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RE: The plan for August

 
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RE: The plan for August - 6/10/2005 2:14:54 AM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		August 01 – 02 1942

The Japanese launch their first attempt to shut down the New Guinea airlift today. Some 40 Nells and Betties (heavily escorted) by Zeros bomb Wau – the result, 2 Betties lost (op losses) and 6 holes in the runway.

August 03 – 05 1942

Little activity – surprisingly the Japanese make no further attempt to shut down Wau. They do manage to capture Marilinan air base and Salamaua (Nadzab fell on the 3rd), both evacuated just the night before by my troops. Meanwhile, my aussies on the run from Lae Lae are still about 55 miles short of Wau, so maybe they won’t make it.

Japanese subs really do seem to have vanished, and my subs attempt to do their best to take the fight back to the enemy. A TK is torpedoed between Gilli and Rabaul, and an AP is torpedoed in the Buka narrows. In return SS-45 is depth charged and hit just off Shortlands. Sys damage is 40 and Flt is 56, even worse fuel is zero. She may not make it back home . Most of my subs now have over 13 sys damage, so it’s time for a return to port for most.

Run Silent, run ummm... on the surface ???? :



< Message edited by Veer -- 6/10/2005 10:38:19 AM >

_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 61
RE: The plan for August - 6/10/2005 11:20:33 AM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		August 06 1942

Since Allied HQ was generally disbelieving when Major General Morris (Commanding Officer of the troops still in New Guinea) reported that his men were acting target practice for Japanese Alfs and Daves, Morris has thoughtfully provided HQ with some photographic evidence today.

Alfs bombing troops:



HQ is still debating on how to counter this threat.

Meanwhile, the Eng unit trapped at Finschhafen comes under attack. Odds are even at about 600 Japanese troops to 500 Allied. IJN reinforcements are on their way though. Under cover of thunderstorms, a small task force under command of Admiral McCain (5 DDs) will attempt a round-run rescue. War gaming has shown that a fast task force can round New Guinea during the day and dash into Finschhafen at night, returning to Milne Bay by daybreak. With Japanese Vals and Kates at Buna and Moresby respectively, this force will hopefully be just out of range. The small size of this force may also allow them to escape detection or attack from naval bombers in Rabaul. *fingers crossed*

The Japanese carrier fleet seems to have vanished as well.


_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 62
RE: The plan for August - 6/10/2005 11:31:09 AM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		August 07 1942

Turns out the Japanese carries had not disappeared afterall, but were sitting in the middle of the Solomon Sea. McCains TF gets bushwhacked. DDs Buchanan and Farenholt sink like stones, though the other 3 should survive. Needless to say the mission has been scrubbed and all ships are to retire to port.

--------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/07/42
--------------------------------------------------------------

Weather: Thunderstorms

Air attack on TF at 19,41

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29
D3A Val x 44
B5N Kate x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 4 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Stack, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Buchanan, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage ***sunk***
DD Wilson, Bomb hits 1
DD Farenholt, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage ***sunk***
DD McCall

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

Meanwhile, a large transport TF readies at Cooktown for Townsville. It will carry the evacuated troops (remnants of the PM garrison) to Townsville to rest and recover. I had been unable to do this previously because I had mistakenly sent many of my APs/AKs back to Pearl as well, along with my carriers.


_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 63
KB on the move! - 6/10/2005 12:11:16 PM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		August 08 - 10 1942

For some strange reason DD McCall decides to continue with its mission, and actually pulls out 115 troops out of Finschhafen. Admiral McCain has once again mysteriously vanished from his TF and is back at the Officers Club in Noumea. One really needs to understand this teleporting thing – could be useful in invasions.

Ofcourse, IJN carriers promptly eat the McCall alive. She goes down along with all of her ‘rescued’ crew. DD Wilson escapes attack and should make it home, but DD Stack is doubtful – 80 sys and 50 Flt, she may not survive for long.

To add to the bad news, Finschhafen falls and the entire Eng unit is destroyed.

But the big news is that 2 separate TFs of IJN Carriers have penetrated into the Coral Sea – this is the first time since the PM Invasion! All LBA in Australia are placed on naval strike and they go after the first TF (CV Junyo, possibly some CVLs as well). The results though are disappointing – I loose 7 aircraft, and get 2 hits on CA Nachi, and another 2 on BB Kongo – no penetrations. Not even a fire! Interestingly the IJN CV TFs are accompanied by several of SC TFs – possibly planning a bombardment mission on Townsville or Cooktown? I’m standing down all my bombers and rebasing them to Townsville and Charter Towers until SJs intentions become clear.

I’m really worried about my transport convoy (now out out of Townsville) – 20 transports loaded with troops, IJN carriers could be in range tomorrow, this could be a massacre. Predictably, IJN subs choose this time to make reappearance. I-5 puts a hole in AP President Jackson. Thankfully the escorts send I-5 on her final dive. Scratch another Japanese sub!

The Situation:



_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

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Post #: 64
RE: KB on the move! - 6/11/2005 12:15:12 AM   
toraq


Posts: 405
Joined: 10/24/2004
Status: offline 		those CVs came at the worst moment!!!.
Be careful with your ships. In my scen 19 game (which is paralyzed now) I also lost various DDs trying to evacuate/send supplies or troops. Not worthwhile!

I like your sense of humour. I enjoy your AAR very much

Good luck!

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 65
RE: KB on the move! - 6/11/2005 12:16:57 AM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		August 11 -12 1942

The IJN carrier force continues to loiter around the Coral Sea. Recon identifies several TKs accompanying the fleet, but no APs spotted – so this can’t be an invasion. Strangley the Imperial fleet is now moving South – no attempt at bombardment of Townsville or Cairns.

SJ also recons Townsville, Rockhampton and Brisbane (). I’ve got a couple of marine F4F units at Rockhampton now, along with my fully rested B-17s. Let him come!

My troop convoy has finished unloading, and I take a gamble – ˝ the convoy will move north (to Cooktown) and the rest will retire South to Rockhampton. Unfortunately, with the KB moving South, the southern convoy is caught and sunk (only 1 SC survives).

------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/12/42
------------------------------------------------------

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on TF at 18,67

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29
A6M3 Zero x 5
D3A Val x 67
B5N Kate x 32

no losses

Allied ships
AP Wanganella, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage ***ya, all sunk***
DMS Hovey, Bomb hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Wollongong, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Barnett, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Mungana, Bomb Hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
SC 644, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Alhena, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
SC 522

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

One Convoy, wiped out:





Meanwhile, CV Wasp is back on station at Noumea. Following my new plan ‘to be where he ain’t’, the Wasp will try for a sudden strike at Lunga (some APs spotted there as well). Sadly I can only spare a screen of 1 CLAA and 2 DDs for her. To such depths has allied naval power sunk.


