D1 Liberator x 76
B-24J Liberator x 7
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed
E13A1 Jake: 3 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 28
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 133

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
26th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead

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

Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22222 troops, 154 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 845

Defending force 29636 troops, 487 guns, 660 vehicles, Assault Value = 1119

Japanese ground losses:
63 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
91st Infantry Regiment
22nd Division
47th Engineer Regiment
6th Garrison Unit
14th Garrison Unit
22nd JNAF AF Unit
31st Fld AA Gun Co
16th AA Regiment
30th Fld AA Gun Co
6th Shipping Engr Rgt /1

Defending units:
1st USMC Tank Battalion
1st Marine Division
754th Tank Battalion
25th Infantry Division
1st USMC Corps Tank Battalion
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
II Aus Corps Engineer Battalion
I US Amphib Corps
131st Field Artillery Battalion
1st USMC Field Artillery Battalion
I US Corps
148th Field Artillery Battalion

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR October 23, 43
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Sub attack near Milne Bay at 101,134

Japanese Ships
E Tsushima, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Sealion, hits 8, heavy damage

SS Sealion launches 2 torpedoes
E Tsushima fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Tsushima attacking submerged sub ....
SS Sealion forced to surface!
E Tsushima firing on surfaced sub .... The Tsushima was hit after the surfacing, unfortunately. It sank later. Another good E gone, but it takes out it's prey at least.
Sub slips beneath the waves

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Sub attack near Port Moresby at 97,130

Japanese Ships
SS I-153, hits 1

Allied Ships
LCM 532C
SC-643
LCT-379
LCT-364
SC-640

SS I-153 cannot acquire firing solution on enemy LCM
I-153 diving deep ....
SC-640 attacking submerged sub ....
SC-640 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 7

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 30
B-24D Liberator x 26
B-24D1 Liberator x 64
B-24J Liberator x 6
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed
E13A1 Jake: 3 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Airbase hits 24
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 45

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
26th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead

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

Reinforcements: A ton of convertible xAKs arrive and will be made into TKs immediately.

xAK Jinju Maru arrives at Nagoya
xAK Kinshu Maru arrives at Fukuoka
xAK Jinzan Maru arrives at Nagoya
xAK Hoshin Maru arrives at Hiroshima/Kure
xAK Otoriyama Maru arrives at Osaka/Kyoto
xAK Toan Maru arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka
xAK Tokuhei Maru arrives at Fukuoka
xAK Shiretoko Maru arrives at Nagasaki/Sasebo
xAK Imaji Maru arrives at Fukuoka
xAK Yozan Maru arrives at Hiroshima/Kure
DD Akishimo arrives at Maizuru

Losses: Another good E lost.

E Tsushima

Ships Sunk: These two actually look real. The BB is interesting. It's been on the list for a very long time. Hmmm.

SS Spearfish is reported to have been sunk near Tavoy on Oct 22, 1943
SS Sealion is reported to have been sunk near Milne Bay on Oct 23, 1943
Previous report of sinking of BB Maryland incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The 4Es are pounding Port Moresby troops a lot lately, but having little affect. They stay in the range of 830-850AV and their disruption hasn't gone above 30. I'm glad I reinforced this base and forced him to bring more, both exposing ships to danger and taking a lot of time.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/11/2012 3:13:48 PM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1234

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/12/2012 9:13:58 AM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

24 - 25 October 1943
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUBS: Subs have moved out of the approaches to Rangoon again after extensive ASW put the hit on several subs. Jocke also seems to have pulled back subs in major sea lanes from DEI to the HI, and I'm getting untouched major convoys through daily. Also, each TF is disbanding at Nagasaki for upgrades of the SCs, Es, and extra AA for the TK and AO.

SOUTH PACIFIC: Strikes continue daily by both 2E and 4E planes on troops at Port Moresby. The fields are toast but the troops stay strong.

WEST OZ: Another sneak attack by G3M3s today, this time on Normanton, which had no fighter CAP but did have craft in port. Small landing ships and LSTs, but still it feels good to continually get some free hits on Allied gear. About 6-8 craft were sunk today for no loss of strike planes.

BURMA: I made a mistake today with an ASW TF that had chased Allied subs into the IO slightly WSW of Rangoon. I had noticed a convoy unloading at Akyab for several turns, and I thought, well, there seem to not be any combat ships in the area, so I'll send them in quickly to go for it. Jocke had done well to keep his SAG outside my search area and met my 4 good DDs with a solid British cruiser-led TF. It ripped into the DDs, sinking the Yumagumo outright, and the Asagumo later in the day. At least I know they are around now and I can allocate bait more search to the area toward Calcutta to see what is coming.

Units from Kalemyo are being reconned and now seem a larger collection than when they began their march. I had thought this was a northern diversionary force meant to cut the rail and not challenge the bases. It appears now to be 100k+ troops and 500AFVs. So enough to be a problem. I'm going to send two more Brigade sized units to the Northern area to bring AV to around 1700 at Katha. This with an Area Army HQ, a Corp HQ and 5 Arty units should be a tough challenge behind level 6 forts and in the jungle. North of that there is not much other than garrisons for each base to protect against Chindit drops.

Two new Brigades allocated to Burma Army arrive in 19 days and will form a rather late arriving reserve. Until I know where he will be focused it's tough to know where to send the bulk of my troops.

CENTRAL PACFIC: Many TFs are converging now to move out construction and surplus base forces from the Gilberts and Marshalls, heading to NW New Guinea and the DEI.

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR October 24, 43
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Akyab at 54,45, Range 3,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Michishio
DD Arashio, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Yamagumo, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
DD Asagumo, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Cornwall
CA Exeter
CA Frobisher
DD Napier
DD Nestor
DD Nizam
DD Quadrant
DD Racehorse, Shell hits 1
DD Rapid

Reduced sighting due to 17% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 17% moonlight: 5,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 3,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 3,000 yards
Campbell F. crosses the 'T'
DD Asagumo engages CA Frobisher at 3,000 yards
Magazine explodes on DD Yamagumo
DD Yamagumo sunk by CA Frobisher at 3,000 yards
CA Frobisher engages DD Asagumo at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
CA Frobisher engages DD Asagumo at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
CA Frobisher engages DD Asagumo at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
DD Nizam engages DD Asagumo at 9,000 yards
DD Racehorse engages DD Asagumo at 12,000 yards
Iwahashi, Tooru orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range increases to 13,000 yards
DD Asagumo engages CA Frobisher at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
DD Nestor engages DD Asagumo at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CA Frobisher engages DD Asagumo at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
DD Quadrant engages DD Asagumo at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
CA Frobisher engages DD Asagumo at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
CA Frobisher engages DD Asagumo at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
CA Frobisher engages DD Asagumo at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
CA Frobisher engages DD Asagumo at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
DD Michishio engages DD Quadrant at 12,000 yards
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 12
B-17E Fortress x 25
B-24D Liberator x 20
B-24D1 Liberator x 55
B-24J Liberator x 5
B-25C Mitchell x 38
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 5

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 18

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR October 25, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Normanton , at 86,138

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
LST-454, Bomb hits 1, on fire
LCT-352, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
AM Lark, Bomb hits 1
LCT-476, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
LCT-367, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
LST-460, Bomb hits 2, on fire
LCT-461, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
LCT-355, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
LST-21, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
LCT-462, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
LCT-460, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk

Port hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x G3M3 Nell bombing from 7000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

Massive explosion on LST-460

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 22nd Division, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 20
B-17E Fortress x 20
B-24D Liberator x 25
B-24D1 Liberator x 51
B-24J Liberator x 5
B-25C Mitchell x 21
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 5

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
36 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Reinforcements: Excited to get the next longer ranged Judy very soon.

xAK Noshiro Maru arrives at Osaka/Kyoto

Aircraft D4Y3 Judy advances R&D 12/43

Losses: Tough losing to Yugumo class DDs. I know it's late 43 and i should get used to losing good ships, but it's still a hard transition, especially when the DDs don't perform 'miracles' like they used to at night.

Loss of DD Yamagumo on Oct 24, 1943 is admitted
DD Asagumo

Ships Sunk:

LST-454
LCT-352
LCT-476
LCT-367
LST-460
LCT-461
LCT-355
LST-21
LCT-462
LCT-460
SS Shad is reported to have been sunk near San Fernando on Jul 27, 1943

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

DD Asagumo
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/12/2012 9:39:31 AM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1235

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/12/2012 1:53:11 PM

GreyJoy

Posts: 6750
Joined: 3/18/2011
Status: offline

I keep on thinking that it would be better to defend more forward, in the jungle and not letting them arrive in the plains from the jungle hexes southwest of Kalemyo

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1236

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/12/2012 3:00:05 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

26 - 27 October 1943
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUBS: On the 27th a bombardment TF went in to Port Moresby and took out not one but two RO subs on the way, as well as damaging a third! Not too much luck hitting fast moving Allied TFs with these subs. The bombardment does little again.

SOUTH PACIFIC: A contingent of 11 different groups LR CAPed Port Moresby and still could not put a good hit on the mass of 4Es there. It sucks that with 44 of the planes listed below actually intercepting immediately the attack is short and more interceptors are shot down than 4Es. All were at altitudes just above the bombers so should have done much better. It's really silly that 4Es can just fly through waves of fighters with impunity. This surely wasn't the case in the war or there never would have been the need for the P-51.

There was 25 minutes to get into position as well, and all of the late-arriving groups minus 1 had intercept times of between 4 and 9 minutes. In the replay it seemed all showed up, but the combat was still very short. Why?

Sweeps of Corsairs nail bleeding CAP at Buna. I've now restricted the groups to 0 hexes.

WEST OZ: A SCTF hits Gove with a bombardment. Not bad. They hit two LSTs that must be damaged in port, as they were not seen previously and didn't have a separate engagement.

BURMA: P-47s swept several bases and wiped away all defenses easily. They got about 5 to 1 here. All planes were set low to interdict bombers and suck the sweepers down into a layered range of fighters, but it obviously did not work today. I think numbers were set low as well so that influenced how many were up right away to met the sweeps.

