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RE: The Copperas Bowl: Allied Perspective

 
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RE: The Copperas Bowl: Allied Perspective - 5/5/2005 3:16:58 PM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/3/42 - A few more bomber squadrons hit GG, ecountering moderate CAP, destroying about 20 Jap planes and causing some 600 casualties. I believe GG's airfield is out of operation momentarily, so the CAP must be coming from Rossel, Lae, etc.

Two medium bomber squadrons newly transferred to PM will lend a hand at Wau this turn (last turn's "shock attack" resulted in 300 Allied casualties and 200 Jap). Most of the rest of my bomber squadrons will rest this turn and leave the GG strikes to two TFs scheduled to arrive today. I don't know exactly what they will encounter. John appears to have spotted the TFs and may have a reception committee waiting.

The Jap CV TF on the right flank skedaddled due west and passed close to Nevea and Koura. Sadly, my Dauntlesses and Avengers did not sally forth despite the presence of Wildcats for escort duty. An opportunity missed to take a shot at a few Jap CVs that didn't seem to have large numbers of CAP....

Allied invasion fleet nearing Townsville. I believe it will head to PM unless events over the next few turn are decidely in the Allies favor creating an opening to hit GG. If not, then I believe I will focus on getting supplies to PM and strengthening PM's ability to serve as a base for medium bomber strikes.

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 61
RE: The Copperas Bowl: Allied Perspective - 5/6/2005 6:47:50 AM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/5/42 - Both sides are parrying at the moment....Allied invasion TF hugging the Australian coast between Townsville and Cairns....Many Jap TFs (including CVs) hovering in the vicinity of Rossel Islands and just to the north...another Jap raiding TF (this one with one CVL) approaching the Koumac area (I don't believe it has the wherewithal to do any mischief).

The Allied bombardment of GG on 9/4 was successful and unopposed by Jap ships. However, Jap CVs were close enough to launch several air strikes on the retiring ships, doing more damage to the Japs (20 Vals lost) than to the ships (CA Chicago suffered moderate damage, BB North Carolina took about 7 bombs but they apparently bounced off the superstructure as SYS damage is 3, flooding 0, and fires 3). The bombardment and repeated air strikes seems to have shut down GG airfield but good.

PM bombers hit Wau the past two turns resulting in minimal Jap casualties (about 70 soldiers total). Jap bombardment at Wau usually inflicts about 10-15 Allied casualties per turn.

A lonely Jap infantry unit has appeared in the Owen Stanley mountains apparently making its way towards PM. I have to assume it is the vanguard of a much larger expeditionary force still hacking its way through the jungle near Buna. There aint no way John is going to make a genuine move on PM that way....

Overall, I am still waiting to see what happens. Will John push his CVs forward to strike the large Allied TF? I really doubt it. If not, I'll probably recall the ships, unload the troops at Townsville, and send a very large supply convoy to PM escorted by CVs.

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 62
RE: The Copperas Bowl: Allied Perspective - 5/6/2005 3:38:56 PM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/6/42 - Jockeying for position continues. My invasion fleet (5 TFs) is just NE of Cooktown...The Japs have a large surface combat TF SSW of Rossel and a CV TF SSE of Rossel (both far off the coast and nearly due east of Cairns)...also other Jap TFs at Rossel and around the area.

My invasion TF will move a few hexes ESE in hopes that the Japs are moving toward Australia or toward the invasion fleet. Given the massive amounts of Jap ships available to contest a landing at GG, I am only going to commit my ships on home ground. If the Japs don't come hunting, I'll pull back to Townsville in a few turns.

Jap CVL TF off Koumac not spotted and has disappeared into the expanse of the Coral Sea.

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 63
RE: The Copperas Bowl: Allied Perspective - 5/7/2005 2:05:35 AM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/7/42 - Everytime I think John has lost his mind - - he promptly proves me wrong, outmaneuvers me, and leaves me muttering dark words....Therefore, I should not repeat that mistake, but, I swear, John has, ahem, lost his mind - - yet again....