_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 66
What’s up at Rockhampton? - 6/11/2005 1:20:11 AM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		August 13 -1942

The Japanese fleet is now most probably heading for Rockhampton or points South – the small CV TF and a bunch of SC TFs is moving at a very slow speed - this is no ordinary bombardment run. The main KB remains just out of level bomber range.

My B-17s launch a couple of coordinated strikes – but results are again dismal. CA Nachi is targeted (again – seems no damage was done last time), as is BB Mutsu. The only good news is that CVL Soho takes a 500LB hit. Doesn’t seem to have damaged her flight deck, but hopefully I’ll hit her again tomorrow – I wouldn’t mind sinking a CVL right about now.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/13/42
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Weather: Thunderstorms ****again, the Emperors weather men are good!****

Air attack on TF at 22,67

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34
A6M3 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 destroyed ***3 lost***
B-17E Fortress x 13 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 1

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

I still have to guard against a possible move to Townsville though. So I’m keeping my main bomber force at Charters – besides, all his BB can probably close Rockhampton in one turn (I only have 1 base force at the base), so no point in trapping my planes there.

Now, I actually have a bigger problem. A few survivors of the convoy attack last turn are limping into Rockhampton port. Those that survived with some speed still left will head back to Townsville, not much point in changing the heading of the rest – they’re going to sink no matter what. But, but but! – I had a huge TF of Oilers unloading at Rockhampton – about 14 AO escorted by 7 SCs – last turn. Orders have been given to get them the hell out of there. They will attempt to move south and hug the map edge – but they can only move so fast and if the KB makes a sudden move south, I fear they will all be toast.

The situation, August 13 1942




_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 67
RE: What’s up at Rockhampton? - 6/11/2005 8:25:47 PM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		August 14 -15 1942

The Japanese fleet splits up – both the Mini KB and the Real KB loiter east of Rockhampton, while an SC TF steams into the port. There they meet the AK Alhena and summarily dispatch her with a hail of 14” and 16” shells at 20K yards.

I’ve pulled out all my squads from Rockhampton to Brisbane. B-17s and Hudsons escorted by 20-30 Marine F4Fs launch a series of attacks. My escorts are slaughtered by Zero LRCAP – in 2 days I’ve lost 27 F4F and 6 B-17s to 12 Zeros. BBs Hiei, Haruna, Kongo & Mutsu are identified and attacked – only the Hiei takes 2 bomb hits – 1 penetration. CAs Maya and Takao also receive 1 and 2 bomb hits respectively.

Meanwhile Japanese subs reappear with a vengeance, sinking the AP La Salle and mortally wounding the AP Mungana just off Townsville. To add insult to injury SC 520 of my ASW TF is blown apart as well.

To the good news:

A Japanese transport TF is positively identified and attacked off Rockhampton – while most of the transports themselves escape attack, some MLs mixed in with the TF do not. 2 are hit, as is the DD Okikaze, which subsequently sinks. Evidently this must have been the flagship, because we have unconfirmed reports that Admiral Nishimura was killed during this attack.

-----------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS
-----------------------------------------------------------

Weather: Overcast

Air attack on TF, near Rockhampton at 18,71

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 37
Hudson x 8
B-17E Fortress x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
Hudson x 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

LTJG R.Nikaido of BI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4 *** he’s been gettiign losts of aces lately***

Japanese Ships
DD Okikaze, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage ***sunk***
MSW Hagoromo Maru
AP Enju Maru
ML Saishu, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Teiyo Maru
ML Takashima, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

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

Ofcourse I’m not sure if you can qualify the magical appearance of Japanese Transports off Rockhampotn as good news.

Meanwhile, SS-45 rendezvous with SS Drum off Rennell Island, where she takes on some fuel and with a little bit of luck might make it back to Luganville. Sys Damage is now 43, but thanks to quick thinking by Captain Eddy, flooding has been controlled to 55.

The Capt. Eddy Fix (aka the Hand of Eddy):




_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 68
RE: What’s up at Rockhampton? - 6/11/2005 10:14:57 PM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		August 16 1942

Allied HQ huddled around today and decided not to contest the Rockhampton invasion. If it becomes clear that this is a ‘real’ invasion, not just some lure to draw out my carriers (which aren’t anywhere near hehe), troops will march S from Townsville and N from Brisbane to recapture the base.

My B-17 continue to attack, this time targeting the BB Haruna And CL Tama. Another 2 B-17s lost for no hits. I'm not sure what is the point of this 'raid', but if it was to gut my B-17 force, it has succeeded admirably ! It’s time for a new strategy – my Heavy Bombers will rebase to Tonwsville, where they will try to interdict the Japanese supply route, while the Combat Wings of the Lex and Sara – some 170+ planes - will rebase to Brisbane where they will join with the remnants of the Marine squads. I fear the emperor is beginning to suspect my carriers are not on station, if so it’s possible Brisbane may face to combined might of the KB in the next few days. I’ve actually made a big boo-boo – Brisbane only has 60 aviation support since I had moved all my support squads upto Charters and Townsville. If the KB does come they could close the base in 1 strike I think.

The silver lining is that my Oiler convoy is now safe – heading for Efate island. Meanwhile CV Wasp should be in position to strike at Lunga in 2 days.

Int estimate of Japanese forces landed at Rockhampton:



_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 69

Revenge ! - 6/11/2005 10:51:37 PM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		August 17 1942

Rockhampton base falls today to screaming Japanese troops. They have captured much beer and 90K worth of fuel. It won’t last them long however. The 31st and 42nd Calvary is on its way!

Meanwhile, the emperors naval samurai get a nasty surprise when over a hundred allied aircraft darken the skies over Rockhampton. In a single strike the BB Haruna is crippled by 4 1000LB hits, while the BB Kongo swallows a torpedo! CA Suzuya also tastes allied retribution. A second strike manages to bag 2 transports, while a long range strike by Hudsons manages to plant two bombs on a Tanker in Gilli!

-------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/17/42
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on TF, near Rockhampton at 18,71

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 34
SBD Dauntless x 37
TBF Avenger x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed ***3 lost***

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 destroyed ***7 lost***
SBD Dauntless x 7 damaged ***3 lost***
TBF Avenger x 2 destroyed ***4 lost***

LTJG C.Obuchi of F1/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 4

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 5, on fire ***4 penetrations***
CA Maya, Bomb hits 1
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1
CA Suzuya, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Mochizuki

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3

Japanese Ships
TK Kyokuto Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire

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

The Haruna under attack!