CENTRAL PACFIC: No sign of any movement here except my ships in the background moving things out. I get some reinforcements soon that will fill out some air defenses here with TB and MB with escorts. Most of the time this will be a training area but if something arrives then that will switch quickly.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR October 26, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Naval bombardment of Gove at 82,127

Japanese Ships
CA Furutaka
CA Nachi
CA Chokai
CA Atago

Allied Ships
LST-458, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LST-456, Shell hits 1

Allied ground losses:
289 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 35 disabled

Airbase hits 6
Runway hits 26
Port supply hits 1

CA Furutaka firing at Gove
E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CA Nachi
CA Nachi firing at Gove
CA Chokai firing at Gove
CA Atago firing at Gove

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 37,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 22
N1K1-J George x 14

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 3 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
201 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(14 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
253 Ku S-2 with J2M2 Jack (22 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(22 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
22 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Katha , at 61,43

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 43 NM, estimated altitude 39,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 12

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 3 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 35000 feet

CAP engaged:
24th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(14 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
54th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 17
N1K1-J George x 12

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
201 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 12 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
253 Ku S-2 with J2M2 Jack (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 17 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 22nd Division, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 73 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 8
A6M5 Zero x 17
N1K1-J George x 13
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 14
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 7
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 15
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 8

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 19
B-24D Liberator x 25
B-24D1 Liberator x 61
B-24J Liberator x 6
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 8 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Prome , at 55,50

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 36,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 27
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 10
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 4
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 22

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 6 destroyed
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 2 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 32000 feet

CAP engaged:
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(15 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 15 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
27th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
50th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
64th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Zuikaku-1 with J2M2 Jack (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 17 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Prome , at 55,50

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 36,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 10
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 5
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 1
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 13

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 34

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 5 destroyed
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 33000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR October 27, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASW attack near Port Moresby at 98,130

Japanese Ships
SS RO-67, hits 8, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Reid
CA Baltimore
DD Balch
DD Perkins

SS RO-67 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Reid
RO-67 bottoming out ....
DD Balch attacking submerged sub ....
DD Reid fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Perkins fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Balch attacking submerged sub ....
DD Balch fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Port Moresby at 98,130

Allied Ships
CA Baltimore
CA Wichita
CA Astoria
CA Salt Lake City

Japanese ground losses:
37 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Runway hits 9

CA Baltimore firing at 22nd Division
SOC-1 Seagull acting as spotter for CA Wichita
CA Wichita firing at 22nd Division
CA Astoria firing at 22nd Division
CA Salt Lake City firing at Port Moresby

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub vs Sub: SS I-153 attacking SS Pogy at 97,131 - near Port Moresby

Japanese Ships
SS I-153

Allied Ships
SS Pogy How can you miss this sub with a spread of 4 TT from 4k yards!!!

SS I-153 launches 4 torpedoes at 4,000 yards

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Port Moresby at 96,131

Japanese Ships
SS RO-63, hits 2, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Baltimore
CA Astoria
DD Mustin
DD Balch
DD Reid
DD Perkins

SS RO-63 is sighted by escort
RO-63 diving deep ....
DD Balch fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Reid fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Perkins fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Balch attacking submerged sub ....
Large oil slick appears over area of attack!
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 96,131

Japanese Ships
SS RO-64, hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Balch
CA Baltimore
CA Wichita
CA Astoria
DD Reid
DD Perkins

SS RO-64 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Balch
RO-64 diving deep ....
DD Balch fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Balch attacking submerged sub ....
DD Balch fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Balch attacking submerged sub ....
DD Balch cannot establish contact with SS RO-64
Debris floats to surface in area of attack!
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 3
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 11

Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1A Corsair: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x F4U-1A Corsair sweeping at 31000 feet

CAP engaged:
26th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Sasebo Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 2

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 33000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 22nd Division, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson III (LR) x 10
Mitchell II x 24
B-25C Mitchell x 38
B-25D1 Mitchell x 84

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
27 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Mitchell II bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reinforcements: I'm just bumping up the Ha-43 to advance more quickly now.

3rd Area Army arrives at Mukden
xAK Ekisan Maru arrives at Maizuru

Device Mitsubishi Ha-43 advances R&D (12/44)

Losses: Ouch. I'll keep using these a lot in massed groups, but I expect to lose them often. Still, I hope they can get a few good hits. If I lose 8 and get a CA or better, it's probably a good trade.

Loss of SS RO-63 on Oct 27, 1943 is admitted
Loss of SS RO-64 on Oct 27, 1943 is admitted

Ships Sunk: none.

Previous report of sinking of SS Skipjack incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A look at I-25 over the past half year. Interesting that it's encountered no task forces in either area of patrol, but has been more of a recon sub for the past year at least.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/12/2012 3:03:31 PM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1237

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/13/2012 2:23:40 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

28 - 29 October 1943
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUBS: As usual, one of our subs gets pounded by a fast combat TF. Anything above 22 knots and it seems like the attack is pretty useless so far in this particular game at least. The I-185 tries to limp home after 12 hits and with float damage in the 70s.

SOUTH PACIFIC: On the 28th 150+ 4E and 170+ 2E bombers hit troops at Port Moresby for 5 disabled squads. The Allies also bombarded on the ground and got 1 more disabled squad.

The Kure 7th SNLF that has been at Lunga is being transported to Port Moresby. I think the 8cm DP guns will fly in but the 12cm guns will not, even on an Emily-L. I'm not sure it's worth it to try to ship them over with the plethora of Allied units in the area. I'll see as the days go. Even the 8cm guns could help disrupt the landing of the small craft coming in lately.

Lots of sweeps hit empty air as I've puled back most fighter groups to replenish.

WEST OZ: I'm thinking of when to strip Exmouth. Should I let him prepare and prep to take it by sea for a bit longer before I move the divisions back to Java? Or should I split one and post it's parts in West OZ along the coast, moving the other back to Java, in order to make sure he has to allocate a lot of force for each base? Or should I just keep them here and see if he can take it? It will still be a tough base at level 6 forts with 50k supply and many supporting units. He would want the 4Es and a lot of bombardment before going in, which could lead to opportunities. Are those worth rebuilding two divisions though? Probably not.

Currently I'm leaning toward removing them in parts beginning next month.

BURMA: Another nasty set of P-47 sweeps hit Tongou and wipe out 3 groups there. The low layering is not working, and I'll have to try high and medium with some low (for bombers), but I fear the time of Allied dominance in the air has arrived. I may have to switch to a bait and tea mentality and not keep CAP up each day. We'll see.

CENTRAL PACFIC: Movement of useful non-combat units is proceding unhinded, including rescuing a radar unit from Funafuti by fast transport. I'm very surprised Jocke has let me hold that base as a scout post this long, and that none of the other unclaimed dot bases near this area ,near Canton or near Tabiteuaea have been invaded.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR October 28, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub attack near Nadi at 126,161

Japanese Ships
SS I-185, hits 12, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Converse
BB Alabama
DD Burns
DD Foote
DD Dyson
DD Dashiell

SS I-185 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Converse
I-185 diving deep ....
DD Foote attacking submerged sub ....
DD Dashiell attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-185 eludes ASW attack from DD Dashiell
DD Converse fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Dashiell attacking submerged sub ....
DD Dashiell fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 540 troops, 40 guns, 36 vehicles, Assault Value = 1129

Defending force 25138 troops, 228 guns, 74 vehicles, Assault Value = 863

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
754th Tank Battalion
25th Infantry Division
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
1st Marine Division
1st USMC Corps Tank Battalion
1st USMC Tank Battalion
II Aus Corps Engineer Battalion
I US Amphib Corps
I US Corps
131st Field Artillery Battalion
1st USMC Field Artillery Battalion
148th Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
47th Engineer Regiment
6th Garrison Unit
91st Infantry Regiment
14th Garrison Unit
22nd Division
Kure 7th SNLF /1
16th AA Regiment
31st Fld AA Gun Co
30th Fld AA Gun Co
22nd JNAF AF Unit
6th Shipping Engr Rgt /1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR October 29, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 27
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 8
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 14

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 5 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 35000 feet

CAP engaged:
Zuikaku-1 with N1K1-J George (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 17 scrambling)
15 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
64th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lae , at 99,126

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 47 NM, estimated altitude 38,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 9

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 35000 feet

CAP engaged:
26th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 5
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 5
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 9

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 35000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 38,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 25

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 35000 feet

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

Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 540 troops, 40 guns, 36 vehicles, Assault Value = 1134

Defending force 25305 troops, 244 guns, 74 vehicles, Assault Value = 873

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
1st USMC Corps Tank Battalion
754th Tank Battalion
1st Marine Division
25th Infantry Division
1st USMC Tank Battalion
II Aus Corps Engineer Battalion
1st USMC Field Artillery Battalion
I US Amphib Corps
I US Corps
131st Field Artillery Battalion
148th Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
47th Engineer Regiment
22nd Division
6th Garrison Unit
91st Infantry Regiment
14th Garrison Unit
Kure 7th SNLF /1
16th AA Regiment
31st Fld AA Gun Co
30th Fld AA Gun Co
22nd JNAF AF Unit
6th Shipping Engr Rgt /1

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

Reinforcements: None.

Losses: None.

Ships Sunk: None.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I'm dreading what will happen when he starts getting these babies at 175 a month.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1238

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/13/2012 4:42:27 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

30 - 31 October 1943
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUBS: Four different subs make contact with the bombardment TF heading for Port Moresby. None score. Again. Hopefully the dice are waiting for something later to give these guys a bigger better target. At least none were nailed in return by the DDs.

SOUTH PACIFIC: Again massive air raids and surface bombardment have little affect at Port Moresby. These guys are tough. I like his fixation here. I hope it continues. It's all bound to come unravelled after a while, but it's been a good long ride.

On the 31st he lands more arty, and the auto bombardment costs our troops more than anything the enemy has done in a week. i really wish these silly auto-controlled features were taken out. If I want them to bombard I would set them to do that, right?

I think the 8cm DP guns have an affect immediately, not hitting the landing craft but taking out a good number of Allied guns during the landing. I have decided to try to fast transport the 12cm guns in. Might be foolish, but I'll only go if it looks clear and I get a fast shot from close.

WEST OZ: A few amphib TFs formed at Soerabaja to bring some troops back from Exmouth. I'll at least re-allocate the Naval Guard to Broome, which has no garrison. The arty will be likely pulled back, although the anti-tank guns might just stay for a bit. I don't want his sigint to light up and have him turn those troops around again to come a third time. If they did I'd just have to bring my stuff back, I guess.

BURMA: Sweeps of Allied troops show no LR CAP over them. I'll wait a few days before exploring this further.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR October 30, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASW attack near Portland Roads at 94,132

Japanese Ships
SS RO-60, hits 1

Allied Ships
CA Baltimore
DD Mustin
DD Balch
DD Reid
DD Perkins

SS RO-60 is sighted by escort
RO-60 diving deep ....
DD Reid fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Perkins fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Perkins attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Portland Roads at 94,131

Japanese Ships
SS I-160

Allied Ships
DD Reid
CA Baltimore
DD Balch
DD Perkins

SS I-160 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Reid
DD Balch fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Perkins attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-160 eludes ASW attack from DD Perkins
DD Perkins cannot establish contact with SS I-160
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Port Moresby at 98,130

Allied Ships
CA Baltimore
CA Wichita
CA Astoria
CA Salt Lake City
DD Balch
DD Reid
DD Perkins
DD O'Brien
DD Russell
DD Mustin

Japanese ground losses:
53 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 16
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Port Moresby at 97,131

Japanese Ships
SS I-172, hits 2

Allied Ships
CA Baltimore
DD Mustin
DD Balch
DD Reid
DD Perkins

SS I-172 is sighted by escort
DD Balch fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Reid attacking submerged sub ....
DD Perkins attacking submerged sub ....
DD Reid fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Perkins fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 96,131

Japanese Ships
SS I-10

Allied Ships
DD Mustin
CA Baltimore
CA Salt Lake City
DD Russell
DD Balch
DD Reid
DD Perkins

SS I-10 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Mustin
I-10 diving deep ....
DD Balch fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Perkins attacking submerged sub ....
DD Perkins is out of ASW ammo
DD Perkins is out of ASW ammo
DD Perkins fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kure 7th SNLF, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson III (LR) x 10
Mitchell II x 12
B-17E Fortress x 23
B-24D Liberator x 28
B-24D1 Liberator x 73
B-24J Liberator x 7
B-25C Mitchell x 21
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 10

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
17 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 91st Infantry Regiment, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 73 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 11
B-25C Mitchell x 9
B-25D1 Mitchell x 74

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Mitchell II bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR October 31, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pre-Invasion action off Port Moresby (98,130)

294 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
SC-648
SC-646
SC-636
SC-517

Allied ground losses:
Guns lost 13 (1 destroyed, 12 disabled)

SC-648 fired at enemy troops
SC-646 fired at enemy troops
SC-636 fired at enemy troops
SC-517 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards 8cm DP guns working!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Port Moresby (98,130)

TF 371 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 98,130

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on III Indian Corps, at 60,42 , near Kalemyo

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 42

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
42 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 31000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on III Indian Corps, at 60,42 , near Kalemyo

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 30

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
30 x Ki-61-Ib Tony sweeping at 31000 feet *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 98,130

Japanese Ships
SS RO-36

Allied Ships
LCT-178
LCT-378
LCT-373
LCT-180
LCT-175
LCT-170
SC-648
SC-646

SS RO-36 cannot acquire firing solution on enemy LCT Again subs are useless against these craft, which is probably historically accurate, but they could at least fire a spread in to go for the escorts.

