RE: Kourouratopo: Aftermath

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All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> Uncommon Valor - Campaign for the South Pacific >> After Action Reports >> RE: Kourouratopo: Aftermath

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RE: Kourouratopo: Aftermath - 11/13/2004 9:55:47 PM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

19 Feb 43
Wx: Rain

Just an update as the war has indeed turned bloody. Almost another 500 points in shipping lost at Port Morseby, topped off by the battleship Colorado who took the brunt of the air attacks from Rabaul. Her sacrifice did two things. First, it helped give the APs there an extra day or two to land two divisions in strength, and second, she took almost forty Japanese planes to the bottom with her. I know the numbers don�t equal out, but I have to start my march north. Tabpub has just sent in an AP TF of his own and has no doubt reinforced the area � unless, of course he�s pulling out (somehow, I don�t think so). I have the barest of advantages in combat forces on the ground there, which will probably vanish once his APs unload.

The combat troops on the ground are holding on, but barely. Their supplies are being whittled away, and I don�t relish another suicide AK run into the mines of Moresby. FTs are an option, and they do what they can, but pretty soon it�ll be time to fish or cut bait.

For all of its pitfalls, the operation is accomplishing one objective � it is tying down Japanese troops in the West. The strategic objective of pressuring the enemy on both fronts at once is still being pursued.

Additionally, I have once again released the subs and they are now aggressively pursuing the enemy in his homeports. One attack claimed a Japanese tanker, which burned almost instantaneously, according to radio intercepts.

So for the fans of the cigar-chewing Condor, don�t worry, he�s not gone anywhere. I did roll through a bit of burnout writing the AAR, but things will settle down and the entries will continue to come in. Hope you continue enjoy the read.

Phil

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 121

RE: Keeping the pressure on - 11/15/2004 4:28:37 AM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

20 Feb 43
Wx: Clear

0217L�30 miles west of Shortland Island naval base�onboard USS Silversides

She was one of the newer submarines in the fleet. Lieutenant Commander Buringame had just left the Japanese base the night before, after scoring a hit on a tanker, which must have been loaded with fuel, as the resulting explosion and fireball were massive, even in the reticule of the periscope�s eyepiece.

And another one was in his sights. Six more torpedoes leapt away from the submerged boat and sped towards their target�

0221L�Lunga harbor�onboard the destroyer Selfridge�

The bombardment of Lunga was going well. Another 15 minutes of firing, and they would follow the minesweepers back out of the harbor waters. The Japanese managed, this time, to strike back, and sailors working topside on the destroyer mistook a flash from the shoreline as an explosion from the battleship�s salvo. Seconds later, the destroyer was bracketed by splashes�

0610L�6000 feet over Port Moresby�onboard B-17 Silky�

Once again, the planes had returned. The tactics, however, had changed. Japanese reinforcements were being off-loaded at Port Moresby, threatening to break the stalemate the opposing ground forces found themselves in. All efforts were now focused on the ports, trying to make it as hard as possible for the ships to unload. As the planes passed overhead, the men inside took note of the large amount of combat shipping that had gathered�

0718L�over Lunga airbase�

The escorts circled overhead while the B-25J model medium bombers dropped down to 100 feet. They too, were adding to the damage wrought earlier in the day by the Navy. Bullets from the ten .50 caliber machine guns tore into buildings and what structures remained standing. The planes took damage, but were lining up for a second pass when their commander gave the recall signal. They had to leave the area, and had to leave now�

0719L�20,000 feet over Lunga�onboard B-17 "Canned Ham"�

Lt. Stoltz shook his head once again as he flew the bomber in formation. "Somebody had finally got it right", he thought. The four engine bombers were not dropping down to 6000 feet to become easy targets for the Japanese. They stayed at altitude, and were trying to time their strike with a small medium bomber strike from Lunga. The coordination had apparently been successful, as no anti aircraft fire reached up towards them. Free from the distractions of exploding shells, the bombardiers had time to properly line up their targets. As the last bombs fell away, the entire force of 77 planes began their homeward leg of the mission, with not a single casualty.

1808L�briefing room�base operations building�Noumea, New Caledonia�

�And in New Guinea�?�

Condor digested the action reports from the Solomons. Things there were beginning to look better. A whole lot better, as a matter of fact�

But his concern was now in the west. The ground forces at Port Moresby were effectively equal, and the Allied troops had not made any attacks for two straight days. They had adopted a defensive posture and repelled the Japanese attempts to evict them. The problem was that the Japanese were sending reinforcements. Condor wondered just how much of the enemy�s reserve he would commit to keep Port Moresby�

The CR:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/20/43

Weather: Clear

Sub attack at 28,34

Japanese Ships
TK Akebono Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Silversides

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Lunga, at 38,40

Allied Ships
DD Selfridge, Shell hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 33

Airbase hits 31
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 127

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 9
F-5A Lightning x 6
B-17E Fortress x 21

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 3 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 64

Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
9 x Hudson at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
F4U-1 Corsair x 9
P-38G Lightning x 19
B-25J Mitchell x 9

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 2 destroyed
B-25J Mitchell x 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 52

Port hits 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
7 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
0 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 77

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 205

Port hits 9
Port supply hits 3

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 1st Aus Pioneer Battalion, at 9,39

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 26
J1N1-R Irving x 3

no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 4000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty at 4000 feet
5 x G4M1 Betty at 4000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 13

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 1st Aus Pioneer Battalion, at 9,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 15
D3A Val x 21

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 19230 troops, 245 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 22826 troops, 201 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 5

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

< Message edited by Shadow of the Condor -- 11/14/2004 8:29:00 PM >

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 122

Getting whiplash..... - 11/15/2004 8:36:30 AM

tabpub

Posts: 1019
Joined: 8/10/2003
From: The Greater Chicagoland Area
Status: offline

21 Feb 43
Truk
Combined Fleet HQ

Status Report to Imperial GHQ.

New Guinea: Enemy forces ashore in force. Based on enemy communications and prisoner reports approx. 2 divisions ashore. 51st Division holding lines. Initial counterattack unsuccessful. Position being reinforced per plan. Subsidiary landing at Lea Lea reported. Overflights report engineers present. Presume airfield construction underway; but difficult terrain will require time and effort, even for Allied engineer troops. Limited ground strikes by G4M's and D3A's have slight effects. Suggest modifying HB plan to eliminate this position also. Temporary sea superiority in area. Indications that Allies did not anticipate the heavy mining of the area in the preceding weeks. Apparently, if they did see the ML flotilla at work, they presumed that they were running supplies to the garrison; or, didn't note the amount of mines that could be emplaced by 6 ML per mission.

Solomons: San Cristobal (Irau) irretrievably in Allied hands. Heavy ground/air/naval presence there. Heavy and medium bombers continue to strike Lunga and the troops there. In addition, there have been 2 new developments.
1.- Liberator bombers from Irau have attempted to strike Shortlands base. Target undetermined, as no hits recorded. Suggest increase in AA units ASAP.
2.- More disturbing is that the Allies have paradropped onto our positions at Tulagi. The SNLF forces there are holding, and hope to eject the intruders. Situation in doubt. Heavy patrol presence in the Sound.

These new permutations were not covered in original plan. Staff are working on solutions at this time. Recent additions to air units from reserve have brought most units up to strength, but training for the new fliers is proceeding slower than hoped.
In addition, heavy Allied sub patrols south of Rabaul preclude TK movement in light convoy. Either barges or increased DD escort will be required in the future for resupply.

In closing, our plan of action for the defense of Port Moresby proceeding almost perfectly. Land based air was very effective in combination with the defensive minefields. Lack of enemy air cover allowed free rein to our attacks. But, these victories were not without cost. Our highly trained bomber crews suffered 1/4 losses. The frames can be replaced, but the replacement crews, especially naval attack, lack anywhere near the ability of the deceased. And, the enemy moves continue unabated; even after suffering the staggering losses off NG, they continue their operations in the Solomons. So far, we are holding our own, but we need support from GHQ reserves.
I realize that the Burma campaign is drawing down Army ground and air forces, but the loss of this sector before the defense lines in the Phillipines and Marianas are complete could cause the collapse of the entire defense perimeter. If necessary, I can return to Tokyo to brief you in person.

Roboya
CinC Combined Fleet

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 123

RE: The Tulagi Option... - 11/17/2004 8:07:20 AM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

23 Feb 43
Wx: Overcast

1616L�outside of Tulagi Japanese Naval Base�

Sgt. Giddens and his squad were dug in. Or, more correctly, as dug in as they could be. The spit of land they were on didn�t really allow for �digging in�, but the men made do in true Marine innovative fashion. The Marines were on the outskirts of the Japanese naval base. Giddens� squad was one of the few that landed relatively intact, and so they were the center the rest of the ramshackle platoon�s defensive position. Barely holding on with what supplies they could scrounge off of the dead and wounded of both sides, they fought off two attacks by an enemy who realized how thin both sides were. Yesterday, the Raider battalion of the 1st Marine division joined the paratroopers on the island, but they were also undermanned. In reality, one good push from either side would put a quick end to the battle.

Today, the Army tried to help as well with air strikes against the Japanese at Tulagi, but only a few medium bombers got off the ground from Irau. The heavy bombers from Wunpuko never flew. They were supposed to fly tomorrow in support of the Marines, but it was an even-money bet that the Japanese would try to provide LRCAP over the island if they had any means to do so. So too, would the Allies; and the battle of Tulagi would grow into a major conflict.

Giddens did know, and pass on to the men of his squad, that the battalion�s 75mm howitzers were supposed to arrive during the night. They would be definitely helpful, as the only artillery now in the fray were the Japanese coastal guns.

So the men of first squad under the command of Sgt. Giddens, along with the other Marines on the island counted their ammunition for the hundredth time and grimly held on for yet another �one more day��

1700L�briefing room�base operations building�Noumea, New Caledonia�

Condor listened to the men of his command staff debate the possibilities. No one assembled in the room considered for a moment the possibility of recalling the invasions of Tulagi and New Guinea. First on the list was the operation in the Solomons, and also the fate of the two Marine units in enemy held territory.

The lieutenant commander began the briefing with the failure of the heavy bombers to appear over Tulagi.

Admiral Pye, Condor�s second in command, provided the explanation.

�Twining wasn�t able to coordinate the strikes with such short notice. We didn�t send the order until 2pm. He did report they should be ready tomorrow. Corsairs from Irau should also be on LRCAP over the island. That should keep the Zeroes off of the bombers.�

Condor interjected at this point.

�Supplies?�

The lieutenant commander continued his report.

�FT supply runs begin today. Minesweeper support will be integrated in the convoys. The paratrooper�s artillery will also arrive later tonight.�

Condor didn�t ask, but simply spoke the word, �Reinforcements.�

Once again, the commander provided the answer.

�We have released the 113th infantry battalion in light of the problems the Marines are encountering. They were to arrive and act as garrison, but they�re on the way now. Again, sir, the lead elements should land this evening. Also, two Seabee battalions at Noumea are on standby, ready to move in and get the base repaired and ready for our use.�

�Anything else in the Solomons? What about the Rennel option?�

Condor referred to the possibility of landing and building up Rennel island � southwest of Irau and also a stone�s throw from Lunga.

�Not at the moment, sir. Intelligence calculates the effect of operating from that base along with Irau, Nevea, Gavigamana and Kourouratopo would be minimal. They recommend not diverting assets at this time.�

Condor nodded. �Okay, son�tell me about New Guinea.�

�Sir, radio intercepts indicate the Japanese have tumbled onto the fact we are building an airfield there. Intelligence doubted it would remain a secret for long, and continuous overflights by reconnaissance aircraft lead them to conclude the cat�s out of the bag there. What they are calculating now is the most likely response by the Japanese. They know we are pushing them all along the front and stretching their reserves, but they may just deem the operation important enough to try something there. The intercepts do not, however, indicate they know what else we are building there. They have tried to bomb the troops there with Vals from Buna, but they have been largely ineffectual.�

The commander continued, �As to the ground forces in Port Moresby, we know the Japanese have landed another full strength battalion there. They are pushing back, but the Australians are keeping them at bay. We estimate that they will only need to hold for another two days, before we have accomplished our objective.�

Condor nodded and took the cigar out of his mouth, pointing to the commander while he spoke.