He's divided his forces, inviting some sort of thrashing in detail. He has a TF with two (not one) CVLs SW of Noumea (it picked off a 96 sys damage AP that was limping home to Noumea, but other than that there aren't any targets in the area). A bombardment/surface TF is one hex from Townsville (what's he thinking) that got hit by some Cairns-based bombers (see damage report below). The problem with this TF is that the Allied invasion/CV TF is now between the Japs and home. John will have to send that TF to the south or southeast or it's going to get hammered on its way home. That may be his plan - to soak off Allied naval aircraft - but that would suit me nicely. The rest of the Jap TFs are in the vicinity of Rossel Islands.

The division of Jap forces possibly opens the way to GG, and my invasion force will slowly make its way in that direction, but won't be committed until things clear up over the next few turns. If Allied naval air takes losses hitting surface ships, I'll withdraw the invasion TF to Townsville.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/07/42

Weather: Rain

Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 12

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 98

Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 5000 feet
9 x B-25D Mitchell at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,70

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
B5N Kate x 11

no losses

Allied Ships
AP Ormiston, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,70

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
B5N Kate x 14

no losses

Allied Ships
AP Ormiston, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,61

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 17
P-400 Airacobra x 10
B-17E Fortress x 18

Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Takanami
DD Yunagi
CL Natori, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Nagato
CL Sendai
DD Matsukaze
CA Atago, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA Kumano, Bomb hits 1
DD Mutsuki
DD Namikaze, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,70

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
B5N Kate x 24

no losses

Allied Ships
AP Ormiston, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wau

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12594 troops, 195 guns, 50 vehicles

Defending force 10443 troops, 129 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 65
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 85

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 64
RE: The Copperas Bowl: Allied Perspective - 5/8/2005 3:42:05 AM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/8/42 - I got everything I wanted except results.

The Allied invasion TF ended up between all kinds of Japs ships including the bombardment TF, some damaged stragglers, and a Jap CV TF (probably 3 CVs - Zuikaku, Shokaku and Junyo). The Allies had plenty of land based recon and got the drop on the Japs, launching three or four waves of attacks before the Japs were able to retaliate, but the results were disappointing - call it even or perhaps a marginal Allied victory...

Allied naval air put two bombs in Junyo and one in Zuikaku, but too many attacks went against scattered Jap surface ships with a hit here and there against various cruisers.

Initial Jap naval air attacks didn't make it through CAP, suffering enormous losses...but the final attack with some Zero escorts scored two torp hits on Saratoga, leaving her unable to launch aircraft.

Both sides lost enormous numbers of aircraft (nearly 90 of which were US Wildcats and Dauntless; the Japs lost only a handful of Zeros but 60 or 70 Kates and Vals).

The Allied naval air is hurting, but I can't give up on a battle on home territory at even odds or an advantage (depending upon whether the Jap CVLs can make it into the fray before we break off). So I've sent my invasion TF SE to a point NE of Townsville and in a position in which it should be able to strike Junyo if it was slowed by the bombs. But with the Japs having alot of Zeros left, the Allies could come out on the short end of things....

I detailed Saratoga with a 2 DD escort to head back to Townsville.

John made a mistake in permitting his CVs to enter battle piecemeal, but so far he has come out of it fine...the next turn could bolster the Jap position or swing things the other way.