SC-648 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC-646 fails to find sub and abandons search
SC-648 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 23329 troops, 188 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 888 In spite of the auto-bombard give-away the AV is popping up nicely here after lifting the 7th SNLF in. Is the extra support helping?

Defending force 29955 troops, 487 guns, 660 vehicles, Assault Value = 1140

Japanese ground losses:
135 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
22nd Division
47th Engineer Regiment
14th Garrison Unit
6th Garrison Unit
91st Infantry Regiment
Kure 7th SNLF /1
22nd JNAF AF Unit
16th AA Regiment
30th Fld AA Gun Co
31st Fld AA Gun Co
6th Shipping Engr Rgt /1

Defending units:
25th Infantry Division
1st USMC Tank Battalion
754th Tank Battalion
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
1st Marine Division
1st USMC Corps Tank Battalion
II Aus Corps Engineer Battalion
I US Amphib Corps
1st USMC Field Artillery Battalion
131st Field Artillery Battalion
I US Corps
148th Field Artillery Battalion

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

Reinforcements: MTBs at last! I didn't realize these were such crap boats. 22 knots? Obviously only useful for annoyance purposes.

Ryuho finally gets her air groups. I have another trained unit working on the ship, so these will be slightly resized and move into a reserve/training role in the DEI, close enough to the action to be ready in a day or two if needed. The same will be the case for the two new zero groups arriving. All new units must train their own pilots even if going into combat missions. I just don't have enough and want to keep a small pool free at least.

MTB G-151 arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka
Ryuho-1 arrives on Ryuho
Ryuho-2 arrives on Ryuho
263 Ku S-2 arrives at Genzan
265 Ku S-2 arrives at Kagoshima
SC CHa-69 arrives at Hirosaki/Aomori

Losses: None.

Ships Sunk: None.

Previous report of sinking of DD Smith incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tomorrow is a big day!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/13/2012 10:15:14 PM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1239

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/13/2012 7:48:43 PM

Dora09

Posts: 217
Joined: 1/11/2008
Status: offline

Just my opinion but think the Ki84 is one of the most beautiful aircraft ever designed and that photo illustrates it so well. The Japanese designers had a knack for making many of their fighters look tough and beautiful at the same time. Sort of a warrior-poet thing.

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1240

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/14/2012 12:21:10 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dora09

Just my opinion but think the Ki84 is one of the most beautiful aircraft ever designed and that photo illustrates it so well. The Japanese designers had a knack for making many of their fighters look tough and beautiful at the same time. Sort of a warrior-poet thing.

I agree. I just found a bunch of new pics of it and a video that is on Youtube of these and Jacks taking off from a big base, I think in Japan in 45. A propaganda film I think. Fun to watch them actually fly. I had never seen a moving image of either before.

The Frank is very clean. The Jack is a really odd plane, but looks tough like a bulldog.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCfKUOj9ojI

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to Dora09)

Post #: 1241

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/14/2012 1:06:12 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

1 - 2 November 1943
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUBS: Some subs suddenly in the shipping lanes again. The Jack comes up twice to nail an Aden class xAK.

The I-38 misses some xAPs near Bundaberg. These guys can't get at any vital shipping.

SOUTH PACIFIC: Other than the usual unloading and auto-bombardments at Port Moresby, a quiet few days. That's very welcome and unexpected at this point in the war.

WEST OZ: Port Hedland is left with level 4 forts and one Naval Guard unit, as the engineers and base force are moved back to the Timor area.

BURMA: A Thai division and several decent arty units make it to Katha to shore things up there. I'll have 1500 AV plus there behind level 6 forts. That should hold for a bit if he moves that way. I'll not defend the air unless he gets careless or complacent. I know that supplies can come from China as well as Rangoon, so we shouldn't run out.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR November 1, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Invasion Support action off Port Moresby (98,130)

327 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
SC-646
SC-636
SC-517
LCT-172
SC-648

Allied ground losses:
Guns lost 6 (3 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

SC-646 fired at enemy troops
LCT-172 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Port Moresby (98,130)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

21 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
SC-646
SC-636
SC-517
LCT-374
LCT-172

SC-646 fired at enemy troops
SC-636 fired at enemy troops

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Agrihan at 115,84

Japanese Ships
xAK Taigen Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage This is attack number 2. The first included a miss and a dud.
PB Shintohoku Maru
xAK Igasa Maru
xAK Sinno Maru
xAK Kusuyama Maru
xAK Ada Maru
xAK Himalaya Maru
PB Shotoku Maru

Allied Ships
SS Jack

SS Jack launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Taigen Maru
Jack diving deep ....
PB Shotoku Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Bundaberg at 100,152

Japanese Ships
SS I-38, hits 2

Allied Ships
DD Frazier
xAP Kepong
xAP Siberg
xAP Rochussen

SS I-38 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Frazier
I-38 diving deep ....
DD Frazier attacking submerged sub ....
DD Frazier fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Frazier fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Frazier fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Frazier attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-38 eludes DD Frazier by diving deep
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR November 2, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22371 troops, 490 guns, 404 vehicles, Assault Value = 1146

Defending force 25988 troops, 246 guns, 74 vehicles, Assault Value = 874

Japanese ground losses:
34 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
1st USMC Tank Battalion
25th Infantry Division
754th Tank Battalion
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
1st USMC Corps Tank Battalion
1st Marine Division
II Aus Corps Engineer Battalion
131st Field Artillery Battalion
1st USMC Field Artillery Battalion
2nd USMC Field Artillery Battalion
I US Corps
I US Amphib Corps
148th Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
47th Engineer Regiment
91st Infantry Regiment
14th Garrison Unit
6th Garrison Unit
22nd Division
Kure 7th SNLF
16th AA Regiment
31st Fld AA Gun Co
22nd JNAF AF Unit
30th Fld AA Gun Co
6th Shipping Engr Rgt /1

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

Reinforcements: This and other DDs are holding in the HI to prepare to take the plethora of arriving units down south in about 15 days.

DD Shimozuki arrives at Maizuru

Losses: First ship lost to a sub in a while.

Loss of xAK Taigen Maru on Nov 01, 1943 is admitted

Ships Sunk: Our guys have a talent for hitting Ams, but can't hit SCs at all!

AM Stawell is reported to have been sunk near Portland Roads on Sep 18, 1943
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The big news is the Frank! To start I'll make 210 of them, but that may be increased. I've converted one of the Tony factories to the Frank, so that plane will still be produced, but only about 30 a month. The Id model looks interesting and will be available soon. I'm also making 160 Tojo IIc plus 120 Oscar IIb (soon to be IIIa). On the IJN side It's 160 Georges, 110 A6M5, 65 Jacks (the J3M3 ready soon at service 2).I'm also making 25 of the Irving NF variant, which is the only NF available for a while and probably sucks.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/14/2012 1:15:26 PM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1242

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/14/2012 1:08:55 PM

MAurelius

Posts: 152
Joined: 6/28/2012
Status: offline

just wanted to drop by as state that this AAR makes for a good read - always nice to see an update ;)

_____________________________

formerly known as SoliInvictus202

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1243

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/14/2012 1:18:09 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: MAurelius

just wanted to drop by as state that this AAR makes for a good read - always nice to see an update ;)

Thanks! I appreciate you letting me know. Sometimes I hear an echo in here, but I do see the numbers go up, so I assume someone must be following along.

I noticed you popped right in after I posted. I usually have to tweak several things after the initial post, so refresh if you go in quick as there might be more added and in a less messy state.

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to MAurelius)

Post #: 1244

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/14/2012 2:15:36 PM

Dora09

Posts: 217
Joined: 1/11/2008
Status: offline

Cool video obvert! Thanks.
Love your AAR. I look forward to findnig new posts daily. By far my favorite AAR I have read on these forums.

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1245

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/14/2012 3:15:19 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dora09

Cool video obvert! Thanks.
Love your AAR. I look forward to findnig new posts daily. By far my favorite AAR I have read on these forums.

Cheers! It's fun for me to do as well.

I'll try to keep it up consistently during the holiday travels, but there might be more sporadic posts (and turns flipping) after next week. I'll be flying over Japan on the way to OZ, so I hope I'll get a window and see how familiar things look!

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to Dora09)

Post #: 1246

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/14/2012 3:18:22 PM

MAurelius

Posts: 152
Joined: 6/28/2012
Status: offline

just make sure to resist the urge of dropping any bombs on Oz too... got friends there as well :P

_____________________________

formerly known as SoliInvictus202

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1247

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/14/2012 3:27:07 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

I keep on thinking that it would be better to defend more forward, in the jungle and not letting them arrive in the plains from the jungle hexes southwest of Kalemyo

Hey, just saw this one. I think i missed it between posts ages ago.

It seems everyone always does defend forward in the jungle. It is probably the right things to do. I made the choice to defend in the bases for two reasons;

1. Forts - I can build higher forts in the bases and won't be stuck wondering why certain units are only at level 2 while others are at level 4 in the jungles. There is even the potential that if forts go down low I could wrk to rebuild them, although this is unlikely. He may have to bomb in places often to keep me from these things instead of hitting my big fields or troops.

2. Logistics - There are a few advantages to being in the bases. I can control the flow of my supply better, and though he can bomb in spots, I can at least defend this to an extent if I choose to. My supply in the North can come from China, and while this costs more in transit, it doesn't cost as much as continually supporting units off-road in the jungle hexes. hopefully for those reasons I'll have better supply than he will.

Also the troops are more healthy in base, keeping a higher moral and less fatigue, especially after the first battle. In the jungle hexes forward both armies would have these issues. In a base I have an advantage. If I decide to bomb his troops I would have more close CAP and escort options. Also, if forces are slowly wearing down in one area, I might be able to reinforce after the battle has begun more easily, not walking in slow motion through the woods.

So that's the idea. It could all come tumbling down with a massive shock across the river into Prome, which looks to happen in about 2 weeks. I'll have about 3-4k AV behind 6 forts there. I have no idea yet what he is bringing, but it's a lot. I would guess 6-8k AV. That could cause me some big problems no matter where I'm sitting.

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to GreyJoy)

Post #: 1248

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/14/2012 3:27:47 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: MAurelius

just make sure to resist the urge of dropping any bombs on Oz too... got friends there as well :P

My GF would definitely disapprove as well.

