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RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly Pillager)

 
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RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 8/30/2016 6:49:41 PM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Johnjohn,

Welcome back. I fully agree the “small ball” strategy of taking lightly defended and/or dot hex bases is proving effective in being able to start and establish some kind of Allied advance. In the Solomons, my primary objective is establishing significant air bases within fighter sweep range (5-6 hexes) of Rabaul. The main idea around Rabaul is neutralizing it, not necessarily capturing it. Rabaul is certainly useful to me if it can be taken, but not with 38 Japanese LCU stationed in it. I’ve launched naval surface raids (both bombardment and naval combat) into Rabaul – these eliminating much of Pillager’s small transport ship capacity to supply Buna even on a modest scale. Naval bombardment also caused significant damage to Japanese air transport capacity from Rabaul to Buna. Allied capture of Milne Bay also proved a turning point in the action at Buna – Buna now within range of PT-boats plus the base has the capacity to support regular US surface naval activity off Buna. All of this is interdicting Pillager’s ability to keep Buna going for the Japanese side. Effects of this interdiction is shown in numbers of destroyed Japanese LCU elements rising in recent AAR’s of Allied ground combat at Buna. Buna is now becoming winnable for the Allies, possibly sooner rather than later.

After Buna and the Solomons, things could be slightly more problematic. There is the matter of reaching and successfully invading the Marianas. Based on the almost certain probability of maximum fortification sizes on all islands plus known (many units identified) Japanese LCU garrisons on each island, entering the Marianas via frontal attack is inviting a repeat of my current experience at Buna. Pillager’s Japanese army in the Pacific outnumbers Allied ground forces I have available. The fall of China in 1943 plus a sizable number of Japanese LCU reinforcements through 1944 made this development virtually inevitable. Check a posting Pillager made in a thread re:China in the War Room. From my point of view, there was little surprise to me in what he said.

Another point on the Marianas… entering the Central Pacific area from the Solomons and Buna makes the KB relevant. Pillager’s most likely strategy is employing KB as a “fleet in being” beyond reach of any Allied attack as long as possible; even if he doesn’t use it, I still need to account for it. To a large extent this negates the use of my US Main Carrier force as a means of directly supporting any invasion in the Marianas – I have to save its “shots” (planes and air sorties) for use against the KB if it shows up. Having a large carrier battle is not necessarily in Pillager's best interest.

Some interesting options occurring in 1945 with Allied ground forces entering as reinforcements from Europe (mid to late summer) around where they can be most effectively used. I may find myself doing something less than obvious in a campaign where Allied victory is less then certain.

(in reply to johnjohn)
Post #: 2311
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 8/30/2016 6:54:44 PM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/11/44

Southwest Pacific: 465K supply and 93K fuel on hand in Milne Bay.

Current status of Port Moresby base – 1.28 million supply and 155K fuel on hand (unchanged).

Current status of Terapo base – 225K supply and 10K fuel on hand (unchanged).


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea plus Rabaul.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 3 N1K2-J George (2 on the ground, 1 either air-to-air or ops)
• 1 N1K1-J George (ops)
• 1 Ki-84 Frank (undetermined, either air-to-air or ops)
• 3 Ki-61 Tony (2 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 3 Ki-44 Tojo (2 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 2 J2M3 Jack (both ops)
• 16 Ki-45 Nick (10 air-to-air, 2 on the ground, 4 ops)
• 3 J1N1-Sa Irving (all air-to-air)
• 1 B5N2 Kate (flak)
• 1 Ki-49 Helen (on the ground)
• 3 H6K4-L Mavis (2 on-the-ground, 1 ops)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 1 A-20G Havoc (air-to-air)
• 5 B-25 Mitchell (4 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 3 Mitchell II (all air-to-air)
• 2 B-29 Superfort (both ops)
• 7 B-24 Liberator (3 air-to-air, 4 ops)
• 3 PB4Y-1 Liberator (2 air-to-air, 1 ops)


Allied port and airfield bombing strikes and fighter sweeps against Buna continue. Early raids of Allied bombers were intercepted by Japanese CAP fighters (probably based at Lae or nearby) before Allied fighter sweeps could intervene – note sequence of AAR’s below. Most Allied bombers operating over Buna are coming from NE Australia bases, fighters in actions over Buna based on New Guinea (Port Moresby and Terapo). AAR’s follow.

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

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M3 Jack x 5
N1K1-J George x 6
N1K2-J George x 9
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 2
Ki-61-II KAI Tony x 5
Ki-84a Frank x 22

Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 3
B-24D1 Liberator x 3
B-24J Liberator x 21
B-25C Mitchell x 3
B-25H Mitchell x 15
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Mitchell II: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 2 destroyed
B-25H Mitchell: 1 destroyed
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged

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

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 19
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
1 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
1 x Mitchell II bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K2-J George (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 4000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 4000.
Raid is overhead
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead
S-312 Hikotai with J2M3 Jack (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 6000.
Raid is overhead
302 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 8000.
Raid is overhead
S-401 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 5000.
Raid is overhead
48th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead
52nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Raid is overhead
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Raid is overhead
73rd Sentai with Ki-61-II KAI Tony (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 8000.
Raid is overhead
87th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 7000.
Raid is overhead

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

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M3 Jack x 1
N1K1-J George x 4
N1K2-J George x 4
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 1
Ki-61-II KAI Tony x 5
Ki-84a Frank x 7

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 12

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

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 3 damaged

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

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 4000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead
S-312 Hikotai with J2M3 Jack (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 6000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 91 minutes
302 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
S-401 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (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 5000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 98 minutes
48th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (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 1000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
52nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 65 minutes
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 234 minutes
73rd Sentai with Ki-61-II KAI Tony (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 114 minutes
87th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 210 minutes

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

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M3 Jack x 1
N1K1-J George x 3
N1K2-J George x 3
Ki-61-II KAI Tony x 5
Ki-84a Frank x 4

Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 13
B-24J Liberator x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-II KAI Tony: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Mitchell II: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged

Runway hits 1
Port hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Mitchell II bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead
S-312 Hikotai with J2M3 Jack (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
302 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
S-401 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 5000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
52nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (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 9000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 57 minutes
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 114 minutes
73rd Sentai with Ki-61-II KAI Tony (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 8000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
87th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (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 7000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 159 minutes

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

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M3 Jack x 1
N1K1-J George x 1
N1K2-J George x 2
Ki-61-II KAI Tony x 1
Ki-84a Frank x 1

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 28
B-25C Mitchell x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 5 damaged

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

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead
S-312 Hikotai with J2M3 Jack (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 6000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
302 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (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 8000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 72 minutes
S-401 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (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 5000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 63 minutes
73rd Sentai with Ki-61-II KAI Tony (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 8000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 120 minutes
87th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (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 7000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 57 minutes

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

Raid spotted at 4 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25J1 Mitchell 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 5
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-25J1 Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 9
B-24J Liberator x 9

No Allied losses

Port hits 7
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 9

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 16

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 7

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 30000 feet

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

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 25

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-38L Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet

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


US destroyer TF continues operating in Buna base hex. No reported surface naval combat actions, destroyer TF was attacked in a night naval air strike by Jap LBA torpedo planes. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, at Buna 99,129

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud (7% moonlight)

Raid detected at 54 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD O'Brien
DD Farragut
DD Worden
DD Allen

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

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


Detected status of Jap base at Buna – port and airfield damage both 100, 1 Jap TF (10 ships, visible on map as submarine TF), 28 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae – 98 aircraft (77 fighters, 18 bombers), 11 Jap LCU, no Jap TF.

Detected base status at Wau – unidentified Jap planes based on airfield, 9 Jap LCU.

Detected base status at Salamaua – 6 Jap LCU.


Detected base status at Rabaul (after raid below) – 92 aircraft (31 fighters, 24 bombers), airfield damage 18, 4 Jap TF (14 ships total), 3 ships in port (2 PG, 1 xAKL), 39 Jap LCU, defensive minefield visible on map.

Night bombing raid by 20 US Bomber Command B-29’s against Rabaul airfield. Moderate damage reported to Rabaul airfield facilities (above), 24 Japanese planes reported destroyed (17 air-to-air, 7 on the ground). Two USAAF B-29’s lost in action (both ops). Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

5 x 444th BG/676th BS B-29-1 Superfort stray due to night
3 x 444th BG/677th BS B-29-1 Superfort stray due to night
7 x 462nd BG/768th BS B-29-1 Superfort stray due to night
7 x 462nd BG/769th BS B-29-1 Superfort stray due to night
5 x 462nd BG/770th BS B-29-1 Superfort stray due to night
5 x 468th BG/792nd BS B-29-1 Superfort stray due to night
7 x 468th BG/793rd BS B-29-1 Superfort stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rabaul, at 106,125

Weather in hex: Severe storms (7% moonlight)

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J1N1-Sa Irving x 12
Ki-45 KAId Nick x 18

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
J1N1-Sa Irving: 2 damaged
Ki-45 KAId Nick: 2 destroyed, 10 damaged
Ki-45 KAId Nick: 1 destroyed on ground
H6K4-L Mavis: 1 destroyed on ground
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 12

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
S-902 Hikotai with J1N1-Sa Irving (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 3 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
53rd Sentai with Ki-45 KAId Nick (0 airborne, 15 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes

Some CAP have air radar

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rabaul, at 106,125

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J1N1-Sa Irving x 12
Ki-45 KAId Nick x 13

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAId Nick: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-45 KAId Nick: 1 destroyed on ground
H6K4-L Mavis: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-49-Ia Helen: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 3 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
S-902 Hikotai with J1N1-Sa Irving (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
53rd Sentai with Ki-45 KAId Nick (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Raid is overhead

Some CAP have air radar

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rabaul, at 106,125

Raid detected at 24 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J1N1-Sa Irving x 11
Ki-45 KAId Nick x 11

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
S-902 Hikotai with J1N1-Sa Irving (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
53rd Sentai with Ki-45 KAId Nick (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead

Some CAP have air radar

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rabaul, at 106,125

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J1N1-Sa Irving x 11
Ki-45 KAId Nick x 10

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
S-902 Hikotai with J1N1-Sa Irving (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
53rd Sentai with Ki-45 KAId Nick (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead

Some CAP have air radar

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rabaul, at 106,125

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J1N1-Sa Irving x 11
Ki-45 KAId Nick x 10

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAId Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
S-902 Hikotai with J1N1-Sa Irving (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
53rd Sentai with Ki-45 KAId Nick (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead

Some CAP have air radar

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rabaul, at 106,125

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J1N1-Sa Irving x 10
Ki-45 KAId Nick x 6

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
J1N1-Sa Irving: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
S-902 Hikotai with J1N1-Sa Irving (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 56 minutes
53rd Sentai with Ki-45 KAId Nick (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead

Some CAP have air radar

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rabaul, at 106,125

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J1N1-Sa Irving x 9
Ki-45 KAId Nick x 5

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 3

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
S-902 Hikotai with J1N1-Sa Irving (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
53rd Sentai with Ki-45 KAId Nick (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead

Some CAP have air radar

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rabaul, at 106,125

Raid detected at 43 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J1N1-Sa Irving x 9
Ki-45 KAId Nick x 3

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 3 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
S-902 Hikotai with J1N1-Sa Irving (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
53rd Sentai with Ki-45 KAId Nick (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead

Some CAP have air radar

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rabaul, at 106,125

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J1N1-Sa Irving x 8
Ki-45 KAId Nick x 3

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
J1N1-Sa Irving: 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAId Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 3 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
S-902 Hikotai with J1N1-Sa Irving (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
53rd Sentai with Ki-45 KAId Nick (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead

Some CAP have air radar

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


Allied forces at Buna continue ground bombardment attack. 149K supply on hand, 2622 AV (total) operational. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna (99,129)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 71853 troops, 1596 guns, 1842 vehicles, Assault Value = 2618
Defending force 93093 troops, 918 guns, 49 vehicles, Assault Value = 2129

Japanese ground losses:
895 casualties reported
Squads: 63 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 7 (3 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Assaulting units:
31st Infantry Division
2/4th Armoured Regiment
754th Tank Battalion
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
2/6th Armoured Regiment
193rd Tank Battalion
1st Marine Division
81st Infantry Division
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
32nd Infantry Division
43rd Infantry Division
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
I Corps Cmbt Engineer Regiment
4th Armoured Brigade
9th Australian Division
2nd RAA Jungle Regiment
181st Field Artillery Regiment
2/9th Field Regiment
2/13th Field Regiment
150th USA Base Force
2nd Medium Regiment
I Australian Corps
165th Field Artillery Battalion
155th USA Base Force
134th Field Artillery Battalion
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
1st Medium Regiment
82nd Mortar Battalion
2/11th Field Regiment
205th Field Artillery Battalion
9th RAAF Base Force
97th Field Artillery Battalion
189th USAAF Base Force
857th Engineer Aviation Battalion
863rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
168th Field Artillery Regiment
6th RAAF Base Force
11th RAAF M/W Sqn

Defending units:
70th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
1st Guards Division
41st Division
104th Division
116th Division
38th Division
109th Division
47th Division
22nd Div /2
22nd Division
13th Division
64th Division
42nd Div /2
44th IMB Artillery Battalion
7th Base Force
62nd Construction Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
31st Army
17th Naval Construction Battalion
3rd Cavalry Brigade
14th Naval Construction Battalion
2nd Naval Construction Battalion
13th Ind.Mixed Rgt /1
102nd Machine Cannon AA Battalion
1st Naval Const Bn /1
8th Base Force
3rd Naval Construction Battalion
144th Infantry Regiment
62nd Nav Gd /1

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

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2312
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 8/30/2016 6:57:04 PM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/11/44 (continued)

South Pacific: Japanese night bombing raid on Thousand Ships Bay airfield. No reported damage to airfield facilities. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Thousand Ships Bay, at 114,136

Weather in hex: Light cloud (7% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 80 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
P1Y1 Frances x 8

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1A Corsair: 11 damaged (5 planes now remain damaged)
F4U-1A Corsair: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 15

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x P1Y1 Frances bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Thousand Ships Bay, at 114,136

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
P1Y1 Frances x 7

No Japanese losses

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

Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x P1Y1 Frances bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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


Daylight raids by Japanese fighters over Thousand Ships Bay base hex continue, intercepted by CAP fighters from US Escort Carrier force. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Thousand Ships Bay, at 114,136

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 96 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 7
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 3

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 76

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VC(F)-27 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 24000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VC(F)-41 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VC(F)-63 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VC(F)-87 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
VOC(F)-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
VC(F)-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 23000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VRF-4F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
VRF-5F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 24000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VRF-7F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Thousand Ships Bay, at 114,136

Raid detected at 104 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 8

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 67

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VC(F)-87 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
VC(F)-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 18900 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VRF-4F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 16000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VRF-5F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 17000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
VRF-7F with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VC(F)-27 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 17000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VC(F)-41 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 1 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 between 20000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VC(F)-63 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 19000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
VOC(F)-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Thousand Ships Bay, at 114,136

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 24

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 56

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

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VC(F)-87 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 19000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
VC(F)-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
VRF-4F with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 22000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
VRF-5F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 53 minutes
VC(F)-27 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 21000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
VC(F)-41 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 1 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 between 22000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
VC(F)-63 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 23000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
VOC(F)-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 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 29000.
Raid is overhead
VRF-7F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
3 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 28 minutes
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes

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


Bombing raid by US Escort Carrier force planes against Japanese positions on Guadalcanal. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 38th Division, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 13

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 17
TBF-1 Avenger x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 6 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
20th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(13 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes

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


Current status at Rekata Bay dot hex base – 44K supply on hand.

Current base status at Thousand Ships Bay – 346K supply on hand, no airfield damage. US Escort Carrier force remains at Thousand Ships Bay. Transport ships from invasion force still unloading supply cargo, unloading operations expected to complete next game turn.

Current base status of Kirakira –59K supply and 10K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Rennell Island – 68K supply on hand (unchanged).

Current base status of Ndeni – 908K supply and 47K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Luganville – 2.34 million supply and 260K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Noumea – 4.56 million supply and 3.19 million fuel on hand.


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in South Pacific theatre.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 13 N1K2-J George (air-to-air & ops, exact numbers undetermined)
• 6 Ki-84 Frank (air-to-air & ops, exact numbers undetermined)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 28 F6F-3 Wildcat (24 air-to-air, 4 ops)
• 1 F4U-1A Corsair (on the ground)


Detected status of Jap base at Tassafronga – 17 aircraft (all fighters), 9 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Tulagi – airfield damage 11, no visible Jap planes on airfield, 10 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lunga – 43 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU.


Coastwatcher entries from 12/11 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Dagua
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Manus is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 13, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed 4, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 9, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 9, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,120 near Rambutyo, Speed 10, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,120 near Rambutyo, Speed 11, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 7, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,119 near Manus, Speed 9, Moving East
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Manus is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed 10, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 105,120 near Mussau Island, Speed 14, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,120 near Mussau Island, Speed 16, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,120 near Rambutyo, Speed 10, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 14, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 99,125 near Lae, Speed 11, Moving Northwest

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2313
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 8/30/2016 7:00:05 PM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/11/44 (continued)

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 12/11 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Majuro, detected base status shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.


NW Australia: No Japanese TF visible on game map in sea areas off NW Australia. 12/11 Coastwatcher report entries follow. Location of Darwin base is hex 76, 124.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Darwin is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 76,124 near Darwin, Speed 17, Moving East
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Darwin is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 76,124 near Darwin, Speed 14, Moving East

No reported Allied or Japanese plane losses this game turn in NW Australia area.

Detected status of Jap base at Groote Eylandt – airfield damage 100, port damage 54, no visible Jap LCU or TF.

Detected status of Jap base at Wessel Islands – airfield damage 100, port damage 64, 1 Jap LCU, no Jap TF


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – 113 aircraft (95 fighters, 18 bombers), no Jap TF, manpower 4(0), resources 21(0), refinery 72(129), light industry 9(32), 15 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 184 aircraft (173 fighters, 3 bombers), airfield damage 2, oil production 202(99), refinery 96(5), 27 Jap LCU.


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in the Burma-India theatre area.

No reported Japanese plane losses this game turn in Burma-India theatre.

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 1 Dakota III (ops)


Allied fighter sweeps and ground attack air strikes against Japanese LCU along Burma-India border area continue. Fighter sweep missions occurred per game turn orders, scheduled ground attack bombing missions failed to launch. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 15th Division, at 56,43, near Chittagong

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 25

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 33rd Army, at 56,43, near Chittagong (two actions with identical AAR, first one only shown)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 25

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 20000 feet

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

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2314
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 8/31/2016 5:48:03 PM   
johnjohn

 

Posts: 186
Joined: 9/18/2010
From: Arvada, CO
Status: offline
Comment:

Small works in the Solomons and to a lessor extent in PNG. But then what? The southern approach is likely out, too well defended. The cenpac approach is likely out, same issues in the Marianas, so then what? The only way to ensure safe supply is to build an air bridge across the Pacific. Small ball suggests Midway, Wake (retake), Marcus (take) and then hop onto the lessor defended dots north of Iwo Jima. That gets you just off shore. The bombing campaign will have to come from the north, so some of the dots are needed off the Aleutians for the B-29s. Pillager has made his deployment. You just need to get onto islands that are not part of the greater defense plan. After Marcus you likely will need to garrison the dots, too easy for Tokyo to send out an invasion force and push you off. You can make it expensive for them, but that is secondary. Pile on the engineers, build the bases and fortifications, and hold on. I would do that after you take bases a little closer for the B-29s.

Essentially this is the cut off the head and the arms go limp approach. It also keeps you away from any significant bases that could gang up on you. Marcus is reachable from some of the Marianas. The Iwo dots are not. Okinawa can't reach them either, only the home islands can do so. That is a problem, but you can build airfields on five or six dots and the pounding from Tokyo will be very costly for them. Stack up groups in the rear and run them in to replace those which are depleted.