Combat results:
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/08/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
no losses

Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 36
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 34

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 2
P-400 Airacobra x 10
P-39D Airacobra x 9
P-40E Kittyhawk x 11

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

Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 3 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 24
B-26B Marauder x 13

Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 12 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 78

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 11

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 21
B-25D Mitchell x 9

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 158
Guns lost 1

Runway hits 18
Port hits 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x Hudson at 5000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 5000 feet
3 x Hudson at 5000 feet
6 x B-25D Mitchell at 5000 feet
6 x Hudson at 5000 feet
3 x Hudson at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 20
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 6

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 124th Regiment, at 8,35

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 20
P-39D Airacobra x 15
P-40E Kittyhawk x 7
B-26B Marauder x 14

Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 11
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lae at 9,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
A6M3 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Horaisan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Iwaki Maru, Bomb hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 26

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 20,59

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 45

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 13
SBD Dauntless x 17

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 14 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 5 damaged

PO2 I.Nakajima of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 1
CV Shokaku
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 20,59

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 37

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15
SBD Dauntless x 16
TBF Avenger x 14

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

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 4 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 16 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 14 damaged

PO2 R.Shiga of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo
CV Zuikaku
CL Naka, Bomb hits 4, on fire
CA Ashigara
CV Shokaku
CA Chikuma, Bomb hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 20,59

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 41

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 24
SBD Dauntless x 11
TBF Avenger x 13

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

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 5 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 5 damaged
TBF Avenger x 6 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 6 damaged

WO T. Tanimizu of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
CA Ashigara
DD Hatsuyuki
CL Nagara, Bomb hits 1
CV Junyo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 16,58

Allied aircraft
TBD Devastator x 12

no losses

Japanese Ships
CL Natori, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,53

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 27

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 47

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 16 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged

LCDR P. Ramsey of VF-2 is credited with kill number 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,53

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 47

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 14 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 damaged


FO W.Hardy of VMF-223 is credited with kill number 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,53

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 47

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 15 destroyed
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

LT H. Mitchell of VF-6 is credited with kill number 9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,53

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A Val x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 47

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged

ENS A. Vraciu of VF-6 is credited with kill number 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 33

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 2
P-400 Airacobra x 18
P-39D Airacobra x 14
P-40E Kittyhawk x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 2 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 3 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 damaged
FLT P.Wilson of No. 76 Sqn RAAF is credited with kill number 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lae at 9,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
A6M3 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 3
P-40E Kittyhawk x 20

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

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 1 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 3 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Ryuosan Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 20,58

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12
SBD Dauntless x 38

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 14 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 30 damaged

WO B.Koizumi of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CV Shokaku
CA Chikuma
CA Ashigara
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 20,58

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 23
SBD Dauntless x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 13 damaged

PO1 L.Katagi of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 7

LT Y. Shiga of DII-1 Daitai is KILLED

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku
DD Ikazuchi
CV Junyo, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 17,52

Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 6

no losses

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano, Bomb hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x B-25D Mitchell at 5000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 16,58

Allied aircraft
TBD Devastator x 11

no losses

Japanese Ships
CL Natori, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,53

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
D3A Val x 27
B5N Kate x 13

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 39

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 5 destroyed
B5N Kate x 12 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged

LT H. Mitchell of VF-6 is credited with kill number 10

Allied Ships
CV Hornet
CV Saratoga, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wau

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12016 troops, 194 guns, 50 vehicles

Defending force 10357 troops, 129 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 8

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 65
RE: The Copperas Bowl: Allied Perspective - 5/9/2005 3:52:25 PM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/9/42 - This round went for the Allies.

The Allied invasion/CV force once again ended up in the middle of scattered elements of the IJN.

Junyo had been left far behind by Zokaku and Shokaku, indicating that she suffered major damage. This turn, B-17s from Cairns scored three more bomb hits on Junyo.

Zo and Sho were scampering home, but remained within range of Allied naval air. Intel reports that Sho took four hits and Zo took two. After the first round (in which Sho had taken three hits), the Jap CV TF had only 10 Zeros for CAP duty.

Japs got up one strike force and it scored a single hit on Enterprise, but the bomb must have bounced off because Enterprise has 3 or 4 SYS and no flooding or fires (but did lose its radar).