�Good briefing. Keep me informed, commander.�

After the man left, Condor dipped the end of the cigar into a tumbler of whiskey and stuck it back in his mouth.

�Pye�this is going to work. It was costly, but it�s going to work.�

< Message edited by Shadow of the Condor -- 11/17/2004 12:07:24 AM >

(in reply to tabpub)

Post #: 124

RE: Liberation! - 11/18/2004 8:52:20 PM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

25 Feb 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

Tulagi is once again in Allied hands. Some fuel and supplies were captured as well; and one SNLF, one CD, and one AA unit were eliminated by the Americans. All Japanese shipping had left the harbor. The Allies now have a base of operations only 30 miles from Lunga. Consolidation of forces begins, and rotation of tired men begins.

Over in the Coral Sea, the enemy's daily attack against the troops at Port Moresby, left him grasping at thin air. With the exception of some support squads, both divisions have finished the move to Lea Lea. The men are tired, but morale remains high. They have extricated themselves from combat, and have arrived at a base with more than enough supplies to restock themselves. Fatigue levels should start to drop within a day or so.

The move to Lea Lea was the entire point of the invasion of New Guinea. With no carrier support, I needed a base close enough to be a threat to the Japanese. Moving directly to Lea Lea from Oz would have caused even more losses than the horrendous amount I suffered getting to PM. This way, if PM was undermanned enough to be taken, I would do so, and if not, the Ozzies would head for Lea Lea. They are exposed in Indian country, but two divisions plus of combat troops will be hard to dislodge - and now, as the defender, I would have the advantage of forcing my opponent to have 2-1 odds to evict me. Assuming the force count I've been monitoring off of the CRs, he doesn't have it.

Anyway, that's the plan.

As to Moresby, the enemy has brought in oilers to presumably resupply the naval yard there. One of his AOs took a torpedo, and I hope it lites up like a roman candle, in light of the fact that I lost the sub that attacked her later that day.

Seems the port attacks there from my bombers had an impact after all.

Now then, where's my beer?

The CR:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/25/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 40,43

Japanese Ships
SS I-27

Allied Ships
LST 340, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 46

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AO Iro, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Albacore

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi
DD Nenohi

Allied Ships
SS Albacore

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
DD Shirayuki
DD Nenohi
DD Oboro

Allied Ships
SS Albacore, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Shortland Island at 29,34

Japanese Ships
DD Nagatsuki

Allied Ships
SS Pollack

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 238th Regiment, at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 30
B-17E Fortress x 18
B-24D Liberator x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 4 destroyed
Hudson x 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

LTJG N.Chiyoshima of F2/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 9

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
9 x Hudson at 6000 feet
7 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
5 x Hudson at 6000 feet
9 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,48

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 19 damaged

Allied Ships
CLAA Atlanta, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 26158 troops, 329 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 12059 troops, 93 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 18

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tulagi

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 2364 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1980 troops, 34 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 1)

Allied forces CAPTURE Tulagi base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 1284
Guns lost 27

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 91

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

< Message edited by Shadow of the Condor -- 11/18/2004 12:54:33 PM >

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 125

RE: Briefing 3Mar43 - 11/22/2004 7:19:36 PM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

3 Mar 43
Wx: Overcast

1800...briefing room...base operations building...Noumea, New Caledonia...

Once again, it was time to review the strategic assessments put forward by the intelligence staff at headquarters. Condor had grown to trust the operational aspects of the assessment, but took the intentions aspects as predictions, and nothing more. Lighting up another cigar, he began reading...

Operations Review

Southwest Pacific area

1. Airbase construction at Lea Lea is progressing slower than expected. Primary reason was the interception of the FT supply convoys by enemy surface forces. Some attrition was caused by enemy aircraft from Dobadura. Enemy bombardment task forces sailed between Port Moresby and Lea Lea. Damage to Lea Lea was minimal, and the primary obstacle was the interception of our supply runs. Aerial bombardment of the ports at Port Moresby caused the enemy to send his oilers to refuel the bombardment task force. One oiler was torpedoed by the submarine Tautog and sank. A second oiler was attacked and sunk by the Essex carrier group. The remaining two oilers have sailed east and they are anticipated to return to Rabaul. Submarine assets are in place to attempt interception. We anticipate the enemy has only four large capacity oilers, two of which are now sunk. The 3rd and 7th Australian Divisions are defending Lea Lea and an enemy reconnaisance probe was eliminated by them. Areial reconnaisance conitnues daily over Lea Lea. Two more supply convoys will land at Lea Lea tonight. Enemy battlegroup now 60 miles south of Gili Gili and headed north by east. Also anticipate their return to Rabaul. Submarine assets caused one hit to a destroyer and one hit to a cruiser from this force.

2. Ground forces at Tulagi consolidated. Minesweeping operations in the area continuing. Supplies at Tulagi in excess of requirements. Fuel is scheduled to arrive at Tulagi within the week. Irau engineers now improving fortification levels. Medium bombers from Irau causing damage to Lunga, as well as battleship bombardments. Reconnaisance of Lunga shows a very large ground force contigent. Tulagi airbase construction proceding as scheduled.

3. Ground force rotation proceeding on schedule. 103rd BF recovering at Noumea. Fatigue levels dropped from 40 to 24. Anticipate one month before they are ready for return to the forward locations. Other base force units similarly rotating. Unit remnants being consolidated for the 107th base force and the 112th Calvary.

Combat report follows:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/03/43

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack near Vila at 32,36

Japanese Ships
AG 115, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Pollack

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Shortland Island at 29,34

Japanese Ships
AG 2066, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Flying Fish

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Dobadura , at 13,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M3 Zero x 4
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 54

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 5 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 30

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Dobadura , at 13,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M3 Zero x 4
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 22

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

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator x 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 31

Airbase hits 12
Runway hits 9

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
10 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 9

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 11

Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:

4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
2 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 9
A-20G Havoc x 13
B-26B Marauder x 47

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 86
Guns lost 1

Port hits 8
Port supply hits 3

Attacking Level Bombers:
10 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

2 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
1 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
12 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
10 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
10 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
10 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15
SBD Dauntless x 36
TBF Avenger x 23

no losses

Japanese Ships
AO Naruto, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7
SBD Dauntless x 18
TBF Avenger x 8

no losses

Japanese Ships
AO Naruto, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lea Lea

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 22173 troops, 191 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 931 troops, 4 guns, 31 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 40 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 125
Vehicles lost 1

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

Briefing ends

< Message edited by Shadow of the Condor -- 11/22/2004 11:20:39 AM >

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 126

OPPORTUNITY LOST!!!!!! - 11/23/2004 8:41:15 AM

tabpub

Posts: 1019
Joined: 8/10/2003
From: The Greater Chicagoland Area
Status: offline

The Emperor would not be pleased�
The Hanma-Bachi Plan was almost pulled off to a �T�, as the Americans would say
(Hanma-Bachi is an attempt at Japanese terms for me�it should mean, �Hammer of Retribution�. I hope it doesn�t come across as anything else to proper Japanese speakers; if so, I apologize.)

Let me set the stage for the readers; if you have been following the course of this, you need not read this paragraph and may skip.

With the setting up of Irau as a base in the Solomons, we were on the verge of launching this operation there; fortunately, the subsidiary landing in New Guinea occurred and it was switched to a more favorable area of operations by far. During the course of the initial landing, Allied shipping paid a heavy toll to the Japanese due to two things. Mines and 2 engine bombers from Rabaul/Shortlands. The mines, sown heavily in the preceding months, provided quite a fireworks show to the 51st Division in Port Moresby.
The Betties/Nells, hoarded against this day, wreaked havoc on virtually unprotected shipping in the Moresby Roads. These pilots had been flying naval search missions round the clock for almost 3 months, since the cessation of the Japanese advance in the area. Only limited squadrons were deployed during the anti shipping efforts off Irau. We presumed that the Americans would think that they had been hurt in the raids. They hadn�t and were ready to act. The American lodgment in Port Moresby was tenuous and faced with reinforcement by sea and land, decided to move to Lea Lea and was reinforced. A Cruiser Division and BB division with DD support moved into the area and had been nightly bombardment runs on the beachhead, disrupting their land forces and interfering with resupply/reinforcement efforts.

Now, I ask the reader to join with the thoughts of Admiral Roboya, as he determined how to explain this "non-success" to the Emperor.

But, now we come to the main point of the HB plan, the final elimination of the American CV presence in the area. Our carrier air had been hurt in the last battle near Rennell Island, which had taken Enterprise and two CVEs down; Soryu and Kaga had taken severe operational damage and would not be available for the action, as they had left for distant waters. Remaining carriers worked feverishly on retraining pilots; we would not resume the policy of disbanding/withdrawing CV air groups, as they have a notorious habit for getting lost in the cracks.

The wheels were set in motion when an H8K flying out of Rabaul picked up a DD on the Noumea to Townsville run. We believe we had spotted it w/o the Americans being aware. Since the Americans now have enough SC to fill the oceans, it was doubtful that the DD was merely escorting transports. Operational carriers were formed, fueled and airgroups assigned. It was noted that the quality level on many of the squadrons was far below pre war standards; many of the pilots flying this day would have been sent to the Army in 1941. Today, they would have to do.

The �DD� contact resolved to a CV CVL the next day; Yamaguchi led the TF out into the Solomon Sea and held it there. At this point, our bombardment groups had just been shelling the Lea Lea landing for about 2 days. I was pretty sure that the American CV�s would come up to deal with them, but needed them close to try to bring in LBA assets with the naval strike planes.

Contact was lost with the American group; this was unfortunate as they then ran up in some difficult weather and were only 60 mi south of the NG coast, but both they and the PM area were socked in with thunderstorms. Yamaguchi was ordered to cross the Jomard Passage and engage the enemy. The day of March 3rd dawned and the Americans had moved over 300 miles west, away from the tip of NG where Yamaguchi lay with Komatsu, commanding the combined CA BB group that had been based in PM and was running for safety. The American airstrikes hit some support vessels as you have heard, but never spotted the CVL group, merely seeing the CA/BB group.

On the 4th, Yamaguchi had noticed that the Allies were using the same spot of water to relay their FT runs. Even though he was junior, as CV group commander, he requested and got Komatsu to run to that location while he stayed 60 miles East of him. This position where Komatsu ended up was approximately 150 miles NE of Cooktown. Two things had determined this move:
1. A supposition (found to be wrong in this case) that the Allied CV�s would be committed to harass the �withdrawing� bombardment ships.
2. That LBA out of Rabaul/Dobradura would activate and assist the Japanese air carriers.

Neither occurred. The Americans, possibly sensing something might be up, or, just being careful, withdrew down the Reef, direction Townsville. And, of course, I forgot to set the LBA in Rabaul to Naval Strike; whether they would have come down, was doubtful anyhow, but the lack of forethought is galling me right now.

However, Komatsu did encounter enemy ships at his destination and we had that rarity - daylight OPEN WATER surface fight! I wish that I could say that the battle was a glorious one; it wasn�t. The Japanese had almost every card in the deck in their hand:
Opening range 17,000 yds.
Surprise.
Opening Long Lance attack!
2BB 3CA 2CL and around 10DD vs. 2CA 2/3CL and 3DD.