In other news, Major General Morris reports a force of Japanese infantry has reached Wau airbase, though they haven’t launched any attacks yet. I’m keeping 2 Dakota squads at the base trying to evacuate as much as I can before it falls. I must admit though that despite some gaffs, the airlift has been remarkably successful.


_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 70
RE: - 6/12/2005 4:52:04 AM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		August 18 1942

Events clam down slightly. All enemy surface forces have left Rockhampton – none are detected in port either, so perhaps the Haruna was not hurt that badly . My SBDs do catch some transports leaving the port – 3 APs and 1 DD are sunk . Japanese forces at Rockhampton are evidently not content to remain at the base – 2 Inf units have moved 60 miles north, while another has established blocking positions 30 miles south, along the Highway. I have a bad feeling about this. Townsville has about 70k supplies, with another 50K at Charters. Demand however stands at 13K and rising, so it’s imperative that I open the supply run soon.

In the interim, the KB has vanished! They were last seem parallel to Townsville, heading N? Wherever they are, I’m canceling the Wasps strike – too risky if I don’t know the location of his CVs.

Meanwhile back in New Guinea – Wau airbase is finally overrun. Major Gen. Morris is among the last to board transports, with his plane taking off just as at the Japanese arrive at the airfield. Left behind are many guns which could not be loaded, and the brave crew who curiously decided to remain with them till the end. Also left behind are many aviation support technicians and engineers, which kept the transports flying and the airfield open right uptil the last minute. Some 25 unserviceable Dakotas were also lost to the enemy. Major Davies will now take command of the approx 4000 troops left in New Guinea... heading back to Lae Lae...

------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/18/42
------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Wau

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 6767 troops, 30 guns, 32 vehicles

Defending force 2365 troops, 29 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 9 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Wau base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 29

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 42
------------------------------------------------------

Preparing for the long trek back:



Two transport TFs are also loading at Cairns and Cooktown - as per paln, they will carry all units possible back to Townsville - only base forces will be left, and these will be evacuated too, time permitting.

_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 71
RE: RE: - 6/12/2005 5:58:28 AM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		August 19 1942

The KB has reappeared – parallel to Cairns, and South of Rossell Island, heading North and home I hope. I’m adopting a 'watch and wait' approach with the Wasp, which now lingers in the Santa Cruz Islands. Of all the Japanese ships spotted heading back from Rockhampton, only the CA Nachi (escorting a TK/AP TF) gets hit (finally!) twice by B26/B25s flying out of Townville.

In other news, the Japanese bomber force finally makes an appearance – 44 Betties strike Cairns (from Rabaul !) without escort – where my alert CAP and Flak proceed to slaughter them . DD Stack, still recovering in port, takes another hit – sys damage now up to 93 and flt back upto to 45 . Meanwhile at Cooktown a force of Nells streaks in low across the water and torpedos 2 transports. AS a result, I’m halting loading of the Cooktown convoy for the moment, but the Cairns convoy will continue as scheduled – LRCAPed by every squadron I can spare.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/19/42
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Cairns , at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 44

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 9 destroyed *** 11 Lost***
G4M1 Betty x 3 damaged

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

Port hits 5

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

Air attack on TF, near Cooktown at 6,53

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 14

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 7 damaged *** 1 lost***


Allied Ships
AK Algorab, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP William P. Biddle
AK Libra, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage ***sunk***


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 75

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

Nells streaking in low over the water:



< Message edited by Veer -- 6/12/2005 11:11:27 PM >

_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

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Post #: 72
KB on the move again! - 6/12/2005 7:32:49 AM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		August 20 – 22 1942

Air activity slows down dramatically these last few days. My bombers at Townsville only manage to achieve hits on one other AP – it’s very disappointing.

High Command has deemed it fit to release the CVE Long Island to me – she now sits in port at Noumea.

Meanwhile, recon identifies the KB (no sign of the Mini KB), heavily escorted by BBs and CAs between Cooktown and Gilli. It’s possible this is another raid, or he may just be covering the withdrawal of some of his ships from Rockhampton. Either way I was planning on attempting another Cooktown convoy, but that idea has now been scrapped. All troops at Cooktown will have to be airlifted out. My Cairns convoy was successful though – and is now unloading it’s troops at Townsville.

August 22nd, the situation:



On the ground, the 31st and 42nd Divisions reach the first Japanese roadblock and overpower it with contemptible ease. Should be another 1-2 days for them to reach Rockhampton.

-----------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/21/42
-----------------------------------------------------

Weather: Thunderstorms

Ground combat at 19,72

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 21514 troops, 290 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 818 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 347 to 1 (fort level 0)


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 400

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 24

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


< Message edited by Veer -- 6/12/2005 7:52:07 AM >

_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 73
RE: KB on the move again! - 6/13/2005 12:25:38 PM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		August 23, 1942

The KB and escorting TFs moves ever closer to the Australian coast – they now lie like some fat unstoppable slug just off the gap in the Barrier Reef / opposite Cooktown. APs now detected accompanying the TF – so this is defiantly the beginning of the invasion – curious. Some mean quirk of fate and weather prevents any air missions being flown from either Townsville or Charter Towers, so allied bomber crews get an enforced day off. An additional quirk of fate extends the same courtesy to allied fighter pilots – who choose today to go awol en masse . Evidently someone neglected to give them orders today, and the Japanese pilots (who obviously do not have as well organised a union) take full advantage. The troop/transport convoy at Townsville is BLASTED out of the water, though luckily it had just finished unloading.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/23/42
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Weather: Thunderstorms

Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 52
A6M3 Zero x 38
D3A Val x 66
B5N Kate x 46

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Alcyone, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Pierce, Bomb hits 2, on fire
APD Colhoun, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Wilson, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Fomalhaut, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage ***sunk***
PG Kiwi, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Almaack
DD Balch, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP George F. Elliot, Bomb hits 1
AK Adhara, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Ormsby
MSW Launceton, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PG Warrego, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Cairns, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Betelgeuse, Bomb hits 1, on fire
PG Tui


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

Many ships have damage in 90+ range, even the Balch, my favorite DD . The only good news is that no follow up strikes are launched, and most ships can probably be saved by undergoing emergency repairs in Townsville Port. I have convened a meeting of Allied HQ to determine who was responsible for this gaff:




With the KB now otherwise engaged, CV Wasp is going to try her raid-thing again.


_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 74
RE: KB on the move again! - 6/14/2005 12:15:58 AM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		August 24 1942

A good day! The Japanese invasion force steams in Cairns – and promptly encounters mines ! BB Mutsu hits a mine – damage may be slight, but then again it may not!