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to MAurelius)

Post #: 1249

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/15/2012 1:15:16 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

3 - 4 November 1943
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUBS: The US subs are very aggressive. Can't remember one of mine firing 6 TT at a DD ever! The Grayback did that near Port Moresby against our DD, but luckily none were on target.

I-178 somehow missed S-31 on the surface from 2k yards.

A couple of RO boats crushed by DCs. Might make it back though.

SOUTH PACIFIC: After more sweeping and bombing of Port Moresby on the 3rd, the 4th became very interesting. I sent in CM Okinoshima with a DD escort to drop 125 mines in the port. These quickly claimed SS Haddo. I did lose the CM on it's way out, which sucks. The Finback came up twice, but finished it off finally.

WEST OZ: The evac commences, and no sign of trouble yet. His troops look to have made Carnarvon and are shown on their way SE, which would be great.

BURMA: We got crushed here. P-47s perfectly coordinated to send a sweep of 120+ of the best against the heart of the defenses. Although it looks even more dire in the reports, the results were about 1:3, as we did get some down in ops and did well against the Lightnings that also came in. He bombed Katha to rubble, swept and bombed Myitkyina with Brit 2Es, and then dropped Chindits on Warzup, which I had left unguarded intentionally.

So I'll shift down a reserve Brigade to the North, shift a 1/3 Thai division forward to Myitkyina for insurance, and begin to split and buy out a Chinese division to form a new reserve up here.

The main force is still walking down the road from Akyab. No deviations yet.

CENTRAL PACFIC: Subs are appearing all over to inhibit the massive movement of support units back from this area, but so far nothing has been lost.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR November 3, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub attack near Milne Bay at 100,133

Japanese Ships
DD Tachikaze

Allied Ships
SS Grayback, hits 2

SS Grayback launches 6 torpedoes at DD Tachikaze
DD Tachikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tachikaze attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kure 7th SNLF, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson III (LR) x 12
Mitchell II x 15
B-17E Fortress x 36
B-24D Liberator x 42
B-24D1 Liberator x 120
B-24J Liberator x 12
B-25C Mitchell x 12
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 36

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
136 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 22nd Division, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 13
B-25C Mitchell x 12
B-25D1 Mitchell x 93

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
34 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Mitchell II bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Myitkyina , at 64,42

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 45
Blenheim VD x 3
Wellington Ic x 44

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 37
Airbase supply hits 12
Runway hits 99

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Blenheim IV bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Shwebo , at 59,45

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 37,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 9
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 10
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 64
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 12
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 31

Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38E Lightning: 4 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x P-38E Lightning sweeping at 31000 feet

CAP engaged:
Ominato Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
1st Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(15 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
25th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(15 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 7 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
54th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
54th Sentai Det A with Ki-61-Ib Tony (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
78th Sentai with Ki-44-IIb Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(12 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
24th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 26 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters to 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
47th Sentai with Ki-61-Ib Tony (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 19 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters to 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Shwebo , at 59,45

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 37,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 5
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 10
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 48
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 8
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 27

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 121

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 3 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 12 destroyed
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 4 destroyed OUCH!!!

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 35000 feet
22 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 35000 feet
20 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 35000 feet
20 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 35000 feet
19 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 35000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Shwebo , at 59,45

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 36,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 1
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 5
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 25
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 8
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 19

Allied aircraft
P-38H Lightning x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38H Lightning: 2 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Katha , at 61,43

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 67 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 12
B-24D Liberator x 12
B-24D1 Liberator x 69
B-25C Mitchell x 96
B-26 Marauder x 16
B-26B Marauder x 16

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged
B-26B Marauder: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 49
Airbase supply hits 14
Runway hits 156

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-26B Marauder bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Ground combat at Warazup (63,41)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 2466 troops, 35 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 125

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Allied adjusted assault: 19

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 19 to 1 (fort level 1)

Allied forces CAPTURE Warazup !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: op mode(-), shock(+), leaders(+), leaders(-), disruption(-)

Assaulting units:
77th Chindit Bde /1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR November 4, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TF 444 encounters mine field at Port Moresby (98,130)

Allied Ships
SS Haddo, Mine hits 1, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Milne Bay at 98,133

Japanese Ships
CM Okinoshima, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
DD Tachikaze

Allied Ships
SS Finback

SS Finback launches 4 torpedoes at CM Okinoshima
DD Tachikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tachikaze attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Port Moresby at 98,130

Japanese Ships
SS RO-33, hits 12

Allied Ships
DD Bache
DD Fletcher
DD Eaton
DD DeHaven
DD Cony

SS RO-33 is sighted by escort
DD Eaton fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD DeHaven fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Cony fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Eaton attacking submerged sub ....
DD Eaton fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Milne Bay at 98,133

Japanese Ships
CM Okinoshima, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage sunk

Allied Ships
SS Finback

CM Okinoshima is sighted by SS Finback
SS Finback launches 4 torpedoes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Port Moresby at 98,130

Japanese Ships
SS RO-36, hits 16

Allied Ships
DD Fletcher
DD Bache
DD Eaton
DD DeHaven
DD Cony

SS RO-36 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Fletcher
DD Eaton fails to find sub and abandons search
DD DeHaven attacking submerged sub ....
DD Cony fails to find sub and abandons search
DD DeHaven fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kure 7th SNLF, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 36
B-24D Liberator x 42
B-24D1 Liberator x 99
B-24J Liberator x 9
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 32

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
82 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Katha , at 61,43

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 16
Liberator B.III x 16
B-17F Fortress x 12
B-24D Liberator x 12
B-24D1 Liberator x 75
B-25C Mitchell x 92
B-26 Marauder x 16
B-26B Marauder x 16

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator B.III: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 22
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 67

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Liberator II bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 91st Infantry Regiment, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson III (LR) x 9
Mitchell II x 22
B-25C Mitchell x 48
B-25D1 Mitchell x 84

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Mitchell II bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Myitkyina , at 64,42

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 36
Blenheim VD x 12
Wellington Ic x 35

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 17
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 35

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reinforcements: Good. More IJN fighter pilot training units! Need them badly.

SS RO-37 arrives at Port Arthur
SS RO-38 arrives at Port Arthur
SS RO-39 arrives at Osaka/Kyoto
SS RO-40 arrives at Maizuru
MTB G-152 arrives at Shimizu
521 Ku K-2 arrives at Chiba
523 Ku K-1 arrives at Chiba
48th Sentai arrives at Tokyo

Losses: Hate losing this ship. Very versatile and one of the quicker minelayers.

Loss of CM Okinoshima on Nov 04, 1943 is admitted

Ships Sunk:

SS Haddo
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CM Okinoshima
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1250

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/15/2012 10:54:55 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

5 - 7 November 1943
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Strange things happening these few turns lead to a sad loss of some useful surface ships.

SUBS: Our big fast transport/surface comabt TF on the way to Port Moresby likely sinks or disables not one but two subs. The S-39 is hit in the shallows on the way in and the Sargo is forced to surface and pounded.

SOUTH PACIFIC: Jocke came in at Port Moresby during a very good time for the IJN and air units to have an affect on his landing. Unfortunately, only a moderate delay to his eventual capture of the base is produced.

First his minesweepers mixed it up with my new DP guns! Why didn't I have some of these here from the beginning? That would have made this much tougher to deal with. Anyway, DD Selfridge sits on a mine and several AMs are in bad shape.

During the landing it looks like the entire 6th division becomes disabled?!? Is this true? Was it not prepped, or what? The auto-bombardment indicates that two divisions landed but the AV only went up to 1636, so around 500 + from previously. It might still be a while then before the base falls if he has to wait until the whole division repairs. That is good. So maybe the DP guns still did some good as far as delaying the inevitable.

Some dribbles of air strikes go in but meet a wall of CAP, all layered 10k-15k. A few Frances get through but active no hits. Another 100+ planes lost.

On the 6th Jocke's CA Baltimore led SAG gets caught out in the open near PM with no LR CAP. Bettys go for some LCI/LCT near Terapo during the morning phase instead of these sinking 4 of the tiny things, while a nice fat set of combat ships is closer to their home base!?!

Jills make an effort but are thin after the previous day and can't hit anything. In the afternoon 13 Bettys go for the combat ships, but can't find the target either.

I sent Helens in to Terapo thinking he would have the LR CAP on ships, but no such luck. A lot of planes lost for little. Time to pull back a bit now. The major combat troops are in on NG and I can't affect that anymore.

In between watching my cruisers get demolished on the 7th (see below), a group of Jacks stood up to Corsairs sweeping at Ndeni. Two groups came in and the J2M2 got even numbers for the day (

) while flying at 15k! Very interesting.

WEST OZ: Gove is shattered by two CA led bombardments. It'll be a while before it's functioning well again.

Nells add to the pain on the 6th with a good bombardment of the fields.

BURMA: Katha is continually pounded, but only the fields so far. I've got two new air groups moving in over the next few days. i might station them close enough to LR CAP sometime soon.

STRANGE BEHAVIORS LEAD TO BAD RESULTS: I had loaded a fast transport with CA Aoba, Kitakami and Oi, and 10 DDs to bring in the rest of the 12cm DP guns to Port Moresby. My timing was a bit late, as they didn't make it by the time the big landing came in, and were 3 hexes out along the coast of NG during the action of the 5th, unmolested. I changed them into a surface combat TF and sent them in the next day to see if they could hit the convoy, but instead of reacting to it as it left Port Moresby, they skirted around it and began landing the DP guns! In surface combat mode!

If I hadn't done this before successfully and had ships fight battles with troops onboard I would think it was WAD. However, since I know it has worked before this seems very odd, and this led to the eventual sinking of the cruisers.

On the 6th they were in Port Moresby with orders to flee and potentially lock horns with 7 Allied ships (likely led by modern CA/CL) that had ended up to the SE of Port Moresby. Instead they stayed in the hex and unloaded their supply as well!!! Still in surface combat mode!

Again, they were not hit that day, but on the 7th they finally retreated and moved an entire 4 hexes (!!!) which means they stayed the entire night phase in PM and then were sitting in range of Allied strike planes in broad daylight. WTF?

Jocke's B-25D1 came in low and did their job, sinking Aoba with 4 500lb hits (old and frail, I guess?) and putting enough hurt on the CLs that Kitakami was hit by 3 TT from the Finback and sank while Oi burned out and went under the following day. Frustration!?! Yes.