Just thinking out loud since I don't see any advantage to running southward along PNG. When you get to Sorong, then what? No where to go. You could go north and grab the dots around Truk, maybe Truk itself. But same problem and very difficult to supply with Marshalls in enemy hands. So the very North and the Midway, Wake, Marcus line seem the only likely approach. For what it is worth.

John

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2315
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/2/2016 11:20:28 PM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Johnjohn,

What happens after the Solomons is a good question. Pillager does not appear to have developed bases in the northern Marianas (Pagan and three dot-hex bases). Northern part of the Marianas may prove to be an entry point for an Allied direct assault on the Marianas. The key here is establishing Allied airfields anywhere in the Marianas, however small they are along with the means to transfer LBA into the northern Marianas once there are Allied airfields there capable of operating planes.

I’m suspecting Pillager may not have much of an investment in holding the Marshalls at this point in the campaign. I’m already considering a campaign in the Marshalls, moving south to north from an entry point in the northern Gilberts (Abemama and/or Tabiteuea). Preparations are well underway for an invasion of Abemama from South Pacific theatre using US forces transferred there from Central Pacific. A campaign in the Marshalls would employ much the same strategy now being done in the Solomons, the end point of this advance being an Allied capture of Wake and Marcus. Allied control of Wake and Marcus highly useful if not mandatory for a move into the northern Marianas.

A second approach using the main South/SW Pacific theatre forces is moving west along the northern coast of New Guinea, bypassing the current front-line Japanese bases in Lae and surrounding area (creating yet another large pocket of Jap LCU). This could allow Allied invasions of locations from Ulithi west to Babeldaob – this also outflanking the main Marianas bases. Allied control of northwestern New Guinea also providing access to the southern Philippines (Mindanao) and surrounding area.

An Allied China strategy in mid to late-1945 is also not out of the question – using the Soviets plus Allied LCU reinforcements entering the game from Europe (moving them via India rather than transfer to the Pacific). A rather substantial Allied ground force of US divisions from Europe plus the British/Indian army already in place and a modest (though significant) Chinese army rebuilt in India from assorted “refugees” could force its way into southern China via the Burma road. This force along with the Soviets would be an invasion of China from both north and south.

Before losing this campaign I’m intending to get creative.

(in reply to johnjohn)
Post #: 2316
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/3/2016 3:41:30 PM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/12/44

Southwest Pacific: 465K supply and 93K fuel on hand in Milne Bay (unchanged).

Current status of Port Moresby base – 1.28 million supply and 155K fuel on hand (unchanged).

Current status of Terapo base – 224K supply and 10K fuel on hand.


No reported Allied or Japanese plane losses this game turn in SW Pacific theatre operations area.

Allied port and airfield bombing strikes and fighter sweeps against Buna continue. This game turn is first offensive air combat action of this campaign using P-51D Mustangs. I have older P-51 variants (A & B) in a small number of front-line air units – squadrons equipped with P-51A/B have been employed mainly as CAP fighters due to lighter armament on these planes (compared to P-47’s) plus a limited supply of P-51A and B replacement pool planes. Latest AAR’s follow.

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Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 11
B-17F Fortress x 3
B-24D1 Liberator x 3

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 1
Runway hits 7
Port hits 4
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Mitchell II bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Raid detected at 66 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 12

No Allied losses

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

Port hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Raid detected at 71 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 9

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

Port hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Afternoon Air attack on Buna, at 99,129 (two actions with identical AAR, first one only shown)

Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 28,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-51D Mustang x 25

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-51D Mustang sweeping at 25000 feet

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Afternoon Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 25

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-38L Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet

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US destroyer TF continues operating in Buna base hex. No reported surface naval combat actions, destroyer TF attack in Japanese night naval air strike. AAR follows.

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Night Air attack on TF, at Buna 99,129

Weather in hex: Heavy rain (3% moonlight)

Raid detected at 75 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M2a Betty x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2a Betty: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Allen

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x G4M2a Betty bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Surface naval raid at Rabaul base hex by US destroyers, this TF diverted from the Thousand Ships Bay invasion force to Rabaul after completion of that operation. Several Japanese ships in Rabaul evaded combat. A large (18 VP) Jap TK was intercepted and sunk, several reports of fuel cargo on fire before its sinking. One US destroyer heavily damaged from ship collision. AAR’s follow.

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Day Time Surface Combat, at Rabaul 106,125, Range 30,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-841

Allied Ships
DD Halsey Powell
DD Remey
DD Norman Scott
DD Sigourney
DD Duncan
DD Patterson
DD Jarvis
DD Craven
DD Gridley
DD Maury
DD Downes
DD MacDonough
DD Dale
DD Talbot
DD Dent
DD Sands
DD Rathburne

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 30,000 yards
Japanese TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 30,000 yards...
Japanese PT Boat TF evades combat

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Day Time Surface Combat, at Rabaul 106,125, Range 30,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CMc Kuroshima

Allied Ships
DD Halsey Powell
DD Remey
DD Norman Scott
DD Sigourney
DD Duncan
DD Patterson
DD Jarvis
DD Craven
DD Gridley
DD Maury
DD Downes
DD MacDonough
DD Dale
DD Talbot
DD Dent
DD Sands
DD Rathburne

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 30,000 yards
Japanese TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 30,000 yards...
Japanese Mine Laying TF evades combat

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Day Time Surface Combat, at Rabaul 106,125, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
TK Jinei Maru, Shell hits 18, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Halsey Powell
DD Remey
DD Norman Scott
DD Sigourney
DD Duncan
DD Patterson
DD Jarvis
DD Craven
DD Gridley
DD Maury
DD Downes
DD MacDonough
DD Dale, heavy damage (ship collision, system damage 1, float 64, engine 82, returning to base at 2 kts)
DD Talbot
DD Dent
DD Sands
DD Rathburne

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 30,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
Range closes to 26,000 yards...
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
DD Maury engages TK Jinei Maru at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards
DD Maury engages TK Jinei Maru at 15,000 yards
DD Halsey Powell engages TK Jinei Maru at 15,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards
DD Rathburne engages TK Jinei Maru at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
DD Rathburne engages TK Jinei Maru at 13,000 yards
DD Maury engages TK Jinei Maru at 13,000 yards
DD Sigourney engages TK Jinei Maru at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
DD Dale engages TK Jinei Maru at 10,000 yards
DD Halsey Powell engages TK Jinei Maru at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
DD Dale collides with DD Gridley at 106 , 125
DD Halsey Powell engages TK Jinei Maru at 7,000 yards
DD Talbot engages TK Jinei Maru at 7,000 yards
DD MacDonough engages TK Jinei Maru at 7,000 yards
DD Maury engages TK Jinei Maru at 7,000 yards
TK Jinei Maru sunk by DD Sigourney at 7,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...

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Detected status of Jap base at Buna – port and airfield damage both 100, 2 Jap TF (19 ships, both visible on map as submarine TF), 28 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae – 117 aircraft (86 fighters, 24 bombers), 11 Jap LCU, no Jap TF.

Detected base status at Wau – unidentified Jap planes based on airfield, 9 Jap LCU.

Detected base status at Salamaua – 5 Jap LCU.

Detected base status at Rabaul – 104 aircraft (49 fighters, 26 bombers), airfield damage 13, 1 Jap TF (1 ship, visible on map as submarine TF), 3 ships in port (2 PG, 1 xAKL), 39 Jap LCU, defensive minefield visible on map.


Allied forces at Buna continue ground bombardment attack. 147K supply on hand, 2612 AV (total) operational. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Buna (99,129)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 71996 troops, 1595 guns, 1842 vehicles, Assault Value = 2641
Defending force 92932 troops, 914 guns, 49 vehicles, Assault Value = 2150

Japanese ground losses:
324 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
40 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
2/6th Armoured Regiment
31st Infantry Division
193rd Tank Battalion
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
81st Infantry Division
I Corps Cmbt Engineer Regiment
43rd Infantry Division
2/4th Armoured Regiment
4th Armoured Brigade
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
754th Tank Battalion
32nd Infantry Division
1st Marine Division
9th Australian Division
2/13th Field Regiment
6th RAAF Base Force
2/11th Field Regiment
857th Engineer Aviation Battalion
2nd Medium Regiment
863rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
134th Field Artillery Battalion
97th Field Artillery Battalion
2nd RAA Jungle Regiment
189th USAAF Base Force
205th Field Artillery Battalion
82nd Mortar Battalion
181st Field Artillery Regiment
I Australian Corps
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
2/9th Field Regiment
1st Medium Regiment
9th RAAF Base Force
150th USA Base Force
168th Field Artillery Regiment
155th USA Base Force
165th Field Artillery Battalion
11th RAAF M/W Sqn

Defending units:
13th Division
116th Division
70th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
41st Division
109th Division
1st Guards Division
104th Division
22nd Division
38th Division
64th Division
42nd Div /2
47th Division
22nd Div /2
144th Infantry Regiment
2nd Naval Construction Battalion
7th Base Force
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
62nd Construction Battalion
102nd Machine Cannon AA Battalion
14th Naval Construction Battalion
8th Base Force
13th Ind.Mixed Rgt /1
31st Army
44th IMB Artillery Battalion
3rd Cavalry Brigade
3rd Naval Construction Battalion
1st Naval Const Bn /1
17th Naval Construction Battalion
62nd Nav Gd /1

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

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2317
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/3/2016 3:43:50 PM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/12/44 (continued)

South Pacific: Current status at Rekata Bay dot hex base – 44K supply on hand.


Current base status at Thousand Ships Bay – 366K supply on hand. US Escort Carrier force, surface combat TF and remaining amphibious transports now departing Thousand Ships Bay.

AAR’s of latest air actions over Thousand Ships Bay base hex follow.

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Morning Air attack on Thousand Ships Bay, at 114,136

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 13

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 61

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VC(F)-63 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
VC(F)-87 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
VC(F)-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
VRF-4F with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
VRF-5F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 16000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
VRF-7F with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
VC(F)-27 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
VC(F)-41 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 18000.
Raid is overhead
VOC(F)-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Thousand Ships Bay, at 114,136

Raid detected at 106 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 31

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 54

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-84a Frank sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
VC(F)-63 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VC(F)-87 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 21000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
VC(F)-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 21000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 18000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VRF-4F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 19000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
VRF-5F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 23000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VRF-7F with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
VC(F)-27 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 15000, scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
VC(F)-41 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VOC(F)-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Thousand Ships Bay, at 114,136

Raid detected at 105 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 2

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 33

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 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 between 21000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VRF-4F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 21000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
VRF-7F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 23000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
VC(F)-41 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VC(F)-87 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
VC(F)-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 15000, scrambling fighters to 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
VRF-5F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
VC(F)-63 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes

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


Current base status of Kirakira –59K supply and 10K fuel on hand (unchanged).

Current base status of Rennell Island – 67K supply on hand.

Current base status of Ndeni – 908K supply and 47K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Luganville – 2.35 million supply and 255K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Noumea – 4.57 million supply and 3.19 million fuel on hand.


US Marine and NZ fighters continue sweep missions over Japanese base complex at Tulagi-Guadalcanal, targeting Lunga airfield. Current objective of Allied air missions over Tulagi-Guadalcanal is suppression of Japanese air strength “inside the pocket”. AAR’s follow.

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Morning Air attack on Lunga, at 114,138

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 7
Ki-84a Frank x 15

Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1A Corsair: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x F4U-1A Corsair sweeping at 13000 feet

CAP engaged:
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
20th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (1 airborne, 10 on standby, 1 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lunga, at 114,138

Raid detected at 47 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 2
Ki-84a Frank x 7

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x F4U-1 Corsair sweeping at 13000 feet

CAP engaged:
20th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 0 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 between 16000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lunga, at 114,138

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 1
Ki-84a Frank x 4

Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x F4U-1A Corsair sweeping at 13000 feet

CAP engaged:
20th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (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 20000, scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lunga, at 114,138

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 1

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 24

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x F4U-1 Corsair sweeping at 13000 feet

CAP engaged:
20th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (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 20000, scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes

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


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in South Pacific theatre.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 14 Ki-84 Frank (12 air-to-air, 2 ops)
• 6 Ki-44 Tojo (all air-to-air)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 15 F6F-3 Wildcat (11 air-to-air, 4 ops)
• 8 F4U-1 Corsair (6 air-to-air, 2 ops)

Closer examination of the current status in VF squadrons aboard US escort carriers vs F6F Hellcat plane losses reported in the Intelligence Reports display (Aircraft Losses) is indicating actual planes destroyed somewhat less than reported numbers. Pilot losses in US Escort Carrier forces were very light compared to number of destroyed planes, possibly indicating many F6F plane losses in actions over Thousand Ships Bay were operational rather than air-to-air.


Detected status of Jap base at Tassafronga – 13 aircraft (all fighters), 9 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Tulagi – airfield damage 1, 10 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lunga – unidentified Jap planes visible on airfield, 12 Jap LCU.


Coastwatcher entries from 12/12 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lihir
Coastwatcher Report: E Miyake reported in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Namatanai
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 99,124 near Saidor, Speed 11, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,123 near Kavieng, Speed 14, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 109,128 near Buka, Speed 16, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,124 near Rabaul, Speed 16, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,122 near Kavieng, Speed 14, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed 14, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed 3, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,127 near Rabaul, Speed 15, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 13, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,125 near Umboi Island , Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 103,127 near Gasmata, Speed 16, Moving West
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed 12, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,131 near Kiriwina Island, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 109,128 near Buka, Speed 19, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir , Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus , Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,122 near Kavieng, Speed 13, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed 6, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 101,119 near Manus, Speed 4, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 103,127 near Gasmata, Speed 11, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 3, Moving Southeast

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2318
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/3/2016 3:47:35 PM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/12/44 (continued)

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 12/12 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Ocean Island, detected base status shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.

Intercepted radio signals from unknown Japanese TF (not visible on game map) at hex location 111, 104 (N of Truk) reported in 12/12 Sigint entry. US Main Carrier force is operating in sea area S of Truk between Rabaul and Truk – now being diverted northward toward Truk for possible intercept.


NW Australia: No Japanese TF visible on game map in sea areas off NW Australia. 12/12 Coastwatcher report entries follow. Location of Darwin base is hex 76, 124.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Darwin is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 76,124 near Darwin, Speed 15, Moving East
Coastwatcher Report: AK Kumagawa Maru reported in port at Darwin


Sigint report entry for 12/12 reports Jap 23rd Infantry Division now located at Darwin, this unit transferred to Darwin from Endeh (DEI). Two identified Jap divisions now located in NW Australia – 48th Infantry Division previously reported in Australia, 48 Division divided into sub-units (“A” and “B” located in Darwin as of 10/24, “C” sub-unit reported at Katherine on 12/01).

No reported Allied or Japanese plane losses this game turn in NW Australia area.


Detected status of Jap base at Groote Eylandt – airfield damage 100, port damage 53, 1 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Wessel Islands – airfield damage 100, port damage 55, no visible Jap LCU or TF.


DEI: British patrol sub (SS Templar) hit and damaged in attack by Ki-49 Helen air patrol SE of Singkawang (hex location 53, 89). Reported damage to SS Templar – system damage 14, float 6, no engine, returning to base at 14 kts.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 174 aircraft (158 fighters, 10 bombers), no airfield damage, oil production 202(99), refinery 96(5), 27 Jap LCU.


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in the Burma-India theatre area.

No reported Japanese plane losses this game turn in Burma-India theatre.

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 2 C-47 Skytrain (both ops)


Allied fighter sweeps and ground attack air strikes against Japanese LCU along Burma-India border area continue. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 33rd Army, at 56,43, near Chittagong (two actions with identical AAR, first one only shown)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 25

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 15th Division, at 56,43, near Chittagong

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 16

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Wellington B.X bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 15th Division, at 56,43, near Chittagong

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim VD x 16

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim VD: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Blenheim VD bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 15th Division, at 56,43, near Chittagong

Raid spotted at 1 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim VD x 16

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Blenheim VD bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 15th Division, at 56,43, near Chittagong

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 16

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Wellington B.X bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2319
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/6/2016 8:41:09 PM   
johnjohn

 

Posts: 186
Joined: 9/18/2010
From: Arvada, CO
Status: offline
Happy Labor Day!

Meant to reply sooner. The AAR packed Pagan in my campaign and I took the three dots surrounding it. Those are marginal bases, small harbors, small Air Fields, and not much help. I use them to pound the Pagan force while the larger islands get upgraded. I will probably do the same around Iwo, which the AAR has packed. Level one AF with 350 planes on it, mostly fighters. When I raided the place those bastards caused serious problems. So much for the thinking a level one base can only operate 10 or so planes. This is like a level 9 base. Unbelievable. (Each enemy squadron has less than 10 planes in them. 35 squadrons. Damn AAR is gaming the game.) Since I took the Marshalls, I have no interest in the Wake Marcus line, which I have ignored. Same for the dots off Alaska and Russia. Not needed so no effort directed there.

In my campaign the enemy has no supply in the islands anymore. Most of the oil pipeline is now cutoff. Nothing is moving or flying in the PI. My troops are on Pawan (porta Princessa and Taytay) with a far reach out to sea. I have ten dds patrolling the waters and sinking a good number of tankers and escorts. I am at Legaspi, building it up for the march to Manila. No defenses anywhere atm.

What this means is cutting off supply has a very detrimental impact on the enemy. Those large garrisons require a lot of supply. Cut it off and those planes don't fly once the existing supply is consumed. Something to consider.

The enemy KB may be real trouble, but at this stage of the game it is a one shot deal for pillager. If he uses it he loses it. If not the ships, the planes. Factor it in but don't worry too much about it.

I am not sure I would worry about Burma/China/India at this point. All that reinforcement may be better used closer to Japan. One thing I remember is the domino effect. The hardest step is getting started. Then the dominos start to fall and before long you are entrenched and the enemy is running. You have a real opportunity to ruin pillager's day up North. You may not get to Tokyo, but so what? With the 8th AAF added to the XXth and XXIst, you just bomb the crap outta them. Most of your fighters make great ground unit attackers as well. You have a lot more strength to play with than you may realize. Plus you will be able to move, rather freely. Pillager is basically stuck with his deployment. Those guys on the islands are not going anywhere.

You have the subs, the troops, the planes, and the carriers to support the effort to take whatever you want (as long as it is not heavily defended.) You may need to move faster than you have been able to do thus far, but I know you have the upper hand. You just need to play it. Trick after trick after trick going to you. So think about using your speed advantage and movement ability to knock P off balance.

In my campaign I was able to invest Sarma (which was Allied) and build it up. B-24s at Moresby took out all the airbases. I used Sarma to launch my moves against Biak, Manowakari and Sorong. After that those troops took Davao and the rest of the island. Cebu, Pawan, Legaspi, all fell in due course. For all practicable purposes, the PI is an allied lake.

My plan is to get into the Bonins, then Okinawa, then the home islands. I have 15 months left in which to do it. John

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2320
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/8/2016 4:47:29 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/13/44

Southwest Pacific: 465K supply and 91K fuel on hand in Milne Bay.

Current status of Port Moresby base – 1.28 million supply and 155K fuel on hand (unchanged).

Current status of Terapo base – 226K supply and 10K fuel on hand.


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea plus Rabaul.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 2 Ki-43 Oscar (both flak)
• 2 G4M2a Betty (1 flak, 1 ops)

No reported Allied plane losses this game turn in SW Pacific theatre operations area.