But, the initial range for the torpedo strike really hurt it. I think that one hit was scored on a Leander CL. Australian CA and CL have good armor and were able to shed 8� gunfire. Nagato and Mutsu are pigs and could not hit with main batteries
(In their defense, the main gun ammo was short, as they had done a bombardment prior and had not docked to refuel in the interim. Perhaps if they had full magazines instead of 50% capacity, they might have gotten a hit or two.)
So, only one DD was sunk outright and the Leander class was observed to have heavy damage.

As to the air strikes, you can assess that yourself, my Emperor. The following will show you what happened there. Our fighters did as well as could be expected of them, but the rawness of our pilots really showed. Even with the heavy flak over the target (note 3 Atlanta type CLAA, wish we had some of them), in positions were formerly we could get some hits with torpedoes, none were achieved vs. CV types.

So, Hanma Bachi is a draw; like many of my operations lately. We have several contingency plans in place, but I have not settled on one yet. When I do, I will inform you via the Imperial GHQ as to their substance. In the interim, can you get training command to send me a little better material to work with in the line of naval strike pilots?
I am very embarrassed to have to rely on the JAAF to cover my bases and my operations. On top of the fact that combined operations are tough with them, the morale of my men takes a blow when they realize that the Army is supporting them. We should be able to help ourselves; we are neither cripples nor invalids!

Yours truly,

Roboya
CinC, Combined Fleet

Detailed report appended:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/04/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack near Vila at 32,36

Japanese Ships
AG 5087, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Pollack

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Vila at 32,36

Allied Ships
SS Pollack

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Vila at 32,36

Allied Ships
SS Pollack

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Vila at 32,36

Japanese Ships
AG 368, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Pollack, Shell hits 8

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 11,51

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
A6M3 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
SBD Dauntless x 36
TBF Avenger x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 16 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 21 damaged
TBF Avenger x 6 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 23 damaged

WO N.Muto of DI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 8

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CVL Shoho

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 9,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 30
D3A Val x 24
B5N Kate x 42

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 50

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 6 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged
D3A Val x 8 destroyed
D3A Val x 14 damaged
B5N Kate x 25 destroyed
B5N Kate x 21 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 damaged

PO1 C.Kawakami of DII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
DD Farragut
CLAA Juneau, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CVL Independence, Bomb hits 2
CV Essex
DD Lamson

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 9,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 38
B5N Kate x 26

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 45

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 8 destroyed
B5N Kate x 13 destroyed
B5N Kate x 17 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8 destroyed

LTJG R.Gallagher of VF-22 is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
CLAA Juneau, on fire
CLAA Van Heemskerck
CV Essex
CVL Independence

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,50

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
A6M3 Zero x 23
D3A Val x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 6 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Achillies
CA Australia, Bomb hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat at 10,50

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 2
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 3
CA Takao, Shell hits 2
CA Nachi
CA Kumano, Shell hits 4
CL Sendai, Shell hits 1
CL Naka
CL Tatsuta, Shell hits 2
DD Akitsuki
DD Akigumo
DD Takanami, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Amatsukaze
DD Nowaki, Shell hits 2
DD Arashi
DD Arashio
DD Ikazuchi
DD Usugumo
DD Ayanami
DD Yugiri
DD Oboro

Allied Ships
CA Australia, Shell hits 4
CA Canberra, Shell hits 3
CL Leander, Shell hits 2
CL Achillies, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Hobart, Shell hits 2
DD Meredith, Shell hits 1
DD Helm, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
DD Conyngham

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

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 127

RE: Boiling point... - 11/26/2004 4:24:00 PM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

8 Mar 43
Wx: Clear

1109L�Lea Lea harbor�

Yet another explosion rumbled through the water as Grayling scored another hit onto an enemy transport. 8 hours earlier in the day, she put two torpedoes into the side of a transport and listened to the break-up noises as it sank. Once again, the enemy escorts futilely searched for their protagonist. Once again, Grayling slipped quietly away and began to plan her next attack�

1300L�Lea Lea�New Guinea�

Sergeant McAlbetson and his men were in the process of reinforcing their firing positions when the shells started to explode around them. One of his men was injured when a shell fragment burrowed into his shoulder. Over the screaming, praying, and explosions; McAlbertson�s eyes focused onto a piece of rock he was laying next to and wondered just why that rock was so god awful important that men were dying for it�

1800L�briefing room�base operations building�Noumea, New Caledonia�

Condor and his staff were looking at the lieutenant commander briefing them. The man was a bit worn out, but had developed a familiarity of being a part of the planning staff for the entire theater, but not being a part of them. He had a subtle quirk about him concerning his tie. He probably didn�t even know it, but when he had bad news to deliver, his tie was loosened just a bit. On the other hand, if the knot was snug against the collar of his shirt, Condor knew he was going to hear good news. He squinted his eyes a bit through the cigar smoke and focused on the man�s tie�

The news about the two successful sub attacks was welcomed, tarnished slightly by the fact that they were damaged after they unloaded. The Beaufighter raid onto Lunga didn�t work out so well, but the ports there were damaged � although nothing severe.

More disturbing was the estimation that the Japanese had landed a total of three divisions at Lea Lea in what had to be an effort to eliminate the Australians there. An artillery bombardment was reported today, with no substantive damage. Condor knew the Japanese would launch an all-out assault as soon as they could. It was only a matter of time.

In the Solomons, another Japanese FT TF was seen at Lunga. The PBYs at Irau spotted it leaving, and fixed its location en route to either Vila or the Shortlands. Admiral Lee had a bombardment task force at Tulagi, and tonight the Allies would strike deeper into Japanese territory than they had in the entire campaign...

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/08/43

Weather: Clear

Sub attack near Lea Lea at 9,39

Japanese Ships
AP Zukai Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Grayling

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lea Lea at 9,39

Japanese Ships
AP Boston Maru, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS Grayling

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 24

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIC x 2 destroyed
Beaufighter VIC x 11 damaged

Port hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lea Lea

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3520 troops, 47 guns, 50 vehicles

Defending force 28107 troops, 203 guns, 32 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 28

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

(in reply to tabpub)

Post #: 128

Probing the perimeter - 11/27/2004 1:35:57 AM

tabpub

Posts: 1019
Joined: 8/10/2003
From: The Greater Chicagoland Area
Status: offline

Status Report to Imperial GHQ.
March 9, 1943
Combined Fleet HQ
Truk

Sirs:

Operation Resukyu-Enjinia has been successful. The men are now preparing for the next phase in that sector. Reports of enemy destroyer activity are reported; they appeared to have been driven off with some damage in their raid on Vila. Indications that this is merely a initial probe have high likelihood; preparations needed if heavier US units transit the "Slot", as they have named it. Should be in place soon.

Final stages of Hanma-Bachi reached. Initial attack following a naval bombardment is almost exactly what was anticipated. 18th Army in Buna is controlling the operation locally. We at Truk are only being informed of requirements that the Army has there in New Guinea. Indications are that the last convoy that arrived; the one that has lost 2 ships to the predator subs in the area, is completely unloaded and in transit. That cargo was successfully delivered due to the actions of the 8th Fleet units in support that engaged the Allied surface and carrier divisons that were present a few days ago. If the 8th Fleet had not been present, the valuable cargo would have probably been lost. The loss of a fresh regiment of troops and the field artillery regiment would have most likely meant a stalemate at best on the Lea Lea front. I was overcome by the "thank you" message received by us from 18th Army, stating that "The valor of the 8th Fleet in its operations in the Coral Sea this past week have shown that the traditions and competence of the IJN is still at its highest level and will be mentioned in dispatches following the conclusion of the Hanma-Bachi operation." 18th Army is hopeful that the operation shall be concluded in the near future. All units that were planned for this operation have arrived in the theatre and it should just be a matter of days for the preparations to be completed.

The only thing that I would ask of the Imperial GHQ is that they instruct 6th Fleet (Sub) to provide more support for the effort here in the Rabaul theatre. While they have suffered heavy loss here, my sources indicate that there is a LARGE reserve of submarines available for commitment here and the operational level of subs here is at an all time low for the campaign. An additional flottila of subs would be nice right now; at this time, the gaijin have not seen an Imperial sub for the longest time interfering with their operations, while the levels of their attacks continue to increase in numbers.

Roboya
CinC
Combined Fleet

report follows:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/09/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Boston Maru, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Tautog

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Lea Lea, at 9,39

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 352
Vehicles lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Vila, at 32,36

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-57-I Topsy x 4 destroyed
Ki-57-I Topsy x 3 damaged
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
F1M2 Pete x 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
DD Lardner, Shell hits 3
DD Henley, Shell hits 2
DD Gridley, Shell hits 3

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 30

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 16,44

Allied Ships
SS Argonaut

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lea Lea

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 11240 troops, 131 guns, 50 vehicles

Defending force 27837 troops, 203 guns, 31 vehicles

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 137

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 151

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

< Message edited by tabpub -- 11/26/2004 5:37:24 PM >

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 129

RE: Just five days - 11/27/2004 7:33:11 AM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

10 Mar 43
Wx: Thunderstorms

2000L�Commander�s office�base operations briefing�Noumea, New Caledonia�

Condor had the windows open, and the rain had eased up for the time being. He puffed characteristically on his cigar, and the end glowed cherry red for a moment before dimming back to a white ash. The ash dropped onto the day�s operations report and he blew the wayward ash off of it, and read it yet again.

The submarine Tautog had a very eventful patrol at Port Moresby�scoring hits on two APs, (sinking one outright) and, earlier today, a torpedo hit on a heavy cruiser. She was returning to Australia for reloading.

Another FT supply convoy tried to slip up into Lea Lea but they were spotted as they set up for the overnight run. Condor had already given the order that the only time they should try to deliver supplies was if they could do so without being spotted from the air.

And in the Solomons, the Japanese were getting a taste of what it was like to be on the wrong end of four battleships bombarding their base. Port damage to the base at Lunga was estimated to be 70%. Condor divided that number in half. Admiral Lee was going to hit the base again tonight�

From the reports, his intelligence staff estimated that within 5 days, the Japanese would have enough forces on Lea Lea to eliminate the Australians there. Radio intercepts pointed to the arrival of a previously unknown infantry division. Condor frowned at that one.

Five days�If the forces at Lea Lea can last for just five more days��

Here�s the CR

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/10/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Naval bombardment of Lea Lea, at 9,39

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 280
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Lunga, at 38,40

Allied Ships
DD Lansdowne, Shell hits 1
DD Farenholt, Shell hits 2
DD Stockton, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Welles, Shell hits 2
DD Sterett, Shell hits 2

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 56

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 20
Port hits 4
Port supply hits 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Lunga, at 38,40

Allied Ships
BB Maryland, Shell hits 2
CA San Francisco, Shell hits 2
CL Cleveland, Shell hits 1
DD Saufley, Shell hits 1
DD Strong, Shell hits 2
DD Gridley, Shell hits 3

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 61

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 12
Port hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS Tautog

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Vila at 32,36

Allied Ships
SS Trout

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
CL Tatsuta
CA Takao

Allied Ships
SS Tautog

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lea Lea

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 39387 troops, 467 guns, 84 vehicles

Defending force 27497 troops, 202 guns, 29 vehicles

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 438

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 599
Guns lost 2

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

(in reply to tabpub)

Post #: 130

RE: The invasion of Lunga... - 11/30/2004 6:54:08 AM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

13 Mar 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

0136L�Lea Lea harbor�onboard USS Grayling

Commander Olsen had a decision to make, and didn�t have a lot of time to do so. Patrolling the waters at the Allies� beachhead into the New Guinea coastline, his job was to try and warn if enemy bombardment forces were near enough to intercept the fast transport convoy carrying supplies to the Allied troops there.