Obviously this was partially my fault for sending them in, and I was prepared to lose them for a few DDs and a CL maybe during a surface tussle, but not like this. Very cheap. Has anyone else ever had something similar happen with fast transports?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR November 5, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TF 376 encounters mine field at Port Moresby (98,130) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

33 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
AM Direct, Shell hits 2
AM Champion, Shell hits 1, on fire
AM Shepparton, Shell hits 1
AM Katoomba, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Selfridge, Mine hits 1, heavy damage

AM Direct firing at Kure 7th SNLF
Kure 7th SNLF firing at AM Direct
AM Champion firing at Kure 7th SNLF
Kure 7th SNLF firing at AM Champion
AM Shepparton firing at Kure 7th SNLF
Kure 7th SNLF firing at AM Shepparton
AM Katoomba firing at Kure 7th SNLF
Kure 7th SNLF firing at AM Katoomba

13 mines cleared

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Port Moresby at 99,132

Japanese Ships
CA Aoba
DD Samidare
DD Yudachi
DD Murasame
DD Kiyonami
DD Akebono
DD Shinonome
DD Ariake
DD Kawakaze

Allied Ships
SS S-39, hits 8 several direct hits

SS S-39 is sighted by escort
S-39 bottoming out ....
DD Akebono fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Kawakaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Shinonome fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kawakaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Shinonome fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Kawakaze attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Gove at 82,127

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Catalina I: 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CA Mikuma
DD Asanagi
DD Harukaze
DD Yugure
DD Hatsushima
DD Shimakaze

Allied ground losses:
449 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 24 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 52 disabled

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 50
Port hits 22
Port supply hits 2

E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CA Suzuya
CA Suzuya firing at Gove
CA Mikuma firing at Gove
DD Asanagi firing at Gove
DD Harukaze firing at Gove
DD Yugure firing at Gove
DD Hatsushima firing at Gove
DD Shimakaze firing at Gove

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Gove at 82,127

Japanese Ships
CA Furutaka
CA Nachi
CA Chokai
CA Atago
DD Numakaze
DD Nagatsuki
DD Kikuzuki
DD Fumizuki
DD Suzunami

Allied ground losses:
110 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 10 disabled

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 13
Port hits 5
Port supply hits 1

CA Furutaka firing at Gove
CA Nachi firing at Gove
CA Chokai firing at Gove
CA Atago firing at 18th RAAF Base Force
DD Numakaze firing at 18th RAAF Base Force
DD Nagatsuki firing at Gove
DD Kikuzuki firing at Gove
DD Fumizuki firing at Gove
DD Suzunami firing at Gove

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Port Moresby (98,130)

343 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CA Hawkins
CA Canberra
DD Halford
APA Arthur Middleton
DD Selfridge, heavy damage
DD Talbot

Allied ground losses:
52 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

CA Hawkins firing at 22nd Division
CA Canberra firing at 22nd Division
DD Halford firing at 22nd Division
DD Halford fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 4,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Port Moresby (98,130)

TF 376 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 98,130

Allied ground losses:
1777 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 398 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 208 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 231 (1 destroyed, 230 disabled)
Vehicles lost 269 (2 destroyed, 267 disabled) WOW!

Motorized Support lost in surf during unload of 6th Infantry Div
105mm M3 Howitzer lost from landing craft during unload of 6th Infantry Div /7
Motorized Support lost from landing craft during unload of 6th Infantry Div

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Port Moresby (98,130) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

159 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CA Hawkins
CA Canberra
DD Talbot
APA Arthur Middleton
DD Selfridge, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
37 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

DD Talbot firing at Kure 7th SNLF
Kure 7th SNLF firing at DD Talbot
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 8
A6M5 Zero x 13
B6N2 Jill x 8
P1Y1 Frances x 9

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 5
P-38H Lightning x 23
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 6
F4U-1 Corsair x 8
F6F-3 Hellcat x 46

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 5 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 6 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 4 destroyed
P1Y1 Frances: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CA Canberra

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x P1Y1 Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 10
P1Y1 Frances x 15

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 5
P-38H Lightning x 19
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 6
F4U-1 Corsair x 8
F6F-3 Hellcat x 44

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 4 destroyed
P1Y1 Frances: 11 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 65 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 27
B6N2 Jill x 17

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 3
P-38H Lightning x 15
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 4
F4U-1 Corsair x 6
F6F-3 Hellcat x 35

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 10 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 10 destroyed, 1 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
P-38H Lightning: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
DD Halford

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 23103 troops, 188 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 869

Defending force 48245 troops, 923 guns, 1166 vehicles, Assault Value = 1636

Japanese ground losses:
176 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
91st Infantry Regiment
22nd Division
47th Engineer Regiment
14th Garrison Unit
6th Garrison Unit
Kure 7th SNLF
31st Fld AA Gun Co
16th AA Regiment
30th Fld AA Gun Co
22nd JNAF AF Unit
6th Shipping Engr Rgt /1

Defending units:
1st USMC Corps Tank Battalion
25th Infantry Division
754th Tank Battalion
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
1st USMC Tank Battalion
37th Infantry Division
1st Marine Division
6th Infantry Division
II Aus Corps Engineer Battalion
2nd USMC Field Artillery Battalion
131st Field Artillery Battalion
I US Amphib Corps
I US Corps
1st USMC Field Artillery Battalion
148th Field Artillery Battalion

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR November 6, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASW attack near Aitape at 95,118

Japanese Ships
xAK Araogawa Maru
xAKL Nagaragawa Maru
xAKL Shinrei Maru
PB Yahonui Maru

Allied Ships
SS Tuna, hits 4 Good result, as these have troops on board!

SS Tuna is sighted by escort
Tuna bottoming out ....
PB Yahonui Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Yahonui Maru attacking submerged sub ....
PB Yahonui Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Terapo at 96,128

Japanese Ships
SS I-183

Allied Ships
DD Selfridge, heavy damage

DD Selfridge is sighted by SS I-183
SS I-183 launches 2 torpedoes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Port Moresby at 98,130

Japanese Ships
DD Arashi
CA Aoba
DD Samidare
DD Yudachi
DD Murasame
DD Kiyonami
DD Akebono
DD Shinonome
DD Ariake
DD Kawakaze

Allied Ships
SS Sargo, hits 15, and is sunk

SS Sargo launches 4 torpedoes at DD Arashi
Sargo bottoming out ....
DD Akebono fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Shinonome fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Ariake attacking submerged sub ....
SS Sargo forced to surface!
DD Ariake firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Kawakaze firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Port Moresby at 97,130

Japanese Ships
SS I-174, hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Russell
CA Baltimore
DD Mustin
DD Balch
DD Reid
DD Perkins

SS I-174 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Russell
DD Balch attacking submerged sub ....
DD Reid fails to find sub and abandons search
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Horn Island at 93,128

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 14
G4M1 Betty x 13

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
LCT-137
SC-707
LCT-140, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
LCI-23, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
LCI-21, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
LCT-58, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
Guns lost 8 (6 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 97,131

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B6N2 Jill x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 3 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
DD Bache
DD Fletcher

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Katha , at 61,43

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 16
Liberator B.III x 16
B-17F Fortress x 12
B-24D Liberator x 12
B-24D1 Liberator x 82
B-25C Mitchell x 81
B-26 Marauder x 16
B-26B Marauder x 16

Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 37

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Liberator II bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 97,131

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 11
G4M1 Betty x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 9 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
DD Fletcher
DD DeHaven
DD Eaton

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Gove , at 82,127

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 18
G3M3 Nell x 22

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Catalina I: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 30

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x G3M3 Nell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Terapo , at 96,127

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 75 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 83
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 20

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 7
Spitfire VIII x 5
F4U-1 Corsair x 45
F4U-1A Corsair x 34
F6F-3 Hellcat x 35

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 9 destroyed
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 8 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 damaged
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed on ground
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed on ground

Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 1000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Terapo , at 96,127

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 43 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 25

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 2
Spitfire VIII x 5
F4U-1 Corsair x 43
F4U-1A Corsair x 33
F6F-3 Hellcat x 35

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vc Trop: 1 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair: 2 destroyed
F4U-1A Corsair: 1 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Terapo , at 96,127

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 37

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 1
Spitfire VIII x 5
F4U-1 Corsair x 35
F4U-1A Corsair x 27
F6F-3 Hellcat x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-44-IIc Tojo sweeping at 31000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR November 7, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASW attack near Port Moresby at 97,131

Japanese Ships
DD Kiyonami
CA Aoba
CL Oi
DD Samidare
DD Yudachi
DD Murasame
DD Arashi
DD Akebono
DD Shinonome
DD Ariake
DD Kawakaze

Allied Ships
SS Pogy

SS Pogy launches 2 torpedoes at DD Kiyonami
Pogy diving deep ....
DD Akebono fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Shinonome fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ariake fails to find sub and abandons search
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 98,132

Japanese Ships
DD Yudachi
CA Aoba
DD Samidare
DD Murasame
DD Kiyonami
DD Akebono
DD Shinonome
DD Ariake
DD Kawakaze

Allied Ships
SS Finback, hits 1

SS Finback launches 2 torpedoes at DD Yudachi
Finback diving deep ....
DD Akebono attacking submerged sub ....
DD Shinonome attacking submerged sub ....
DD Ariake fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Akebono fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ndeni , at 120,143

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 36

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 4 destroyed

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1 with J2M2 Jack (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 24 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,132

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
Beaufort VIII x 8
B-25D1 Mitchell x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort VIII: 3 destroyed
B-25D1 Mitchell: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Aoba
CL Kitakami, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Beaufort VIII launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
2 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
958 Ku T-2 with A6M3a Zero (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Katha , at 61,43

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 16
Liberator B.III x 16
B-17F Fortress x 12
B-24D Liberator x 12
B-24D1 Liberator x 83
B-25C Mitchell x 78
B-26 Marauder x 15
B-26B Marauder x 16

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator II: 1 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 26

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Liberator II bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,132

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 5 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 36

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 13 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CA Aoba, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires
CL Kitakami, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akebono
CL Oi, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires
DD Yudachi
DD Arashi
DD Yamakaze
DD Shinonome
DD Kawakaze
DD Ariake
DD Samidare

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
12 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
5 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
958 Ku T-2 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 97 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,132

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 3 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
DD Kawakaze, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Akebono, Bomb hits 1
DD Ariake, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Shinonome

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ndeni , at 120,143

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 42 NM, estimated altitude 36,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 30

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 4 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x F4U-1 Corsair sweeping at 31000 feet

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1 with J2M2 Jack (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
30 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 17000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 98,132

Japanese Ships
CL Kitakami, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Oi, heavy fires
DD Kawakaze
DD Akebono
DD Shinonome
DD Yamakaze

Allied Ships
SS Finback

SS Finback launches 4 torpedoes at CL Kitakami
Finback diving deep ....
DD Akebono attacking submerged sub ....
DD Akebono is out of ASW ammo
DD Shinonome attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yamakaze fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Akebono fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Shinonome fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Akebono fails to find sub and abandons search
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Reinforcements: Suddeny my new SC are 21 knots! That's helpful.

MTB G-153 arrives at Nagoya
SC Ch 51 arrives at Kumamoto

Aircraft Ki-61-Id Tony advances R&D (1/44)
Aircraft P1Y2 Frances advances R&D (8/44)

Losses: Even though they all kind of suck, I did like these ships for the variety of missions they could run. didn't want to see them go out like that anyway.

Loss of CL Kitakami on Nov 07, 1943 is admitted
CL Oi
CA Aoba

Ships Sunk: Getting a lot of confirmed subs lately.

SS Sargo is reported to have been sunk near Port Moresby on Nov 06, 1943
LCI-21 is reported to have been sunk near Horn Island on Nov 06, 1943
LCI-23 is reported to have been sunk near Horn Island on Nov 06, 1943
LCT-58 is reported to have been sunk near Horn Island on Nov 06, 1943
LCT-140 is reported to have been sunk near Horn Island on Nov 06, 1943
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CA Aoba
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/16/2012 12:36:39 AM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1251

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/16/2012 3:00:03 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

8 - 9 November 1943
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUBS: The Allied subs have had a serious ressurection. They're moving in to ALL of the sea lanes currently and into places I've never seen them before.

The SS Raton is disemboweled by Es near Formosa, and might not make it back with a 'heavy damage' report after.

SS Guardfish takes out a small xAK in the PI.