Allied port and airfield bombing strikes and fighter sweeps against Buna continue. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129 (two actions with identical AAR, first one only shown)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 41 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 24

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 30000 feet

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

Raid detected at 15 NM, estimated altitude 30,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-51D Mustang x 25

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-51D Mustang sweeping at 25000 feet

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

Raid detected at 44 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 25

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-38L Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet

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

Raid detected at 73 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 11
B-17F Fortress x 15
B-24J Liberator x 3
B-25H Mitchell x 3
P-51B Mustang x 12

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 11
Port hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Mitchell II bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25H Mitchell x 27

No Allied losses

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

Port hits 3
Port supply hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 51 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 28

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 9
Port hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 46 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 12

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 10
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-51D Mustang x 25

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-51D Mustang sweeping at 25000 feet

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


US destroyer raiding TF departs Rabaul base hex, returning to Milne Bay via Gasmata. One Japanese CMc and two xAKL intercepted and sunk in surface combat actions. US destroyer TF targeted in daylight naval air strikes by Jap LBA, two US DD sunk by air attack. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 36 encounters mine field at 107,126 (adjacent hex S of Rabaul)

Allied Ships
DD Dale, heavy damage (system damage 1, float 59, engine 82, moving southward at 2 kts)

2 mines cleared

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, at Rabaul 106,125, Range 5,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CMc Kuroshima, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Halsey Powell
DD Remey
DD Norman Scott
DD Sigourney
DD Duncan
DD Patterson
DD Jarvis
DD Craven
DD Gridley
DD Maury
DD Downes
DD MacDonough
DD Talbot
DD Dent
DD Sands
DD Rathburne

Reduced sighting due to 3% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 3% moonlight: 5,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
Range closes to 26,000 yards...
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 5,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 5,000 yards
DD Rathburne engages CMc Kuroshima at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
CMc Kuroshima sunk by DD Rathburne at 6,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Rabaul at 107,126, Range 4,000 Yards (adjacent hex S of Rabaul)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Sankao Maru, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Enko Maru, Shell hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Halsey Powell
DD Remey
DD Norman Scott
DD Sigourney
DD Duncan
DD Patterson
DD Jarvis
DD Craven
DD Gridley
DD Maury
DD Downes
DD MacDonough
DD Talbot
DD Dent
DD Sands
DD Rathburne

Reduced sighting due to 3% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 3% moonlight: 4,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
Range closes to 26,000 yards...
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 4,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 4,000 yards
Drake H. crosses the 'T'
xAKL Enko Maru sunk by DD Craven at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
xAKL Sankao Maru sunk by DD Rathburne at 2,000 yards
xAKL Sankao Maru sunk by DD Rathburne at 2,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 411 encounters mine field at 107,126 (adjacent hex S of Rabaul)

Allied Ships
DD Dent
DD Talbot
DD Downes
DD Gridley
DD Duncan
DD Rathburne, Mine hits 1, heavy damage (later sunk in Jap naval air strikes)
DD MacDonough
DD Sigourney

14 mines cleared

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, at Gasmata 103,127, Range 30,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PB Ikunta Maru

Allied Ships
DD Halsey Powell
DD Remey
DD Norman Scott
DD Sigourney
DD Duncan
DD Patterson
DD Jarvis
DD Craven
DD Gridley
DD Maury
DD Downes
DD MacDonough
DD Talbot
DD Dent

Reduced sighting due to 3% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 3% moonlight: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
Range closes to 26,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 26,000 yards
Range increases to 30,000 yards...
Range increases to 30,000 yards...
Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape
Japanese Fast Transport TF evades combat

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,128 (S of Rabaul)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M2a Betty x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2a Betty: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Rathburne, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x G4M2a Betty bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,128

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
DD Rathburne, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
DD Sands, Shell hits 1, Bomb hits 1, on fire (later sunk)

Aircraft Attacking:
33 x Ki-43-IIIa Oscar bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,128

Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 25

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Sands, Shell hits 2, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x A6M5 Zero bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

Massive explosion on DD Sands

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,128

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 31

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Sands, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
31 x Ki-43-IIIa Oscar bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,128

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 30

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Sands, Bomb hits 11, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
30 x Ki-43-IIb Oscar bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

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


US surface combat TF (previously covered Thousand Islands Bay landing force) in transit from Thousand Ships Bay to Milne Bay attacked in Jap LBA naval air strike. The US TF now moving to temporary intercept position near Shortlands to engage Jap surface combat detected at Rabaul (below) in the event Pillager moves it southward through the Solomons. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Woodlark Island at 107,134 (ESE of Woodlark Is)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M2a Betty x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2a Betty: 7 damaged
G4M2a Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships (TF also includes 2 other BB, 3 CA, 11 CL, 7 DD)
BB Pennsylvania
BB Maryland

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x G4M2a Betty bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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


Night LBA naval air strikes against US destroyers operating in Buna base hex. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, at Buna 99,129

Weather in hex: Light cloud (no moonlight)

Raid detected at 72 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 15

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Farragut
DD O'Brien
DD Wilson

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

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


US Marine DB’s based at Terapo intercept small Japanese surface combat TF in naval air strike, sinking two DD. Jap TF remains visible on game map, contains 4 ships including 1 DD moving on E heading. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Hansa Bay at 99,121 (due E of Hansa Bay)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 9 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-5 Dauntless x 24

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Mikazuki
DD Nagatsuki
DD Yuzuki, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires (sunk)
DD Mochizuki, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires (sunk)

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Mochizuki
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Yuzuki

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


Detected status of Jap base at Buna – port and airfield damage both remain at 100, 1 Jap TF (10 ships, visible on map as submarine TF), 28 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae – 127 aircraft (92 fighters, 31 bombers), 11 Jap LCU, no Jap TF.

Detected base status at Wau – unidentified Jap planes based on airfield, 9 Jap LCU.

Detected base status at Salamaua – 5 Jap LCU.


Detected base status at Rabaul – 162 aircraft (94 fighters, 29 bombers), airfield damage 8, 5 Jap TF (24 ships total), 3 ships in port (2 PG, 1 xAKL), 39 Jap LCU, defensive minefield visible on map.

One of the detected Japanese TF in Rabaul (above) identified as a probable surface combat TF with 10 ships including 4 CA, 4 DD. What’s unclear at this time is Pillager’s intended use of this TF. Three possibilities appear to exist for its use: (1) a defensive role covering Rabaul base hex against Allied surface naval raids, (2) countering Allied destroyer and PT-boat TF’s operating in Buna base hex, (3) naval bombardment actions against new Allied bases at Thousand Ships Bay, Rekata Bay and/or Ontong Java. Some Allied counter measures now underway. An Allied surface combat TF (4 BB, 3 CA, 11 CL, 7 DD) in transit from Thousand Ships Bay to Milne Bay diverted to a temporary intercept position near Shortlands in event Pillager immediately sorties the Jap TF as a bombardment strike on Thousand Islands Bay. US Main Carrier force now operating on shipping interdiction near Truk turned due south toward Rabaul, estimated arrival 2 days at normal movement – plans to launch naval air strikes on Jap surface TF in or near Rabaul depending on the Jap TF’s movement.


Allied forces at Buna continue ground bombardment attack. 145K supply on hand, 2634 AV (total) operational. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna (99,129)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 72087 troops, 1595 guns, 1840 vehicles, Assault Value = 2651
Defending force 93181 troops, 913 guns, 49 vehicles, Assault Value = 2173

Japanese ground losses:
511 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
88 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
2/4th Armoured Regiment
I Corps Cmbt Engineer Regiment
31st Infantry Division
81st Infantry Division
1st Marine Division
43rd Infantry Division
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
4th Armoured Brigade
193rd Tank Battalion
32nd Infantry Division
2/6th Armoured Regiment
754th Tank Battalion
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
9th Australian Division
150th USA Base Force
189th USAAF Base Force
181st Field Artillery Regiment
9th RAAF Base Force
205th Field Artillery Battalion
165th Field Artillery Battalion
2nd Medium Regiment
97th Field Artillery Battalion
2/13th Field Regiment
857th Engineer Aviation Battalion
82nd Mortar Battalion
2nd RAA Jungle Regiment
1st Medium Regiment
2/11th Field Regiment
6th RAAF Base Force
168th Field Artillery Regiment
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
2/9th Field Regiment
134th Field Artillery Battalion
863rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
155th USA Base Force
I Australian Corps
11th RAAF M/W Sqn

Defending units:
109th Division
13th Division
1st Guards Division
22nd Div /2
47th Division
38th Division
104th Division
116th Division
22nd Division
41st Division
64th Division
42nd Div /2
1st Naval Const Bn /1
44th IMB Artillery Battalion
13th Ind.Mixed Rgt /1
14th Naval Construction Battalion
70th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
2nd Naval Construction Battalion
62nd Construction Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
8th Base Force
3rd Naval Construction Battalion
144th Infantry Regiment
7th Base Force
17th Naval Construction Battalion
31st Army
3rd Cavalry Brigade
102nd Machine Cannon AA Battalion
62nd Nav Gd /1

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

(in reply to johnjohn)
Post #: 2321
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/8/2016 4:49:30 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/13/44 (continued)

South Pacific: Amphibious landing operations to occupy dot hex base at Ontong Java atoll (E of Shortlands) has completed, all remaining ships in the landing force now returning to base. Two USN Naval Construction Rgts and 10K supply now ashore, airfield construction is starting. Plans are to create a small airfield at Ontong Java to support naval search air operations into open sea areas between Rabaul and Truk.

Current status at Rekata Bay dot hex base – 43K supply on hand.


Current base status at Thousand Ships Bay – 357K supply on hand. Japanese fighter sweeps over Thousand Ships Bay airfield, US fighter squadrons stood down to rest pilots/recover damaged planes. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Thousand Ships Bay, at 114,136

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 13

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-84a Frank sweeping at 8000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Thousand Ships Bay, at 114,136

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 13

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-44-IIc Tojo sweeping at 9000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Thousand Ships Bay, at 114,136

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 3

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x N1K2-J George sweeping at 20000 feet *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Thousand Ships Bay, at 114,136

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 2

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Ki-84a Frank sweeping at 8000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Thousand Ships Bay, at 114,136

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 2

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Ki-44-IIc Tojo sweeping at 9000 feet

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


Current base status of Kirakira –59K supply and 10K fuel on hand (unchanged).

Current base status of Rennell Island – 67K supply on hand.

Current base status of Ndeni – 925K supply and 51K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Luganville – 2.35 million supply and 254K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Noumea – 4.58 million supply and 3.17 million fuel on hand.


US Marine fighters continue sweep missions over Japanese base complex at Tulagi– Guadalcanal, again targeting Lunga airfield. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Lunga, at 114,138

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 16 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 7
Ki-84a Frank x 19

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 2 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x F4U-1 Corsair sweeping at 30000 feet

CAP engaged:
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
20th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 13 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 34440.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Lunga, at 114,138

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 2
Ki-84a Frank x 2

Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x F4U-1A Corsair sweeping at 30000 feet

CAP engaged:
20th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 9000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Lunga, at 114,138

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 15

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x F4U-1D Corsair sweeping at 30000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Lunga, at 114,138

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 15

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x F4U-1D Corsair sweeping at 30000 feet

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


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in South Pacific theatre.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 6 Ki-84 Frank (all air-to-air)
• 5 Ki-44 Tojo (all air-to-air)
• 1 D4Y3 Judy (air-to-air) – shot down over Rennell Island base hex by US Escort Carrier force CAP fighters

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 3 F4U-1 Corsair (all air-to-air)
• 1 C-47 Skytrain ops)


Detected status of Jap base at Tassafronga – 26 aircraft (all fighters), 9 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Tulagi – unidentified Jap planes visible on airfield, 10 Jap LCU.


Coastwatcher entries from 12/13 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,122 near Kavieng, Speed 7, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed 3, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,123 near Kavieng, Speed 10, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 102,120 near Rambutyo, Speed 12, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,119 near Manus, Speed 5, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 111,132 near Choiseul Bay, Speed 12, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 107,123 near Tabar Island, Speed 12, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed 8, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed 11, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Dagua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Feni Islands
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Nitiyo Maru reported in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 6, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 104,127 near Gasmata, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed 3, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,123 near Kavieng, Speed 11, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 15, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 14, Moving Southeast

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2322
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/8/2016 4:54:09 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/13/44 (continued)

Central Pacific: US Main Carrier force now operating in open sea area between Truk and Rabaul – objective to interdict Japanese transport shipping north of Rabaul, also possible air strike against Truk base depending on target(s) detected at Truk. A third Japanese TF (6 ships, movement unknown) also detected SW of Truk but not attacked. 15 SB2C bombers reported destroyed (13 air-to-air, 1 flak, 1 ops) in the action over Truk base hex. Two Japanese xAKL reported sunk, a larger xAK with fuel cargo hit and probably sunk in Truk. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, at Truk 112,108

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 10

Allied aircraft
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 33

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 10 destroyed, 5 damaged
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
xAK Brisbane Maru, Bomb hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage (fuel cargo reported burning)

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
9 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
S-701 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Brisbane Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Satawal at 107,110 (WSW of Truk)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 18

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAKL Jogu Maru, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAKL Roko Maru, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo

Roko Maru dead in the water ...

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

US Main Carrier force now moving southward from Truk toward Rabaul with objective of intercepting Japanese surface combat TF now detected in Rabaul (see this game turn’s SW Pacific reports).


Detected base status at Truk – 11 aircraft (all fighters), 4 TF (8 ships total), 2 ships in port (1 PT, 1 AM), 11 Jap LCU. Current intelligence data has eight Jap LCU identified in Truk including 11 Independent Mixed Rgt, three flak LCU, 19 JAAF AF Bn, 4 Base Force (IJN), Southeast Area Fleet HQ, and Truk Naval Fortress (static)

Sigint entry for 12/13 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Kwajalein, detected base status shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.


Australia: Transport convoy WX-37 (28 ships) arrives from mainland US. Cargo includes six US air units (5 USAAF B-29 Superfort squadrons, one US Marine 2E bomber unit), 120K supply and 87K fuel.

Transport convoy MX-34 (13 ships) arrives from Abadan via Capetown with 110K fuel cargo.

Transport convoy EX-92 (21 ships) arrives from Eastern US via Capetown with 128K supply and 2600 fuel cargo.


NW Australia: No Japanese TF visible on game map in sea areas off NW Australia. 12/13 Coastwatcher report entries follow. Location of Darwin base is hex 76, 124.

Coastwatcher Report: E No.51 reported in port at Darwin
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Nitiyo Maru reported in port at Darwin
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 76,124 near Darwin, Speed 14, Moving East


No reported Allied or Japanese plane losses this game turn in NW Australia area.

Detected status of Jap base at Groote Eylandt – airfield damage 100, port damage 63, no visible Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Wessel Islands – airfield damage 72, port damage 63, no visible Jap LCU or TF.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 178 aircraft (164 fighters, 7 bombers), oil production 202(99), refinery 96(5), 27 Jap LCU.


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in the Burma-India theatre area.

No reported Japanese plane losses this game turn in Burma-India theatre.

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 1 Wellington B.X (ops)
• 2 C-47 Skytrain (both ops)


Allied fighter sweeps and ground attack air strikes against Japanese LCU along Burma-India border area continue. Latest AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 33rd Army, at 56,43, near Chittagong (two actions with identical AAR, first one only shown)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 29,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
Thunderbolt I x 16

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Thunderbolt I sweeping at 25000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 33rd Army, at 56,43, near Chittagong (four actions with identical AAR, first one only shown)

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 27,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 16

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 25000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 15th Division, at 56,43, near Chittagong

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim VD x 16
Wellington B.X x 32
B-25H Mitchell x 15
P-40N5 Warhawk x 50

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Wellington B.X bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x Wellington B.X bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x Blenheim VD bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
25 x P-40N5 Warhawk bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb
25 x P-40N5 Warhawk bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 9th Medium Field Artillery Regiment ...
Also attacking 6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment ...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 15th Division, at 56,43, near Chittagong

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim VD x 16
B-25H Mitchell x 48

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim VD: 1 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Blenheim VD bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 15th Division, at 56,43, near Chittagong

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 25

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-40N5 Warhawk bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

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

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2323
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/12/2016 4:36:47 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/14/44

Southwest Pacific: 465K supply and 91K fuel on hand in Milne Bay (unchanged).

Current status of Port Moresby base – 1.27 million supply and 155K fuel on hand.

Current status of Terapo base – 226K supply and 10K fuel on hand (unchanged).


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in SW Pacific theatre operations area including Rabaul.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 39 Ki-43-II and III Oscar (34 flak, 5 ops)
• 1 B5N2 Kate (ops)
• 8 G4M2 Betty (7 flak, 1 ops)
• 2 G4M3 Betty (1 air-to-air, 1 ops)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 1 B-24 Liberator (ops)

It’s being noted that Pillager has created a substitute form of “kamikaze” air mission utilizing Ki-43 Oscars on low-level air strikes without having Kamikaze air missions activated in the AE game. This particular type of air mission first encountered last game turn (12/13) by US destroyers returning from action at Rabaul. Allied counter-measures to this tactic will likely prove equally useful against “real” Kamikaze strikes once Pillager has the AE Kamikaze air mission activated and available (Pillager commenting on the unavailability of Kamikaze missions some time ago in our PBEM communications) .


Allied port and airfield bombing strikes and fighter sweeps against Buna continue. AAR’s follow.

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

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 20 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 24

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 30000 feet

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

Raid detected at 44 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-51D Mustang x 25

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-51D Mustang sweeping at 25000 feet

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

Raid detected at 49 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 25

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-38L Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet

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

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 15
B-17F Fortress x 3
B-24J Liberator x 3
B-25H Mitchell x 6

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 9
Port hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Mitchell II bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 66 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 15
B-25H Mitchell x 12

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 29
Port hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 67 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 12
B-25J1 Mitchell x 16

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 19
Port hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-25J1 Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 9

No Allied losses

Port hits 7
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 62 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25H Mitchell x 12

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 60 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 12

No Allied losses

Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 24

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 30000 feet

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

Raid detected at 47 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-51D Mustang x 25

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-51D Mustang sweeping at 25000 feet

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


Undamaged US destroyers from the raiding TF at Rabaul returned safely to base with no further contact or actions with Japanese forces. Heavily damaged US destroyer (DD Dale) attempting return to base from Rabaul attacked and sunk in low-level Jap naval air strike similar to tactics Pillager is using with Ki-43 Oscars. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,127 (S of Rabaul)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 24 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Dale, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 10, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x A6M5 Zero bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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


US surface combat TF (previously covered Thousand Islands Bay landing force) attacked by Japanese LBA naval air strikes in sea area between Thousand Ships Bay and Milne Bay. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Treasury Islands at 107,132 (due W of Treasury Islands)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M2a Betty x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2a Betty: 4 damaged
G4M2a Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
BB Idaho
BB Pennsylvania

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M2a Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Treasury Islands at 107,132

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 22 damaged
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 10 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
DD Franks, Shell hits 2 (no reported damage)
CA Canberra
BB Idaho
DD Haggard, Shell hits 1, Bomb hits 1, on fire (system damage 30, flood 18, engine 7, no fire, returning to base at 29 kts)
CL Achilles
BB Mississippi
CL Adelaide, Bomb hits 1 (system damage 12, float 6, engine 4, returning to base at 22 kts)
BB Pennsylvania
CL Sumatra

Aircraft Attacking:
26 x Ki-43-IIIa Oscar bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Treasury Islands at 107,132

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 20 damaged
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 9 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 1 (minor system damage)
CL Concord, Bomb hits 1, on fire (system damage 18, float 1, engine 2, no fire, returning to base at 32 kts)
CL Adelaide
CL Sumatra, Shell hits 2 (no reported damage)
CL De Ruyter
DD Hailey
DD Cogswell
CL Leander

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x Ki-43-IIb Oscar bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Treasury Islands at 107,132

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 73 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M2a Betty x 4
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2a Betty: 1 damaged
G4M2a Betty: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CA Exeter, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (system damage 14, float 50, engine 1, no fire, returning to base at 16 kts)

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M2a Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Treasury Islands at 107,132

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 13 damaged
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 4 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CL Concord
DD Haggard, Shell hits 1
CA Canberra, Shell hits 1 (no reported damage)
CL Tromp, Bomb hits 1, on fire (system damage 17, float 8, engine 3, no fire, returning to base at 29 kts)
CL Raleigh

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-43-IIb Oscar bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

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


US destroyers and PT-boats continue patrol operations in Buna base hex. Night and daylight Japanese LBA naval air strikes launched against destroyer TF. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, at Buna 99,129

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms (no moonlight)

Raid detected at 14 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Hammann
DD O'Brien

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, at Buna 99,129

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Allen
DD Worden

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, at Buna 99,129

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M3a Betty x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M3a Betty: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Hammann
DD Allen

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x G4M3a Betty bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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


Detected status of Jap base at Buna – airfield damage 85, port damage 72, 1 Jap TF (9 ships, visible on map as submarine TF), 28 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae – 103 aircraft (67 fighters, 32 bombers), 11 Jap LCU, no Jap TF.