And they were there. A force of at least one battleship, one cruiser and about ten support ships were patrolling the waters themselves. Normally, the submarine would slip away, surface and broadcast a warning before disappearing again below the waves. But less than an hour ago, the electrician�s mate on duty reported that the ship�s wireless set had been irreparably damaged�

With no way to warn the approaching convoy of the Japanese blockade in their path, Olsen decided to attack and perhaps cause enough confusion that the convoy might spot the action and retreat before they were trapped. Olsen had a small warship in his sights and his plot had been worked out for the past three minutes. He gave the order to fire and lowered his periscope, preparing to dive and hide from the escorts�

0138L�Tulagi Allied Naval Base�

The radar set was not set up yet, and the only warning the base had of an enemy night raid was the droning of their engines. The planes bombed the harbor, hitting but not seriously damaging a now empty tanker. Small fires were started but quickly extinguished and the base was quiet once more�

0145L�Lea Lea harbor�onboard USS Grayling�

The explosions never happened. The submarine�s torpedoes had all missed the cruiser. Olsen and his men now listened as at least 5 and maybe 8 destroyers circled the area above him trying to locate the submarine. The men had been through this numerous times, and the black hole in the water below the Japanese destroyers was literally as quiet as a tomb.

Fourteen minutes later, at 0159L, the sea above the sub was suddenly quiet as the destroyers propeller noise began to recede. Olsen smelled a trick, thinking that the destroyers had simply cut their own engines back to lure him into moving. So both he and his ship set in the water and waited�

0210L�Task Force 224�onboard HMAS Canberra�

The radar display confirmed Captain Getting�s worst fears. Twice before his task force had started to run supplies to Lea Lea, only to turn around when spotted by air patrols. This time, they were taking a rather large gamble by not turning around when they were spotted. It was hoped the Japanese would assume the convoy wouldn�t continue and not make another trip to Lea Lea. The radar indicated a substantial enemy presence, and they knew the gamble had failed. Captain Getting wasn�t a poker player, but he now understood the phrase the Americans had so often used�the one about �drawing to an inside straight��

Before they could issue orders, the first of the Long Lance torpedoes had struck home. The light cruisers Leander and Hobart were hit � Hobart was hit in fact three times � as well as two American escort destroyers. After the torpedo attack, the Japanese battleship led the surface battle by first straddling and then hitting the destroyer Hammann with 4 sixteen-inch shells that blew the destroyer almost clean in half when one of them hit the 5-inch magazine. Canberra was able to loose a few rounds back at the battleship, but they predictably made no dent in the armor of the battleship. Balch and Hobart were also severely damaged and would sink. The Allies did cause damage to one light cruiser but that was it. In the process of escaping, the Allies had just lost another three ships and � worst of all � weren�t able to get badly needed supplies to the infantry on the shore. Captain Getting wasn�t happy at all about losing those three ships, but recognized that chances had to be taken and the Allies wouldn�t win every one of those chances. Three ships sunk, and no supplies delivered. Not the best of performances.

He had no idea that almost 1000 miles away, at Noumea, intelligence analysts considered it a success�

0913L�6000 feet over Port Moresby�onboard B17 �Lucky Devil��strike package August Rain�

1st Lieutenant Vince Carlson was on his 13th mission since coming to the 435th. Lucky 13 on a plane called �Lucky Devil�. He smiles at the irony until the fighter escort called in that they were engaging the enemy CAP. Once the fighters began their homeward leg, the bombers were attacked by the Zeroes. All but two fighters and two Hudsons made it through safely and unloaded their bombload on the docks of Port Moresby. Some crews reported seeing ships hit, but confirmation would be difficult. As Carlson began his own homeward leg of the journey, he saw the second strike approaching Port Moresby. He knew a third one was also en route (their strike names were September Rain and October Rain). He wondered aloud if the Japanese engineers had enough shovels�

1201L�6000 feet over Lunga�

Captain Mcclelland and the rest of the 35th drew LRCAP over Lunga today. Below them, a gun battle between the Allied shipping and the Japanese coastal guns was raging. The coastal guns were causing damage, but the Allies troops were getting ashore. Just then, a call came over the intercom that planes were approaching from the north. Mcclelland and the other banked hard left and headed towards the other planes. When they intercepted the enemy planes they found not Zeroes or Nells, but a squadron of Topsy transport aircraft with no escort. Mcclelland and two wingmen stayed while the rest of the squadron returned to patrol over the ships. Mcclelland and his wingmen shot down a total of four transports before the transports found the safety of a cloudbank�

1800L�briefing room�base opertions building�Noumea, New Caldeonia�

Condor and the other men on the planning staff didn�t really have a lot to do just now. The build-up of men, material and shipping in the Solomons had crested, and Operation Bronze Glory was underway. They had underestimated the effect the CD units at Lunga would have, as two of the mass of ships now of-shore at Lunga were severely damages, while quite a few other were hit but still able to keep up with the task force speed. The official estimate was that the Japanese had about 2 divisions of combat troops guarding Lunga. More were probably not forthcoming, as almost three Japanese divisions were tied down to the Port Moresby/Lea Lea affair.

So the invasion of Lunga had begun. Everything now was in the hands of infantrymen on both sides of the conflict�

The CR:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/13/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack near Lea Lea at 9,39

Japanese Ships
CL Naka

Allied Ships
SS Grayling

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Tulagi , at 38,39

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
TK Pecos, Bomb hits 1

Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x G4M1 Betty at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Vila at 32,36

Allied Ships
SS Trout

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lea Lea at 9,39

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 2
CA Takao, Shell hits 2
CL Sendai, Shell hits 4, on fire
CL Naka, Shell hits 1
CL Tatsuta, Shell hits 1
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 1
DD Amatsukaze
DD Arashio, Shell hits 1
DD Ikazuchi, Shell hits 2
DD Usugumo, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Ayanami
DD Yugiri
DD Oboro

Allied Ships
CA Canberra, Shell hits 1
CL Leander, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL Hobart, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Meredith, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Gwin, Shell hits 1
DD Sims, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hammann, Shell hits 25, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Conyngham, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Balch, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Arunta, Shell hits 1

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

Japanese Ships
AG 5050, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Silversides

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 23
P-38G Lightning x 24
B-17E Fortress x 64

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

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 2 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 2 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 4 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP Boston Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 45

Port hits 10
Port supply hits 14

Attacking Level Bombers:

3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
9 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
PB4Y Liberator x 24
B-24D Liberator x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 12

Port hits 9
Port supply hits 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
9 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
12 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet
10 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 19
B-24D Liberator x 22

no losses

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

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Boston Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 47

Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
D3A Val x 25
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Sims, Bomb hits 11, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lea Lea

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 36370 troops, 464 guns, 50 vehicles

Defending force 26198 troops, 198 guns, 29 vehicles

CPT H. Mcclelland of 35th FS is credited with kill number 2

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 135

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

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 131

RE: New information... - 12/1/2004 8:30:41 PM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

14 Mar 43
Wx: Clear

0211L�Tulagi Harbor�

LTJG Leonard Issacs finished his pre-flight checklist, and the observers in the plane were settling in for a long flight. It would be his second trip to Rabaul in as many days but would also be the last one for at least a week. With over 100 search missions already flown in theater, he was the most experienced pilot VP-23 had. It would be a long flight, but the Catalina was made for long flights. The second recon flight was ordered when the pilots and observers reported during their debriefing that they had seen over 60 ships and over 400 aircraft on the base. The photographs tended to prove the reports correct, but more detail was needed � especially about the part of absolutely no infantry units present at the base. If that were true, and the Allies could somehow get two divisions of combat troops on the ground there�

2100L�briefing room�base operations building�Noumea, New Caledonia�

The daily briefing was held three hours later than normal. There was a very good reason for the delay.

The briefing began and the lieutenant colonel addressed the assembled staff.

�Today, the Japanese launched an all-out attack against our forces in the Solomons.�

"Naval air assets attacked our invasion fleet at Lunga. Some ships were damaged, but the presence of our LRCAP helped prevent more. The enemy then made attacks against our base at Irau. Our CAP there was very effective, and only one destroyer took a torpedo hit. We estimate the enemy lost over 80 aircraft as a result of todays operations. Our losses in the area were eight fighters."

�The enemy also launched an all-out assault against our troops at Lunga. They were unsuccessful at driving us off of the beachhead, and we have obtained vital intelligence information from captured enemy documents and what information we could gather from prisoner interrogations. The information�, he motioned for the lights to be turned off and a projector was turned on, �is displayed for you here. The second slide is our estimate of enemy force bombardment strength at Lea Lea.�

Enemy units at Lunga (estimated assault strengths)

Infantry:
228th Infantry Regiment (111)
229th Infantry Regiment (113)
230th Infantry Regiment (114)
6th Cavalry Regiment (12)
Engineers:
6th Engineer Regiment (0)
16th Naval Pioneer Battalion (0)
19th Naval Pioneer Battalion (0)
86th Base Force (0)
Anti-Air:
61st Field AA Battalion (0)
58th Field AA Battalion (0)
18th AA Battalion (0)
22nd AA MC Company (0)
23rd AA MC Company (0)
Coastal Defense
14th Coastal Gun Battalion (7)
16th Coastal Gun Battalion (5)

Enemy units at Lea Lea (estimated bombardment strengths)

Infantry:
78th Infantry Regiment (73)
79th Infantry Regiment (69)
237th Infantry Regiment (69)
238th Infantry Regiment (85)
239th Infantry Regiment (88)
Artillery:
4th Field Artillery Regiment (45)
Armor:
38th IG Tankette Company (0)
Engineers:
41st Engineer Regiment (0)

�Sirs,� the colonel had the lights turned back on as the presentation concluded, �copies of this information are in front of you. We find the data very significant when the individual reports are examined as a whole. While we know nothing about the defense forces at Port Moresby, we can assume that they consist of no more than two infantry regiments. We feel that with five regiments at Lea Lea the enemy has made the commitment to eliminate our forces from the base there.�

Admiral Pye interrupted the colonel.

�Base!? Did you say base?�

The colonel continued.

�Yes, admiral, I was about to point out that this morning, the engineers at Lea Lea have reported the airstrip is now functional. Base force personnel are already in place, and it has its own fighter cover. Additionally, 160 C-47 transports,� he checked his watch, �will begin re-supplying and reinforcing the Australian forces there in about 5 hours. We now have our base in New Guinea.�

The assembled officers murmurs were silenced as the colonel continued.

�We expect the Japanese will now want to try and bomb the base either by air or sea � or most probably both � to keep the base closed. But this is only one piece of the overall picture, sirs.�

�We feel the most significant information was obtained from the reconnaissance flight from Tulagi over Rabaul. The observers and photographs show almost 400 planes there and at least 50 ships in port. But the ground forces there have been reported to be all engineers. No infantry units were identified.�

Again, Pye interjected. �None? At all? You�re saying they have 400 aircraft and 50 ships at a base with only engineers for defense?�

�Yes, sir. Our preliminary indications are just that. A second flight earlier this morning confirmed the information from yesterday. It also reported a troop ship convoy 30 miles SE of Rabaul, headed southeast. They may be trying to reinforce Lunga, but we think it�s more likely they have decided that they have lost Lunga and are trying to husband their strength for one last push in the theater. We believe the convoy may be trying to evacuate troops from the Solomons and bring them back to Rabaul. If this is true, sirs��

Condor cut the man off at that point.

�A big �if� colonel. I�m still not sure that the enemy is done trying to contest the Solomons. If he is, fine. But we can�t afford to plan on the fact that he is pulling back. Thank you again, colonel.�

After the colonel left, Condor spoke one last time.

�Gentlemen, I think we have turned the corner. The assault launched by the Japanese tells me that he is trying to use his remaining ground forces there while he can. I�m beginning to wonder if our fourth division will be necessary to take the base.�

�Pye spoke up again. �Better to have it on hand, sir��

Condor nodded. �I know. But it is still a good position to be in.� A rare smile crossed Condor�s face, but almost immediately went away.