The Allied CV TF is due east of Cairns and nearly due south of GG. It will proceed toward GG in hopes of tangling with Zo and Sho one more time. The Allies are down to fumes on naval air (about 60 Wildcats and remnants on bombers) and I would retreat immediately if the Jap CVLs or land-based air posed an imminent threat...but the Jap CVLs are still off Koumac, GG airfield has been closed by bombing, and Rossel is a level 2 field and thus can't hold Nells and Bettys. So the only help can come from Lunga or further.

A Jap naval TF hit Noumea and sank three or four AKs preparing to depart for the chain of bases north of L'ville. The Japs got hit by Koumac's Avengers and Dauntlesses on the way out with a couple of cruisers taking some hits.

I want to proceed with the invasion now, but Allied naval air is too beat up to offer good cover for the invasion force. After this turn, I will recall the invasion TF to Townsville. It appears that the Allies have sufficient Wildcats and Dauntlesses to replace about half the losses. If so, I will resume the invasion shortly thereafter. It looks like Jap CVs have taken enough hits to create the opportunity.

B-17s from Cairns will hit Rossel airfield this turn (Japs have 94 Zeros there which are offering long distance CAP), but my bombers are too few and too fatigued to offer much hope in that direction.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/09/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Night Time Surface Combat, near Noumea at 52,67

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Myoko
DD Shiratsuyu

Allied Ships
SC 648
AK Titania, Shell hits 28, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Noumea at 52,67

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Myoko
DD Shiratsuyu

Allied Ships
SC 639, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
AK Electra, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Noumea at 52,67

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Myoko
DD Shiratsuyu

Allied Ships
SC 647
AK Mercury, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Noumea at 52,67

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Shell hits 1
CA Myoko, Shell hits 1
DD Shiratsuyu

Allied Ships
AK Almaack, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Crater, Shell hits 4, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Noumea, at 52,67

Allied Ships
CVE Long Island, Shell hits 1

Airbase hits 6
Runway hits 6
Port hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 30

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 2
P-400 Airacobra x 10
P-39D Airacobra x 11
P-40E Kittyhawk x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 2 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 3 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 3 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 3
B-26B Marauder x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 11 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 175

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 15

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9


Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 82
Guns lost 1

Runway hits 8

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x B-24D Liberator at 4000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 4000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lae at 9,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
A6M3 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 6
Wirraway x 16
P-40E Kittyhawk x 3
B-26B Marauder x 12
A-20B Havoc x 10

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Ryuosan Maru, Shell hits 8
AP Iwaki Maru, Shell hits 4
AP Horaisan Maru, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kaika Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 100 feet
3 x Beaufort at 100 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lae at 9,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
A6M3 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 15

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Ryuosan Maru, Bomb hits 2
AP Horaisan Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 5000 feet
4 x Hudson at 5000 feet
2 x Hudson at 5000 feet
3 x Hudson at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lae at 9,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
A6M3 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Ryuosan Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 21,52

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

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

PO2 C.Obuchi of DII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara
CV Zuikaku
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 21,52

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
SBD Dauntless x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 8 damaged

PO2 R.Matsuo of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku
CV Zuikaku
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 21,52

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 37
SBD Dauntless x 13
TBD Devastator x 12

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

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 8 damaged
TBD Devastator x 2 destroyed
TBD Devastator x 6 damaged

PO2 O.Kondo of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 3, on fire
DD Nowaki
CL Nagara
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA Ashigara, Bomb hits 2, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 21,58


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42


Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 16
B-26B Marauder x 4
A-20B Havoc x 9

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Sado Maru, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Hikade Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x A-20B Havoc at 100 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 100 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
2 x A-20B Havoc at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,56


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 13
TBF Avenger x 9


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 13 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 5 damaged

LCDR U.Farrell of VT-7 is KILLED

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko, Bomb hits 4, on fire
CA Takao, Bomb hits 2, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Rossel Island at 25,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
PC Tama Maru #8
AP Nagara Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 18,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
D3A Val x 22
B5N Kate x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 10 destroyed
D3A Val x 10 damaged
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed

FO W.Hardy of VMF-223 is credited with kill number 5

LT H. Mitchell of VF-6 bails out and is RESCUED

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 1
CV Wasp
CV Hornet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 21,52

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21
SBD Dauntless x 10
TBD Devastator x 5

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged
TBD Devastator x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Nenohi
CA Chikuma, Bomb hits 1
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Nagara
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Rossel Island at 25,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Hokkai Maru
AP Oyo Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,56


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 3
TBF Avenger x 4

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged
TBF Avenger x 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, on fire
CA Myoko, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wau

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12057 troops, 192 guns, 50 vehicles

Defending force 10397 troops, 127 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


< Message edited by Canoerebel -- 5/9/2005 5:22:21 PM >

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 66
RE: The Copperas Bowl: Allied Perspective - 5/9/2005 9:00:24 PM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/10/42 - Allied forces had a really good day, crippling Jap offensive capabilities.

Naval air strikes from the Allied CVs scored multiple hits against Zo and Sho, which had separated and were making the best possible spead toward safety near Rossel. They didn't even have any CAP. John apparently had all Zeros at Rossel set to fly escort, but nothing sortied at Rossel (my recon shows Rossel with a level 2 airbase, 94 fighters, no bombers and more than 100 auxillary which sounds odd; in an email, John said Rossel had more than 100 fighters and some 70 bombers - why they didn't sortie I don't know and John is frustrated to no end). My CVs are within range of Rossel (perhaps 7 hexes SW), but not a single Jap plane flew a mission against the Allied invasion/CV TF.

Junyo, Sho and Zo are crippled and either going to sink or be out of the war a LONG time. A decisive Allied victory.

The Allied invasion/CV TF is returning to Townsville as planned.

Jap CVL TF is heading NW from vicinity Koumac to lend a hand in the effort. I would engage if I had anything left, but my CVs need time to rest and replace their air squadrons.

After a week or so at Australia, I am not sure where the Allies will go next. GG, Buna, Irau, Rossel are probably the most likely targets in that order. In his email, John said he didn't think I have enough troops to take GG this time (a security breach to provide this info to the enemy), but based upon recon I believe that I do. With the GG airfield shut down and the ability to bomb and bombard in preparation for an ivasion, I believe it's a nut that can be cracked.

The only bad thing about scoring a decisive victory in a carrier battle is that it is highly demoralizing to the one on the short end (I know, because all too often I've been on the short end). It's hard to remain excited about a game when you've lost your primary offensive assets and are reduced to reacting instead of proacting (as John has done so well this game much to my repeated displeasure). I won't be surprised if the game slows down for that reason.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/10/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 9,41

Japanese Ships
SS I-158

Allied Ships
AV Thornton


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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 28

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 2
P-400 Airacobra x 11
P-40E Kittyhawk x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 2 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 2 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 1 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 3 damaged

CPT M.Ban of 24th Sentai is credited with kill number 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Rossel Island , at 25,44

Japanese aircraft

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 46

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 14

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 22,50


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
SBD Dauntless x 16


no losses

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Nowaki, Bomb hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 22,50


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 15
TBD Devastator x 7


no losses

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Nowaki, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage


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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 27

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 1
P-400 Airacobra x 7
P-40E Kittyhawk x 8

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

Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed

WO T.Kobayashi of 24th Sentai is credited with kill number 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 11,34


Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 3
Wirraway x 3
P-40E Kittyhawk x 3
B-26B Marauder x 11


no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Ryuosan Maru, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x Beaufort at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 11,34


Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 7
Wirraway x 15
P-40E Kittyhawk x 19
B-26B Marauder x 10


no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Ryuosan Maru, Shell hits 20, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 100 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
4 x Beaufort at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 18,59


Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 6


Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 1 destroyed
B-25D Mitchell x 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x B-25D Mitchell at 5000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 23,48