Even better, the Japanese carriers accompany the transports where they get promptly attacked by allied bombers. Trapped in the narrow coastal waters between the Barrier Reef and lacking maneuver room they are unable to escape. Both Zuikaku and Soryu take 500 lb hits . The cost is atrocious though – over 60 allied planes lost in total today. Nonetheless, tomorrow the main Bomber Force at Townsville will put in a maximum effort!


----------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/24/42
----------------------------------------------------------------

Weather: Overcast

Air attack on TF, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
A6M3 Zero x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19
Wirraway x 17
P-400 Airacobra x 15
P-39D Airacobra x 51
Beaufort x 9
B-25D Mitchell x 14
B-26B Marauder x 6
A-20B Havoc x 9
B-17E Fortress x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 7 destroyed *** 8 lost ***
A6M3 Zero x 2 damaged *** 1 lost ***

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7 destroyed
Wirraway x 10 destroyed *** 11 lost ***
P-400 Airacobra x 3 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 22 destroyed *** 26 lost ***
Beaufort x 4 destroyed *** 6 lost ***
B-25D Mitchell x 1 destroyed *** 2 lost ***
B-26B Marauder x 2 destroyed
A-20B Havoc x 2 destroyed
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

PO1 C. Isozaki of F1/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 9

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 1, on fire *** flight deck penetration ***
CV Shokaku
CV Junyo
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 1, on fire *** belt armour penetration ***
CV Hiryu
CV Akagi

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

CV Zuikaku on Fire!




Meanwhile at Rockhampton the end is near – the base is not fully cleared of Japanese troops yet owing to the surprise presence of the 124 Rgt (detached from 35th Bde) there, but with 2 divisions and plenty of close air support, the base should be free tomorrow!


_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 75
Whoo Hoo! - 6/14/2005 12:42:17 AM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		August 25 1942

Today sees the tide of war begining to turn... The KB retreats in fear, leaving the transports in Cairns completely undefended! Not a single zero to be seen for miles! Also, a Japanese SC TF consisting of BBs is spotted just 30 miles out off Townsville. Ofcourse as expected (*sigh*) most of my bombers ignore the SC TF and go after the transports – but the result is still good – 2 Japanese transport TFs are blown out of the water, and the SC TFs gets a few licks as well!

Transports Under attack at Cairns:




----------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/25/42
----------------------------------------------------------------

Air attack on TF, near Cairns at 7,56

Allied aircraft (no escorts, just as well there was no cap!)
SBD Dauntless x 44
TBF Avenger x 22
Beaufort x 8
P-400 Airacobra x 5
P-39D Airacobra x 30
B-25D Mitchell x 14
B-26B Marauder x 22
B-17E Fortress x 9
A-20B Havoc x 3

no losses

Japanese Ships

TF 1:
AP Reiyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Shinnan Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Azumasan Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire
AP Miike Maru, on fire
AP Tatsuho Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Minekaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Sasago Maru
AP Kyokusei Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Nankai Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Kinryu Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ceylon Maru
AP Canberra Maru
ML Hoko, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Yamagiri Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Chihaya Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Tatsuwa Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Kyushu Maru
AP Mogamigawa Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Uyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

TF 2:
AP Kimishima Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tarushima Maru, on fire
AP Unkai Maru #3, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Keisho Maru

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 404
Guns lost 4

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

SC TF
Air attack on TF at 10,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 9
Beaufort x 3
Wirraway x 23
P-400 Airacobra x 12
P-39D Airacobra x 32
B-25D Mitchell x 12
B-26B Marauder x 6
B-17E Fortress x 6
A-20B Havoc x 4

Allied aircraft losses
***10 Aircraft lost - mostly wirraways***

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 2 *** no effect ***
CL Kiso, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Tama
CA Tone, Bomb hits 1
CA Aoba, Bomb hits 1
CL Sendai, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Kagero
CA Chikuma, Bomb hits 1
CA Chokai

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

Japanese bombers attempt to flex there muscele by bombing Cooktown airbase – 47 Betties streak in and create 20 holes in the runway. Quite a waste of ordinance, Cooktown is empty.

Meanwhile the Wasp pulls off her raid flawlessly, though all of the Japanese transports at Lunga roads had withdrawn the turn before. AV Kamikawa Maru docked in port catches a 1000lb bomb. Sensing an opportunity, Aliied HQ orders BB North Carolina under command of Admiral Lee and escorted by 4 CAs, 1 CL and 7 DDs to leave Brisbane harbour for points north...

Let's see what the morrow brings...

< Message edited by Veer -- 6/14/2005 4:12:40 AM >

_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 76
RE: Woo Hoo! - with more hoo and less woo - 6/15/2005 10:50:07 AM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		August 26 1942

Message: Top secret

From: Allied Forward HQ

Urgent Urgent. Japanese forces landed 6 miles NW Cairns. Identified: 38 Division, 65 Bde, 35 Bde, 2nd Div (elmts) + Crops artillery/AA and engineer units. Est. strength: 30K plus. Many transports unloading Cairns harbour. Please advise.


To: Allied Forward HQ
From: CINCPAC

…
Eliminate them.
…

*insert heavy metal music here*

________________________________________ End Message


Events today are too numerous to recount. A pre-dawn shelling of the runway at Townsville by Japanese BBs gets mistaken for a light drizzle and consequently ignored. Early dawn sees wave after wave of allied bombers fighting their way through heavy Zero CAP to attack Japanese transports off Cairns. 11 transports suffer multiple bomb/torpedo hits and sustain heavy damage – 6 sink and the remainder are expected to. A further 9 transports are left on fire with moderate to heavy damage and might sink. In addition 2 DDs were sunk outright, CL Yura was caught retreating to Gilli and damaged. The Emperors forces at Gilli don’t go unscathed either - 3 APs and a TK are caught in Milne Bay and badly damaged by long range bombers – they might sink as well.

The cost is heavy though – particularly in escorts. The nail biting allied Captain has to sit through several minutes of “LTJG H.Kasai of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 6,7,8,9…” before combat results begin to filter in. Of the 106 F4F wildcats committed to the fight, an astounding 49 are lost! Even worse, 23 of the 26 Wirraways are lost, as are 14 of the 18 P-400s! All in all the Allies lost 105 aircraft today (all but 3 in A-to-A) compared to 16 Zeros lost. A bloody stinkin’ 10:1 ratio.

Onto brighter news, the enemy infestation of Rockhampton is over, and all Japanese infesters have been accounted for. 31st and 42nd Divisions will continue their trek northwards, clearing the highways for the supply trucks. And even though Townsville is in no danger of running out of supplies soon, a large AP/AK convoy escorted by the CVE Long Island sets sail from Noumea for Australia bearing supplies and much needed replacement aircraft.