SOUTH PACIFIC: I forgot to shut off some Jills which got creamed at PM by Hellcats. Again, the pilots were mostly okay dropping on still friendly ground.

On the 9th Jocke blasted Woodlark with 4Es, and in spite of a good CAP there, they nearly wipe out a group of Nells. Our fighters get to eh later stragglers better and take 10-12 on the day. Not bad, but the coordination of 220+ 4Es is tough to deal with in the first wave.

At least the DP guns do their job once here. A group of minesweepers will have trouble making it home after trying to clear the port at PM.

Even with the recent loss of combat ships, I still feel pretty good about where the IJN is at this point. I have lost 2 modern and 2 old CAs, and about 10 CLs (not sure exactly, but I'll do a tally in late Decemeber), but no BBs so far, and only about 25 DDs. Nearing the end of 43 this seems decent.

WEST OZ: The Aussie troops have been seen to leave Carnarvon and move to the South toward Geraldton. I won't remove divisions from Exmouth until I know they are really out of the way.

BURMA: Forts in the jungle really do well to inhibit bombing. Another big raids hits Katha and does little. On the 9th every bomber in Burma seemingly hits a 1/3 Thai division moving to Myitkyina. Some troops are indeed disabled, but none destroyed.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR November 8, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Katha , at 61,43

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 15
Liberator B.III x 16
B-24D Liberator x 11
B-24D1 Liberator x 69
B-25C Mitchell x 95
B-26 Marauder x 16
B-26B Marauder x 16

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 11
Runway hits 43

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Liberator II bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR November 9, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASW attack near Taihoku at 88,61

Japanese Ships
E Chidori
DD Shikinami
E W-25

Allied Ships
SS Raton, hits 15, heavy damage A long way back from Formosa with 'heavy damage'

SS Raton is located by E Chidori
DD Shikinami fails to find sub and abandons search
E W-25 fails to find sub, continues to search...
E W-25 attacking submerged sub ....
E W-25 fails to find sub, continues to search...
E W-25 attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 228 encounters mine field at Port Moresby (98,130) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

72 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
AM Bengal, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
AM Madras, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
AM Bombay, Shell hits 6, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AM Latrobe, Shell hits 6, heavy fires
AM Kapunda, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
AM Freemantle, Shell hits 2, on fire

Kure 7th SNLF firing at AM Bengal
AM Bengal firing at Kure 7th SNLF

60 mines cleared

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Portland Roads at 95,132

Japanese Ships
SS I-173, hits 3

Allied Ships
DD Aaron Ward
DD Lansdowne
DD Duncan

SS I-173 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Aaron Ward
DD Lansdowne fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Duncan fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Lansdowne attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Terapo at 96,127

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 10

Allied aircraft
P-70 Havoc x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DD Cony
DD Bache
DD Eaton

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x G3M3 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
15th FG/6th NFS/A with P-70 Havoc (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Raid is overhead

Some CAP have air radar

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Taihoku at 90,62

Japanese Ships
PB Takunan Maru #3
PB Kyo Maru #3
PB Kaiyo Maru #1
PB Banshu Maru #18
TK Namba Maru
TK Takasan Maru
TK Toyohi Maru
PC Take
PB Kohuku Maru

Allied Ships
SS Scamp

SS Scamp launches 2 torpedoes at PB Takunan Maru #3
Scamp diving deep ....
PC Take fails to find sub and abandons search

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Taytay at 75,83

Japanese Ships
xAK Hasuna Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
SC CHa-5
TK Samui Maru
xAK Yamafuku Maru
xAK Shinkoku Maru
E Shirataka
PB Wa 20

Allied Ships
SS Guardfish

SS Guardfish launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Hasuna Maru
Guardfish diving deep ....
E Shirataka fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Woodlark Island , at 104,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 14
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 11
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 29

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 32
B-24D Liberator x 43
B-24D1 Liberator x 99
B-24J Liberator x 20
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 5 damaged
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed on ground
G3M3 Nell: 24 destroyed on ground
B6N2 Jill: 3 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 25
Airbase supply hits 19
Runway hits 56

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-2 with J2M2 Jack (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(15 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
77th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
21st Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (6 airborne, 7 on standby, 16 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd RTA/A Division, at 63,43 , near Bhamo

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 33
Blenheim VD x 3
Liberator II x 16
Wellington Ic x 44
B-17F Fortress x 8
B-24D1 Liberator x 37
B-25C Mitchell x 25
B-26 Marauder x 16

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
94 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Blenheim IV bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd RTA/A Division, at 63,43 , near Bhamo

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 11
B-24D Liberator x 11
B-25C Mitchell x 42
B-26B Marauder x 16

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Blenheim IV bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd RTA/A Division, at 63,43 , near Bhamo

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 49 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim VD x 12
Liberator B.III x 16

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim VD bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Woodlark Island , at 104,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 11
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 9
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 21

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Woodlark Island , at 104,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 9
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 19

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reinforcements: Not really a reinforcement, but the conversion is finished and the only CS I have changed over is now a 24 knot CVL.

CVL Mizuho

Losses: A lot more of this to come it looks like.

Loss of xAK Hasuna Maru on Nov 09, 1943 is admitted

Ships Sunk: none.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If he continues tomorrow I may not get this 45 plane group out for a very long time. All remaining Nells are damaged and won't be able to get a fragment to another base to rebuild.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/16/2012 3:02:10 PM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1252

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/17/2012 1:13:18 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

10 - 11 November 1943
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUBS: The Scamp takes out TK Huzisan Maru with two attacks near Formosa. Scamp takes two hits only, but one is direct at least.

SOUTH PACIFIC: I'm getting to see some interesting things from all of the intensive 200-400 bomber missions the Allies are flying nearly daily in both Burma and So Pac. The Kure 7th SNLF, with it's DP guns, has suffered disruption from two sources more intensely than other units. Because it interacts directly with surface bombardments it gets disrupted there, but also shoots at air strikes so this seems to add to the levels. It's higher than the other units that are worked over, the AA guns, at 80+ most days. Also, the unit is not fully prepped for PM which could be part of the problem. Still, most units are doing well and recover quickly.

WEST OZ: Support ships reach Darwin and will support the CA bombardments here, but will not disband in port. Too risky this close here.

BURMA: Massive raids on Katha continue to do little to troops in the base. Jocke's troops in this northern are have begun moving South after stopping for a few days on the rails between Shwebo and Katha. They look to be heading to Shwebo. I'll try to follow them out with forces from Katha. I am reinforcing Shwebo to 1500 AV plus arty behind level 6 forts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR November 10, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Kure 7th SNLF, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Allied aircraft
Beaufort VIII x 36
Hudson III (LR) x 12
Mitchell II x 28
B-17E Fortress x 25
B-24D Liberator x 39
B-24D1 Liberator x 79
B-24J Liberator x 16
B-25C Mitchell x 50
B-25D1 Mitchell x 96
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 33

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort VIII: 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 3 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese ground losses:
122 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 18th Division, at 61,43 (Katha)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 44
Blenheim VD x 15
Liberator II x 16
Wellington Ic x 44
B-17F Fortress x 10
B-24D Liberator x 21
B-24D1 Liberator x 59
B-25C Mitchell x 64
B-26 Marauder x 16
B-26B Marauder x 16

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator II: 1 damaged
Wellington Ic: 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged
B-26B Marauder: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment, at 61,43 (Katha)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Allied aircraft
Liberator B.III x 15
B-24D1 Liberator x 7
B-25C Mitchell x 27

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Liberator B.III bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR November 11, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub attack near Taihoku at 90,62

Japanese Ships
TK Huzisan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
E W-28
E W-6
E Tomozuru
SC Ch 6
AV Sagara Maru
AO Shinkoku Maru
TK Teiyo Maru
TK San Ramon Maru
TK Otowasan Maru
DD Yugiri
DD Urakaze
E Sokuten

Allied Ships
SS Scamp

SS Scamp launches 2 torpedoes at TK Huzisan Maru
DD Yugiri fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Urakaze fails to find sub and abandons search
E Sokuten fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Sokuten fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Taihoku at 90,62

Japanese Ships
TK Huzisan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yugiri

Allied Ships
SS Scamp, hits 2

SS Scamp launches 2 torpedoes at TK Huzisan Maru
Scamp diving deep ....
DD Yugiri attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yugiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Port Moresby at 98,130

Allied Ships
CA Northampton
CA Portland

Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

CA Northampton firing at 22nd Division
CA Portland firing at 22nd Division

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kure 7th SNLF, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson III (LR) x 12
Mitchell II x 28
B-17E Fortress x 31
B-24D Liberator x 27
B-24D1 Liberator x 89
B-24J Liberator x 15
B-25C Mitchell x 59
B-25D1 Mitchell x 105
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 32

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 6 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
157 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Reinforcements: MTBs go right back into the pool to be used elsewhere. I'd ilke some around Milne Bay soon.

xAK Teisen Maru arrives at Osaka/Kyoto
MTB G-154 arrives at Osaka/Kyoto
SC Ch 54 arrives at Niigata

Losses: None of the extensive air cover or ASW ships within two hexes saved this TK.

TK Huzisan Maru

Ships Sunk: None.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

TK Huzisan Maru, 18 knot tanker. Not happy to lose this one.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/17/2012 1:14:08 PM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1253

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/17/2012 4:38:54 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

12 - 13 November 1943
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUBS: Here we go! Just like the autumn in the US, hunting season has officially begun. Many sub attacks during these two days by the US boats. The Dragonet makes it's presence felt right away coming up twice to sink an SC and then an Aden loaded with a fragment of an engineer unit. Luckily I had 6-7 of them to carry this unit, so not much is lost.

Another Aden (Calcutta Maru) is lost carrying supplies to the DEI to another newly arrived sub, the SS Apogon.

SOUTH PACIFIC: The Allies bombard at PM, doing little. Troops are in good shape still.

P-47s get some bleeding Georges and take the group back a few days of recovery again. I'm trying to get all groups in some kind of shape, but he is starting to pick new bases and hit previously untouched units. I'll pull all back to Rabaul for now. He hasn't shown that he is willing to do long-range sweeps, and there is a lot of layered CAP there. The forts are at about 8.35+ right now, but with 350+ engineers and 18 vehicles they should get to 9 fairly quickly. I should have had this done long ago, but didn't think I needed a level 9 base here. Since he is concentrating, I now must concentrate for a while before i can spread out again. Live and learn.

BURMA: Tojo IIbs hit Akyab as a test to see what is here. About 95 fighters have been shown by recon. They all seem to be P-40Ks, all flying at 10k. Our sweep comes in at 20k. I wanted to experiment with using the plane at it's best maneuver band. They took out a few P-40s early, then the numbers dominated as the defense ate half the group. Yuck. It's an interesting set-up though, as I'm not sure they would do quite as well against massed high sweeps, which I'll try in a few days. It's all Cat and Mouse, but I'm mostly the mouse these days.

I hit troops near Shwebo with some Helens just to see what was there. Not a good idea to bomb these guys from 6k. At least I know most of the guns are AA.

CENTRAL PACFIC: I see something coming. Looks like CVs on the rollover. Canton is on the menu again. I hope it's as poisoned as the first time, but I know he will prepare the main course with a few appetizers this time. 16" shells most likely. I couldn't get the forts to 6 here. Nearly, but still at 5.68+. No chance now. Supply is at 6k, but that could go quickly if he gets serious about bombardment.