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 26
TBD Devastator x 7


no losses

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
DD Arashi


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 22,50


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
SBD Dauntless x 3


no losses

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wau

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 12526 troops, 192 guns, 50 vehicles

Defending force 10376 troops, 126 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 117
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 91
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



< Message edited by Canoerebel -- 5/9/2005 9:02:48 PM >

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 67
RE: The Copperas Bowl: Allied Perspective - 5/9/2005 10:45:33 PM   
Veer


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

John apparently had all Zeros at Rossel set to fly escort, but nothing sortied at Rossel (my recon shows Rossel with a level 2 airbase, 94 fighters, no bombers and more than 100 auxillary which sounds odd; in an email, John said Rossel had more than 100 fighters and some 70 bombers - why they didn't sortie I don't know and John is frustrated to no end).


I believe you need a Lvl 3 airbase for bomber missions. Level 1 - 2 only allow for CAP. AKAIK though.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 68
RE: The Copperas Bowl: Allied Perspective - 5/10/2005 7:21:18 PM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/11/42 - Very nice move by John, slipping a bombardment TF in to Townsville, sinking Sara and two DDs. I missed it among the clutter of Jap ships in the area and it frankly never occured to me that John would try an offensive gambit like that amidst the carnage his CV TFs were taking.

Intel does not report any Jap CVs sunk. I am positive that Junyo is severely damaged because she's limping along very slowly closer to Australia than to home. But I'm not quite sure about Sho and Zu. Both took multiple hits and had trouble getting up CAP a couple of turns ago, but perhaps my bombs did alot of "bouncing off superstructure." Junyo in exchange for Sara isn't a good exchange, so I sure hope Zo and Sho are critically damaged.

Bombers hit GG again making sure the airfield remains shut down.

Invasion TF should make Townsville in two days.

Jap fighters from Lae ate up Allied fighters at PM this turn.

I'm going to send yet another brigade, plus a headquarters unit, to Wau. We've been stalemated there too long. Time to evict the Japs (although it'll be another six turns or so before I get the reinforcement troops on the ground there).

(in reply to Veer)
Post #: 69
RE: The Copperas Bowl: Allied Perspective - 5/11/2005 7:10:21 AM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/13/42 - Junyo confirmed sunk. Not sure what's become of Sho and Zo.

Allied invasion TF reached Townsville on 9/12. John thought the fleet was heading for PM and had six or so subs waiting there. Now they are all heading for Townsville. Time to go vulch hunting again.

I sent a bombardment TF toward Rossel yesterday, but recalled it today when it became clear that Jap recon had seen it.

Bombers hit GG hard. This turn the big boys are resting while the PM medium bombers will take a crack at Lae.

John tried a shock attack at Wau, but it hurt the Japs more than the Allies. Transport of the next group of reinforcements will begin next turn.

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 70
RE: The Copperas Bowl: Allied Perspective - 5/11/2005 2:43:07 PM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/14/42 - Sho and Zo confirmed sunk this turn and there was much rejoicing at normally dour CINCPAC.

PM's bombers hit Lae hard, destroying about 20 Jap planes on the ground. Doesn't look like it was quite enough to shut down operations. They'll try again this turn. The heavies at Cairns will hit GG. Hudsons and B-25s at Cooktown are set for naval attack and hit some Jap shipping around Lae and GG this turn.

The US CVs and one of the surface TFs are heading to Rockhampton to refuel while the other ships remain at Townsville. It will take me some time to decide where to go next, and that seems fine as perhaps John will sally forth again and there will be another opportunity.

The vulchers got a DD near Townsville this turn.

Air transport to Wau resumes next turn. We'll see if the Lae strike prompts John to concentrate his defenses on that base, leaving Wau open.

PM supplies very low again - supporting the air squadrons there takes alot. Now that I think of it, my next move may well be to form a large supply convoy at Townsville and send it to PM with the CVs in support. If I can keep GG shut down and perhaps Lae too, the risk of the Japs hitting my CVs with large numbers of land-based bombers should be relatively small.