The Rockhampton Campaign:


Dates in red denote when Rockhampton fell to the Japanese.
Dates in black show the progress of the allied counter-attack.


Meanwhile, Admiral Lees TF (BB North Carolina and escorts) continues to sail north. She should reach Cairns by tonight. No significant Japanese surface forces have been detected among the transports… Should be fun.


< Message edited by Veer -- 6/15/2005 10:40:48 PM >

_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 77
Naval Battle of Cairns - 6/16/2005 12:18:34 AM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		August 27 1942

First Naval Battle of Cairns

In the pitch blackness of the Australian winter, two mighty fleets blunder into each other – on one side is the remnants of the force which bombarded Townsville the night before – BB Hiei, CAs Chikuma and Chokai, CLs Yura and Tama and DD Kagero. On the other is the mighty BB North Carolina, showboat of the US Navy, escorted by the cruisers Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Quincy, Vincennes, the CL St. Louis and 7 DDs.

The BBs begin the battle. It should be no contest. The North Carolina has 9 16” guns versus 8 14” guns on the Hiei. And while the penetrating power of the shells may be similar, the 16inchers can deliver almost 50% more explosive damage. Not only that, but the Americans have better fire control, damage control and thicker armour overall. Yet the honours are almost even – at ranges of 4,000-5,000 yards 3 14inchers hit the North Carolina, one bounces off the belt, but the other two penetrate causing heavy casualties and minor damage. In retaliation the North Carolina pumps 3 16inchers into the Hiei – all penetrate her armour and massive fires break out on the ship. The Allied DDs are off chasing ghosts and as a result the Japanese get an opportunity to launch their long lances. In quick succession the CAs Salt Lake City and Vincennes are hit by two lances each and the San Francisco takes one. The Salt Lake is also the unlucky receipt of a 14” shell from the Hiei. In retaliation the CA Chokai and CLs Yura & Tama are liberally blasted by 8” shells, and the BB Hiei gets struck by a torpedo launched by the DD Fanning.

With that the Japanese task force breaks off, and Lee enters the harbour –unopposed and with transports in sight! A flurry of 16” and 8” shells sinks the troopships Tatsuwa and Toa Maru… but then Admiral Tanaka, loath to leave his transports to the tender mercy of allied guns turns his battered ships around – once again seeking to enter the fire. The fight this time is brutal. Salt Lake City succumbs to her wounds and slips beneath the waves, while the CA Vincennes takes another long lance hit and quietly slips out of formation to sink latter . CL Yura is sunk, CL Tama and DD Kagero are mortally wounded and CAs Chikuma and Chokai are set ablaze. BB Hiei is takes another 3 16” shells from the North Carolina, but not before putting another 14” into the mighty battleship herself.

With that both task forces break off. With the coming of dawn Lee decides not to linger in the dangerous waters off the coral reef, while the Japanese are too wounded to pursue. On the return to Townsville CA Quincy is hit by a torpedo by roving I-2 , damage is minor (considering) but the allied ships aren’t safe until they make it back to port.


The BB North Carolina at night:




*****


Dawn also sees a flight of 40+ Betty bombers attacking Townsville. No CAP is up, but flak accounts for 6 of the intruders. A supply dump is hit though and of the first time available supplies at Townsville drop below 55K (demand is 15K).

As the sun rises in the sky allied bombers once again take to the air, seeking out the crippled ships in Cairns Harbour. A further 7 Japanese transports are sunk, another 6 left burning with multiple bomb hits. BBs Hiei and CL Tama are caught in the open as well. Under the weight of 16 bomb hits CL Tama sinks like a stone, while the Hiei shudders under 12 hits from 500 pound bombs.

The air war also seems to be slipping back into allied favour – only 12 fighter are lost today for 8 zeros killed.


_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 78
RE: Naval Battle of Cairns - 6/16/2005 12:47:58 AM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		August 28 1942

In the aftermath of the Naval battle of Cairns the Allied command takes stock – the battle was technically a draw – though the Hiei should sink as should several of the cruisers. But the loss of the Salt Lake and Vincennes sting, while both the San Fran and Quincy have systems damage in the 60s. The North Carolina is in fighting trim though – systems damage is a nominal 21, with about 10 fires. Tomorrow Admiral Smith will lead a small force of DDs back to Cairns to eliminate any survivors.

A further flight of 40+ betties attacks Townsville today morning, but allied CAP is up and 18 of the intruders are brought down in flames. Today also sees the loss of 5 allied fighters to 5 zeros.

Recon detects a stream of damaged and disabled warships streaming back from Cairns to Gilli. I have 5 of my 6 operational submarines patrolling the approaches to Gilli – a ML is sunk and 2 APs, a PG and a TK are wounded.


August 29 1942

Second Naval Battle of Cairns

Admiral Smith leads his force of 6 DDs into Cairns harbour expecting to find only cripples and bumps into a fresh force of 4 Japanese DD’s. This second naval battle of Cairns is short and swift. The Japanese destroyer force is butchered, but not before DDs Laffey and Stockton are hit by Long Lances. Laffey falls further prey to I-24 which sends her to the bottom with 3 torpedoes, while the Stockton has to be scuttled.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/29/42
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese Ships
DD Murasame, Shell hits 40, and is sunk
DD Ikazuchi, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Shiokaze, Shell hits 14, on fire
DD Numakaze, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Laffey, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage ***sunk by sub***
DD Stockton, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage ***scuttled**
DD Benham
DD Ellet, Shell hits 3
DD Fanning, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Phelps


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


In the good news section, no sign of BB Hiei or escorts, while DD Stack survives the fall of Cairns is is now back in Townsville harbour with 90 sys and 56 Flt damage. A further 11 Betties and 6 Zeros are shot down today at the cost of 8 allied fighters. I don’t think I’ll be seeing any more betties for a while.