�Gentlemen, a lot of good men died getting us to this point. Let�s not waste time finishing this.� He nodded to Pye, and then left the room as the men rose to attention.

Admiral Pye continued. �I need force status updates by 8am tomorrow. We need to know what we have, and how much recovery time we need before our next operation. Anticipated shipping lists, plane status, pilot availability, fuel and store requirements��

Condor listened a moment outside the door as Pye rattled off what was needed to the staff. They would, in turn, get their own people working on the information throughout the night. He then walked downstairs to his own quarters inside the building.

The CR:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/14/43

Weather: Clear

Sub attack near Lea Lea at 9,39

Japanese Ships
DD Amatsukaze
DD Yugiri

Allied Ships
SS Grayling

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Buna at 12,38

Japanese Ships
AG 360, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Pollack

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 13 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Morris
AK Albireo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Mungana, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 9

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 6 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Wharton, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP American Legion, on fire, heavy damage
AP Zeilin

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 54
A6M3 Zero x 14
G4M1 Betty x 8

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 32
P-40E Warhawk x 14
P-38G Lightning x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 39 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 6 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 4 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk x 4 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 1 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged

MAJ J. Dobbin of VMF-224 is credited with kill number 5

Allied Ships
DD Fletcher

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 9

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 32
P-40E Warhawk x 10
P-38G Lightning x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 4 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 5 damaged

1LT L. Shipley of 39th FS is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
DMS Long
APD McKean

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 5 damaged

Allied Ships
LST 342, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SC 738

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 17

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 9
G4M1 Betty x 17

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 6 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Neville, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Pierce, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Fuller, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
AP William Ward Burrows
AP Monrovia, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 106
Guns lost 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
A6M3 Zero x 2
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
SC 750

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Tulagi at 38,39

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 5 damaged

Allied Ships
AP President Adams
DD Cushing, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
2 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 12
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 14 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Mildura, on fire
DD Hutchins
AK Albireo, on fire, heavy damage
AK Lesuth, on fire
AK Diomed, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 16

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 9

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
PT 176
PT 178

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
A6M3 Zero x 5
G4M1 Betty x 5

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 31
P-40E Warhawk x 11
P-38G Lightning x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged

CPT D. Irwin of VMF-224 is credited with kill number 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 9

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 12

no losses

no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lea Lea at 9,39

Japanese Ships
CL Tatsuta

Allied Ships
SS Grayling

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lea Lea

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 29756 troops, 381 guns, 50 vehicles

Defending force 26078 troops, 198 guns, 29 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 86

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lunga

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 26569 troops, 297 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 32418 troops, 370 guns, 48 vehicles

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 1424
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 843
Guns lost 1

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

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 132

RE: Sea action at Lunga - 12/6/2004 4:06:16 AM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

20 Mar 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

0022L�Lunga harbor�onboard the battleship Indiana�

Admiral Kinkaid�s force of two battleships and cruiser escorts were here to bombard the coastal defenses that had proven to be such a thorn in the side of the Allies� landing onto Lunga. In about an hour, they would be in position to commence the bombardment. Most of the officers in the navigation bridge with him were quiet, with only a couple of lowered voices having a conversation. Some of the men were drinking coffee. Others were at the plot table, rechecking fuel estimates. The quiet was suddenly broken when the ship�s interphone buzzed. One of the men answered it, and truned to Kinkaid.

�Admiral, radar contacts�estimated course 165, bearing 090�speed 32 knots.�

Kinkaid looked over the plot table and then gave his orders.

�Probably a task force supplying or evacuating the Japanese garrison on Lunga, or they�re here to blockade our transports. Either way, I want to get between the beach and that enemy force. Deploy the destroyer screen north and get the force to general quarters. We may not bombard Lunga tonight, but we certainly won�t return with full ammunition lockers.�

The battleships and cruisers sailed on while the destroyers swung north to screen the capital ships�

0116L�Lunga harbor�

The two task forces had closed to within 6000 yards when both commanders opened fire. Neither were able to �cross the T�, so no real advantage was had at the onset. Although the Allies had more ships in their force, they had been sailing almost non-stop for a month. But the Allies had those two battleships, and they were able to concentrate on the enemy cruisers, while Kinkaid�s cruisers could concentrate on the enemy destroyers. The first ship to take damage was the Japanese destroyer Makigumo, when a 5-inch shell from the cruiser Astoria penetrated her deck, starting fires in the bowels of the ship. The enemy cruiser Kako was engaged with the American cruiser Pensacola, and the destroyer Landsdowne was able to get close enough to hit Kako with a 21 inch torpedo. The destroyers Anderson and Landsdowne hit Kako with 5-inch shells, which did start fires, but did not penetrate the cruiser�s armor. Meanwhile, Astoria had trained her 8-inch guns on the Japanese cruiser Furutaka and scored two hits, starting fires on that ship as well. Furutaka replied with one penetrating hit on Astoria, but no significant damage ensued.

The two forces continued to close with each other, and the American battleships finally let go with a 16-inch salvo. North Carolina hit the cruiser Kinugasa with one shell, and fires broke out amidships. Indiana scored twice on the Furutaka, with one of the shells exploding directly on top of the forward 8-inch turret, destroying it.

With Furutaka engaged by the battleship, Astoria�s commander trained his full armament onto the destroyer Makigumo and scored two more hits.

On the other side of the line, the cruiser San Francisco was engaging the Japanese destroyer Hayashio with her 5-inch guns. The shells straddled the destroyer, but none hit. Hayashio had launched her torpedoes back at the American cruiser, and one of them struck the ship below the waterline, causing flooding to occur. San Francisco had just launched an 8-inch volley at Furutaka and scored. This time, Furutaka lost another tooth � a 4.5 inch secondary gun was destroyed.

The destroyer Strong hit Makigumo, adding a few more fires to the damaged Japanese ship, while Landsdowne switched targets and began hitting the cruiser Furutaka with 5-inch shells. The destroyer Drayton also was taking aim at a cruiers, this time it was Kinugasa, whose fires were silhouetting her and making her an almost sitting duck for the Allies� gunners.

And the gunners on North Carolina took full advantage of the situation, scoring two more 16-inch shell hits on Kinugasa, causing more explosions. Kinugasa, however, did not stop fighting, and she was able to score a torpedo hit onto her antagonist, North Carolina. The battleship began to flood and slow down.

Indiana continued to rake Furutaka with 5-inch shells, while Pensacola scored three 8-inch hits on the cruiser Kako. Explosions rumbled from the Japanese cruiser as it too, slowed down considerably. The destroyer Makigumo also lost speed when Astoria hit her once with an 8-inch shell in her engine room.

San Francisco was having all kinds of trouble with the destroyer Hayashio. It was clear which of the two ship�s captains was more experienced in battle, and the Japanese destroyer moved in, hit the cruiser twice more with five inch shells and began to turn away � never sitting still for the cruiser to get a shot to count. It was only a matter of time, however, and an 8-inch shell from San Francisco finally scored, starting fires below the decks of the destroyer.

The Japanese destroyer Hatsuyuki was able to get a torpedo hit on the destroyer Strong, and heeled away without ever being fired upon. The American destroyer Taylor also fired her torpedoes, and one hit the burning cruiser Kinugasa. Taylor then swung wide and fired her guns on the destroyer Makigumo, hitting her twice as she passed by.

The destroyer Drayton closed on the burning cruiser Kako, and hit her with a five-inch shell. Kako responded with an eight-inch hit on the destroyer, just as the destroyer�s torpedo hit the cruiser. Drayton�s insides were rocked by an explosion from the shell hit, while Kako�s bulkheads began to groan as they were twisted by the damage and the heat from the fires.

The two forces began to disengage, and at 5000 yards North Carolina again fired a 16-inch volley, scoring two hits on the cruiser Kinugasa, causing explosions and fires within the cruiser. Indiana also had a 16-inch shell hit on the cruiser Furutaka, adding another explosion to the noisy sea.

Pensacola�s gunners had the cruiser Kako dead to rights, and scored with four eight inch shells, all penetrating the armor of the Japanese ship. What speed the Kako had now was lost, and she was virtually dead in the water.

Astoria continued to pound Makigumo, and the destroyer still was able to fire back, with two five-inch shells bouncing off of the cruiser�s armor.

San Francisco then took another torpedo hit from Hayashio, who continued to display brilliant seamanship in severely damaging the larger American ship.

The other Japanese ship that was having success was Hatsuyuki, who scoreed another torpedo hit � this one against Radford and the American destroyer was now slowed as well.

The forces had almost completely disengaged, but Makigumo could not run away. Her captain continued to fire at the Allies, and one shell hit Drayton, destroying the port side Mk 7 depth charge launcher. Also lagging behind was the cruiser Kinugasa, and Astoria scored four 8-inch hits, destroying an AA mount on the target in the process. Taylor and Drayton both targeted Makigumo, and scored four more hits between them.

Distant explosions could be heard as the two forces separated. The estimated damage to the Japanese force was one destroyer and three cruisers presumed sunk or severely damaged.

San Francisco was heavily damaged from the two torpedo hits, and the destroyers Drayton, Radford, and Strong were also badly damaged. Even North Carolina was hurt, although not severely. The force retired back towards Tulagi as the fires started by the combat were inexorably extinguished by the sea.

1800L�base operations building�briefing room�Noumea, New Caledonia�

Condor admired the effort put forth by both the Allied and Japanese crews during the night. He was glad now he had pulled the transports back to Tulagi, although a mix-up in orders left the base with no CAP while an air strike from a Japanese carrier task force 180 miles WNW of the Shortlands base found the ships lined up. Damage was minor with only three bombs hitting their targets. The next wave were the low-flying torpedo bombers, but they attacked the outer screen of sub chasers, and no hits were recorded.

American SBDs caught up with two of the cruisers from the battle, and they took additional damage from 1000 lb bombs. Later, intelligence would confirm the sinking of Kako and Kinugasa.

Tomorrow, Tulagi would take the next step in the Allied advance up the Solomons. Another airbase would then be added to the inventory�

The CR:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/20/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, Shell hits 20, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
CA Kako, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Makigumo, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hayashio, Shell hits 1
DD Hatsuyuki

Allied Ships
BB North Carolina, Torpedo hits 1
BB Indiana
CA Pensacola
CA Astoria, Shell hits 3
CA San Francisco, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Radford, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD O'Bannon
DD Waller
DD Strong, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Taylor
DD Stanly
DD Lansdowne
DD Anderson
DD Henley
DD Drayton, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DMS Long

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Lea Lea, at 9,39

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 36
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 24

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tassafaronga at 37,39

Japanese Ships
DD Hayashio, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-43

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Dobadura , at 13,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 12

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

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 9

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 63

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 19
Guns lost 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
10 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
10 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 230th Regiment, at 38,40

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 24
P-38G Lightning x 19

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 11 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Tassafaronga at 37,39

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 9
SBD Dauntless x 16
P-38G Lightning x 13

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Furutaka, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 10th Aus Brigade, at 9,39

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 21
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 28

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Tassafaronga at 37,39

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 11
SBD Dauntless x 7
P-38G Lightning x 36

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Furutaka, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Tulagi at 38,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3 Zero x 4
D3A Val x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 5 destroyed
D3A Val x 14 damaged

Allied Ships
DD O'Bannon, Bomb hits 1
BB North Carolina, Bomb hits 1
DD Drayton, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Tulagi at 38,39

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 20

no losses

Allied Ships
SC 648
SC 643
SC 703
SC 741
SC 702
SC 708

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lea Lea

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 36398 troops, 463 guns, 50 vehicles

Defending force 34715 troops, 235 guns, 25 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 71

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 115

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lunga

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 31593 troops, 410 guns, 53 vehicles

Defending force 29541 troops, 396 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 4

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 4)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 347
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 180

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

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 133

RE: Update: Solomons - 12/10/2004 9:26:05 PM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

25 Mar 43
Wx: Overcast

The battle of attrition in the Solomons continues at Lunga. Men and equipment of the 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions along with the Americal and 43rd, along with an independent cavalry regiment have reduced the fortifications down at the Japanese held base (Fort level down from 9 to 1) and almost all of the orphaned units from the invasion are back with their parent organizations.