Detected base status at Wau – unidentified Jap planes based on airfield, 9 Jap LCU.

Detected base status at Salamaua – 6 Jap LCU.

Detected base status at Rabaul – 135 aircraft (70 fighters, 12 bombers, other planes probably transport), airfield damage 5, 4 Jap TF (13 ships total), 3 ships in port (2 PG, 1 xAKL), 38 Jap LCU (-1 from last report), defensive minefield visible on map. Information shown in detected base status shows possible Japanese surface combat TF identified last game turn may still be in Rabaul (one TF in Rabaul base hex with 9 unidentified ships).


Allied forces at Buna continue ground bombardment attack. 144K supply on hand, 2659 AV (total) operational. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna (99,129)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 72232 troops, 1595 guns, 1839 vehicles, Assault Value = 2690
Defending force 93381 troops, 912 guns, 49 vehicles, Assault Value = 2186

Japanese ground losses:
529 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 35 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 5 (2 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
43rd Infantry Division
4th Armoured Brigade
754th Tank Battalion
81st Infantry Division
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
193rd Tank Battalion
31st Infantry Division
1st Marine Division
32nd Infantry Division
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
2/6th Armoured Regiment
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
2/4th Armoured Regiment
I Corps Cmbt Engineer Regiment
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
9th Australian Division
863rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
205th Field Artillery Battalion
189th USAAF Base Force
1st Medium Regiment
2nd RAA Jungle Regiment
134th Field Artillery Battalion
163rd USA Base Force
150th USA Base Force
2nd Medium Regiment
2/11th Field Regiment
9th RAAF Base Force
2/9th Field Regiment
I Australian Corps
181st Field Artillery Regiment
2/13th Field Regiment
857th Engineer Aviation Battalion
168th Field Artillery Regiment
97th Field Artillery Battalion
82nd Mortar Battalion
155th USA Base Force
6th RAAF Base Force
165th Field Artillery Battalion
11th RAAF M/W Sqn

Defending units:
1st Guards Division
22nd Div /2
64th Division
13th Division
70th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
104th Division
41st Division
22nd Division
116th Division
47th Division
109th Division
38th Division
42nd Div /2
8th Base Force
3rd Cavalry Brigade
14th Naval Construction Battalion
2nd Naval Construction Battalion
1st Naval Const Bn /1
62nd Construction Battalion
13th Ind.Mixed Rgt /1
144th Infantry Regiment
17th Naval Construction Battalion
31st Army
3rd Naval Construction Battalion
7th Base Force
44th IMB Artillery Battalion
102nd Machine Cannon AA Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
62nd Nav Gd /1

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

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2324
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/12/2016 4:40:08 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/14/44 (continued)

South Pacific: Japanese LBA naval air strikes against Allied amphibious transport ships returning from Ontong Java landing operation. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 116,138 (SE of Tulagi)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
P1Y2 Frances x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y2 Frances: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
LSI(L) Dunedin Star
APD Little

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x P1Y2 Frances bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 116,138

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
P1Y2 Frances x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
APD Noa

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x P1Y2 Frances bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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


Current status at Rekata Bay dot hex base – 42K supply on hand.

Current base status at Thousand Ships Bay – 348K supply on hand. Japanese fighter sweeps over Thousand Ships Bay airfield, US fighter squadrons stood down to rest pilots/recover damaged planes. AAR’s follow.

Current base status of Kirakira –61K supply and 12K fuel on hand. PT-boat patrol operations from Kirakira starting against Japanese base hexes inside Tulagi-Guadalcanal complex.


Current base status of Rennell Island – 77K supply on hand, airfield now expanded to size 6(5). Allied transports unloading supply cargo attacked in unsuccessful Jap LBA naval air strikes. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, at Rennell Island 113,140

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 68 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
P1Y2 Frances x 13

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 14
F4U-1A Corsair x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y2 Frances: 10 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VMF-212 with F4U-1A Corsair (4 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 36900.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
VMF-313 with F4U-1 Corsair (4 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, at Rennell Island 113,140

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 54 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
P1Y2 Frances x 9

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 13
F4U-1A Corsair x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y2 Frances: 5 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VMF-212 with F4U-1A Corsair (4 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 36900.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VMF-313 with F4U-1 Corsair (4 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

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


Current base status of Ndeni – 935K supply and 53K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Luganville – 2.36 million supply and 254K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Noumea – 4.58 million supply and 3.17 million fuel on hand (unchanged). Most amphibious transport ships from Thousand Ships Bay landing force already returned or now returning to Noumea. Repair of ships with minor damage is underway at Noumea, more heavily damaged ships being passed on for repair at shipyards in Australia.

Convoy detachment WP-292B (5 ships) arrives in Suva from mainland US, cargo includes 31K supply and 2500 fuel. Other detachments of transport convoy WP-292 still enroute to Noumea and Luganville.


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in South Pacific theatre.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 2 Ki-44 Tojo (1 on the ground, 1 ops)
• 26 P1Y2 Frances (25 air-to-air, 1 ops)

No reported Allied plane losses this game turn in South Pacific operations area.


Detected status of Jap base at Tassafronga (after actions below) – no visible Jap aircraft based at airfield, airfield damage 6, port damage 2, 9 Jap LCU. Night LBA air strike against Tassafronga airfield launched by US Marine 2E bombers. Combat Events report entry and AAR follow.

5 x VMB-433 PBJ-1D Mitchell stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Tassafaronga, at 113,137

Weather in hex: Partial cloud (no moonlight)

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
PBJ-1D Mitchell x 6

No Allied losses

Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x PBJ-1D Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Night shore bombardment attack against Tassafronga by Dutch destroyer force Dutch TF remained at Tassafonga base hex, targeted in daylight naval air strikes by Japanese LBA. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Tassafaronga at 113,137

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 10 damaged
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied Ships
DD Witte de With
DD Van Nes
DD Banckert

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 12
Port hits 3
Port supply hits 2

DD Witte de With firing at 23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
DD Van Nes firing at Tassafaronga
DD Banckert firing at Tassafaronga

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, at Tassafaronga 113,137

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 25 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y3 Judy x 23
N1K2-J George x 3
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y3 Judy: 2 damaged

Allied Ships (all three ships sunk)
DD Van Nes, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Witte de With, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Banckert, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
6 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

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


Coastwatcher entries from 12/14 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tassafaronga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Tatsuhiro Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Manus is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,122 near Kavieng, Speed 13, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabau , Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 102,120 near Rambutyo, Speed 26, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 10, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed 13, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,123 near Kavieng, Speed 15, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 24, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed 23, Moving West
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: PB Tokati Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Manus is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed 7, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed 23, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 107,123 near Tabar Island, Speed 10, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 110,133 near Vella Lavella, Speed 15, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 111,132 near Choiseul Bay, Speed 15, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 99,124 near Saidor, Speed 27, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 101,119 near Manus, Speed 10, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,120 near Rambutyo, Speed 14, Moving West

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2325
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/12/2016 4:44:46 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/14/44 (continued)

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 12/14 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Roi-Namur, detected base status shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.


Australia: Transport convoy WX-37 (28 ships) arrives from mainland US. Cargo includes six US air units (5 USAAF B-29 Superfort squadrons, one US Marine 2E bomber unit), 120K supply and 87K fuel.

Transport convoy MX-34 (13 ships) arrives from Abadan via Capetown with 110K fuel cargo.

Transport convoy EX-92 (21 ships) arrives from Eastern US via Capetown with 128K supply and 2600 fuel cargo.


NW Australia: No Japanese TF visible on game map in sea areas off NW Australia. 12/14 Coastwatcher report entries follow. Location of Darwin base is hex 76, 124.

Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 76,124 near Darwin, Speed 16, Moving East
Coastwatcher Report: AV Sanuki Maru reported in port at Darwin
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 76,124 near Darwin, Speed 14, Moving East


No reported Allied or Japanese plane losses this game turn in NW Australia area.

Detected status of Jap base at Wessel Islands – airfield damage 82, port damage 65, no visible Jap LCU or TF.


Malacca Straits: Damaged British patrol sub returning to base attacked by Japanese surface ASW. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Langsa at 47,74 (due W of Georgetown)

Japanese Ships
E Mutsure, Shell hits 1, on fire
E Tsushima, Shell hits 3

Allied Ships
SS Templar, hits 17, heavy damage (remains afloat for now, system damage 64, float 94, engine 6, returning to base at 1 kt)

SS Templar is sighted by escort
E Mutsure attacking submerged sub ....
SS Templar forced to surface!
E Mutsure firing on surfaced sub ....
E Tsushima firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves

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


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – 67 aircraft (51 fighters, 16 bombers), one Jap TF (7 ships including 5 AO, 2 TK), manpower 4(0), resources 21(0), refinery 72(129), light industry 9(32), 15 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 26 aircraft (14 fighters, 6 bombers), oil production 202(99), refinery 96(5), 27 Jap LCU. Aircraft numbers in Magwe considerably decreased from last game turn’s report, this will have to be followed up to verify whether Pillager has actually removed Japanese air unit(s) from Magwe (considered unlikely at this time).


No reported Allied or Japanese plane losses this game turn in Burma-India theatre operations area.

Allied fighter sweeps and ground attack air strikes against Japanese LCU along Burma-India border area failed to launch this game turn, weather conditions probable cause.


(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2326
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/16/2016 6:16:54 PM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/15/44

Southwest Pacific: 459K supply and 81K fuel on hand in Milne Bay.

Current status of Port Moresby base – 1.27 million supply and 155K fuel on hand (unchanged).

Current status of Terapo base – 226K supply and 10K fuel on hand (unchanged).


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in SW Pacific theatre operations area including Rabaul plus actions with US Main Carrier force.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 23 Ki-43-III Oscar (all air-to-air)
• 1 N1K1-2 George (air-to-air)
• 2 A6M5 Zero (both flak)
• 6 G4M2a Betty (all air-to-air)
• 4 Ki-49 Helen (3 air-to-air, 1 ops) - naval search destroyed by Main Carrier force CAP fighters
• 1 E13A1 Jake (air-to-air) – destroyed by Main Carrier force CAP fighters

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 4 TBM-1C Avenger (all air-to-air)
• 1 SOC-1 Seagull (air-to-air)


US Main Carrier force now operating off Rabaul, primary objective launching naval air strikes against Japanese naval and transport TF in Rabaul and nearby sea areas. No Japanese TF targets detected (4 TBM-1C Avenger naval search planes lost mainly over Lihir base hex). Jap naval air strikes against US Carrier force with low-level fighters and 2E bombers. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lihir at 110,124 (ENE of Rabaul)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 4
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 19

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25
F6F-3 Hellcat x 241
F6F-5 Hellcat x 213

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 11 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (9 airborne, 18 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 38800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VF-42 with F6F-5 Hellcat (9 airborne, 20 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 37300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (9 airborne, 20 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 38800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (8 airborne, 17 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
VF-9 with F6F-5 Hellcat (9 airborne, 20 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 37300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VF-10 with F6F-5 Hellcat (9 airborne, 20 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 37300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
VF-11 with F6F-3 Hellcat (9 airborne, 19 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 38800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (9 airborne, 20 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 37300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-13 with F6F-5 Hellcat (9 airborne, 20 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 37300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (9 airborne, 19 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 38800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VF-18 with F6F-5 Hellcat (8 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 37300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
VF-71 with F6F-5 Hellcat (5 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (9 airborne, 20 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 37300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VF-25 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 38800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
VF-27 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 38800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VF-28 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lihir at 110,124

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M2a Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25
F6F-3 Hellcat x 240
F6F-5 Hellcat x 213

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2a Betty: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 18 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 38800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VF-42 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 9 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 37000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 38800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
17 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
VF-9 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
VF-10 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 20 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
VF-11 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 19 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 38000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 37300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
VF-13 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 37000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 15 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 38800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
VF-18 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 11060.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VF-71 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 37300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 9000 and 38800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
VF-25 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 38800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
VF-27 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
VF-28 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes

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


Allied port and airfield bombing strikes and fighter sweeps against Buna continue. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129 (two actions with identical AAR, first one only shown)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 24

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 30000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129 (two actions with identical AAR, first one only shown)

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 28,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-51D Mustang x 25

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-51D Mustang sweeping at 25000 feet

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

Raid spotted at 46 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 25

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-38L Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet

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

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 12
B-25H Mitchell x 3
B-25J1 Mitchell x 16

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 12
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-25J1 Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 3
B-24J Liberator x 45

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 58
Port hits 12

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid spotted at 2 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 9

No Allied losses

Port hits 3
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25H Mitchell x 12

No Allied losses

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

Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid spotted at 1 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 12

No Allied losses

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

Port hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 9

No Allied losses

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

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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


US destroyers and PT-boats continue patrol operations in Buna base hex. Contact between US and Japanese destroyer TF’s. Night and daylight Japanese LBA naval air strikes against US destroyer TF continue. Latest AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, at Buna 99,129, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Nagatsuki
DD Mikazuki
DD Harukaze
DD Hatakaze
DD Hayate

Allied Ships
DD Hammann
DD O'Brien
DD Wilson
DD Farragut
DD Worden
DD Allen
DD Chew

Reduced sighting due to 0% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 0% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 28,000 yards
Range closes to 26,000 yards...
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 16,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
Moosbrugger, Fred crosses the 'T'
DD Hatakaze engages DD Chew at 6,000 yards
DD Hatakaze engages DD Allen at 6,000 yards
DD Hatakaze engages DD Worden at 6,000 yards
DD Mikazuki engages DD Worden at 6,000 yards
DD Nagatsuki engages DD Allen at 6,000 yards
DD Chew engages DD Hayate at 6,000 yards
DD Chew engages DD Hatakaze at 6,000 yards
DD Worden engages DD Nagatsuki at 6,000 yards
DD Mikazuki engages DD Worden at 6,000 yards
DD Hatakaze engages DD O'Brien at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
DD Chew engages DD Hatakaze at 7,000 yards
DD Nagatsuki engages DD Allen at 7,000 yards
DD O'Brien engages DD Harukaze at 7,000 yards
DD Farragut engages DD Mikazuki at 7,000 yards
DD Wilson engages DD Hatakaze at 7,000 yards
DD O'Brien engages DD Harukaze at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
DD Hatakaze engages DD Allen at 9,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Wilson at 9,000 yards
DD Farragut engages DD Hatakaze at 9,000 yards
DD Nagatsuki engages DD Wilson at 9,000 yards
DD O'Brien engages DD Hatakaze at 9,000 yards
DD Hammann engages DD Hayate at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 14,000 yards
DD Hayate engages DD Hammann at 14,000 yards
DD Allen engages DD Harukaze at 14,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Worden at 14,000 yards
DD Mikazuki engages DD Farragut at 14,000 yards
DD Hatakaze engages DD Wilson at 14,000 yards
Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, at Buna 99,129

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms (3% moonlight)

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M3a Betty x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M3a Betty: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Farragut
DD Hammann

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x G4M3a Betty bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 5 damaged
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
DD Worden
DD Hammann, Shell hits 2 (minor system damage)
DD Farragut
DD O'Brien, Shell hits 3 (minor system damage)
DD Wilson, Shell hits 3 (system damage 4, no float or engine)
DD Allen

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x A6M5 Zero bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, at Buna 99,129

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 13 damaged

Allied Ships
DD O'Brien
DD Hammann
DD Worden, Shell hits 3 (system damage 8, no float or engine)
DD Farragut, Shell hits 5 (minor system damage)

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x A6M5 Zero bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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


Detected status of Jap base at Buna – airfield damage 100, port damage 98, 1 Jap TF (10 ships, visible on map as submarine TF), 28 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae – 145 aircraft (101 fighters, 34 bombers), 11 Jap LCU, no visible Jap TF.

Detected base status at Wau – unidentified Jap planes based on airfield, 9 Jap LCU.

Detected base status at Salamaua – 6 Jap LCU.

Detected base status at Rabaul – 135 aircraft (116 fighters, 23 bombers, 51 other planes probably transport), no airfield damage, 5 Jap TF (25 ships total), 3 ships in port (2 PG, 1 xAKL), 38 Jap LCU, defensive minefield visible on map.

Detected status of Jap base at Lihir – 23 aircraft (all fighters), airfield size 3(3), 1 Jap TF (2 SC).

Detected status of Jap base at Kavieng – 34 aircraft (7 fighters, 6 bombers), airfield size 3(6). 1 Jap TF (1 AM), 2 Jap LCU.


Allied forces at Buna continue ground bombardment attack. 143K supply on hand, 2923 AV (total) operational. US Americal Division returns to Buna after withdrawal to Port Moresby to recover fatigue/disruption and disabled elements and draw replacement LCU elements. Latest AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna (99,129)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 72318 troops, 1595 guns, 1837 vehicles, Assault Value = 2951
Defending force 93472 troops, 910 guns, 49 vehicles, Assault Value = 2195

Japanese ground losses:
465 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 28 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled

Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
1st Marine Division
81st Infantry Division
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
4th Armoured Brigade
2/4th Armoured Regiment
43rd Infantry Division
31st Infantry Division
193rd Tank Battalion
754th Tank Battalion
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
2/6th Armoured Regiment
32nd Infantry Division
I Corps Cmbt Engineer Regiment
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
Americal Infantry Division
9th Australian Division
2nd Medium Regiment
2nd RAA Jungle Regiment
1st Medium Regiment
163rd USA Base Force
2/9th Field Regiment
857th Engineer Aviation Battalion
205th Field Artillery Battalion
9th RAAF Base Force
134th Field Artillery Battalion
165th Field Artillery Battalion
168th Field Artillery Regiment
181st Field Artillery Regiment
189th USAAF Base Force
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
150th USA Base Force
863rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
6th RAAF Base Force
I Australian Corps
2/11th Field Regiment
2/13th Field Regiment
82nd Mortar Battalion
155th USA Base Force
97th Field Artillery Battalion
11th RAAF M/W Sqn

Defending units:
38th Division
41st Division
109th Division
70th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
47th Division
22nd Division
104th Division
1st Guards Division
13th Division
64th Division
116th Division
42nd Div /2
22nd Div /2
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
17th Naval Construction Battalion
14th Naval Construction Battalion
31st Army
8th Base Force
62nd Construction Battalion
144th Infantry Regiment
3rd Naval Construction Battalion
44th IMB Artillery Battalion
3rd Cavalry Brigade
1st Naval Const Bn /1
2nd Naval Construction Battalion
7th Base Force
102nd Machine Cannon AA Battalion
13th Ind.Mixed Rgt /1
62nd Nav Gd /1

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


< Message edited by wneumann -- 9/16/2016 6:21:31 PM >

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2327
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/16/2016 6:19:30 PM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/15/44 (continued)

South Pacific: Current status of dot hex base at Ontong Java – size 1(2) airfield is now completed, 9500 supply on hand.

Current status at Rekata Bay dot hex base – 41K supply on hand, size 1(3) airfield is now constructed.


Current base status at Thousand Ships Bay – 339K supply on hand, supply wastage due to base size is occurring. Japanese LBA dive bombers launch raid against airfield. Two US fighter planes destroyed on ground, no reported damage to airfield facilities. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Thousand Ships Bay, at 114,136

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y3 Judy x 23
N1K2-J George x 7
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y3 Judy: 2 damaged
D4Y3 Judy: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1A Corsair: 17 damaged
F4U-1A Corsair: 1 destroyed on ground

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

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 2000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
14 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 1000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
2 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 3000'
Airfield Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb

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


Current base status of Kirakira –61K supply and 13K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Rennell Island – 82K supply on hand.