DD Stockton



_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 79
RE: Whoo Hoo! - 6/16/2005 10:10:54 AM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		August 30 1942

Another 4 Japanese transports sink during the night, 2 by subs, though both my fleet class boats (Pickerel and Drum) have no luck. Recon indicates several damaged ships in port at Cairns, including the BB Hiei, so a full airstrike is launched. In accordance with AAF regulations 1785.34-dash-E, Article 3, Section IV, para 3, left hand column: ‘How to fly escort – the chivalrous way’ all fighters fly straight and true with big red bulls eyes painted on their tails. The objective being to cause the enemy interceptors to run out of ammo and thus ensure a safe passage for the bombers. Atleast that is the only explanation I can come up with . So after several more minutes of sitting through “LTJG M.Morita of F2/2nd Daitai is credited with kill number 5,6,7…”, the first combat reports filter in:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/30/42
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Air attack on Cairns Port, at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
A6M3 Zero x 24 *** F2/1, F2/2, F1/6 and EII-1 Daitais***

Allied aircraft

Escorts:
F4F-4 Wildcat x 35
P-400 Airacobra x 8
P-39D Airacobra x 49

Bombers:
SBD Dauntless x 74
TBF Avenger x 15
Hudson x 14
Beaufort x 12
B-25D Mitchell x 29
B-26B Marauder x 29
A-20B Havoc x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 3 damaged *** 3 lost***

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9 destroyed *** 30% loss rate ***
P-400 Airacobra x 6 destroyed *** 80% loss rate ***
P-39D Airacobra x 15 destroyed *** 30% loss rate ***

SBD Dauntless x 5 destroyed
A-20B Havoc x 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
AP Azumasan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nana Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
CL Tama, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 10, heavy damage
AP Tenryu Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Yoshinogawa Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shinkoku Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
TK Akebono Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 1693
Guns lost 10

Port hits 19
Port supply hits 10 *** wow ***

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

BB Hiei suffers several 250Lb, 500 Lb and 1000lb hits – this should definitely spell the end of her. CL Tama sinks outright as do 3 other transports . However all fighters are to be stood down until some solution can be found for the crippling loss rate. The Wirraway squadrons have faired particularly badly these past few days – I have only 8 operational planes left in 3 squadrons. The F4F Wildcat pool has decreased from over 100 a week ago to 6 today . The silver lining is that CV Enterprise has arrived back in the South Pacific, as have several fighter and bomber squadrons withdrawn at the time of the battle for PM (now 60 days ago).

The Situation:



_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 80
RE: Whoo Hoo! - 6/16/2005 11:05:04 PM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		August 31 1942

The last day of the month sees little action as thunderstorms shut down air activity. Another Japanese transport does fall victim to allied subs, though SS Drum expends two torpedoes for no luck, once again.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/31/42
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 12,53

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

Allied Ships
SS S-43

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


_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 81
Month end review - 6/16/2005 11:10:11 PM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		Dear Prime Minister Churchill,
G’day and hearty greetings to you Prime Minister! I think you’ll be glad to know that you’re Australian dependents are doing fairly well at the moment – and no, you can’t have them back to launch some damm’ed fool campaign in the Med. And while I do understand you’re concern about how I could have learnt about the fall of Tobruk before it actually fell, I regret that I cannot disclose my sources. Professional integrity and all that :). Please be aware though that it was a slight oversight on my part and won’t happen again. Meanwhile we’ve had our own mini Berlin Airlift here (you’ll know what I’m talking about in a few years) in a way, though I’m worried about the presence the Royal navy in the South Pacific – or rather the lack thereof. I mean neither Germany or Italy have any carriers, so there is no reasons why not to release a few to us down under, wouldn’t you say?

Anyway cheerio,

Veer

________________________________________ End Message


End of August 1942 stats:


Bases controlled

..............| Jap : Allied
End July | 16 : 18
August 31 | 23 (+7) : 12 (-6)

Aircraft Losses This Month:

Jap – 174 – 62 Bombers, 78 Fighters, 8 Dive Bombers, 2 Torpedo Bombers, 24 Misc

Allied – 395 – 43 Bombers, 28 Dive Bombers, 8 Torpedo Bombers, 264 Fighters/FBs , 52 Misc.

Aircraft Losses YTD:

Jap – 419 – 130 Bombers, 175 Fighters, 17 Dive Bombers, 12 Torpedo Bombers, 85 Misc

Allied – 947 – 179 Bombers, 91 Dive Bombers, 24 Torpedo Bombers, 489 Fighters/FBs, 164 Misc

Ships confirmed sunk (this month):

Jap – 2 CL, 7 DD, 24 AP, 1 TK, 1 SS, 6 Misc*

Allied – 2 CA, 5 DD, 3 AP, 3 AK, 1 SS, 6 Misc*

* PC, PG, SC, DMS, DM, ML, etc.

Ships confirmed sunk YTD:

Jap – 1 CA, 2 CL, 15 DD, 34 AP, 2 TK, 5 SS, 14 Misc
Total = 73

Allied – 1 CV, 6 CA, 2 CL, 15 DD, 4 AP, 6 AK, 4 SS, 12 Misc
Total = 50

Army Loss points YTD:

Allied : 287
Japan : 296

Allied Operational LBA in theatre: 495 (up 63) (not counting carrier squadrons detached to temp. LBA duty)
At start of month: 432

Overall Score:

Japan | Allied
8901 | 4306

Difference: +4595
Axis lead increases since July end:+1226

*********

The month in review and the plan going forward:

The plan for September:



Click here for image

Despite the devastating air losses in contesting the Japanese landing in Northern Australia, August was a good month for the Allies. The NG Airlift succeeded far batter than expected. The major command elements of all Bdes but one were evacuated safely to Townsville – most are now at 80% TOE. Thanks to a careful policy of conservation, most bomber squadrons are at full strength, and fighter strength has largely recovered through the arrival of reinforcements. The Japanese raiding force at Rockhampton has been eliminated, though the cost was higher than expected – 31st and 42nd Divs are fatigued and operating at about 60% efficiency.

Come mid-September and the arrival of the 5th Air Force a major bombing campaign will be launched to crush the invaders in Cooktown and Cairns. Once the fleet carriers arrive several advance bases will be constructed in the Santa Cruz Islands, planning for a return to Guadalcanal (possibly via Irau), maybe by November?




_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 82
Hiei Sunk! - 6/17/2005 9:11:04 PM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline
The first day of the month and some good news for once! BB Hiei has miraculously survived the pounding of the last few days and is spotted 120 miles NE of Cairns, heading home. A special naval attack force, specially deployed to Cooktown for this special purpose finds the Hiei and sends her to her doom. We have confirmed reports that the emperors portrait was lost. A special day!

--------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/01/42
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Weather: Overcast

Air attack on TF at 10,54

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 12
Beaufighter VIC x 18
Beaufort x 3

no losses

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 11, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage ***sunk***

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

BB Hiei under attack:




A round of Beer for everyone!

In other news an airfield attack on Cairns finds heavy Flak but no aircraft. The SS Drum takes two swipes at CA Chikuma SW of Gilli, but misses both times . SS Drum has now expended all her torpedoes for not a single hit on anything. The aforementioned beer ration is cancelled for her captain and redistributed to Allied HQ who feels he deserves it more.