I may do some messing around and annoying stuff from a distance, but I can't really afford to contest this area right now in any serous way. I'll be able to LR CAP Canton from Baker, I have 18 Emilys I can put on LR night torpedo runs (skill ~55) from Abemama, and I have some subs in the area. That's it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR November 12, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub attack near Woleai at 95,104

Japanese Ships
SC Ch 36, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Kanko Maru
PB Tenzan Maru

Allied Ships
SS Dragonet

SS Dragonet launches 2 torpedoes at SC Ch 36
Dragonet diving deep ....
PB Tenzan Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tenzan Maru attacking submerged sub ....
PB Tenzan Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Siargao at 85,90

Japanese Ships
xAK Calcutta Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PB Kyo Maru #12

Allied Ships
SS Apogon

SS Apogon launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Calcutta Maru
PB Kyo Maru #12 attacking submerged sub ....
PB Kyo Maru #12 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Woleai at 95,104

Japanese Ships
xAK Hokuan Maru, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
xAK Rokko Maru
xAK Daido Maru
PB Tenzan Maru

Allied Ships
SS Dragonet

Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled

SS Dragonet launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Hokuan Maru
Dragonet diving deep ....
PB Tenzan Maru attacking submerged sub ....
SS Dragonet eludes PB Tenzan Maru by diving deep
PB Tenzan Maru loses contact with SS Dragonet
PB Tenzan Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Lubang at 77,78

Japanese Ships
TK Nissan Maru
TK Moji Maru
TK Kozui Maru
TK Kaijo Maru
xAKL Eiwa Maru
xAKL Fuyukawa Maru
xAKL Shinshui Maru
PB Kunitu Maru
PB Sozan Maru
PB Nikkai Maru

Allied Ships
SS Lapon

SS Lapon is sighted by escort
PB Kunitu Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Sozan Maru fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Nikkai Maru fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Kunitu Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22424 troops, 506 guns, 409 vehicles, Assault Value = 1703

Defending force 25745 troops, 257 guns, 74 vehicles, Assault Value = 854

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
754th Tank Battalion
25th Infantry Division
6th Infantry Division
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
37th Infantry Division
1st USMC Tank Battalion
1st Marine Division
1st USMC Corps Tank Battalion
II Aus Corps Engineer Battalion
I US Corps
I US Amphib Corps
131st Field Artillery Battalion
2nd USMC Field Artillery Battalion
1st USMC Field Artillery Battalion
148th Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
6th Garrison Unit
14th Garrison Unit
22nd Division
47th Engineer Regiment
91st Infantry Regiment
Kure 7th SNLF
16th AA Regiment
31st Fld AA Gun Co
22nd JNAF AF Unit
30th Fld AA Gun Co
6th Shipping Engr Rgt /1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR November 13, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub attack near Sarmi at 91,113

Japanese Ships
xAK Tatukami Maru, Torpedo hits 1
SC Ch 19
AK Kyusyu Maru
xAK Tatuharu Maru
PB Nichiryo Maru

Allied Ships
SS Seadragon

SS Seadragon launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Tatukami Maru
Seadragon diving deep ....
PB Nichiryo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 36

Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 61

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 11 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40K Warhawk: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
51st FG/25th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
80th FG/88th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 25000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
80th FG/459th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 17000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
311th FBG/528th FBS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
311th FBG/529th FBS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes

Morning Air attack on 22nd Division, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Allied aircraft
Beaufort VIII x 27
Hudson III (LR) x 12
Mitchell II x 19
B-17E Fortress x 26
B-24D Liberator x 33
B-24D1 Liberator x 90
B-24J Liberator x 18
B-25C Mitchell x 58
B-25D1 Mitchell x 102
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 30

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson III (LR): 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lae , at 99,126

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 66 NM, estimated altitude 39,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 8

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
201 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lae , at 99,126

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 36,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 11

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 6 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 35000 feet

CAP engaged:
201 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 20th Indian Division, at 60,43 , near Katha

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 23
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 17 damaged
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 4 destroyed by flak

Allied ground losses:
33 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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

Reinforcements: Reinforcements arrive!!! I've been allocating TFs to carry these to Singers for distribution quickly to needed areas. A bunch more arrive tomorrow. The Special base force will go to Ambon.

9th Fleet arrives at Truk
70th Field AA Battalion arrives at Tokyo
68th Field AA Battalion arrives at Tokyo
69th Field AA Battalion arrives at Tokyo
1st Ind.Mixed Regiment arrives at Tokyo
26th Special Base Force arrives at Tokyo

Aircraft N1K2-J George advances R&D (4/44)

Losses: The cull begins in earnest.

Loss of xAK Hokuan Maru on Nov 12, 1943 is admitted
Loss of xAK Calcutta Maru on Nov 12, 1943 is admitted
Loss of SC Ch 36 on Nov 12, 1943 is admitted

Ships Sunk: None.

Previous report of sinking of SS Searaven incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Another SC lost. I haven't had much luck the with 15 knot SC-13 class boats actually hitting anything. They're kind of like the Oscars of the surface fleet.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/17/2012 9:09:28 PM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1254

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/17/2012 9:48:07 PM

Crackaces

Posts: 3858
Joined: 7/9/2011
Status: offline

You are in November of 1943 and you still hold Canton Island! Bravo!

I think you might be on track to last until 1946!

_____________________________

"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so"

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1255

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/18/2012 10:24:52 AM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Crackaces

You are in November of 1943 and you still hold Canton Island! Bravo! I think you might be on track to last until 1946!

That's the hope. I want jets!

I feel very fortunate for the CV battles that led to this condition of extended Empire in late 43. The problem I'm finding is that when you hold more bases you have to support more bases. It is very double edged and the Japanese don't' have the fuel, supplies or men to keep these areas for much longer. Already all building has stopped to save supply (and supply convoys, to save fuel), all naval forces are back in the DEI or the Solomons, and few convoys come out here unless to pull troops back. I've tried to streamline this as much as possible, and it helps that China is no longer a supply drain, but is actually an aggregate supply producer now.

Having units out here at this point means that I'm stretched to provide for the inner circle. Luckily, if I can hold on for another few months without major incursions to the DEI, Burma or the inner Central Pacific, a staggering amount of reinforcements arrive in early 44.

I've just gotten the first wave of these, about 7 Army brigades and 2 awesome looking amphibious brigades, plus a bunch of arty. One amphib unit is heading to Ponape, the other to Nauru, to try to shore the inner vulnerable bits just past the Gilberts/Marshalls.

About 5 more naval garrisons come in a few days and then in a month 10-12 brigades arrive at partial strength in China. I hope to buy out as many as i can to help in the DEI and inner Cent Pac, like the Marianas for instance which have only base forces and construction units now.

Really, the KB is holding together a house of cards. Once Allied CV strength is equal to mine, which should be at least by 1/44, if not already, (considering the increasing quality differences of the aircraft), all vectors will be vulnerable. If I can hold Burma until getting these reinforcement in place, then get more in there, I could really stall for a while. It's a big if though.

Fuel is the real and most pressing issue. I need to hold the DEI well into 44 as a solid producer. This is the only way to stay alive into 46. I have good HI reserves, a decent fuel supply for this point in the war (~4 million), but raw oil is getting very low, below 500k now. Subs are starting to have more of an affect and I will soon need to use fuel for the fighting fleets. I'm hauling a bunch of stuff back to the HI now, including massive resource carrying fleets returning from bringing out supply or troops. These will taper off into the new year once the surplus is good.

My choice to hold back to the bases in Burma leaves him with tough choices but more opportunities to choose his attack, use deception, and pin me down where I don't want to be. It does save on supply, and it also means he has to take some risks and is vulnerable to the movement advantage i have with inside lines. We'll see which pans out better in a few weeks.

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/18/2012 11:41:55 AM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to Crackaces)

Post #: 1256

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/18/2012 1:22:38 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

14 - 15 November 1943
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUBS: More action from both sub fleets. The Allied fast BBs hit PM and subs were ready on the route. The I-178 got a spread of 6 off at the P of W, which was good to see, but unfortunately all missed. Crap. Then the sub took a pounding form DD Hughes, with 9 hits and 55 flood damage. It might make it home.

SS Lapon cuts small TK in half near Manila while en route from Mili. I've got ASW ships vectoring in now.

In a rare occurrence, SS I-121 locates an Allied convoy mid-ocean off of India and puts a TT into xAK Yenangyaung.

SOUTH PACIFIC: The BB bombardment was the toughest yet. This definitely had an affect. Troops are disrupted but hanging in there. A few more before an attack though and it could be ugly. Still, it's all taking time. If I can get another solid 1:2 hold here, then I will be VERY happy. I'm thinking it will go 1:1 and bring forts to 4, which would mean the end wil be near for the Southern New Guinea force. I'm trying to bring supply to Buna in the hopes this will help them to retreat that way, not to Milne Bay, but this is right into the teeth of the Allied air strength. He hasn't brought any strike planes to Terapo yet, but could at any moment. I'll LR CAP it, but if he goes in with 100 Hellcats on escort, it won't matter.

A big couple of days in the air. The major strikes continue at PM but he's gone down to 6k. I contested one with poor results using LR CAP Tojo IIa. I may wait a day or two and use the PM fields for a 100 plane CAP as a surprise. Sweeps are a problem though. I found this out at Umboi, where I had a decently layered CAP with good pilots flying the Tojo IIc, but they withered under a hail of 50 cal bullets from P-47s and Corsairs. Not pretty. Many pilots were okay after getting only wounded though or bailing over our territory.

HOME ISLANDS: A whole bunch of reinforcements arrive, including many brigades and arty units which are already loading on pre-set transport TFs in Tokyo, Sendai, Kumamoto, Hiroshima/Kure, Nagoya and Fukuoka. Another will pick up in Sapporo and some arty is being sent to Nagasaki to load. A lot moving South! The sea lanes will be chocked, but ASW will step-up and flights will increase, day and night to get these to destinations where they are needed quickly.

As a side note, three garrison units disbanded in various locations around the map, magically disappearing into the jungles and oceans. One of these was at Ramree islands, where the massive stack of Allied troops is now moving, according to recon. I hope he still takes the time to come here, even though the troops have suddenly vanished. Another disappeared from Merauke. This is critical. I'll try to fly in another regiment there from Darwin. I want 450AV behind at least 4 forts to stall there once he decides to hit the base, probably soon. The final vanishing unit was at Trinkat, which is barren of combat troops now. One of the arriving brigades will go here, another to Sabang.

WEST OZ: I'll be sending another bombardment of the fields at Gove, and Nells to Groot Eylant to slow things there somewhat. He's not putting fighters forward there so far, which is fantastic, although the naval bombardments would surely take some out, so I see why he wouldn't.

BURMA: I sent two tank divisions out from Katha to try to rush in behind Jocke's moving stack that was shown heading to Shwebo. It stopped and my divisions got pummeled by 400 bombers, even though they're in the jungles in combat mode. I set a LR CAP to test out the Hurri sweeps over them and try for the bombers. The Hurricanes did surprisingly well, and the numbers were about even on the day.

I'm moving the tanks back to Katha into the protection of the forts, and we'll see where the stack of troops go. I think he might be using this force to draw more north away from the bigger stack to the south as well as splitting my forces.