Current base status of Ndeni – 950K supply and 57K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Luganville – 2.38 million supply and 253K fuel on hand. Convoy detachment WP-292C (5 ships) arrives from mainland US with 31K supply and 2500 fuel cargo.

Current base status of Noumea – 4.58 million supply and 3.16 million fuel on hand.


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in South Pacific theatre.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 3 Ki-44 Tojo (2 air-to-air, 1 on the ground)
• 1 Ki-84 Frank (ops)
• 1 D4Y3 Judy (flak)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 2 F4U-1A Corsair (both on the ground)
• 4 B-24 Liberator (all air-to-air)


Detected status of Jap base at Tassafronga (after actions below) – 14 aircraft (all fighters), airfield damage 76, port damage 3, 9 Jap LCU. LBA air strikes continued against Tassafronga airfield by US 4E bombers. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tassafaronga, at 113,137

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 28
Ki-84a Frank x 1

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 28

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

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged

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

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 68

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
20th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 8000.
Raid is overhead
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 20 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tassafaronga, at 113,137

Raid detected at 56 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 23

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 12

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

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 14
Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 20 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 58 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tassafaronga, at 113,137

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 20

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 12

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

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 12

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 17 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes

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


Detected status of Jap base at Tulagi – 25 aircraft (11 bombers), 10 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lunga (after raid below) – 6 aircraft (all fighters), airfield damage 2, 11 Jap LCU (-1 from last report). US Marine 2E bombers launch night raid against Lunga airfield. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Lunga, at 114,138

Weather in hex: Severe storms (3% moonlight)

Raid detected at 12 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
PBJ-1D Mitchell x 8

No Allied losses

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x PBJ-1D Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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


Coastwatcher entries from 12/15 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Manus is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed 2, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed 9, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 14, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 100,125 near Umboi Island , Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 28, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed 33, Moving West
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Sinkoku Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships reported in port at Manus
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed 13, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 101,119 near Manus, Speed 7, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed 30, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 13, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed 12, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 11, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,124 near Rabaul, Speed 12, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 8, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 100,125 near Umboi Island, Speed 29, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 101,119 near Manus, Speed 30, Moving Northeast


< Message edited by wneumann -- 9/16/2016 9:09:02 PM >

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2328
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/16/2016 6:25:58 PM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/15/44 (continued)

USSR: I’ve been going through Russian air and land forces on an occasional basis as part of my game turn orders routine since mid-1943, purpose of this activity to maximize combat-readiness for Russian forces in anticipation of Russian activation in 1945 (or sooner if Pillager chooses moving in that direction). While AE does not allow movement of Russian air units or LCU prior to activation, it does allow opportunity to upgrade and/or train Russian air units and LCU in their locations. For air units, this includes upgrading plane types and pilot training. LCU element upgrades in Russian army units are also possible. In a number of cases, combining smaller Russian LCU into larger formations also possible provided all sub-units of the larger formation are in the game and stacked at the same location (no movement is needed to get all sub-units together). AE also allows unit commander changes in both Russian air units and LCU. Even within AE’s restrictions on Russian forces prior to activation, it is still possible to accomplish a considerable amount of preparation. Leave no stone unturned.

It should be noted here that I’ve occasionally seen Sigint report entries indicating Pillager is prepping Japanese units in Manchuria for objectives inside Russia. I do not anticipate Pillager “declaring war” on the USSR though I can see him launching a preemptive Japanese ground offensive immediately upon Russian entry. Up to this point I’ve not looked at prepping Russian LCU for objectives though this will be examined more closely in the next several months.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 12/15 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tarawa, detected base status shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.


Several US patrol subs damaged in attacks by Japanese ASW air patrols.

SS Scabbardfish hit at hex location 109, 96 (SE of Tinian) – system damage 66, float 17, engine 9, returning to base at 8 kts.
SS Cisco hit at hex location 110, 123 (NE of Rabaul) – system damage 2, float 7, engine 2, returning to base at 18 kts.


Australia: Fast transport convoy WX-38 (1 DD, 2 DM, 1 AP, 1 AGC, 1 AE, 25 transports) arrives from mainland US, cargo includes 137K supply and 37K fuel. Ships other than xAK and TK with the convoy are being detached for employment in SW/South Pacific theatre area.


NW Australia: No Japanese TF visible on game map in sea areas off NW Australia. 12/15 Coastwatcher report entries follow. Location of Darwin base is hex 76, 124.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Darwin is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 76,124 near Darwin, Speed 12, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 76,124 near Darwin, Speed 15, Moving East


Vacant base hex at Wyndham (W of Darwin) now under Japanese control by auto-capture.

No reported Allied or Japanese plane losses this game turn in NW Australia area.


Malacca Straits: British patrol sub (SS Templar) attacked last game turn by Japanese surface ASW now reported sunk.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – 124 aircraft (99 fighters, 25 bombers), no visible Jap TF, manpower 4(0), resources 21(0), refinery 72(129), light industry 9(32), 15 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 206 aircraft (185 fighters, 8 bombers), oil production 202(99), refinery 96(5), 27 Jap LCU. Aircraft numbers in Magwe returned to previous levels indicating it is likely no Japanese air unit(s) were actually removed from Magwe (last game turn’s aircraft numbers was inaccurate information).


No reported Allied or Japanese plane losses this game turn in Burma-India theatre area.

Allied fighter sweeps and ground attack air strikes against Japanese LCU along Burma-India border area resumed this game turn. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 4th Mortar Battalion, at 56,44, near Cox's Bazar (three actions with identical AAR, first one only shown)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 30,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 16

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 25000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 14th Division, at 56,44, near Cox's Bazar

Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25H Mitchell x 16

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 14th Division, at 56,44, near Cox's Bazar

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

Allied aircraft
B-25H Mitchell x 16

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 14th Division, at 56,44, near Cox's Bazar

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25H Mitchell x 32

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 4th Mortar Battalion, at 56,44, near Cox's Bazar

Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 29,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 16

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 25000 feet

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

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2329
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/20/2016 3:53:32 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/16/44

Southwest Pacific: Allies capture Buna in deliberate ground assault following naval bombardment and ground attack air strikes. Japanese LCU remain in Buna base hex following Allied capture. AAR’s of all actions in Buna base hex follow – actions below include Allied naval bombardment & surface combat, Japanese night LBA naval air strike, Allied bombing strikes and fighter sweeps against Buna (airfield, port & ground attack), amphibious unloading ops into Buna by two US landing craft (LST) task forces, plus AAR of final Allied ground assault.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Buna at 99,129, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-1003, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Maryland
BB Pennsylvania
BB Idaho
BB Mississippi
CA Australia
CA Canberra
CL Leander
CL Achilles
CL Java
CL Sumatra
CL De Ruyter
CL Hobart
CL Richmond
CL Raleigh
DD Bearss
DD Cogswell
DD Franks
DD Gatling
DD Guest
DD Hailey
DD Halsey Powell
DD Remey
DD MacDonough
DD Talbot
DD Dent

Allied Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Japanese TF begins to get underway
Reduced sighting due to 3% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 3% moonlight: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
Range increases to 2,000 yards
MTB G-1003 sunk by CA Australia at 2,000 yards
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Buna at 99,129, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Nagatsuki
DD Mikazuki
DD Harukaze, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Hatakaze
DD Hayate

Allied Ships
BB Maryland
BB Pennsylvania
BB Idaho
BB Mississippi
CA Australia
CA Canberra
CL Leander
CL Achilles
CL Java
CL Sumatra
CL De Ruyter
CL Hobart
CL Richmond
CL Raleigh
DD Bearss
DD Cogswell
DD Franks
DD Gatling
DD Guest
DD Hailey
DD Halsey Powell
DD Remey
DD MacDonough
DD Talbot
DD Dent

Reduced sighting due to 3% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 3% moonlight: 9,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 28,000 yards
Range closes to 26,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 26,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
DD Hayate engages DD Gatling at 11,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Gatling at 11,000 yards
BB Maryland engages DD Mikazuki at 11,000 yards
DD Mikazuki engages DD Talbot at 11,000 yards
DD Nagatsuki engages DD Remey at 11,000 yards
DD Nagatsuki engages DD Hailey at 11,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
BB Mississippi engages DD Hayate at 13,000 yards
BB Idaho engages DD Mikazuki at 13,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Talbot at 13,000 yards
Range increases to 14,000 yards
DD Talbot engages DD Hayate at 14,000 yards
BB Idaho engages DD Mikazuki at 14,000 yards
BB Pennsylvania engages DD Mikazuki at 14,000 yards
BB Maryland engages DD Mikazuki at 14,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Nagatsuki at 14,000 yards
CL De Ruyter engages DD Mikazuki at 14,000 yards
DD Mikazuki engages DD Remey at 14,000 yards
DD Mikazuki engages DD Gatling at 14,000 yards
DD Nagatsuki engages DD Cogswell at 14,000 yards
DD Nagatsuki engages DD Bearss at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
BB Mississippi engages DD Hayate at 13,000 yards
BB Pennsylvania engages DD Harukaze at 13,000 yards
BB Maryland engages DD Mikazuki at 13,000 yards
DD Nagatsuki engages DD Gatling at 13,000 yards
CL Sumatra engages DD Mikazuki at 13,000 yards
DD Hailey engages DD Hayate at 13,000 yards
BB Mississippi engages DD Hayate at 13,000 yards
DD Hatakaze engages DD Franks at 13,000 yards
BB Pennsylvania engages DD Mikazuki at 13,000 yards
BB Maryland engages DD Mikazuki at 13,000 yards
DD Talbot engages DD Nagatsuki at 13,000 yards
CL Achilles engages DD Mikazuki at 13,000 yards
BB Mississippi engages DD Mikazuki at 13,000 yards
BB Idaho engages DD Mikazuki at 13,000 yards
BB Pennsylvania engages DD Mikazuki at 13,000 yards
BB Maryland engages DD Hatakaze at 13,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Mikazuki at 13,000 yards
DD Remey engages DD Nagatsuki at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
DD Hayate engages DD Remey at 12,000 yards
BB Idaho engages DD Mikazuki at 12,000 yards
DD Franks engages DD Harukaze at 12,000 yards
Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, at Buna 99,129

Weather in hex: Moderate rain (7% moonlight)

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 3 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
BB Idaho
CL Achilles

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Buna at 99,129

Allied Ships
BB Mississippi
BB Idaho
BB Pennsylvania
BB Maryland
CA Canberra
CA Australia
CL Raleigh
CL Richmond
CL Hobart
CL De Ruyter
CL Sumatra
CL Java
CL Achilles
CL Leander

Japanese ground losses:
293 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 22 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 64 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 16
Port hits 1

BB Mississippi firing at 104th Division
BB Idaho firing at 22nd Division
BB Pennsylvania firing at 41st Division
BB Maryland firing at 104th Division
CA Canberra firing at 1st Guards Division
CA Australia firing at Buna
CL Raleigh firing at 104th Division
CL Richmond firing at 41st Division
CL Hobart firing at Buna
CL De Ruyter firing at 13th Division
CL Sumatra firing at 47th Division
CL Java firing at 1st Guards Division
CL Achilles firing at Buna
CL Leander firing at Buna

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

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

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

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 24
P-38L Lightning x 25
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 50
P-51D Mustang x 50

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 30000 feet

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

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 24
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 75
P-51D Mustang x 50

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 30000 feet

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

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 23

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 40
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 114
P-51D Mustang x 40

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 7 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
3rd ACG/3rd FS (C) with P-51D Mustang (20 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
20 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 25000.
Raid is overhead
3rd ACG/4th FS (C) with P-51D Mustang (20 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
20 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 25000.
Raid is overhead
49th FG/9th FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (19 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
19 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
35th FG/39th FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (19 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
19 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
35th FG/40th FS with P-38L Lightning (20 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
20 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 30000.
Raid is overhead
8th FG/80th FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (19 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
19 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
348th FG/341st FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (19 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
19 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (19 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
19 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38L Lightning (20 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
20 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 30000.
Raid is overhead
475th FG/433rd FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (19 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
19 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead

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

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 12
B-24J Liberator x 6
B-25H Mitchell x 3
B-29-1 Superfort x 9
P-38L Lightning x 40
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 19
P-51D Mustang x 40

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 4
Port hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 3rd Naval Construction Battalion ...
Also attacking 144th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking Buna ...
Also attacking 22nd Division ...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 1st Guards Division, at 99,129 (Buna)

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 28
B-25J1 Mitchell x 16
P-38L Lightning x 20
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 57
P-51D Mustang x 20

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
80 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-25J1 Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 116th Division ...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 1st Guards Division, at 99,129 (Buna)

Raid spotted at 5 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 12
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 19

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 47th Division, at 99,129 (Buna)

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 41
P-38L Lightning x 40
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 76
P-51D Mustang x 20

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
167 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 29 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 109th Division ...
Also attacking 41st Division ...
Also attacking 64th Division ...

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

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 21
P-38L Lightning x 40
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 76

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 8
Runway hits 12
Port hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 9
P-38L Lightning x 20
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 38
P-51D Mustang x 40

No Allied losses

Port hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25H Mitchell x 12
P-38L Lightning x 20
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 76
P-51D Mustang x 40

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

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

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 7
P-38L Lightning x 40
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 38
P-51D Mustang x 20

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 17th Naval Construction Battalion ...
Also attacking 13th Ind.Mixed Rgt /1 ...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Buna (99,129)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

125 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
DD Jarvis
DD Sigourney
LST-22
LST-24
LST-18, Shell hits 7, on fire (system damage 23, float 2, no fire, 10 kts movement, still unloading supply cargo at Buna)
DD Gridley
LST-25
LST-26

DD Jarvis firing at 22nd Division
DD Sigourney firing at 116th Division
75mm T94 Mtn Gun battery firing at LST-18
75mm Infantry Gun battery firing at LST-25
75mm T94 Mtn Gun battery firing at LST-18
75mm T94 Mtn Gun battery firing at LST-18
75mm T94 Mtn Gun battery firing at LST-22

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Buna (99,129)

TF 392 troops unloading over beach at Buna, 99,129

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna (99,129)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 105110 troops, 1894 guns, 2797 vehicles, Assault Value = 2964

Defending force 92689 troops, 910 guns, 49 vehicles, Assault Value = 2148

Allied adjusted assault: 4486
Japanese adjusted defense: 1713
Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)
Allied forces CAPTURE Buna !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-), disruption(-)
Attacker: HQ(+)

Japanese ground losses:
13161 casualties reported
Squads: 285 destroyed, 239 disabled
Non Combat: 64 destroyed, 159 disabled
Engineers: 487 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 396 (366 destroyed, 30 disabled)
Vehicles lost 44 (44 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
4340 casualties reported
Squads: 23 destroyed, 579 disabled
Non Combat: 10 destroyed, 121 disabled
Engineers: 15 destroyed, 82 disabled
Guns lost 171 (6 destroyed, 165 disabled)
Vehicles lost 155 (8 destroyed, 147 disabled)

Assaulting units:
32nd Infantry Division
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
81st Infantry Division
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
193rd Tank Battalion
2/6th Armoured Regiment
4th Armoured Brigade
Americal Infantry Division
2/4th Armoured Regiment
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
1st Marine Division
I Corps Cmbt Engineer Regiment
31st Infantry Division
754th Tank Battalion
43rd Infantry Division
9th Australian Division
165th Field Artillery Battalion
97th Field Artillery Battalion
1st Medium Regiment
I Australian Corps
189th USAAF Base Force
863rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
2/9th Field Regiment
6th RAAF Base Force
82nd Mortar Battalion
205th Field Artillery Battalion
2/11th Field Regiment
134th Field Artillery Battalion
150th USA Base Force
181st Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Medium Regiment
2/13th Field Regiment
857th Engineer Aviation Battalion
168th Field Artillery Regiment
163rd USA Base Force
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
9th RAAF Base Force
155th USA Base Force
2nd RAA Jungle Regiment
11th RAAF M/W Sqn

Defending units:
47th Division
41st Division
109th Division
104th Division
13th Division
64th Division
22nd Division
1st Guards Division
70th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
22nd Div /2
38th Division
116th Division
42nd Div /2
1st Naval Const Bn /1
7th Base Force
17th Naval Construction Battalion
13th Ind.Mixed Rgt /1
14th Naval Construction Battalion
3rd Cavalry Brigade
44th IMB Artillery Battalion
3rd Naval Construction Battalion
62nd Construction Battalion
2nd Naval Construction Battalion
8th Base Force
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
31st Army
144th Infantry Regiment
102nd Machine Cannon AA Battalion
62nd Nav Gd /1

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


US Marine LBA dive bombers and torpedo planes plus low-level strikes by USAAF B-25 skip bombers and P-39’s attack Japanese surface naval TF off Buna. One Jap CA (Furutaka) reported sunk, two additional Jap CA and 3 DD reported hit and damaged. Heavy US Marine dive bomber plane losses (see planes destroyed summary below) – all DB plane losses were reported air-to-air though approximately 2/3 of pilots from destroyed planes returned from mission. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Buna at 100,128 (adjacent hex NW of Buna)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 73 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 32 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M3 Jack x 7
N1K1-J George x 7
N1K2-J George x 11
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 2
Ki-61-II KAI Tony x 8
Ki-84a Frank x 25

Allied aircraft
TBM-1C Avenger x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBM-1C Avenger: 5 destroyed

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K2-J George (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 4000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 4000.
Raid is overhead
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
S-312 Hikotai with J2M3 Jack (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 6000.
Raid is overhead
302 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
S-401 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 7 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
48th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 6000.
Raid is overhead
52nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
73rd Sentai with Ki-61-II KAI Tony (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 8000.
Raid is overhead
87th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Buna at 100,128

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M3 Jack x 6
N1K1-J George x 7
N1K2-J George x 9
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 1
Ki-61-II KAI Tony x 8
Ki-84a Frank x 18

Allied aircraft
SBD-5 Dauntless x 48

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 16 destroyed, 2 damaged
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CA Aoba
DD Shiranui

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
1 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K2-J George (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 4000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 4000.
Raid is overhead
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
S-312 Hikotai with J2M3 Jack (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
302 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
S-401 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (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 5000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
48th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (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 1000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
52nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Raid is overhead
73rd Sentai with Ki-61-II KAI Tony (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
87th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 7000.
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Buna at 100,128

Raid detected at 66 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M3 Jack x 5
N1K1-J George x 3
N1K2-J George x 4
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 1
Ki-61-II KAI Tony x 2
Ki-84a Frank x 6

Allied aircraft
SBD-5 Dauntless x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 6 destroyed, 5 damaged
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA Furutaka

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K2-J George (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 4000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
S-312 Hikotai with J2M3 Jack (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
302 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
S-401 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
48th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
52nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Raid is overhead
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (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 9000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 136 minutes
73rd Sentai with Ki-61-II KAI Tony (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 70 minutes
87th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Buna at 100,128

Raid detected at 75 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M3 Jack x 1
N1K1-J George x 1
N1K2-J George x 3
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 1
Ki-61-II KAI Tony x 1
Ki-84a Frank x 2

Allied aircraft
SBD-5 Dauntless x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Kako
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA Furutaka, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 4000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
S-312 Hikotai with J2M3 Jack (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 6000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
302 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
S-401 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
48th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
52nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (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 9000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 106 minutes
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
73rd Sentai with Ki-61-II KAI Tony (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Buna at 100,128

Raid detected at 75 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 1
N1K2-J George x 3
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 1
Ki-61-II KAI Tony x 1
Ki-84a Frank x 1

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 16

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 3 destroyed

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 4000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Raid is overhead
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
302 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
S-401 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
48th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
73rd Sentai with Ki-61-II KAI Tony (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Buna at 100,128

Raid detected at 51 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 1
N1K2-J George x 1
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CA Kako, Bomb hits 1
CA Furutaka, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (reported sunk)
CA Aoba
DD Tokitsukaze

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 6000.
Raid is overhead
S-401 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (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 5000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
48th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (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 1000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Buna at 100,128

Raid detected at 61 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 1

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 25

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Arashi, Shell hits 10, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA Kinugasa, Shell hits 10, on fire
CA Aoba
DD Amatsukaze, Shell hits 1
CA Kako, Shell hits 9, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-39D Airacobra bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Buna at 100,128

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 68 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 1

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, on fire
DD Hamakaze
DD Arashi, on fire, heavy damage
DD Amatsukaze, Shell hits 4
DD Shiranui, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA Kako, on fire
DD Nowaki

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

CAP engaged:
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 6000.
Raid is overhead

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


Current status of Buna base – 109K supply on hand (excluding supply in LCU), no airfield runway damage, airfield service damage 88, port damage 100. Repair of port and airfield facilities in Buna now underway.