_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 83
RE: Hiei Sunk! - 6/17/2005 10:28:51 PM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		September 2 - 5 1942

Little happens to disturb the peace. A Japanese troopship is torpedoed just off Gilli, but most of my subs are now out of ammo and have to retire. Japanese CVs are moving again – CV Hiryu was spotted steaming out of Gilli, heading full steam SE – towards Noumea! This may be a raid, so all units in SOPAC are on high alert. Meanwhile, the Raid on Rockhampton is finally over and the highway open once again. 31st and 42nd Divisions will retire to Rockhampton to rest and recuperate.

Raid on Rockhampton Evaluation:

Naval:
The Japanese committed a goodly portion of the Combined Fleet – however most of these merely supported the invasion by their presence – no offensive attacks were launched with either the KB or the 4+ BBs. The Allies choose not to contest the invasion, but a transport TF was caught in the open. Confirmed losses for the Japanese are 1 DD, 2 MLs, and 4 APs – with 1 BB, 1 CA, maybe a CVL and some transports damaged. The Allies lost 2 APs, 2 AKs and 3 Misc.

Air:
Losses are difficult to quantify, but the allies initially opposed the invasion with about 30 B-17s and 40 F4Fs. A further 60 F4F, 60 SDBs and 30 Torpedo bombers were committed as reinforcements. The allies lost about 40 F, 10 DB/TBs and 10 B-17s, The Japanese losses came to about 20-25F, mostly to op losses.

Ground:
Complete and under victory, over 11K Jap troops destroyed completely . The ground campaign lasted from 08/18 to 09/04 and could have had an effect on Townsville supply, except SJ could not keep the sea routes to Townsville completely closed.

Overall I would say – 4 out of 5 Beers



_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 84
RE: Hiei Sunk! - 6/20/2005 10:15:45 AM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		September 6 - 8 1942



The lazy days continue. Allied command has fallen into a sense of lethargy and general slothfulness. Even the enemy naval forces have mysteriously vanished into the vastness of the Coral Sea and there is not a peep or a pip to be heard from them. An envoy as been dispatched to the Japanese emperor to discover if the Japanese have secretly decided to surrender without telling anyone.

The re-arrangement of forces in Australia continues. The plan is to mass as many combat units and engineers as possible into Townsville, with 31st and 42nd Div forming a local reserve at Rockhampton, while 6th Australian Div and 5th Tank Regiment forms a theater reserve at Brisbane. Once all troops are in order, Allied HQ will decide what we can do with them.

Anyway it’s time for another staff report:

Cairns Invasion evaluation:

Naval:
Once again the almost entire combined fleet came out in force – atleast 6 CVs identified (Kaga and CVL Shoho missing) along with 2 BBs – Mutsu and Hiei (Kongo, Haruna missing) and a large number of APs. Against this the allies had 1 CV (off in SOPAC), 1 BB, 4 CAs, 2 CLs and 12 DDs total. The allies lost a total of 7 ships – 2 CAs, 2 DDs, 1 PG and 2 APs . 1 BB, 2 CAs, 3 DDs, about 6 APs and 4 Misc ships were damaged badly enough to be sent to Pearl for repair. The Japanese lost 1 BB (Hiei), 2 CLs, 4 DDs, an amazing 20+ transports and another 4-8 misc ships . 2 CAs were badly damaged, and 2 CVs, 2 CAs and 1 BB suffered probably damage.

Air:
Do the words Catastrophic Defeat mean anything? Virtually the entire allied force was committed by the end of the battle – some 550+ aircraft. Losses came to 82F (all Wildcats), 126 FBs, 19 Bombers and 10 other aircraft . Japanese losses came to 54 Zeros, 41 Bombers and about 20 other aircraft.

Ground:
Not much action here. About 30-40K Japanese troops landed at Cairns. I expect my aviators will be using their big red on white flags as bulls-eyes soon.

Overall:
Allied Command is feeling a lot better after the Cairns invasion. Self-confidence is back, and all appointments with the shrink have been put on hold. Sure a small piece of Australian territory was lost – but it’s not like we’re living a democracy and actually have to care about the “people”. The air losses were terrible, but thankfully the sinking of Ľ the Japanese transport fleet makes up for it - mostly. A group of environmentalists did complain about what effect so many sunken hulks will have on the coral reefs. I’m not 100% sure what happened to them after that, but am quite happy to report that all further complaints have mysteriously ceased.

Overall I would say: 4 out of 5 Beers, with a hint of lemon




_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 85
RE: Hiei Sunk! - 6/20/2005 10:41:35 AM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		September 9 - 11 1942

A Japanese fleet consisting of 3 Battleships paid an uninvited visit to Townsville last night. They promptly began behaving like uncouth adolescents by proceeding to smash shore installations using 14, 16 and 18 inch shells. An allied ASW TF and transport TF sent in to discipline these brats turned out to be not quite equal to the task....

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

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Kirishima
BB Yamato *** was wondering where he was and well, now I know***
CA Haguro
CA Ashigara
CL Naka
CL Isuzu, Shell hits 1
DD Akitsuki
DD Kuroshio

Allied Ships
PG Moa
PG Tui, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
SC 521, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
SC 522, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
SC 642, Shell hits 7, heavy damage
SC 645, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
AK Alchiba, Shell hits 2, on fire
AK Etamin, Shell hits 39, and is sunk
AK Alcyone, Shell hits 14, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Almaack
AK Mildura

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

As it is AK Mildura was sunk latter by I-121 and I-2 operating off Townsville. The Japanese battleships made a return visit the next day, accompanied by the sighting of Japanese CVs near Cooktown, soon followed by the bombing of Cooktown and killing of said observer . Regardless, the 2 day bombardment of Townsville had absolutely no effect beyond confusing the local feral population and aiding the efforts of several GIs to score with the local female population. .

In other news a jap FT TF breezed past my minefields at Irau and captured the base . Allied PBYs have now rebased to Rennell. CVs Enterprise and Wasp (TF 2) are in the vicinity however, and will pay the Japanese a surprise visit of their own tomorrow. *evil laugh*



< Message edited by Veer -- 6/22/2005 5:25:57 AM >

_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 86
RE: Hiei Sunk! - 6/22/2005 10:40:57 AM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		September 12 – 15 1942

Events in Australia move slowly. A recon attack by Beauforts and SBDs on Cairns runs into heavy concentrations of Japanese flak. Losses are light, but many planes are damaged and will require a few days to repair. Allied command has decided that all offensive air combat operations will cease pending the arrival of 5th Air force HQ and further reinforcements. A small Japanese invasion force (elements of 144 and 141 Rgts) captured Cooktown Base. As Mr. Burns would say: “Eexcellent.”