A PT boat raid from Tuagi to the Shortland Island base resulted in the loss of a couple of PT boats, with some damage inflicted on a destroyer there.

Sub activity at the Shortland, with two US subs teaming up and each got one transport.

The Japanese CD units at Lunga have been the prototypical pain in the arse. Although I admire their ability and dedication, they�ll need to be eliminated or rendered useless. B-25 bombing raids from Nevea and B-17 raids from Irau started on 3/24. The raid below is the second raid on the ports at Lunga � designed to disrupt the CD units a bit but with a primary goal of eating away any supplies there. I can keep hitting him with 30+ bombers for about two weeks, which should be enough time to take the base. P-39D�s also strike from Irau, and keep the 230th Infantry Regiment pinned down. Tomorrow, 24 PB4Y Liberators from Wunpuko also join the raid at Lunga.

Over in the Coral Sea, the attacks at Lea Lea have stopped, as the 16th and 17th Australian infantry divisions have been ferried over by C47 and both arrived virtually intact (both have assault values of low 90s). I�m not sure if the Japanese will make a �last stand� at Port Moresby/Lea Lea or try and withdraw north to New Britian.

Fatigue has been murderous (as one would expect) but the morale of the combat units remains high. The initial invaders (1st Marine Raider and 1st Marine Parachute battalion) are out of the Solomons and refitting for their next operation.

More to come!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/25/43

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack near Shortland Island at 29,34

Japanese Ships
AP Koei Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Sailfish

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 24
B-17E Fortress x 29

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 127

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Shortland Island at 29,34

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

Allied Ships
SS Drum

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

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 134

RE: Nearing the end... - 12/11/2004 8:07:58 AM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

26 Mar 43
Wx: Overcast

In SWPAC, Hudson raids were caried out against the docks at Port Moresby, and Liberator raids were carried out against the docks at Buna. The Buna raid also netted seven Japanese transports. I hope they were carrying vital cargo.

The second wave of B-17s hit Lunga's ports and airbase today. 82 B25Js divide up the ports and airbase at Lunga as well. And the PB4Ys from Wunpuko also make life miserable for the defenders. On top of that, P-39D fighter bombers provide direct ground support by pinning down the 229th Infantry Regiment. The Japanese defenders at Lunga have their assault values now in the 60's, and that appears to be dropping fast. The air attacks seem to have their effect, and there can't be too many more supplies to go around for the Japanese there.

Thunderstorms forecast for tomorrow will limit SOPAC air activity to FB support for the ground forces at Lunga, along with the nominal search/CAP flights. It should be enough. The ground forces have been given the order to conduct a Shock Attack in an attempt to secure Lunga once and for all.

The CR:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/26/43

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack near Buna at 12,38

Japanese Ships
AP Nagisan Maru

Allied Ships
SS Pollack

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Buna , at 12,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 6

Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 4
B-24D Liberator x 39

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AG 354, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
AG 105, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
AG 2060, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 102, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
AG 361, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
AG 121, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
AG 370, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
AG 366, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 4

Port hits 6
Port fuel hits 3
Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 37

no losses

Port supply hits 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
2 x Hudson at 6000 feet
9 x Hudson at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet
8 x Hudson at 6000 feet
0 x Hudson at 6000 feet
1 x Hudson at 6000 feet
8 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 27

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 16

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 82

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 45

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
7 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
10 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
8 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 22

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 15
Guns lost 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x PB4Y Liberator at 20000 feet
6 x PB4Y Liberator at 20000 feet
6 x PB4Y Liberator at 20000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 20000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 229th Regiment, at 38,40

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 45

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 2 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 9 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 12

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lea Lea , at 9,39

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 3

no losses

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lunga

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 49879 troops, 647 guns, 83 vehicles

Defending force 27650 troops, 382 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 1

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 1172
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 156

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

< Message edited by Shadow of the Condor -- 12/11/2004 12:08:43 AM >

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 135

RE: Lunga liberated! - 12/11/2004 4:52:06 PM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

27 Mar 43
Wx: Thunderstorms

Lunga fell today and joins the ranks of Allied bases. Not too much damage, and still a few thousand Japanese infantry troops on the outskirts of the base, but they are about out of supplies and should pose little in the way of a hinderance. Some Japanese engineers made it to Tassafaronga, but they to are almost helpless and will be dealt with in a couple of days.

My occupying force at Lunga will be the 25th infantry division, which has been held back from the invasion for this very purpose. Two seabee detachments and two CD units will also occupy Lunga, and it will be the home base for the 3rd Fleet HQ. Marine and Army invasion troops will rotate out to rear areas to R & R for the next operation. Supply convoys are assembled and en route to get Lunga back in buisness. Lunga boasts a level 4 port and a level 6 airbase. A nice prize indeed.

Six destroyers and two cruisers were sent back to Pearl Harbor today. They were the remnants of the forces mauled by the Japanese battleships at Lea Lea when they intercepted the FT supply convoy. Ship committment level increased to Moderate once my eight cripples made it back. Lots of shipping waiting at Pearl, and every ship with SYS over 30 is going to be sent back to free up the new ships waiting there.

The CR:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/27/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 21,29

Japanese Ships
DD Yugiri
DD Ayanami

Allied Ships
SS Drum

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 21,29

Japanese Ships
AP Tamashima Maru

Allied Ships
SS Drum

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

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Silversides

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 229th Regiment, at 38,40

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 24
P-39D Airacobra x 43

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIC x 1 destroyed
Beaufighter VIC x 2 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 66

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lunga

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 51194 troops, 667 guns, 83 vehicles

Defending force 26908 troops, 375 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Allied assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Lunga base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 4408
Guns lost 44

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 325

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

< Message edited by Shadow of the Condor -- 12/11/2004 8:52:52 AM >

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 136

Shortlands Naval Battle! - 12/13/2004 10:12:49 AM

tabpub

Posts: 1019
Joined: 8/10/2003
From: The Greater Chicagoland Area
Status: offline

March 30, 1943
Truk
Combined Fleet HQ

-0300- Admiral Roboya had fallen asleep at his desk, going over the prior weeks status reports.
Unit availability for the Fleet - glum
Aircrew replacement quality - dismal
Lunga overrun by the gaijin - grievous
Establishment of the Lea Lea Base - horrific

His thoughts caused him to murmur to himself in his state of utter fatigue�
The Army couldn�t pull off the operation in New Guinea, despite the fact that I ran the fleet ragged in their support. We had the minefields in place; the naval bombers hit their shipping; our surface forces beat theirs in most every action, even catching them on the high seas near Australia; and our weakened carriers almost caught their one operational (that I know of) CV in that battle. They had a full Division in PM as the anvil, another marching overland from Buna as soon as the size of the invasion was determined and I shipped in a 3rd by sea��..that should have been enough for them, but the bolt hole at Lea Lea was overlooked and now the Australians are solidly in there, not to be gotten out.

Meanwhile, they jump on Lunga with both feet also, and all that we have there is endangered. The 38th Division could merely hope to hold there to tie down his shipping for as long as possible. But, then the Naval Air fails me. Due to the PM operation, they are down on strength and then make some really bad choices on target selection, going after heavily defended bases instead of the more vulnerable transports. And, with the large commitment that I made to the PM operation, we had very little in the way to send as surface raiders to interfere with them off Lunga. So, all I could do is use my DDs to evacuate the airbase forces and try to fly off the men with transports. Until the debacle of a couple of days ago; 3 Aoba Class cruisers lost in one action signaled the end of the evacuations.

Now, what will happen next�..

�SIR! Wake up SIR!� His aide shook him vigorously.

�What?!?! What is the meaning of this��

�Sir, they came on, like you thought that they might!�

�The Shortlands? Did Admiral Shiirashi meet them with his squadron?�

�Yes. Reports were fragmentary, but this is what we have pieced together so far. As you well know, we had sighted the American force in the waters about 60 miles SE of Vila yesterday. Staff thought that they were going for Vila to bombard our base there, but, as you so wisely countermanded their orders, Shortlands Base was their target. Your orders to Shiirashi to patrol off there found the Americans in the middle of the minefield following a path that their DMS had swept. His initial attacks proved to be successful, as the cruisers launched torpedoes and saw two definite hits on the BB Maryland! A subsequent attack was repulsed by the American gunfire; but, as Shiirashi reports, you had told him not to press an engagement too closely, unless he had overwhelming superiority.�

�Yes, that is what I instructed him. He is a good man, if not the most aggressive that I have. Now, to the operations room, we must give the orders to the air wings! Are the Kate squadrons in place in the Shortlands and Vila? And let us pray that Nagumo is in position for the morning!�

1800 Operations Room, Truk

It had been a long day with just a catnap here and there for the Admiral, but everything had come up almost perfectly. He sat with his staff and went over the operations that day.

�Gentlemen. We have had a good day today. The only marring of the record today is the fact that we overlooked the rawness of some of the Zero squadrons in Rabaul. Sending them on escort missions to the Solomons caused us the loss of quite a few Mk2�s. But, as we have plenty in reserve for the theather, and most of the pilots were not lost, this is not a horrible blow for us. The main thing is that the American bombardment of the Shortlands base was prevented and that the Maryland is confirmed as sunk! She was only 60 miles N of Vila in the morning due to the torpedo hits that night and could not maneuver; 5 more torpedoes from the Betties from Shortlands finished her off before she could beach herself.�

�In addition,� he continued �other airstrikes proved to be successful in the chain. Early reports are an additional torpedo hit on a Cleveland class CL, a DMS, several PT and SCs sunk off Tulagi and 2 APs sunk off Lunga Point. Moreover, radio intelligence leads us to believe that one of the sunk APs was the command ship for the invasion, as they reported the loss of one ADM Barbey on the radio in clear. G2 indicates that he is a well known �invasion� specialist, and will be sorely missed for any future campaign, I am sure.�

�Now, while the numbers pale in comparison to our early successes in the campaign, this is a telling blow vs. the enemy. Recently, he has been getting bolder and less cautious in his plans and maneuvers. While I would like to think that this will make him more cautious again, we can not assume that. Imperial GHQ believes that he is under duress from his civilian masters in Washington to make a rapid end to this campaign in the Solomons/New Guinea area. We must work on that assumption and set our plans accordingly. GHQ has given me full latitude with regard to this area. We must hold our main bases here and make the Americans and their Australian lackeys pay for every hectare of ground that they try to occupy. We must hold here long enough for the GHQ to finish the planned buildup of the Philippines and Marianas Groups against invasion. If the Americans have not reached these areas before their �election� in the Fall of 1944, we might be able to reach an accommodation with them regarding the Empires position here in the Pacific. But, we can only do this if every man, ship and plane fights within the full capability of their ability!�

�The Americans have merely dented our position. We must now move from the Hanma-Bachi Plan and go to the next one. It shall be named __________�..�

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/30/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Night Time Surface Combat, near Shortland Island at 29,34

Japanese Ships
CA Atago, Shell hits 2
CA Maya, Shell hits 5, on fire
CA Ashigara, Shell hits 3
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 5
CL Nagara
DD Oyashio
DD Yukikaze, Shell hits 1
DD Amatsukaze, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shiratsuyu, Shell hits 1
DD Yudachi
DD Hatsuharu
DD Hatsushimo
DD Yugure
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
BB Maryland, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Wichita
CL Cleveland, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Taylor
DD Ammen, Shell hits 3
DD Blue
DD Lang
DD Sterett
DD Wilson
DD Maury
DD Case, Shell hits 3
DD Cushing
DMS Hopkins