470K supply and 88K fuel on hand in Milne Bay.

Current status of Port Moresby base – 1.27 million supply and 155K fuel on hand (unchanged).

Current status of Terapo base – 226K supply and 10K fuel on hand (unchanged).


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in SW Pacific theatre operations area including Rabaul.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 4 Ki-84 Frank (3 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 1 Ki-61 Tony (ops)
• 5 Ki-44 Tojo (4 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 1 N1K1-J George (ops)
• 1 N1K2-J George (ops)
• 18 A6M5 Zero (all air-to-air)
• 5 B5N2 Kate (3 flak, 2 ops)
• 11 Ki-49 Helen (7 air-to-air, 4 ops)
• 2 G4M2a Betty (both air-to-air)
• 1 E13A1 Jake (air-to-air)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 1 P-51D Mustang (ops)
• 1 P-47D Thunderbolt (ops)
• 1 P-38L Lightning (ops)
• 8 P-39D Airacobra (7 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 114 SBD-5 & 3 Dauntless (111 air-to-air, 3 flak) - some plane losses may actually be ops, many pilots returned to units without planes
• 13 TBM-1C Avenger (all air-to-air)
• 2 OS2U-3 Kingfisher (both air-to-air)


US Main Carrier force continues operating off Rabaul, no reported air actions this game turn beyond CAP fighter interceptions of Japanese naval search planes over the carrier force. Some losses of US search planes to Japanese LBA fighter CAP also reported.


Detected status of Jap base at Lae – 145 aircraft (101 fighters, 34 bombers), 11 Jap LCU, no visible Jap TF.

Detected base status at Wau – unidentified Jap planes based on airfield, 9 Jap LCU.

Detected base status at Salamaua – 6 Jap LCU.

Detected base status at Rabaul – 135 aircraft (116 fighters, 23 bombers, 51 other planes probably transport), no airfield damage, 5 Jap TF (25 ships total), 3 ships in port (2 PG, 1 xAKL), 38 Jap LCU, defensive minefield visible on map.

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2330
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/20/2016 3:59:11 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/16/44 (continued)

South Pacific: US fast transport TF (13 APD) with supply cargo attacked by series of Japanese LBA naval air strikes. One APD sunk, three APD with moderate/heavy damage. AAR’s follow.

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 114,139 (adjacent hex SE of Lunga)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y3 Judy x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y3 Judy: 3 damaged
D4Y3 Judy: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
APD Clemson
APD Goldsborough, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (system damage 29, float 85, engine 7, returning to base at 4 kts)
APD Reeves
APD Hopping, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
APD Walter B. Cobb
APD George E. Badger
APD Barr

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
10 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 114,139

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y3 Judy x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y3 Judy: 3 damaged
D4Y3 Judy: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
APD Daniel T. Griffin
APD George E. Badger
APD Barr, Bomb hits 1, on fire (system damage 37, float 26, engine 6, no fire, returning to base at 17 kts)
APD Walter B. Cobb, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (system damage 56, float 65, engine 7, fire 2, returning to base at 8 kts)

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

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


Current status of dot hex base at Ontong Java (after raid below) – no reported airfield damage, 9300 supply on hand. Japanese LBA bombing raid on airfield at Ontong Java. AAR’s follow.

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Morning Air attack on Ontong Java, at 115,131

Weather in hex: Light cloud

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

Japanese aircraft
G4M2a Betty x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2a Betty: 1 damaged

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

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x G4M2a Betty bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ontong Java, at 115,131

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 16
P1Y2 Frances x 6

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 16

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x P1Y2 Frances bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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


Current status at Rekata Bay dot hex base – 40K supply on hand.

Current base status at Thousand Ships Bay – 330K supply on hand.

Current base status of Kirakira –63K supply and 15K fuel on hand.


Current base status of Rennell Island – 86K supply on hand. LBA CAP fighters at Rennell Island intercept attempted Japanese LBA naval air strike against Allied AKA unloading supply cargo. AAR follows.

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Afternoon Air attack on TF, at Rennell Island 113,140

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 62 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y3 Judy x 3

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 14
F4U-1A Corsair x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y3 Judy: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VMF-122 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VMF-212 with F4U-1A Corsair (4 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes

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


Current base status of Ndeni – 951K supply and 57K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Luganville – 2.40 million supply and 251K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Noumea – 4.59 million supply and 3.15 million fuel on hand. Convoy detachment WP-290A (15 ships) arrives from mainland US via Pearl Harbor. Cargo aboard the convoy includes four LCU (710 Tank Bn, 34 Combat Engineer Rgt, 3 USMC Field Artillery Bn, 2 USMC Amphibious Tank Bn), 35K supply and 42K fuel.


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in South Pacific theatre.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 2 Ki-84 Frank (both air to air)
• 1 P1Y2 Frances (on the ground)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 2 A-20G Havoc (both ops)
• 1 B-25J11 Mitchell (ops)


Detected status of Jap base at Shortlands (after raid below) – 6 aircraft (3 fighters), airfield size 4(4), airfield damage 11, port size 3(3), 5 LCU. All five detected Japanese LCU in Shortlands base identified in current intelligence data. Identified Jap units include parts of 38th Infantry Division (most elements of this division likely in Buna), 3 South Seas Garrison, 2 Independent SNLF Co, 41 Air Defense AA Bn, 13 JAAF AF Bn.

USAAF 2E bombers from Milne Bay launch night raid against Shortlands airfield. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

5 x 71st RG/17th RS B-25J11 Mitchell stray due to night
5 x 417th BG/672nd BS A-20G Havoc stray due to night
4 x 417th BG/673rd BS A-20G Havoc stray due to night
5 x 417th BG/674th BS A-20G Havoc stray due to night
7 x 71st RG/17th RS B-25J11 Mitchell stray due to night
7 x 417th BG/672nd BS A-20G Havoc stray due to night
5 x 417th BG/673rd BS A-20G Havoc stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Shortlands, at 109,131

Weather in hex: Light cloud (7% moonlight)

Raid detected at 59 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 5
B-25J11 Mitchell x 16

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J11 Mitchell: 1 damaged

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-25J11 Mitchell bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Shortlands, at 109,131

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 12

Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 3 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Shortlands, at 109,131

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Shortlands, at 109,131

Raid detected at 42 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 4

No Allied losses

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Shortlands, at 109,131

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 5

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Shortlands, at 109,131

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y2 Frances: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Shortlands, at 109,131

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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


Detected status of Jap base at Tassafronga – 22 aircraft (all fighters), airfield damage 50, port damage 2, 9 Jap LCU.


Detected status of Jap base at Tulagi (after raid below) – 16 aircraft (8 bombers), airfield damage 14, 10 Jap LCU. USAAF 4E bombers raid Tulagi airfield. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

5 x 5th BG/23rd BS B-24D1 Liberator stray due to night
6 x 11th BG/98th BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night
4 x 30th BG/819th BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Tulagi, at 114,137

Weather in hex: Light cloud (7% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y2 Frances: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Tulagi, at 114,137

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 4

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Tulagi, at 114,137

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 4

No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Tulagi, at 114,137

Raid detected at 47 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Tulagi, at 114,137

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Tulagi, at 114,137

Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 5

No Allied losses

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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


Detected status of Jap base at Lunga – 7 aircraft (all fighters), no airfield damage, 11 Jap LCU. New Zealand and US Marine fighter sweeps against Lunga airfield. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lunga, at 114,138

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 70 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 4

Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 15
F4U-1A Corsair x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x F4U-1A Corsair sweeping at 20000 feet
15 x F4U-1D Corsair sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
20th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 24000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lunga, at 114,138

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 15

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x F4U-1D Corsair sweeping at 20000 feet

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


Coastwatcher entries from 12/16 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Dagua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Manus is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed 9, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,129 near Buna, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 101,119 near Manus, Speed 30, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,122 near Kavieng, Speed 15, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,125 near Rabaul, Speed 12, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 102,120 near Rambutyo, Speed 13, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 102,120 near Rambutyo , Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,120 near Rambutyo, Speed 13, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,119 near Manus, Speed 2, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,126 near Rabaul, Speed 13, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 103,125 near Talasea, Speed 12, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 103,125 near Talasea, Speed 14, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,119 near Manus, Speed 2, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 103,124 near Talasea, Speed 14, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,120 near Rambutyo, Speed 8, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 100,124 near Long Island, Speed 24, Moving Northwest

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2331
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/20/2016 4:03:01 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/16/44 (continued)

NW Australia: No Japanese TF visible on game map in sea areas off NW Australia. 12/16 Coastwatcher report entries follow. Location of Darwin base is hex 76, 124.

Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 76,124 near Darwin, Speed 16, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 76,124 near Darwin, Speed 10, Moving East


No reported Allied or Japanese plane losses this game turn in NW Australia area.


DEI: Last British patrol sub (SS Thorough) remaining in operation near Palembang hit and damaged in attack by Ki-49 Helen air patrol. Reported damage to SS Thorough – system damage 33, float 17, engine 4, returning to base at 12 kts.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – 117 aircraft (89 fighters, 28 bombers), no visible Jap TF, manpower 4(0), resources 21(0), refinery 72(129), light industry 9(32), 15 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 204 aircraft (189 fighters, 6 bombers), oil production 202(99), refinery 96(5), 27 Jap LCU.


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in the Burma-India theatre area.

No reported Japanese plane losses this game turn in Burma-India theatre.

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 1 B-25H Mitchell (ops)
• 1 Mosquito PR.XVI (flak)
• 1 C-47 Skytrain (ops)


Allied fighter sweeps and ground attack air strikes against Japanese LCU along Burma-India border area continue. Latest AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 4th Mortar Battalion, at 56,44, near Cox's Bazar (four actions with identical AAR, first one only shown)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 29,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 16

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 25000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 14th Division, at 56,44, near Cox's Bazar

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25H Mitchell x 48

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 15th Division, at 56,43, near Chittagong

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim VD x 16
P-40N5 Warhawk x 50

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Blenheim VD bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
25 x P-40N5 Warhawk bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb
25 x P-40N5 Warhawk bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment ...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 15th Division, at 56,43, near Chittagong

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 16

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Wellington B.X bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 15th Division, at 56,43, near Chittagong

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim VD x 16

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim VD: 1 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Blenheim VD bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 15th Division, at 56,43, near Chittagong

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 25

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-40N5 Warhawk bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 33rd Army, at 56,43, near Chittagong (two actions with identical AAR, first one only shown)

Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 29,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
Thunderbolt I x 16

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Thunderbolt I sweeping at 25000 feet

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

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2332
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/22/2016 3:47:33 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/17/44

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Buna base – 161K supply and 2800 fuel on hand, airfield fully operational (no runway or service damage), port damage 49. Allied amphibious transport unloaded supply cargo into Buna base. Construction activity to expand current size 7(6) airfield at Buna is now underway. 2433 operational AV (total) in Allied LCU at Buna.

Ground attack air strikes against Japanese LCU remaining in Buna base hex by Allied 2E and 4E bombers, also bombardment attack by Allied ground forces. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 104th Division, at 99,129 (Buna)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 12
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 4
Ki-61-II KAI Tony x 8
Ki-84a Frank x 16

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 40
B-25J1 Mitchell x 16
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
F6F-3 Hellcat x 13
F6F-5 Hellcat x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
B-25J1 Mitchell: 1 damaged
F6F-5 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

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

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-25J1 Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K2-J George (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 4000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 4000.
Raid is overhead
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (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 35000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 35000.
Raid is overhead
48th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 6000.
Raid is overhead
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Raid is overhead
73rd Sentai with Ki-61-II KAI Tony (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 8000.
Raid is overhead
52nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Raid is overhead

Also attacking 1st Naval Const Bn /1 ...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 13th Division, at 99,129 (Buna)

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 8
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 3
Ki-61-II KAI Tony x 9
Ki-84a Frank x 15

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 45
P-38L Lightning x 15
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1
F6F-3 Hellcat x 9
F6F-5 Hellcat x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
53 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
52nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
73rd Sentai with Ki-61-II KAI Tony (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 35000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 26990.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
48th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K2-J George (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 4000, scrambling fighters to 9000.
Raid is overhead

Also attacking 1st Guards Division ...
Also attacking 22nd Division ...
Also attacking 116th Division ...
Also attacking 47th Division ...
Also attacking 41st Division ...
Also attacking 2nd Naval Const Bn /2 ...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 22nd Division, at 99,129 (Buna)

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

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 6
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 1
Ki-61-II KAI Tony x 7
Ki-84a Frank x 16

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 7
P-38L Lightning x 15
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
F6F-3 Hellcat x 15
F6F-5 Hellcat x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

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

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 35000, scrambling fighters to 18980.
Raid is overhead
52nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
73rd Sentai with Ki-61-II KAI Tony (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Raid is overhead
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 4000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
48th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (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 1000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 116th Division, at 99,129 (Buna)

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

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 6
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 1
Ki-61-II KAI Tony x 4
Ki-84a Frank x 13

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 7
P-38L Lightning x 15
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2
F6F-3 Hellcat x 11
F6F-5 Hellcat x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 4 damaged
F6F-5 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

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

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 35000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
52nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 73 minutes
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
73rd Sentai with Ki-61-II KAI Tony (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 8000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K2-J George (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 4000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Raid is overhead
48th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (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 1000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 64th Division, at 99,129 (Buna)

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 6
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 1
Ki-61-II KAI Tony x 3
Ki-84a Frank x 10

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 30
P-38L Lightning x 15
F6F-3 Hellcat x 11
F6F-5 Hellcat x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed

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

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet *
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet *
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet *
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 35000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 58 minutes
52nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
73rd Sentai with Ki-61-II KAI Tony (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 8000.
Raid is overhead
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K2-J George (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 4000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Raid is overhead
48th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (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 1000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes

Also attacking 109th Division ...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 64th Division, at 99,129 (Buna)

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 4
Ki-84a Frank x 6

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 10
P-38L Lightning x 15
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2
F6F-3 Hellcat x 7
F6F-5 Hellcat x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 1 damaged
F6F-5 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet *
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 35000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
52nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 89 minutes
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 4000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 144th Infantry Regiment, at 99,129 (Buna)

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 4
Ki-84a Frank x 4

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 40
P-38L Lightning x 15
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
F6F-3 Hellcat x 8
F6F-5 Hellcat x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
84 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet *
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet *
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet *
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 8000 feet *
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 35000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
52nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 4000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead

Also attacking 13th Division ...

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Ground combat at Buna (99,129)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 77782 troops, 1802 guns, 2037 vehicles, Assault Value = 2430
Defending force 82238 troops, 582 guns, 13 vehicles, Assault Value = 1669

Japanese ground losses:
430 casualties reported
Squads: 22 destroyed, 37 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
106 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
81st Infantry Division
I Corps Cmbt Engineer Regiment
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
2/6th Armoured Regiment
754th Tank Battalion
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
32nd Infantry Division
1st Marine Division
193rd Tank Battalion
31st Infantry Division
43rd Infantry Division
4th Armoured Brigade
2/4th Armoured Regiment
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
Americal Infantry Division
9th Australian Division
2nd RAA Jungle Regiment
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
168th Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Medium Regiment
2/13th Field Regiment
9th RAAF Base Force
155th USA Base Force
189th USAAF Base Force
165th Field Artillery Battalion
181st Field Artillery Regiment
134th Field Artillery Battalion
2/9th Field Regiment
163rd USA Base Force
857th Engineer Aviation Battalion
1st Medium Regiment
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
I Australian Corps
2/11th Field Regiment
150th USA Base Force
205th Field Artillery Battalion
6th RAAF Base Force
82nd Mortar Battalion
97th Field Artillery Battalion
863rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
11th RAAF M/W Sqn

Defending units:
38th Division
13th Division
109th Division
47th Division
1st Guards Division
22nd Division
104th Division
64th Division
41st Division
70th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
116th Division
42nd Div /2
62nd Construction Battalion
14th Naval Construction Battalion
13th Ind.Mixed Rgt /1
44th IMB Artillery Battalion
144th Infantry Regiment
7th Base Force
102nd Machine Cannon AA Battalion
2nd Naval Const Bn /2
3rd Cavalry Brigade
1st Hvy.Artillery Rgt /10
3rd Naval Construction Battalion
1st Naval Const Bn /1
8th Base Force
31st Army
17th Naval Construction Battalion
62nd Nav Gd /1

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


Japanese LBA night bombing attacks against Buna airfield, no reported damage to airfield facilities. AAR’s follow.

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Night Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms (14% moonlight)

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 7 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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

Raid spotted at 80 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B6N2a Jill x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2a Jill: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B6N2a Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 23 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B6N2a Jill x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2a Jill: 3 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B6N2a Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B6N2a Jill x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2a Jill: 2 damaged

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B6N2a Jill bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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AAR’s of Japanese daylight LBA fighter sweeps and ground attack bombing raids against Allied LCU in Buna follow.