Meanwhile in SOPAC, TF 2 is launches the first successful combined strike of the war and bushwhacks a small Japanese destroyer force off Irau. TF 2 will now resist temptation to make a follow up strike on Lunga (repeat to self: must resist! must resist!) and retire back to the safety of Noumea via the Santa Cruz Islands



------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/12/42
-------------------------------------------------------------

Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 24
SBD Dauntless x 61
TBF Avenger x 13


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 6 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Inazuma
DD Arashio, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akebono, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Natsugumo, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yamagumo, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

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


_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 87
13 Days of Boredom - 6/23/2005 11:15:47 AM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		16 September 1942



17 September 1942

Day 1 and our Lord slept.

18 September 1942

Day 2 and our Lord continued to sleep

19 September 1942

Day 3 and our Lord creaked an eye open, saw all was well, and slept.

20 September 1942

Day 4 – Our Lord wrote an angry letter to Nimitz complaining about the spare carriers rusting away at Pearl, and slept.

21-24 September 1942

Day 5,6,7,8 and our Lord slept.

25 September 1942

Day 9 and our Lord admitted he was a little bored.

26 September 1942

Day 10 and our Lord was rudely awoken by a report from Number 2 about how the last and latest rescue mission to Lea Lea by a bunch of APDs and DMs resulted in the rescue of 500 men and the crippling of one APD Sands by a Type 93 mine and the general consensus was that such a mission should not be attempted again, and besides reconnaissance had detected a force of Cruisers now parked of Lea Lea and reliable sources all agreed that Lea Lea was a mighty fine beach to be stranded on all things considered, so the whole attempt at rescue was perhaps an episode in futilely to begin with… Our Lord sighed, looked around for something to hit Number 2 with, and upon failing to find even a simple bedside clock, went back to bed.

27 September 1942

Day 11 and on discovering that most of the guests had left Cairns for points north, our Lord found a new use for Number 2 and dispatched with a small force to uncover what they found lacking in our hospitaility. And then our Lord smiled to himself and went back to a sound undisturbed sleep.

28-29 September 1942

Day 12, 13 and our Lord had a dream about a miracle submarine S-43 which expended its entire load of torpedoes in one night by sinking a tanker and crippling a transport just of Bougainville. The dream was so vivid that our Lord directed it to be preserved for all prosperity and shown in all theaters before the 8 O’clock news.

The Dream:





and thus in the annals of our time did september paseth...

_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 88
RE: 13 Days of Boredom - 6/23/2005 1:48:54 PM   
Terminus


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Joined: 4/23/2005
From: Denmark
Status: offline

_____________________________

We are all dreams of the Giant Space Butterfly.

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 89
Sept Month End - 6/25/2005 7:12:10 PM   
Veer


Posts: 2231
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Excuse me
Status: offline 		30 September 1942

End of the month and our Lord awoke… and decided it was time for a Month End Report! :


Dear President Roosevelt,

Thanks for the gramophone and radio you sent me. And while I don’t always have time to listen to your fireside chats, you can rest assured that I’ve got the 808th EAB busy constructing my new fireplace as I write! September was a quiet month down here, which allowed us to recover from the wounds suffered over the last few months. The forty thousand or so Japanese guests in Australia are very polite and actually a little shy (they tend to keep to themselves a lot). There was a small incident in the beginning of the month when they raped, ravaged and pillaged the towns of Cooktown and Cairns, but that was a simple cultural misunderstanding and is all in the past now. I expect there will be more news come October, and I’ll be sure to keep you posted!

How comes the polio? I’ve been telling everyone about how remarkable it is that you’ve done such a splendid job of keeping it a secret. Though now that the topic has come up, I’ve got this awful pain in all the diodes down my left side…

Your obedient servant,


Veer
_______________________________________End Message


End of September 1942 stats:


Bases controlled

..............| Jap : Allied
End July | 23 : 12
Sept 30 | 24 (+1) : 12

Aircraft Losses This Month:

Jap – 69 – 55 Fighters, 1 Dive Bomber, 13 Misc

Allied – 54 – 22 Bombers, 2 Dive Bombers, 2 Torpedo Bombers, 22 Fighters/FBs, 6 Misc

Aircraft Losses YTD:

Jap – 488 – 130 Bombers, 230 Fighters, 18 Dive Bombers, 12 Torpedo Bombers, 98 Misc

Allied – 1001 – 201 Bombers, 93 Dive Bombers, 26 Torpedo Bombers, 511 Fighters/FBs, 170 Misc

Ships confirmed sunk (this month):

Jap – 1 BB , 4 DD, 8 AP, 3 TK, 1 Misc*

Allied – 3 AK, 5 Misc*

* PG, SC, APD, ML, etc.

Ships confirmed sunk YTD:

Jap – 1 BB, 1 CA, 2 CL, 19 DD, 42 AP, 5 TK, 5 SS, 15 Misc
Total = 90

Allied – 1 CV, 6 CA, 2 CL, 15 DD, 4 AP, 9 AK, 4 SS, 17 Misc
Total = 58

Army Loss points YTD:

Allied : 311
Japan : 317

Allied Operational LBA in theatre: 730 (up 235)
At start of month: 495

Overall Score:

Japan | Allied
10195 | 4357

Difference: +5838
-----------------------------------------------------------

The plan for October revolves around several newly conceived operations. In SWPAC, Operation Lucky will see the recapture of Cairns by the 3rd Australian Div. Operation Strike will then see the repeated bombing of Cooktown, possibly followed by a ground assault. Cairns is to be back in allied hands by mid-October, and the Cooktown force neutralized by the end of the month. Following which I can plan my return to New Guinea.




In SOPAC, Operation Knuckle-Hammer will see the building of bases at Gavigamana and Nevea. Both are to be Lvl 3 airfeilds on which I shall base Marine F4Fs and SBDs by the middle of the month. Then I can plan for a return to Irau and the neutralization of Japanese threat on Guadalcanal. 3rd Fleet will cover this operation.




1 October 1942

The last day of September saw a bit of action. A strike by the Long Range Bomber Force attacked shipping at Gilli Gilli port. Encountering CAP the raid resulted in the loss of 5 B-17s. Not going to try that again!
Meanwhile PC 24 hit a mine at Rossell and sank. SS Drum returned to form by torpedoing an AP just off Buka . After a long hiatus my 5 subs are now back in position. Now if I just knew what the Japanese were upto…


< Message edited by Veer -- 6/25/2005 7:13:00 PM >

_____________________________

In time of war the first casualty is truth. - Boake Carter

(in reply to Veer)
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