Bigger sweeps of Burma went in on the 15th, and I got coordination which achieved 2:1 results with the P-40s over Akyab. Jocke however did better with a coordinated 120+ P-47 sweep that got about 7-8:1 kills!!!

This will force me to pull back these forces and relinquish the airspace for now.

I do have a surprise for tomorrow though. There are Brit cruisers at Chittagong. If they remain there 3 separate MB (T) could strike with good support from escorts and sweeps hitting the CAP. They are based in Mandalay, Lashio and Chang Mai. I also have extended search from Bettys and Helens going for a 1k bombing run in place. Could be interesting.

CENTRAL PACFIC: Massive attention is now being paid to Canton Island. Naval strikes push past my light LR CAP easily, with few losses, and hit the troops. Still, they hang on well. I hope he takes the numbers as evidence this is having more affect than it is, and goes in soon. Especially because the garrison unit here will do a magic withdrawal in less than two weeks now!!

I'm flying in part of another Naval Guard unit, and pulling back the construction guys here. My prediction is the BBs will hit once after a replenishment at Christmas Island, then the troops will land. I hope soon!

I will be ready to get fragments out as I'd like them to immediately begin rebuilding in the Gilberts at Abemama and Tarawa.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR November 14, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub attack near Busuanga at 77,79

Japanese Ships
TK Nissan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
TK Moji Maru
TK Kozui Maru
TK Kaijo Maru
xAKL Eiwa Maru
xAKL Fuyukawa Maru
xAKL Shinshui Maru
PB Kunitu Maru
PB Sozan Maru
PB Nikkai Maru

Allied Ships
SS Lapon

SS Lapon launches 2 torpedoes at TK Nissan Maru
PB Kunitu Maru fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Sozan Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Nikkai Maru attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Port Moresby at 98,130 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

12 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales
BB Alabama, Shell hits 3
BB Massachusetts
BB Indiana

Japanese ground losses:
255 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 12 (8 destroyed, 4 disabled)
Vehicles lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled) Disruption goes high for the first time with the major combat units, into the 50s.

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 15
Port hits 8
Port supply hits 2

BB Prince of Wales firing at 22nd Division
OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for BB Alabama
Kure 7th SNLF firing at BB Alabama
BB Alabama firing at Kure 7th SNLF
BB Massachusetts firing at 22nd Division
BB Indiana firing at Port Moresby

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Canton Island at 153,143

Allied Ships
BB Mississippi
BB Idaho
BB Maryland
DD Crane
DD Kennison
DD Dent
DD Schley
DD Abner Read
DD Hoel
DD Heermann
DD Hazelwood

Japanese ground losses:
361 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 31 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 4 (3 destroyed, 1 disabled) Only the base force and construction unit have high disruption. The combat units are quite low, the highest in the 20s.

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 13
Port hits 16
Port supply hits 3

BB Mississippi firing at 4th Garrison Unit
OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for BB Idaho
BB Idaho firing at Canton Island
BB Maryland firing at Canton Island
DD Hazelwood firing at 52nd Naval Guard Unit

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 96,132

Japanese Ships
SS I-178, hits 9, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales
DD Hobby
DMS Elliot
DMS Wasmuth
DMS Trevor
DD Dale
DD MacDonough
DD Hull
DD Hughes

SS I-178 launches 6 torpedoes at BB Prince of Wales
DD Dale attacking submerged sub ....
DD MacDonough fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Dale fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hughes attacking submerged sub ....
DD Hughes attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 3rd Tank Division, at 61,42 , near Katha

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 12
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 15

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIc Trop: 4 destroyed

CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(15 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
87th Sentai with Ki-44-IIb Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 12 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 3rd Tank Division, at 61,42 , near Katha

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 7
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 19

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 3rd Tank Division, at 61,42 , near Katha

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 7
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 13

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIc Trop: 1 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 91st Infantry Regiment, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Allied aircraft
Beaufort VIII x 36
Hudson III (LR) x 12
Mitchell II x 28
B-17E Fortress x 25
B-24D Liberator x 37
B-24D1 Liberator x 99
B-24J Liberator x 12
B-25C Mitchell x 50
B-25D1 Mitchell x 102
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 31

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson III (LR): 1 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
94 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 3rd Tank Division, at 61,42 , near Katha

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 5
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 8

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 46
Liberator II x 16
Liberator B.III x 16
Spitfire Vc Trop x 8
Wellington Ic x 48
B-17F Fortress x 3
B-24D Liberator x 13
B-24D1 Liberator x 66
B-25C Mitchell x 87
B-26 Marauder x 15

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged
Wellington Ic: 1 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
75 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 23 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 43 (2 destroyed, 41 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Blenheim IV bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 3rd Tank Division, at 61,42 , near Katha

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 5
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 4

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR November 15, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Submarine attack near Madras at 40,45

Japanese Ships
SS I-121

Allied Ships
xAK Yenangyaung, Torpedo hits 1

xAK Yenangyaung is sighted by SS I-121
SS I-121 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Yenangyaung

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 21

Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 125

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40K Warhawk: 5 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-84a Frank sweeping at 31000 feet

CAP engaged:
51st FG/25th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 12 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
80th FG/88th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 12 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
80th FG/459th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 12 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
311th FBG/528th FBS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 12 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
311th FBG/529th FBS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 12 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 71 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 126
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 30

Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 100

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40K Warhawk: 9 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
42 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 31000 feet
28 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 31000 feet
27 x Ki-61-Ib Tony sweeping at 31000 feet *
25 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 31000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Umboi Island , at 100,125

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 39,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 69
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 12

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 25
F6F-3 Hellcat x 51

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 8 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 35000 feet
5 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 35000 feet
6 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 35000 feet

CAP engaged:
85th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 33 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
203rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 18 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters to 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
Temp.Fight.Chutai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 8 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 4th Garrison Unit , at 153,143 (Canton Island)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 88
SBD-5 Dauntless x 72
TBF-1 Avenger x 54

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
167 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 31 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 10 (1 destroyed, 9 disabled) Troops still not doing badly, but supply is getting dire, down to 2.5k

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
18 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 14000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Umboi Island , at 100,125

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 34
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 1

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 36
F4U-1A Corsair x 41

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 12 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x F4U-1A Corsair sweeping at 31000 feet
12 x F4U-1 Corsair sweeping at 31000 feet
9 x F4U-1 Corsair sweeping at 31000 feet
15 x F4U-1A Corsair sweeping at 31000 feet

CAP engaged:
85th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 64 minutes
203rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
Temp.Fight.Chutai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kure 7th SNLF, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 14

Allied aircraft
Hudson III (LR) x 12
Mitchell II x 19
B-17E Fortress x 24
B-24D Liberator x 42
B-24D1 Liberator x 91
B-24J Liberator x 18
B-25C Mitchell x 58
B-25D1 Mitchell x 93
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 31

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson III (LR): 1 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
47 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
70th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
77th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 14th Garrison Unit , at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 47 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10

Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Mitchell II: 3 destroyed, 4 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Mitchell II bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
70th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
77th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Tank Division, at 61,42 , near Katha

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 48
Blenheim VD x 16
Liberator II x 16
Liberator B.III x 16
Wellington Ic x 32
B-17F Fortress x 12
B-24D Liberator x 24
B-24D1 Liberator x 81
B-25C Mitchell x 76
B-26 Marauder x 15
B-26B Marauder x 16

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 1 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
120 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 25 (1 destroyed, 24 disabled) Disruption is high as well, into the 70s.

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Blenheim IV bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Shwebo , at 59,45

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 40,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 15
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 10
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 28
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 18
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 5

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 147

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 4 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 3 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 10 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 8 destroyed
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 1 destroyed This is not good.

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 35000 feet
16 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 35000 feet
15 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 35000 feet
25 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 35000 feet
24 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 35000 feet
16 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 35000 feet

CAP engaged:
251 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(18 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 14 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
54th Sentai with Ki-44-IIb Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
54th Sentai Det A with Ki-61-Ib Tony (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
59th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(15 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
64th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 19 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 31000 and 36740.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes

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

Reinforcements: Wooohoooo!!! Here we go! That's what I need right now.

SC CHa-70 arrives at Shanghai
301 Ku S-1 arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka
301 Ku S-2 arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka
341 Ku S-1 arrives at Matsuyama
34th Ind.Mixed Brigade arrives at Tokyo
30th Ind.Mixed Brigade arrives at Nagoya
31st Ind.Mixed Brigade arrives at Kumamoto
32nd Ind.Mixed Brigade arrives at Kumamoto
33rd Ind.Mixed Brigade arrives at Hiroshima/Kure
24th Ind.Mixed Brigade arrives at Sendai
29th Ind.Mixed Brigade arrives at Osaka/Kyoto
12th Mortar Battalion arrives at Hiroshima/Kure
14th Mortar Battalion arrives at Hirosaki/Aomori
3rd Amphibious Brigade arrives at Asahikawa
11th Mortar Battalion arrives at Osaka/Kyoto
2nd Amphibious Brigade arrives at Fukuoka
1st Amph.Bde Tank Battalion arrives at Mutankiang
2nd Medium Mortar Battalion arrives at Kumamoto
3rd Medium Mortar Battalion arrives at Tokyo
341 Ku S-1 arrives at Takamatsu
MTB G-155 arrives at Kobe

Losses: At least a small one.

Loss of TK Nissan Maru on Nov 14, 1943 is admitted

10th Garrison Unit disbands (Merauke)
11th Garrison Unit disbands (Trinkat)
17th Garrison Unit disbands (Ramree Island)

Ships Sunk: None.

LCT-148 is reported to have been sunk near Koumac on May 18, 1943
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

As you can see from this shot, the losses are getting difficult to maintain. I have to pull CAP back and use it only sporadically from now on, hoping he will either get lazy or get complacent. not expecting either though, so I'll have to get tricky!
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/18/2012 1:26:19 PM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1257

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/18/2012 1:32:42 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

BURMA
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The cruisers at Chittagong are under what looks like 60 fighters that could be on CAP. I've got two groups sweeping, plus 3 fighter groups on escort for the MB (T) and the Helens.

The stack up North looks to have stopped moving altogether now. This is exactly what happened the last time about a year ago in Burma. He moved it in there and stopped. Hmmmm.

The Southern stack shows that some part is moving to Ramree Island. I'm wary of breaks out to the plains, possibly targeting Magwe or a move with the full stack to Bassein. I can move behind the lines to shore anything up quickly though. I could really use more in reserve right now. Two Brigades are on the way and I may send more of the new arrivals as well, depending on developments.

At Warazup the Chindits are bushwhacking toward the rail to the South of Myitkyina. I'll move behind them if they get there.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Kunming is nearly at forts 9, while Paoshan is at 6 and Tsuyung is pushing toward 6, so the mountains are looking pretty solid.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/18/2012 9:03:22 PM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1258

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/18/2012 1:36:23 PM

MAurelius

Posts: 152
Joined: 6/28/2012
Status: offline

I hope Prome has nice forts - cause usually Jap Divs get trashed pretty easily in the open... always has me worried...

_____________________________

formerly known as SoliInvictus202

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1259

RE: Wild Sheep Chase - 12/18/2012 1:36:28 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

UP IN THE AIR
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Some screens. Thought I should show what I've been facing lately! Fairly impressive.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/18/2012 1:41:56 PM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1260

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RE: Wild Sheep Chase