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Morning Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 18

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 20
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
F6F-3 Hellcat x 71
F6F-5 Hellcat x 53

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 5 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 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, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
VF-9 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
VF-10 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
VF-11 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
VF-13 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
VF-18 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
VF-71 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 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 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
VF-25 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
VF-27 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
VF-28 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
VF-42 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 34

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 20
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
F6F-3 Hellcat x 64
F6F-5 Hellcat x 47

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 7 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-84a Frank sweeping at 9000 feet

CAP engaged:
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
VF-9 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
VF-10 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 9000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
VF-11 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 16900 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
VF-13 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-18 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VF-71 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
VF-25 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
VF-27 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VF-28 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 9000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38L Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
20 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VF-42 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes

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

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 9

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 20
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
F6F-3 Hellcat x 43
F6F-5 Hellcat x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 11000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
VF-9 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
VF-10 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VF-11 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 9900 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VF-13 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
VF-18 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
VF-71 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 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 between 8000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 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 between 13000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 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 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-27 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VF-28 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38L Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 20 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
VF-42 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
VF-25 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000, scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 189th USAAF Base Force, at 99,129 (Buna)

Raid detected at 168 NM, estimated altitude 41,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 50 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 12

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 20
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2
F6F-3 Hellcat x 44
F6F-5 Hellcat x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
F6F-5 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VF-42 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes
VF-29 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 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 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
VF-9 with F6F-5 Hellcat (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 20000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
VF-10 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 11000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
VF-11 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
VF-13 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 27000 and 38800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
VF-18 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
VF-71 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 37300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 16000 and 35000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
VF-28 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38L Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
20 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes

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

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 8

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 20
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
F6F-3 Hellcat x 53
F6F-5 Hellcat x 30

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

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-5 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VF-42 with F6F-5 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 22000.
Raid is overhead
VF-9 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
VF-10 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 15060.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-11 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 37300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 56 minutes
VF-13 with F6F-5 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 28000.
Raid is overhead
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VF-18 with F6F-5 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 16060.
Raid is overhead
VF-71 with F6F-5 Hellcat (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 20000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 35000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 15700.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 19000.
Raid is overhead
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
VF-29 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 38800.
Raid is overhead
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 24000.
Raid is overhead
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38L Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 20 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 34000.
Raid is overhead
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

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

Raid detected at 118 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 10

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 20
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7
F6F-3 Hellcat x 38
F6F-5 Hellcat x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VF-42 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
VF-9 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VF-10 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 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 between 2000 and 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VF-11 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VF-13 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VF-18 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 16060.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
VF-71 with F6F-5 Hellcat (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 20000, scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Raid is overhead
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 2000.
Raid is overhead
VF-29 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 38800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38L Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 20 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes

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

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 8

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 15
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
F6F-3 Hellcat x 27
F6F-5 Hellcat x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-5 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VF-42 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
VF-9 with F6F-5 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 25020.
Raid is overhead
VF-10 with F6F-5 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 3000.
Raid is overhead
VF-11 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 38800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
VF-13 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
VF-71 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Raid is overhead
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Raid is overhead
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000, scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
VF-29 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000, scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Raid is overhead
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38L Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
15 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 16900.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Raid is overhead
VF-25 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 11270.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 26

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 15
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
F6F-3 Hellcat x 15
F6F-5 Hellcat x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 3 destroyed
F6F-5 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead
VF-9 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
VF-11 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
VF-13 with F6F-5 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 14000.
Raid is overhead
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
VF-29 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38L Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 15 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
VF-10 with F6F-5 Hellcat (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 20000, scrambling fighters to 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
VF-25 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Raid is overhead
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
VF-42 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 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 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes

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

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 47 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-II KAI Tony x 24

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 18
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1
F6F-3 Hellcat x 14
F6F-5 Hellcat x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-II KAI Tony: 6 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 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 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
VF-42 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
VF-9 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
VF-10 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
VF-28 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38L Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 18 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 30000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes

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


Japanese LBA launch naval attack air strikes against Allied surface combat TF and amphibious supply transport operating in Buna base hex. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, at Buna 99,129

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms (14% moonlight)

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
BB Maryland
BB Mississippi

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, at Buna 99,129

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CA Canberra
BB Pennsylvania

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 109 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 9
D3A2 Val x 28

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 20
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
F6F-3 Hellcat x 61
F6F-5 Hellcat x 34

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 4 destroyed
D3A2 Val: 18 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
LST-22

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x D3A2 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 37000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-11 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 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, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-5 Hellcat (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 20000, scrambling fighters between 24020 and 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-10 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-13 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F6F-5 Hellcat (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 19000.
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-29 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 23000 and 38800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38L Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 20 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
20 planes vectored on to bombers

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

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 3

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 20
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
F6F-3 Hellcat x 45
F6F-5 Hellcat x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-42 with F6F-5 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
VF-9 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
VF-10 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VF-11 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
VF-13 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
VF-18 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 16060.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VF-71 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Raid is overhead
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 15700.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 19000.
Raid is overhead
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 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 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
VF-29 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 38800.
Raid is overhead
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38L Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 20 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 34000.
Raid is overhead
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000, scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, at Buna 99,129

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 117 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 43 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 3
D3A2 Val x 2

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 18
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1
F6F-3 Hellcat x 14
F6F-5 Hellcat x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
D3A2 Val: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
VF-13 with F6F-5 Hellcat (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 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
VF-71 with F6F-5 Hellcat (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 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 9000.
Raid is overhead
VF-42 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 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 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (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 20000, scrambling fighters to 8270.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-10 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 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 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-28 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
3 planes vectored on to bombers
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38L Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
18 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
18 planes vectored on to bombers

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


US Main Carrier force now operating in sea area off Buna and Lae, some CAP fighters from Carrier force operating in air-to-air combat over Buna base hex (above). Japanese LBA naval attack strike occurred during night movement of Main Carrier force from sea area off Rabaul to daylight position in area off Buna and Lae.

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Night Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,128 (SE of Rabaul during overnight sea movement of Main Carrier force to position off Buna)

Weather in hex: Light cloud (14% moonlight)

Raid detected at 25 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M3a Betty x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M3a Betty: 2 damaged
G4M3a Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
BB New Jersey

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M3a Betty bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Madang at 98,123 (adjacent hex E of Madang)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 46 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 11
N1K2-J George x 9
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 3
Ki-84a Frank x 12

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 33
F6F-5 Hellcat x 16
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 3 destroyed
F6F-5 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Arashi, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
302 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
S-308 Hikotai with A6M5 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
87th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(12 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
71st I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (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 1000, scrambling fighters to 9000.
Raid is overhead

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Kinugasa

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


Targeting of some Allied 2E & 4E bombers previously employed against Buna port and airfield facilities now switching to night bombing attack against Lae airfield. Most Allied LBA bomber squadrons in NE Australia now standing down to recover pilot fatigue and/or disabled planes before re-employment against new targets. Plans also underway to transfer some Allied bombers in NE Australia to airfields in eastern New Guinea. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

6 x 90th BG/321st BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night
4 x 38th BG/405th BS B-25H Mitchell stray due to night
6 x 345th BG/501st BS B-25H Mitchell stray due to night
4 x 38th BG/823rd BS B-17F Fortress stray due to night
5 x 38th BG/405th BS B-25H Mitchell stray due to night
5 x 38th BG/823rd BS B-17F Fortress stray due to night

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Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud (14% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

Allied aircraft
B-25H Mitchell x 9

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
902 Ku T-3 with E13A1 Jake (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 100, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes

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

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

Allied aircraft
B-25H Mitchell x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
902 Ku T-3 with E13A1 Jake (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 100, scrambling fighters to 9000.
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
902 Ku T-3 with E13A1 Jake (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 100, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

Allied aircraft
B-25H Mitchell x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25H Mitchell: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
902 Ku T-3 with E13A1 Jake (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 100, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Lae, at 99,126

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

Allied aircraft
B-25H Mitchell x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-II KAI Tony: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
902 Ku T-3 with E13A1 Jake (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 100, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead

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

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17F Fortress: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
902 Ku T-3 with E13A1 Jake (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 100, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead

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


531K supply and 94K fuel on hand in Milne Bay.

Current status of Port Moresby base – 1.27 million supply and 155K fuel on hand (unchanged).

Current status of Terapo base – 226K supply and 10K fuel on hand (unchanged).


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in SW Pacific theatre operations area including Rabaul.

Japanese planes reported destroyed (189 planes total)
• 32 Ki-84 Frank (27 air-to-air, 5 ops)
• 11 Ki-61 Tony (9 air-to-air, 1 on the ground, 1 ops)
• 22 Ki-44 Tojo (all air-to-air)
• 33 N1K2-J George (32 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 16 A6M5 Zero (all air-to-air)
• 13 D4Y3 Judy (all air-to-air)
• 37 D3A2 Val (all air-to-air)
• 4 G4M3a Betty (all flak)
• 1 G4M2a Betty (air-to-air)
• 3 G4M1 Betty (2 flak, 1 ops)
• 3 Ki-57 Topsy (all flak) – transport planes on airlift to Jap LCU in Buna base hex
• 5 Ki-49 KAI Helen (all flak) – transport planes on airlift to Jap LCU in Buna base hex
• 4 H6K4-L Mavis (all ops) – transport planes on airlift to Jap LCU in Buna base hex
• 1 E14Y1 Glen (air-to-air)
• 4 E13A1 Jake (all on the ground)

Allied planes reported destroyed (61 planes total)
• 57 F6F Hellcat (41 air-to-air, 16 ops)
• 4 B-29 Superfort (2 air-to-air, 2 ops)


Detected status of Jap base at Lae – 71 aircraft (46 fighters, 22 bombers), airfield damage 1, 11 Jap LCU, no visible Jap TF.

Detected base status at Wau – unidentified Jap planes based on airfield, 9 Jap LCU.

Detected base status at Salamaua – 6 Jap LCU.

Detected base status at Rabaul – 201 aircraft (128 fighters, 16 bombers, 57 other planes probably transport), 2 Jap TF (12 ships total), 3 ships in port (1 PG, 2 xAKL), 40 Jap LCU (+2 from last report), defensive minefield visible on map.

Detected status of Jap base at Lihir – 27 aircraft (all fighters), no visible Jap TF or LCU.

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2333
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/22/2016 3:50:46 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/17/44 (continued)

South Pacific: Current status of base at Ontong Java (after raid below) – no reported airfield damage, airfield size 2(2), 9100 supply on hand. Airfield expansion temporarily stopped to begin construction of small port facility for cargo unloading. Japanese LBA bombing raid on airfield at Ontong Java continues. Latest AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ontong Java, at 115,131

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M2a Betty x 4
P1Y2 Frances x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2a Betty: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M2a Betty bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
3 x P1Y2 Frances bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ontong Java, at 115,131

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 8
P1Y2 Frances x 5

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x P1Y2 Frances bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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


Current status at Rekata Bay dot hex base – 40K supply on hand, airfield size expanded to 1(3).


Current base status at Thousand Ships Bay – 322K supply on hand. Japanese LBA naval air strikes against US fast transport TF (9 APD) arriving at Thousand Ships Bay. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, at Thousand Ships Bay 114,136

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y3 Judy x 18
N1K2-J George x 3
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 14
F4U-1A Corsair x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y3 Judy: 7 destroyed
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
APD Newman

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VMF-111 with F4U-1 Corsair (4 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 11000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-218 with F4U-1A Corsair (4 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-312 with F4U-1A Corsair (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, at Thousand Ships Bay 114,136

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
P1Y2 Frances x 5

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 14
F4U-1A Corsair x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y2 Frances: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VMF-111 with F4U-1 Corsair (4 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VMF-218 with F4U-1A Corsair (4 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
VMF-312 with F4U-1A Corsair (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 9000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes

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


Current base status of Kirakira –63K supply and 16K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Rennell Island – 87K supply on hand.

Current base status of Ndeni – 948K supply and 57K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Luganville – 2.43 million supply and 253K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Noumea – 4.58 million supply and 3.14 million fuel on hand. Convoy detachment WP-292A (10 ships) arrives from mainland US, cargo includes 31K supply and 73K fuel.


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in South Pacific theatre.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 2 Ki-84 Frank (probable air-to-air)
• 1 Ki-44 Tojo (air-to-air)
• 1 N1K2-J George (air-to-air)
• 2 P1Y2 Frances (both air-to-air)
• 7 D4Y3 Judy (all air-to-air)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 1 P-38L Lightning (ops)


Detected status of Jap base at Shortlands (after raid below) – 25 aircraft (7 fighters, 12 bombers), airfield damage 13, 5 LCU. Night raids against Shortlands airfield by USAAF 2E bombers continue. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

4 x 417th BG/674th BS A-20G Havoc stray due to night
5 x 417th BG/675th BS A-20G Havoc stray due to night
5 x 417th BG/674th BS A-20G Havoc stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Shortlands, at 109,131

Weather in hex: Heavy rain (14% moonlight)

Raid detected at 72 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 16

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Shortlands, at 109,131

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 7

Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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


Detected status of Jap base at Tassafronga (after night raid below) – 23 aircraft (all fighters), airfield damage 54, port damage 3, 9 Jap LCU. USAAF 4E bombers continue night airfield bombing raid, New Zealand planes launch daylight fighter sweeps. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Tassafaronga, at 113,137

Weather in hex: Severe storms (14% moonlight)

Raid detected at 69 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 6

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tassafaronga, at 113,137

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 4

Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x F4U-1D Corsair sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
20th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tassafaronga, at 113,137

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 15

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x F4U-1D Corsair sweeping at 20000 feet

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


Detected status of Jap base at Tulagi – 17 aircraft (8 bombers), airfield damage 11, 10 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lunga – 8 aircraft (all fighters), 11 Jap LCU.


Coastwatcher entries from 12/17 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Manus is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 7 Japanese ships at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 101,119 near Manus, Speed 3, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,120 near Rambutyo, Speed 12, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 9 Japanese ships at 98,122 near Hansa Bay, Speed 27, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tassafaronga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Dagua
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Manus is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 101,119 near Manus, Speed 1, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 6, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 99,124 near Saidor, Speed 10, Moving Northwest

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2334
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/22/2016 3:53:59 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/17/44 (continued)

NW Australia: No Japanese TF visible on game map in sea areas off NW Australia. 12/17 Coastwatcher report entries follow. Location of Darwin base is hex 76, 124.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Darwin is reported empty
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 76,124 near Darwin, Speed 15, Moving East


No reported Allied or Japanese plane losses this game turn in NW Australia area.

Sigint report entry for 12/17 reports all sub-units of Jap 48th Infantry Division have moved to Katherine and re-formed into the divisional LCU. “C” sub-unit of 48 Division was reported in Katherine on 12/01 with “A” & “B” sub-units of the division still reported in Darwin at that time. 48 Division is one of two known Jap infantry divisions in NW Australia, the second unit being 23 Division reported in Darwin as of 12/12.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – 136 aircraft (109 fighters, 27 bombers), no visible Jap TF, manpower 4(0), resources 21(0), refinery 72(129), light industry 9(32), 15 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 204 aircraft (195 fighters, 2 bombers), oil production 202(99), refinery 96(5), 27 Jap LCU.


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in the Burma-India theatre area.

No reported Japanese plane losses this game turn in Burma-India theatre.

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 1 B-25H Mitchell (ops)
• 1 Mosquito PR.XVI (flak)
• 1 C-47 Skytrain (ops)


Allied fighter sweeps and ground attack air strikes against Japanese LCU along Burma-India border area continue. Latest AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 33rd Army, at 56,43, near Chittagong (three actions with identical AAR, first one only shown)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 25

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 33rd Army, at 56,43, near Chittagong

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 28,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
Thunderbolt I x 32

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Thunderbolt I sweeping at 25000 feet
16 x Thunderbolt I sweeping at 25000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 15th Division, at 56,43, near Chittagong

Raid spotted at 2 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim VD x 16
Wellington B.X x 16

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Blenheim VD bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
16 x Wellington B.X bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 15th Division, at 56,43, near Chittagong

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim VD x 16

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim VD: 1 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Blenheim VD bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

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

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2335
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/24/2016 2:50:39 PM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/18/44

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Buna base – 161K supply and 2800 fuel on hand, airfield and port facilities now fully operational (all damage repaired). Allied LCU at Buna have 2470 operational AV (total).

One USAAF fighter squadron (25 P-47D Thunderbolt) transferred last game turn into Buna airfield, plans underway to transfer additional Allied fighter squadrons into Buna. 224 aviation support elements are now operating in Buna (four US and RAAF base force LCU). Aviation support and construction engineer LCU had been moved overland into Buna from Port Moresby during the “siege” and stacked with Allied combat LCU engaged in the ground attack – these units now key in activating Buna airfield as well as quickly starting construction activity in Buna to expand port & airfield facilities to maximum sizes. Plans are to move flak LCU plus additional aviation support and construction engineers into Buna overland from Port Moresby, units shipped in from Australia replacing those leaving Port Moresby.

AAR’s of all latest combat activity at Buna follow – including Japanese night LBA naval air strike on Allied amphibious transport unloading supply cargo, Allied LBA ground attack air strikes on Japanese LCU remaining in Buna base hex, plus Allied ground bombardment attack. Air combat activity not reported below includes Japanese air transport flights into Buna intercepted by USAAF CAP fighters now based at Buna airfield – 22 Jap transport planes (mainly floatplane transports) reported destroyed this game turn.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, at Buna 99,129

Weather in hex: Light rain (21% moonlight)

Raid detected at 67 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M3a Betty x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M3a Betty: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
LST-335

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M3a Betty bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 179 encounters mine field at Buna (99,129)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 47th Division, at 99,129 (Buna)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 35
B-25J1 Mitchell x 12

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-25J1 Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
14 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 1st Guards Division ...
Also attacking 104th Division ...
Also attacking 41st Division ...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna (99,129)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 77962 troops, 1800 guns, 2034 vehicles, Assault Value = 2474
Defending force 82361 troops, 572 guns, 13 vehicles, Assault Value = 1715

Japanese ground losses:
458 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 26 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
109 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 8 (2 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Assaulting units:
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
32nd Infantry Division
I Corps Cmbt Engineer Regiment
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
754th Tank Battalion
Americal Infantry Division
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
4th Armoured Brigade
2/4th Armoured Regiment
1st Marine Division
193rd Tank Battalion
43rd Infantry Division
2/6th Armoured Regiment
31st Infantry Division
81st Infantry Division
9th Australian Division
134th Field Artillery Battalion
2/9th Field Regiment
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
1st Medium Regiment
2nd RAA Jungle Regiment
82nd Mortar Battalion
857th Engineer Aviation Battalion
165th Field Artillery Battalion
189th USAAF Base Force
6th RAAF Base Force
163rd USA Base Force
168th Field Artillery Regiment
863rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
2/11th Field Regiment
2nd Medium Regiment
2/13th Field Regiment
97th Field Artillery Battalion
205th Field Artillery Battalion
150th USA Base Force
181st Field Artillery Regiment
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
I Australian Corps
9th RAAF Base Force
155th USA Base Force
11th RAAF M/W Sqn

Defending units:
22nd Division
109th Division
1st Guards Division
104th Division
13th Division
116th Division
64th Division
47th Division
41st Division
38th Division
70th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
42nd Div /2
62nd Construction Battalion
44th IMB Artillery Battalion
144th Infantry Regiment
102nd Machine Cannon AA Battalion
3rd Cavalry Brigade
3rd Naval Construction Battalion
2nd Naval Const Bn /2
14th Naval Construction Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Rgt /10
17th Naval Construction Battalion
1st Naval Const Bn /1
31st Army
7th Base Force
13th Ind.Mixed Rgt /1
8th Base Force
62nd Nav Gd /1

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


US Main Carrier force withdraws eastward along northern coast of New Guinea, takes up position to provide fighter CAP coverage over Buna base hex. Japanese night naval attack air strike (LBA torpedo bombers) launched against Main Carrier force, one US CV with moderate damage from torpedo hit. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Goodenough Island at 100,131 (adjacent hex W of Goodenough Island)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud (21% moonlight)

Raid detected at 14 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M2a Betty x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2a Betty: 1 damaged
G4M2a Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CV Shiloh, Torpedo hits 1 (system damage 19, float 23, engine 19, moving at 20 kts)

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M2a Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

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


Night bombing of Lae airfield by Allied bombers continued. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

6 x 38th BG/71st BS B-25H Mitchell stray due to night
5 x 345th BG/501st BS B-25H Mitchell stray due to night

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

Weather in hex: Light cloud (21% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

Allied aircraft
B-25H Mitchell x 11

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
902 Ku T-3 with E13A1 Jake (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 100, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes

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


Current status of Milne Bay base – 531K supply and 94K fuel on hand (unchanged).

Current status of Port Moresby base – 1.23 million supply and 146K fuel on hand.

Current status of Terapo base – 225K supply and 10K fuel on hand.


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in SW Pacific theatre operations area including Rabaul.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 2 Ki-84 Frank (both air-to-air)
• 1 Ki-61 Tony (ops)
• 8 N1K1-J George (7 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 2 N1K2-J George (both air-to-air)
• 2 J2M3 Jack (1 air-to-air, 1 ops)
• 1 G4M2a Betty (flak)
• 15 H8K2-L Emily (13 air-to-air, 2 ops) – transport planes destroyed over Buna base hex
• 4 H6K4-L Mavis (all ops) – transport planes
• 2 L2D2 Tabby (both ops) – transport planes
• 1 Ki-49-II KAI Helen (ops) – transport plane

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 40 B-25D1 Mitchell (39 air-to-air,1 flak)
• 1 B-25H Mitchell (ops)


Detected status of Jap base at Finschhaven – 30 aircraft (25 fighters, 5 bombers), airfield size 3(3), 1 Jap TF (one ship), no visible Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lae (after raid above) – 71 aircraft (33 fighters, 31 bombers), no airfield damage, 11 Jap LCU, 2 Jap TF (3 ships total, all PB/PC).

Detected base status at Wau – unidentified Jap planes based on airfield, 9 Jap LCU.

Detected base status at Salamaua – 6 Jap LCU.

Detected base status at Rabaul – 197 aircraft (117 fighters, 18 bombers, 62 other planes probably transport), 3 Jap TF (12 ships total), 2 ships in port (1 PG, 1 xAKL), 41 Jap LCU (-1 from last report), defensive minefield visible on map.

Detected status of Jap base at Lihir – 32 aircraft (all fighters), no visible Jap TF or LCU.


Low-level naval attack air strikes launched by USAAF 2E skip bombers against Japanese PB/PC (probable small transport) in Lae and Finschhaven base hexes. AAR’s follow.