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Shortland Island at 29,34

Japanese Ships
CA Atago
CA Maya, Shell hits 1, on fire
CA Ashigara, Shell hits 1
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 1
CL Nagara
DD Oyashio, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Yukikaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Amatsukaze, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shiratsuyu, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Yudachi
DD Hatsuharu
DD Hatsushimo
DD Yugure, Shell hits 1
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
BB Maryland, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA Wichita
CL Cleveland, on fire
DD Taylor
DD Ammen
DD Blue
DD Lang
DD Sterett
DD Wilson
DD Maury
DD Case
DD Cushing
DMS Hopkins

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 228th Regiment, at 39,40

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 24

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 27

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Tulagi at 38,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
G4M1 Betty x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 4 damaged

Allied Ships
PT 168, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PT 176

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Tulagi at 38,39

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 12
G4M1 Betty x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 4 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DMS Hovey, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
SC 750
SC 742
LCVP 39/2ESB, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
LCVP 23/2ESB

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Posarae at 31,35

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 13
G4M1 Betty x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 9 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 4 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 9 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Maryland, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Taylor

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
0 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Posarae at 31,35

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 16
B5N Kate x 9

no losses

Allied Ships
BB Maryland, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Tulagi at 38,39

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 7 damaged

Allied Ships
SC 638, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SC 647
SC 702, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
SC 741, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Tulagi at 38,39

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 13

no losses

Allied Ships
AV Ballard, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Tassafaronga at 37,39

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Cushing

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 92
G3M Nell x 17
G4M1 Betty x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Brownson, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP McCawley, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP La Salle, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Feland, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 90

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 4 damaged

Allied Ships
LST 354
LST 343, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 35,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
B5N Kate x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 13 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Cleveland, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Posarae at 31,35

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
A6M3 Zero x 60
B5N Kate x 6
G4M1 Betty x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 5 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Taylor
BB Maryland, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Posarae at 31,35

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
A6M3 Zero x 14
B5N Kate x 32

no losses

Allied Ships
BB Maryland, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Taivu

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 3843 troops, 46 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 280 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 13

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tassafaronga

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 2719 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 729 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 36

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

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 137

RE: Peeking out from under... - 12/17/2004 4:23:39 AM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

sorry for the delay in posting - end of year and I'm trying to get everything for the students back into their hands (grades, work, etc.) before their Xmas break. The worst is over - although I think I'd rather face the KB with Long Island than have to do this more than once a year

- Phil

3 April 43
Wx: Clear

No combat at all today - the dust has been settling after the Allies have taken Lunga back. A couple of bonehead moves on my part - one my opponent posted and one he didn't: The raid on the Shortlands was supposed to go to Vila, but the brain cells responsible for that decision were apparently not engaged, resulting in the loss of the battleship Maryland for no reason whatsoever. Secondly, I have managed to get AKs into Lea Lea and off-loaded almost all of the supplies before they were spotted. Time to go, of course. The bonehead move was when the carriers covering the AKs were spotted by the Japanese LBA and attacked. And I had my fighter pilots resting. Yep, no CAP. thankfully, the combination of inexperienced attack pilots and four CLAAs worked in my favor as almost 20 aircraft were shot down, while minimal damage was sustained by the CVL Princeton (AAR follows).

A couple of strategic shifts in my plans will be revealed later - although my opponent knows it won't involve me giving up anymore ground.

Almost all of the damaged ships from the Lunga raid are headed back to PH, while another shiny new battlegroup is on the way...

Here's the AAR from the attack on the carriers:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/01/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on TF at 10,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
D3A Val x 25
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 19 destroyed
D3A Val x 13 damaged

Allied Ships
CVL Princeton, Bomb hits 2 (more like "bounces" )
CV Essex
CVL Independence

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

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 138

RE: Peeking out from under... - 12/18/2004 2:10:16 AM

toraq

Posts: 405
Joined: 10/24/2004
Status: offline

Excellent AAR!

Shadow of the Condor, I�m reading the whole AAR, because I think it helps me to make my own strategies in my scenario. If I�m not asking too much, would you sum up the losses of both sides and the VP. Beat that Japanese!!!

Thx

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 139

RE: Shift of Power - 12/18/2004 7:29:28 AM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

quote:

originally posted by toraq

Excellent AAR!

Shadow of the Condor, I�m reading the whole AAR, because I think it helps me to make my own strategies in my scenario. If I�m not asking too much, would you sum up the losses of both sides and the VP. Beat that Japanese!!!

Thx

Thanks for the reply. Glad you're enjoying the read and learning from my mistakes . I'll try to get a score update ASAP, as I have already sent out the turn. Know this, however - I have lost Enterprise, Lex, Yorktown, Saratoga, and Hornet, along with a host of other ships. I'm about 5500 points behind, and will hopefully eat into 500 points worth of that very soon...

5 Apr 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

1800L...briefing room...base operations building...Noumea, New Caledonia...

They had vanished.

Gone.

It was as plain as day, staring him back in his grizzled face.

The ever-present stub of the cigar between his teeth, Condor stared hard at the dot on the map of New Guinea known as Lea Lea. Again, at the combat report from the New Guinea area, and stood back up and gazed at the ceiling fan, twirling gently overhead.

He sighed and thought about yet another opportunity slipping away. The two divisions of Japanese soldiers that were trying to evict the Australians out of Lea Lea were now gone. Their commander had withdrawn them back onto the Kokoda trail. They were heading overland north to Buna and/or Dobadura. Today, the combat forces at Lea Lea attacked and drove the last of the Japanese away from the fledgling base there. But the real shock came when the reconnaisance photos showed that a single infantry unit of about 8000 men was left holding Port Moresby.

Condor had learned to distrust recon reports, but this was beginning to make sense. The Japanese were pulling their forces back, trying to shorten their lines, the very same way he had done so many months ago. They were practically inviting him to take back Port Moresby. Their forces were marching north, some units already sixty miles deep into the jungle...

And he would accept the invitation. Already the Australians had begun the march from Lea Lea to Port Moresby. But they weren't the main force this time. The invasion would come from the sea yet again, and it was scheduled to begin tomorrow. This time, the operation would be successful. It had to be, because he felt the Japanese were actualy counting on him to take Port Moresby.

And, he thought, I know why...

The CR:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/05/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Ground combat at Lea Lea

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 33862 troops, 258 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 6305 troops, 84 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 15 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 462

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 230

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

< Message edited by Shadow of the Condor -- 12/17/2004 11:30:18 PM >

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 140

RE: Update - 12/18/2004 4:36:22 PM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

7 April 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

No combat today, and I wanted to post the score update as requested:

Japanese 12191, Allies 6493

Allied ship losses: CV x 5, CVE x 3, BB x 2, CA x 1, CL x 5, DD x 23, PG x 3, APD x 5, AV x 4, DMS x 2, MSW x 4, AO x 2, TK x 1, SS � 9 {7 S-boats}, PT x 23, SC x 11, AP x 20, AK x 37, LCI x 2, LST x 1, LCVP x 1

IJN ship losses: CV x 1, BB x 1, AV x 1, CA x 3, CL x 2, DD x 13, MSW x 7, SS x 7, AP x 14, AG x 1

Allied planes lost: 1407. "Major" plane types... � F4F-4 Wildcat 229, SBD Dauntless: 269, C-47 Dakota: 106, P-38G Lightning 84, B-17 Fortress 87, PBY Catalina 79
Japanese planes lost: 1586. "Major" plane types... � A6M2 Zero � 403, A6M3 Zero 132, D3A Val � 258, B5N Kate � 267, G4M1 Betty � 225, G3M Nell � 60

Although no combat was reported, there was damage taken by an FT force as it entered the mined waters of Port Moresby. The destroyer Walke took 3 mine hits and will be out of the campaign if she makes port. The cruiser Australia took too hits, and two other destroyers took a mine hit each. In return for this damage, the FT TF unloaded an infantry regiment at Port Moresby, and they will begin bombardment attacks today. We�ll see if the recon was correct. The port had been listed as having 66 damage, and is now down to 55, so I suspect engineers are in there somewhere as well. A squadron of P-39Ds have moved into Lea Lea to �assist� the remaining infantry unit at Port Moresby with its travel plans.

Very tempting is to grab my paras and drop onto Buna. Seizing the northern end of the Kokoda trail would trap the Japanese infantry and armor from Lea Lea currently moving north on the trail. I fought that back, because although no infantry units are reported at Buna, my paras and Marine Raiders are in no shape for the trip. Impulsive moves cost me a good portion of the shipping I lost (and my opponent was quick to cash in on every opening I gave him

). No need to get cute now.

As to the reorganization of the Lunga/Tulagi bases, I�ve decided to leave the four divisions there. The Americal will move over and garrison Tulagi, while the 43rd and the two Marine divisions will rest at Lunga. Supplies are beginning to pile in at Lunga (over 7000 now) and the assault values of the combat troops have been climbing for the past week, so they are fine where they are. SBDs and fighter bombers have also moved in. FB attacks on the remnant Japanese troops at Taivu and Tassafaronga begin tomorrow. The 25th is still a reserve force, as is the newly arrived 37th at Noumea.

More damaged ships sent back to PH, and more ships have been released as a result. Commitment level remains at High.

As to the loss of the carriers, the truth of the matter is I�m still learning how to not get them shot to hell every time I use them in an operation. At this point of the game, however, they aren�t critical, as my foothold in the Solomons and New Guinea guarantee multiple bases from which to launch strikes. If I still had them I�d probably send them back to PH. It�s hard to tell. What isn�t hard to tell is that the 8 carriers lost are responsible for almost 2000 points of my deficit on their own.

The operation to retake Port Moresby is on. Hopefully I can conclude it quickly, and have my two springboard bases (Port Moresby and Lunga) fully ready for the next operations by May.

And now, back to the story...

< Message edited by Shadow of the Condor -- 12/18/2004 8:37:53 AM >

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 141

RE: The old and the new... - 12/19/2004 8:12:24 PM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

7 Apr 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

0759L�Noumea harbor�

In just a few minutes, the assembled ships would sail away. Men gathered on the decks and watched the Australian minesweeper Launceton as she began the slow journey back to Pearl Harbor. The twisted deck of the little ship attested to the fury of an enemy who was being driven back to the north - driven back, to be sure; but not defenseless. The men wondered at what awaited them as they began to assume their part in the days to follow�

1106L�onboard USS Walke�240 miles SSE of Port Moresby�

Long since left alone, Commander Fraser, 15 officers and the 235 men of the DD-416 inched their way south and to the protective waters of Australia. In the war for almost a year, they were one of the most experienced crews in the theater. They had delivered an infantry regiment to Port Moresby and struck three mines on their way in. The flooding they caused was still a problem, but at least the fires were out. Two of the ship�s boilers were not operational, and the ship�s speed suffered. The men in the engine room worked feverishly to get them repaired. They knew their fate was tied to the speed the ship could make; and their speed was all contingent on how long the remaining boiler could hold out. Amazingly, no air attacks meant that the ship and her crew would stay alive at least one more day. Reports of a Japanese submarine outside of Lea Lea had Fraser a bit concerned, but he doubted a Japanese sub captain would waste a precious load of torpedoes on a cripple such as his ship. Still, his radio operators kept transmitting their status reports, and a PBY was scheduled to overfly them twice a day until they were back in port. Fraser hoped that�s all the PBY would be needed for�

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/07/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Tassafaronga , at 37,39

Allied aircraft
P-70A Havoc x 6

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 16th Naval Pioneer Battalion, at 37,39