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 71
RE: The Copperas Bowl: Allied Perspective - 5/12/2005 6:54:22 AM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/17/42 - Several relatively serene days have passed since my last post....

For the past two turns, a series of very strong Jap surface fleets have bombarded PM, putting the airfield out of action and reducing supplies to a level below what the Yankees subsisted on while Bragg besieged Chattanooga in 1863. IE, the PM garrison is hungry.

The Allied invasion force has unloaded at Townsville. Some of the APs went to Brisbane to pick up additional troops.

But most of the APs are loading supplies for the largest supply convoy I have ever formed. Since PM is under a nearly constant state of seige, all available Allied firepower will accompany this massive supply effort, including CVs and surface ships.

Medium bombers at PM have given the Japs absolute conniption fits and I want to solidify PM's situation. Then I turn my attention to invasion...

Jap CVL TF is NE of Irau, making threatening movements towards the Santa Cruz Islands. I don't believe it is strong enough to pose an imminent threat. I've put my available fighters and navy bombers at Wunpuko, Koura and Nevea in hopes that the Japs stick there nose where it doesn't belong.

Sub vulching near Townsville has picked off a few ships, damaging some and sinking a DD a few turns ago. A minelayer sank I-29 this turn, just the fourth Jap sub sunk thus far. My failure to effectively counter the sub vulching is probably my single greatest disappointment in the game to date.

I believe both sides are reinforcing Wau now. Neither side is prepared to concede that remote jungle outpost.

A small Allied TF consisting of CVL Long Island (sporting 9 Wildacts) escorted by three DDs just left Noumea for Townsville where it will join the main Allied forces (unless it stumbles into one of John's roaming CV TFs first).

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 72
RE: The Copperas Bowl: Allied Perspective - 5/12/2005 3:37:04 PM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/18/42 - The Japs have mustered several TFs ENE of GG, and I'm not yet sure of their destination. The "lone Jap infantry unit" that crossed the Owen Stanleys just arrived at the hex west of PM. Could it be possible that the Japs are mustering a PM invasion force at this late date? Surely not, yet.....

If John indeed has designs on PM, I will spare no unit and no effort in thwarting him. I don't think he has enough firepower to bull his way through and land enough troops to take the base, even with the huge surface fleet the Japs have (at least 5 BBs to my 1), but I could be wrong.

The Japs could be headed elsewhere. The Jap CVL TF remains ESE of Irau. I don't have much to protect SOPAC at the moment, but SWPAC needs my full attention.

My supply convoy should embark for PM from Townsville next turn (except for one TF that seems intent on disobeying orders and keeps unloading rather than loadings supplies). The CVs will remain in Townsville another turn or two desperately begging for naval air reinforcements (I have them in my pool, but they aren't getting sent to my CVs). If necessary, it will sail without further reinforcement, especially if John makes a move on PM.

Long Island TF is nearing halfway point crossing Coral Sea and may be in time to offer it's mite of support in the efforts to relieve PM.

If I can get PM re-supplied and its medium bombers up and running again, I believe I know where I'm going next, but I'll leave that announcement to later since alot is going to happen in the meantime....




(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 73
CV a/c reinforcements RE: The Copperas Bowl: Allied Pe... - 5/13/2005 1:25:58 AM   
bryanh06

 

Posts: 9
Joined: 2/13/2005
Status: offline 		Highly enjoyable AAR

I'm pretty sure your CVs have to be in Noumea(or near) to get aircraft replacements -- likewise the Japanese need to be in flying range of Truk. Good luck and good hunting.

Bryan

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 74
RE: CV a/c reinforcements RE: The Copperas Bowl: Allie... - 5/13/2005 6:43:31 AM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/19/42 - Note to Bryan: Fortunately, you just have to be within flying range of Brisbane or Noumea to get aircraft replacements. Thus, a US CV at Townsville can get Wildcat, Avenger and Dauntless replacements, but not Devastators (thanks to their sorry range).