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

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M3 Jack x 3
N1K1-J George x 13
N1K2-J George x 4
Ki-61-II KAI Tony x 5
Ki-84a Frank x 2

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 4 destroyed

Japanese Ships
PB Nagato Maru, Bomb hits 1

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

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K2-J George (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 4000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 4000.
Raid is overhead
S-901 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Raid is overhead
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 8000.
Raid is overhead
S-312 Hikotai with J2M3 Jack (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 6000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 6000.
Raid is overhead
302 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 8000.
Raid is overhead
S-401 Hikotai 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 5000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 5000.
Raid is overhead
S-602 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Raid is overhead
73rd Sentai with Ki-61-II KAI Tony (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 9000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes

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

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M3 Jack x 1
N1K1-J George x 8
N1K2-J George x 2
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 1
Ki-61-II KAI Tony x 3
Ki-84a Frank x 4

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M3 Jack: 1 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
PB Ikunta Maru

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

CAP engaged:
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Raid is overhead
S-312 Hikotai with J2M3 Jack (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
302 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
S-602 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
48th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 6000.
Raid is overhead
52nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Raid is overhead
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Raid is overhead
73rd Sentai with Ki-61-II KAI Tony (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, at Lae 99,126

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M3 Jack x 3
N1K1-J George x 8
N1K2-J George x 5
Ki-61-II KAI Tony x 3
Ki-84a Frank x 2

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
PB Nagato Maru

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

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K2-J George (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 4000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 4000.
Raid is overhead
S-901 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Raid is overhead
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 8000.
Raid is overhead
S-312 Hikotai with J2M3 Jack (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 6000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 6000.
Raid is overhead
302 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 8000.
Raid is overhead
S-602 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Raid is overhead
73rd Sentai with Ki-61-II KAI Tony (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 8000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, at Lae 99,126

Raid detected at 47 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 5
N1K2-J George x 1
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 1
Ki-61-II KAI Tony x 2
Ki-84a Frank x 5

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 4 destroyed

Japanese Ships
PB Ikunta Maru

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

CAP engaged:
302 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
S-401 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
S-602 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
48th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 1000, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead
52nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Raid is overhead
72nd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Raid is overhead
87th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 7000.
Raid is overhead
73rd Sentai with Ki-61-II KAI Tony (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 8000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, at Finschhafen 100,126

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 75 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M3 Jack x 8
N1K1-J George x 7
N1K2-J George x 1

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 5 destroyed

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 4000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
S-312 Hikotai with J2M3 Jack (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
S-401 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 5000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, at Finschhafen 100,126

Raid detected at 75 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M3 Jack x 8
N1K1-J George x 7
N1K2-J George x 1

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 5 destroyed

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 4000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
S-312 Hikotai with J2M3 Jack (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
S-401 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 5000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, at Finschhafen 100,126

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M3 Jack x 9
N1K1-J George x 9
N1K2-J George x 4

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 4 destroyed
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
PB Konsan Maru

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1/C with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 4000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
S-901 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Raid is overhead
S-303 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
S-312 Hikotai with J2M3 Jack (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 54 minutes
S-401 Hikotai with N1K1-J George (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes

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

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2336
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/24/2016 2:54:13 PM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/18/44 (continued)

South Pacific: Current status of base at Ontong Java – 8900 supply on hand. Construction of port facility now underway.

Current base status at Rekata Bay – 38K supply on hand.

Current base status at Thousand Ships Bay – 314K supply on hand. No reported air activity this game turn over Thousand Ships Bay base hex.

Current base status of Kirakira –63K supply and 16K fuel on hand (unchanged).

Current base status of Rennell Island – 87K supply on hand (unchanged).

Current base status of Ndeni – 961K supply and 57K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Luganville – 2.45 million supply and 253K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Noumea – 4.65 million supply and 3.16 million fuel on hand.


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in South Pacific theatre area.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 4 Ki-44 Tojo (all on the ground)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 1 A-20G Havoc (ops)


Detected status of Jap base at Shortlands (after raid below) – 32 aircraft (7 fighters, 17 bombers), airfield damage 8, 7 LCU. Night raids against Shortlands airfield by USAAF 2E bombers continue. Latest Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

4 x 417th BG/674th BS A-20G Havoc stray due to night
5 x 417th BG/675th BS A-20G Havoc stray due to night
5 x 417th BG/674th BS A-20G Havoc stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Shortlands, at 109,131

Weather in hex: Light rain (21% moonlight)

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 7

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Shortlands, at 109,131

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 5

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Shortlands, at 109,131

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 4

Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Shortlands, at 109,131

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Shortlands, at 109,131

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 5

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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


Detected status of Jap base at Tassafronga (after night raid below) – 20 aircraft (all fighters), airfield damage 59, port damage 2, 9 Jap LCU. USAAF 4E bombers continue night airfield bombing raid. Latest AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Tassafaronga, at 113,137

Weather in hex: Partial cloud (21% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 7

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

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Tassafaronga, at 113,137

Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 5

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

No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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


Detected status of Jap base at Tulagi (after raid below) – 19 aircraft (10 bombers), airfield damage 9, 10 Jap LCU.

USAAF 4E bombers launch raid against Tulagi airfield. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

5 x 11th BG/98th BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night
4 x 90th BG/321st BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night
7 x 11th BG/98th BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Tulagi, at 114,137

Weather in hex: Heavy rain (21% moonlight)

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 9

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Tulagi, at 114,137

Raid detected at 13 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 4

No Allied losses

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Tulagi, at 114,137

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 5

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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


Detected status of Jap base at Lunga – 14 aircraft (all fighters), 11 Jap LCU.


Coastwatcher entries from 12/18 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 6 Japanese ships at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,120 near Rambutyo, Speed 13, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,119 near Manus, Speed 9, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 99,125 near Lae, Speed 16, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 10, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 10, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lihir
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Manus is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 14, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed 10, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 101,119 near Manus, Speed 6, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 97,121 near Hansa Bay, Speed 10, Moving Southeast

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2337
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/24/2016 2:57:27 PM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/18/44 (continued)

Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 12/18 report intercepted Jap radio signals from Kwajalein and Majuro. Detected base statuses at Kwajalein and Majuro show no visible Japanese forces or activity.


NW Australia: No Japanese TF visible on game map in sea areas off NW Australia. 12/18 Coastwatcher report entries follow. Location of Darwin base is hex 76, 124.

Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 76,124 near Darwin, Speed 13, Moving East
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Kyokusei Maru reported in port at Darwin
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 76,124 near Darwin, Speed 13, Moving East

No reported Allied or Japanese plane losses this game turn in NW Australia area.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – 110 aircraft (84 fighters, 26 bombers), no visible Jap TF, manpower 4(0), resources 21(0), refinery 72(129), light industry 9(32), 15 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 205 aircraft (192 fighters, 7 bombers), oil production 202(99), refinery 96(5), 27 Jap LCU.


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in the Burma-India theatre area.

No reported Japanese plane losses this game turn in Burma-India theatre.

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 1 C-47 Skytrain (probable ops)
• 1 Dakota III (ops)


Allied fighter sweeps and ground attack air strikes against Japanese LCU along Burma-India border area continue. Latest AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 25th Ind.Mixed Regiment, at 58,42, near Kalemyo (three actions with identical AAR, first one only shown)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 49 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 25

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-40N5 Warhawk sweeping at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 25th Ind.Mixed Regiment, at 58,42, near Kalemyo

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim VD x 16
Wellington B.X x 16

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Wellington B.X bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x Blenheim VD bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 25th Ind.Mixed Regiment, at 58,42, near Kalemyo

Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
Blenheim VD x 16

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim VD: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Blenheim VD bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 25th Ind.Mixed Regiment, at 58,42, near Kalemyo

Raid spotted at 5 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 16

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Wellington B.X bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2338
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/29/2016 3:25:36 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/19/44

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Buna base – 143K supply and 3600 fuel on hand. Four USAAF P-47 Thunderbolt squadrons are now based and operating from Buna airfield. Allied LCU at Buna have 2423 operational AV (total) after combat below.

Ground attack air strikes continue against Japanese ground forces still at Buna base hex with a small number of USAAF 2E bombers. Pillager launches Japanese shock ground assault in what appears a last-ditch effort to recapture Buna, this attack repelled with apparently heavy Jap LCU losses while Allied ground forces at Buna remain largely intact. Ground combat was then followed with a bombardment attack by Allied LCU. Japanese air transport flights into Buna appear to have stopped, no report of transport planes encountered or destroyed by USAAF fighter CAP.

AAR’s of all latest combat activity at Buna follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 1st Guards Division, at 99,129 (Buna)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 14
B-25J1 Mitchell x 12
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 27

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25J1 Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
14 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna (99,129)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 77510 troops, 519 guns, 13 vehicles, Assault Value = 1788
Defending force 104473 troops, 1885 guns, 2905 vehicles, Assault Value = 2511
Japanese adjusted assault: 491
Allied adjusted defense: 6901
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 14 (fort level 0)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
24092 casualties reported
Squads: 734 destroyed, 592 disabled
Non Combat: 396 destroyed, 251 disabled
Engineers: 46 destroyed, 28 disabled
Guns lost 152 (59 destroyed, 93 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Units destroyed 1 (see ** below)

Allied ground losses:
701 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 58 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 94 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 20 disabled
Guns lost 63 (3 destroyed, 60 disabled)
Vehicles lost 103 (1 destroyed, 102 disabled)

Assaulting units:
104th Division
13th Division
109th Division
38th Division
22nd Division
1st Guards Division
116th Division
64th Division
47th Division
70th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
41st Division
42nd Div /2
7th Base Force
31st Army
1st Hvy.Artillery Rgt /10
2nd Naval Const Bn /2
17th Naval Construction Battalion
144th Infantry Regiment
14th Naval Construction Battalion
13th Ind.Mixed Rgt /1
62nd Construction Battalion
102nd Machine Cannon AA Battalion
44th IMB Artillery Battalion
1st Naval Const Bn /1
8th Base Force
3rd Naval Construction Battalion
3rd Cavalry Brigade
62nd Nav Gd /1

Defending units:
754th Tank Battalion
2/4th Armoured Regiment
32nd Infantry Division
81st Infantry Division
I Corps Cmbt Engineer Regiment
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
43rd Infantry Division
193rd Tank Battalion
Americal Infantry Division
2/6th Armoured Regiment
1st Marine Division
31st Infantry Division
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
4th Armoured Brigade
9th Australian Division
2/9th Field Regiment
9th RAAF Base Force
163rd USA Base Force
150th USA Base Force
181st Field Artillery Regiment
2/11th Field Regiment
6th RAAF Base Force
2nd RAA Jungle Regiment
I Australian Corps
189th USAAF Base Force
168th Field Artillery Regiment
205th Field Artillery Battalion
863rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
165th Field Artillery Battalion
155th USA Base Force
1st Medium Regiment
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
134th Field Artillery Battalion
82nd Mortar Battalion
2nd Medium Regiment
857th Engineer Aviation Battalion
2/13th Field Regiment
97th Field Artillery Battalion
11th RAAF M/W Sqn

** Destroyed Japanese unit in this action believed to be parts of 42nd Infantry Division located in Buna, this based on Jap LCU comparison between AAR of this action vs AAR of ground bombardment below. Current intelligence data also indicates elements of 42 Division also identified at Lunga and Namatanai. Distribution of 42 Division’s LCU elements between the three bases (Buna, Lunga, Namatanai) and how much of the division is at each location cannot be accurately determined or estimated based on available information. My estimate is that Pillager has extracted cadres of many if not most Japanese LCU in Buna to other locations to begin rebuilding these units once the remaining Japanese ground forces in Buna base hex are eliminated. No surprise to me having used this practice myself.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna (99,129)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 77898 troops, 1795 guns, 2034 vehicles, Assault Value = 2450
Defending force 62821 troops, 517 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 649

Japanese ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
81st Infantry Division
31st Infantry Division
43rd Infantry Division
1st Cavalry (Spec) Cavalry Division
2/6th Armoured Regiment
Americal Infantry Division
193rd Tank Battalion
I Corps Cmbt Engineer Regiment
32nd Infantry Division
1st Marine Division
2/4th Armoured Regiment
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
4th Armoured Brigade
754th Tank Battalion
9th Australian Division
82nd Mortar Battalion
2nd Medium Regiment
857th Engineer Aviation Battalion
2/9th Field Regiment
2/13th Field Regiment
165th Field Artillery Battalion
189th USAAF Base Force
1st Medium Regiment
134th Field Artillery Battalion
I Australian Corps
863rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
168th Field Artillery Regiment
205th Field Artillery Battalion
2nd RAA Jungle Regiment
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
163rd USA Base Force
181st Field Artillery Regiment
9th RAAF Base Force
2/11th Field Regiment
97th Field Artillery Battalion
155th USA Base Force
6th RAAF Base Force
150th USA Base Force
11th RAAF M/W Sqn

Defending units:
38th Division
41st Division
116th Division
22nd Division
1st Guards Division
109th Division
104th Division
44th IMB Artillery Battalion
1st Naval Const Bn /1
62nd Construction Battalion
64th Division
2nd Naval Const Bn /2
13th Division
1st Hvy.Artillery Rgt /10
70th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
7th Base Force
3rd Cavalry Brigade
3rd Naval Construction Battalion
8th Base Force
17th Naval Construction Battalion
14th Naval Construction Battalion
31st Army
102nd Machine Cannon AA Battalion
13th Ind.Mixed Rgt /1
47th Division
144th Infantry Regiment
62nd Nav Gd /1

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


Most of US Main Carrier force continues return to its primary base (Sydney) at normal movement speed for replenishment and repair of minor ship damage. One carrier TF with damaged CV Shiloh (Essex class CV renamed in AE from ____ II) detached from and moving independently of the Main Carrier force, plans are to bring CV Shiloh to New Zealand for transit to Pearl Harbor or mainland US to complete shipyard repair. CV Shiloh remains operational (for air purposes) and continues movement at 20 kts with little if any prospect of additional damage while in transit.

Japanese LBA launch night naval air strike attack on CV Shiloh task force. This type of attack now appears to be a major part of his late-campaign Japanese naval bombing repertoire in the absence of kamikazes. A significant part of my overall strategic plan at this point of the campaign includes denying Pillager the activation and use of (said) kamikazes, requiring the use of Japanese air assets on less effective and more difficult types of actions. .

AAR of Jap night naval air strike follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,134 (adjacent hex S of Milne Bay)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud (32% moonlight)

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 24
G4M2a Betty x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 8 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 5 destroyed by flak
G4M2a Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CVL Cabot
CV Shiloh
BB New Jersey

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G4M2a Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
20 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 6000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

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


Current status of Milne Bay base – 566K supply and 97K fuel on hand.

Current status of Port Moresby base – 1.24 million supply and 145K fuel on hand.

Current status of Terapo base – 224K supply and 10K fuel on hand.


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in SW Pacific theatre operations area including Rabaul.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 1 N1K1-J George (ops)
• 2 G4M2a Betty (both flak)
• 11 B5N2 Kate (10 flak, 1 ops)
• 1 L2D2 Tabby (ops) – transport plane

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 3 A-20G Havoc (all cause unknown)
• 1 B-25H Mitchell (ops)


Detected status of Jap base at Finschhaven – unidentified Jap planes based on airfield, no visible Jap TF or LCU.


Detected status of Jap base at Lae (after raid below) – 54 aircraft (36 fighters, 14 bombers), no reported airfield damage, 11 Jap LCU, no visible Jap TF.

USAAF 2E and 4E bombers continue night bombing raids on Lae airfield, additional Allied bombers in NE Australia previously employed on port/airfield bombing of Buna switched over to Lae attacks. Some USAAF bombers now in NE Australia planned to transfer to airfields on New Guinea as part of re-distribution of Allied air forces following capture of Buna and activation of its airfield for air operations. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

4 x 43rd BG/64th BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night
4 x 38th BG/71st BS B-25H Mitchell stray due to night
4 x 43rd BG/403rd BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night
5 x 43rd BG/64th BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night
5 x 38th BG/71st BS B-25H Mitchell stray due to night

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

Weather in hex: Light cloud (32% moonlight)

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
902 Ku T-3 with E13A1 Jake (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 100, scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes

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

Raid detected at 68 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
902 Ku T-3 with E13A1 Jake (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 100, scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes

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

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 1

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
902 Ku T-3 with E13A1 Jake (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 100, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead

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

Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 1

Allied aircraft
B-25H Mitchell x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25H Mitchell: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
902 Ku T-3 with E13A1 Jake (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 100, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead

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

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 1

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
902 Ku T-3 with E13A1 Jake (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 100, scrambling fighters to 8000.
Raid is overhead

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


Detected base status at Wau – unidentified Jap planes based on airfield, 9 Jap LCU.

Detected base status at Salamaua – 6 Jap LCU.

Detected base status at Rabaul – 211 aircraft (134 fighters, 22 bombers, 55 other planes probably transport), no visible Jap TF, no ships in port, 41 Jap LCU, defensive minefield visible on map.

Detected status of Jap base at Lihir – 27 aircraft (all fighters), no visible Jap TF or LCU.

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2339
RE: Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Jolly P... - 9/29/2016 3:27:59 AM   
wneumann


Posts: 3768
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
Status: offline
Summary of Operations 12/19/44 (continued)

South Pacific: Current status of base at Ontong Java – 8800 supply on hand.

Current base status at Rekata Bay – 37K supply on hand.


Current base status at Thousand Ships Bay – 307K supply on hand, airfield now expanded to size 4(3). Japanese fighter sweeps (probable) launched over Thousand Ships Bay base hex. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Thousand Ships Bay, at 114,136

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 10

Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1A Corsair: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VMF-218 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
VMF-312 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Thousand Ships Bay, at 114,136

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 4

Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VMF-218 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 19000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VMF-312 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters between 19000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Thousand Ships Bay, at 114,136

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 23

Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1A Corsair: 3 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VMF-218 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 8 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
VMF-312 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes

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


Current base status of Kirakira –62K supply and 12K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Rennell Island – 86K supply on hand.

Current base status of Ndeni – 964K supply and 56K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Luganville – 2.47 million supply and 255K fuel on hand.

Current base status of Noumea – 4.58 million supply and 3.16 million fuel on hand.


Summary of this game turn’s reported aircraft losses over all locations in South Pacific theatre area.

Japanese planes reported destroyed
• 12 N1K2-J George (10 air-to-air, 2 ops)

Allied planes reported destroyed
• 11 F4U-1A Corsair (9 air-to-air, 2 ops)


Detected status of Jap base at Shortlands (after raid below) – unidentified Jap aircraft visible on airfield, no report of airfield damage, 7 LCU. Small night airfield bombing raid by USAAF 2E bombers. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

6 x 417th BG/674th BS A-20G Havoc stray due to night
7 x 417th BG/675th BS A-20G Havoc stray due to night
8 x 417th BG/674th BS A-20G Havoc stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Shortlands, at 109,131

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms (32% moonlight)

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 4

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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


Detected status of Jap base at Tassafronga – 15 aircraft (all fighters), airfield damage 59, port damage 4, 9 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Tulagi – 27 aircraft (11 bombers), no reported airfield damage, 10 Jap LCU.

Detected status of Jap base at Lunga – 22 aircraft (all fighters), 11 Jap LCU.


Coastwatcher entries from 12/19 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Teiyu Maru reported in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 97,121 near Hansa Bay, Speed 10, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 100,126 near Finschhafen, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,120 near Rambutyo, Speed 15, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 102,120 near Rambutyo, Speed 13, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 105,120 near Mussau Island, Speed 7, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed 10, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Manus is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Namatanai
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed 15, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 97,121 near Hansa Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,120 near Mussau Island, Speed 16, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 108,124 near Lihir, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 105,120 near Mussau Island, Speed 16, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,119 near Manus, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,122 near Kavieng, Speed 8, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 99,126 near Lae, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 108,126 near Feni Islands, Speed 8, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,124 near Rabaul, Speed 13, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed 18, Moving Southeast

(in reply to wneumann)
Post #: 2340
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