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 20
A-20G Boston x 9

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 22

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x A-20G Boston at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 16th Naval Pioneer Battalion, at 37,39

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 16
P-38G Lightning x 21

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 13

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

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 142

RE: The old and the new... - 12/20/2004 4:58:23 PM

toraq

Posts: 405
Joined: 10/24/2004
Status: offline

Thx for the casualities report. I think it has been a painful post. Many losses, especially the carrier ones. I�ve lost 3 CV also. It seems there is no way to avoid a CV disaster for the USN.
Keep going, as I�m sure there will be better times in the future
Good luck

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 143

RE: A new focus... - 12/20/2004 7:52:44 PM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

11 Apr 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

0319L�Irau harbor�

The delay had proven costly. The arrival of the new P-70A Havoc nightfighters with their radar systems had been scheduled to arrive today, but storms had delayed them one day. It was just enough time for 6 Japanese bombers to make a port attack. One bomb started a fire that spread to a generator station and shut down power to the pumps working to salvage an American cargo ship. With no pumps working, the ship continued to take on water from the damage inflicted during her run to Lunga and she sank in the harbor. The destroyer Radford was also unlucky as she took a bomb hit directly on her deck. The men worked throughout the night to quench the fires, and wondered about the amount of luck that worked against them this night�

0729L�158th Regiment command post�Port Moresby�New Guinea�

Lieutenant Colonel Livingston of the 1st Australian Pioneer battalion arrived and reported to the commander of the 158th US Army infantry regiment, Colonel Herndon. They began reviewing the deployment for the rest of the infantry forces expected to arrive tomorrow. With only a limited amount of power at their disposal, they were content with small artillery barrages to continue to wear down the Japanese troops, identified now as the 80th Infantry Regiment. Reports from scout patrols indicated these last defenders were also trying to leave the base as well. Within 24 hours, enough combat troops would arrive to make their departure a certainty and the base proper to once again be claimed by the Allies in their drive north�

1417L�30 miles SW of Rabaul�onboard USS Silversides�

"and......fire!�

Six torpedoes sped away, towards the Japanese warship now that had been the focus of a hunt that combined raw nerves and mathematical precision in such a manner as to wear down even the most hardened of combat veterans. Almost twenty minutes later, after a single explosion and no other noise of destroyers coming towards him, Commander Burlingame raised the periscope again and trained it aft. Silversides was clearing the area, but the captain reported to all hands that the Japanese ship � probably a cruiser � was now on fire and almost dead in the water. With only two torpedo loads left and deep in enemy waters, it was time to head home while a new boat would move in to take her place. Reports for the past ten days showed lots of shipping activity between the Shortlands and Rabaul, and Silversides had just punctuated that report with an exclamation point. Rabaul was going to be the Japanese stronghold as they tried to hold on to a presence in the South Pacific, and American submarines were beginning to take up stations around the area to begin the long process of laying siege to the base by choking off her supply lines�

The CR:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/11/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Irau , at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Radford, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Port fuel hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x G4M1 Betty at 4000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 16th Naval Pioneer Battalion, at 37,39

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 44
P-38G Lightning x 20

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 21,29

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Silversides

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2783 troops, 50 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 6861 troops, 83 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 10

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 2

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

< Message edited by Shadow of the Condor -- 12/20/2004 11:53:59 AM >

(in reply to toraq)

Post #: 144

RE: The six month lease option... - 12/23/2004 10:05:52 PM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

14 Apr 43
Wx: Overcast

0911L...Port Moresby...New Guinea...

Lance Corporal Allen was well hid in the stand of trees. He had been there for a total of four days. His job was to spot for the artillery fire that would precede any attack. He had noted the Japanese resistance at the base was weakening, and had observed trucks leaving the base headed north. Today, however was different. Using his spotting scope, he scanned the entire area for almost 20 minutes and then picked up the handset of the WS-9 radio set and called in...

The Japanese were gone.

2100L...briefing room...base operations building...Noumea, New Caledonia...

The briefing had long since been over, and the revealation that the Japanese had indeed abandoned Port Moresby was welcome news. A short-lived celebration was ended when Admiral Pye - as he did after the recapture of Lunga - told the assembled group that it was time for another force assessment in the Coral Sea. The time to push north was approaching.

2109L...Garbutt airbase...Townsville...Queensland,Australia...

The first to depart were the airbase support personnel. They streamed onto the C47s parked in row after row. Over 140 planes waited to get the 117th Base Force to Port Moresby. They would hit the ground running, as airstrikes against the Japanese on the Kokoda Trail were about to get started...

The CR:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/14/43

Weather: Overcast

Air attack on 19th Naval Pioneer Battalion, at 37,39 (at Tassafaronga from Lunga)

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 23
P-38G Lightning x 18

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 36

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 36072 troops, 293 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 528 to 1 (fort level 5)

Allied forces CAPTURE Port Moresby base !!!

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

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 145

RE: The six month lease option... - 12/24/2004 6:12:32 PM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

17 Apr 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

0711L�near Kokoda village�

The ungainly aircraft swept low over the enemy troops. The Hudsons had already dropped their bombs, but the American bombers strafed the jungle, tearing it apart. On their second pass, each plane dropped twenty small parachutes from honeycomb racks under their wings. Each parachute looked like a small white mushroom, no more than eighteen inches in diameter. Under each parachute was a 23-pound bomb. These bombs made no noise until they hit the ground and started to explode. Men died, and supplies were destroyed. And the �safety� of Buna was still miles away through very inhospitable terrain�

0813L�over Dobadura airbase�

The Oscars flying CAP over the Japanese base rose to meet the attackers. Over forty heavy bombers approached the base. Four B-17s did take damage, but the reality of it was the fighters couldn�t prevent the planes from dropping their bombs and returning to Australia. On the ground, four parked fighters were destroyed, and a larger number were damaged. With no anti-aircraft fire to hamper them, the American bombardiers were quite accurate. The damage to the base was almost enough to close it.

0942L�60 miles SE of Lae harbor�

The PBY report of transport ships between Lae and Buna was accurate. The squadron of Australian Beaufort torpedo bombers broke into groups of three, and launched their attack. One group was destroyed by accurate AA fire without dropping a single torpedo. No hits were scored, and the Beauforts limped back to Port Moresby, unaware of the success they actually scored�

0944L�60 miles SE of Lae harbor�

The carrier air wing was intact. With 22 fighters for escort, two SBD and one TBF squadrons followed up the Beauforts. This time, however, the results were different. Anti-aircraft gunners weren�t training their weapons on slow moving planes coming in level. The dive-bombers nosed over from 17,000 feet and began to score hits on the transports. Then the Avenger torpedo planes came in and scored � one hit was on a light cruiser.

1800L�briefing room�base operations building�Noumea, New Caledonia�

The photographs included in the briefing showed enemy troop deployments in and around New Guinea. Condor wanted to keep pushing the Japanese north, and was already looking hard at bases on the north side of the island. There were advocates to taking Gili Gili first, and reconnaissance flights were made to establish what would oppose the Allies if they tried to land there. The initial numbers looked good, as only a single infantry unit was there, probably not even a regiment. One division could easily take the base � if they could sail there undetected. And that was a big if.

Meanwhile, in the Solomons, the Americal Division was settling in at Tulagi. Improvements to the base were already underway. Nobody expected the Japanese to try and take it back, but that was no reason to stop working�

The CR:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/17/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Southeast Fleet , at 11,39 (on the Kokoda Trail)

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 27
B-25J Mitchell x 8

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 20

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
8 x Hudson at 6000 feet
1 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
5 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
9 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lae , at 9,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 6

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 11
A-20G Boston x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 2 destroyed

Runway hits 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x A-20G Boston at 20000 feet
3 x A-20G Boston at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Dobadura , at 13,38

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 23

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 26
B-24D Liberator x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 23

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 34

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,35

Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 9

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 3 destroyed
Beaufort x 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Naka
AP Nankai Maru
DD Yudachi

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 200 feet
0 x Beaufort at 200 feet
3 x Beaufort at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,35

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 22
SBD Dauntless x 36
TBF Avenger x 18

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
TBF Avenger x 4 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 12 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Miike Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Ushio
AP Goyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Teia Maru, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
CL Naka, Torpedo hits 1
DD Nenohi
AP Kumagawa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,35

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
TBF Avenger x 8

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Miike Maru, on fire
AP Syoka Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 10
B5N Kate x 10

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 4 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 7 damaged

CPT R. Mchale of 8th FS is credited with kill number 5

Allied Ships
DMS Hamilton
AK Trianglum, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Brevard

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,35

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 3
Beaufort x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 3

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Syoka Maru, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,35

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21
SBD Dauntless x 28
TBF Avenger x 6

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 5 damaged
TBF Avenger x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Nenohi
DD Murasame, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Aki Maru
AP Nankai Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Brazil Maru
AP Nagara Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,35

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 3
Beaufort x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 5

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 1 destroyed

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

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Beaufort at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
B5N Kate x 4

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 4 damaged

CPT C. Taylor of 8th FS is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
DD Fanning

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

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 146

RE: Down but not out - 12/28/2004 8:44:15 PM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

24 Apr 43
Wx: Overcast

The Japanese launched a very large strike against Port Moresby a couple of days ago. The base is just now returning to normal flight operations. Bombers from the three carriers in the area, Dobadura, Buna, Lae, and Rabaul all coordinated their strikes and really laid waste to the base. The cost to the Japanese, however was considerable. 40+ planes were lost, almost all of them fighters.

The Solomons responded yesterday with a strike from Irau and Lunga against the Shortlands base, concentrating on the dockyards. Three barges were sunk, and an APD took 4 bombs (according to the pilots � I�d say no more than two hit it) and an AP also took a 500 lb bomb. Lightnings flew escort, and took their share of the enemy CAP � 8 enemy fighters lost for two Lightnings.

I�ve decided on a fundamental tactics shift for the future operations. More on that later.

In a few days, I will be out of town (in Wisconsin) for the New Year�s. Coincidentally, those four days have been scheduled for peace talks, which will probably fail. <grin>

The CR:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/24/43

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack near Shortland Island at 29,34

Allied Ships
SS Sailfish

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Shortland Island , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M3 Zero x 19

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 39
B-17E Fortress x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 2 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 9 damaged

2LT J. Myers of 80th FS is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
APD 1, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kaihei Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AG 5052, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
AG 122, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
AG 5071, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 41

Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 2nd Engineer Regiment, at 37,39

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 24
P-39D Airacobra x 45
P-38G Lightning x 15

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 8

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

< Message edited by Shadow of the Condor -- 12/28/2004 12:44:55 PM >

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 147

RE: The Wisconsin Peace Talks... - 12/30/2004 5:11:28 PM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

A short delay as secret negotiations in a capitalist resort complex in Wisconsin known as Lake Geneva begin today......Next update will be on 2-3 Jan...

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 148

RE: The Wisconsin Peace Talks... - 1/21/2005 4:27:28 PM

marky

Posts: 5780
Joined: 3/8/2004
From: Wisconsin
Status: offline

from the lack of updates

perhaps peace talked SUCCEEDED?

_____________________________

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)

Post #: 149

RE: Circling overhead... - 1/26/2005 6:30:01 PM

Shadow of the Condor

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline

A very belated hi to everyone!. My opponent is in the process of moving and we will not have any more turns until around the 1st of the month. The peace talks (fortunately

) did not succeed and hostilities recommenced, but a save game problem cost us about a week's worth of time. We got a few turns in after that and then the news about moving. Let me bring everyone up to speed on what's happened.

Port Moresby is back in the hands of the good guys, as are both Lunga and Tulagi. Fleet strength is beginning to improve, and the production gates of the US are wide open. It's the end of April, 1943 and sights are being set further north as the Japanese presence in the area begins to wane.

So please be patient and we will have more installments on the way.

Phil

(in reply to marky)

Post #: 150

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