As hoped, the CVs pulled replacements and are nearly at "full pool". That's a good thing, because the Japs are indeed making for PM. At least three AP TFs are now between GG and PM and should make PM in another turn or two. I'm sure the Jap combat ships will arrive in time to support the effort, and perhaps some CVs (though at least one Jap CVL is not too far from Noumea now, a clever attack by John, but one that isn't going to accomplish much I don't believe).

One of the large American AP TFs with supplies sailed from Townsville this turn accompanied by three Allied combat TFs. The CV TF will leave Townsville this turn and make for PM at full speed. Two more supply TFs should leave Townsville next turn (the idiotic ones that kept disobeying orders and unloading supplies). The Long Island TF should arrive in about three or four days. Another AP TF with some combat troops is near Rockhampton and will offer some reinforcements.

Heavies from Cairns hit GG hard again and that airfield remains closed. Mediums from Cooktown hit some shipping at GG and sank a couple of APs.

Lae is probably open again since I haven't been able to launch any bombing raids from PM as it's airfield has been shut down and PM is out of supplies.

I really like John's bold move on PM. This base is absolutely critical to Allied operations and is relatively vulnerable right now with the airfield shut down, no supplies, most of the Allied APs fully loaded with supplies and unable to carry reinforcements. If the Japs still had their full CV compliment, or if the Allies hadn't replaced the carrier air losses, I'd be frantic. John still has a chance to take PM, but he could also suffer devastating losses and fail. Either way, however, it is a bold move and well thought out.

In fact, John has played this game very well. He has thrown punches from unexpected directions, keeping me off balance. Many of his chances have resulted in spectacular success. Only a few have failed and only the loss of his three CVs has kept him from boasting that he has "won" the months of August and September.

Now let's see what happens at PM....


(in reply to bryanh06)
Post #: 75
RE: CV a/c reinforcements RE: The Copperas Bowl: Allie... - 5/13/2005 2:41:12 PM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/20/42 - Everybody is prepared for the coming storm.

The Jap APs will arrive GG this turn. Jap combat TFs just passed GG and will join the fray. At least one Jap CVL TF is making max speed for the area, but won't be there for at least two more days. The Japs may have other assets I haven't spotted.

GG airfield is down after another raid by the Allied heavies. Rossel only has a thin compliment of fighters. I assume John has put everything at Lae. I sure hope he hasn't built an airfield at Buna (I don't believe so - he typically doesn't develop Buna and I haven't seen any sign of an airfield there).

The Allied order of battle:

1. US CV TF with near "full pool" of naval air will be in position about five hexes SE of PM this turn.

2. I have realigned my combat ships from three TFs into two larger TFs - one with BB/CAs/DDs (22 ships total) under Spruance the other CAs/DDs (about 15 ships) under Scott. I've sent a couple of DMS back to Townsville. The combat TFs will arrive PM this turn.

3. My first supply convoy is two turns out of GG and will proceed only if things go well in the next round. Other supply convoys are following in staggered order, including one with a couple of brigades of reinforcements (it will be off Townsville next turn).

4. Long Island with 9 Wildcats for fighter support will arrive in the area in two turns.

The garrison at PM has an assault level (or whatever it's called) of about 425 and fortification level 4. Not particularly impressive, but enough that John's going to have to land a stout force. I'm sending in another brigade from Townsville via air transport next turn, but it won't make it if John's ships shut down the airfield.

There is going to be some damage this next turn. I don't know what John will have in the way of naval air support (every bit will help him), but the Allies will have about 240 aircraft.

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 76
RE: CV a/c reinforcements RE: The Copperas Bowl: Allie... - 5/14/2005 5:08:14 AM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/21/42 - I know that war is unpredictable and that sometimes orders don't get obeyed, so I shouldn't complain. Yet....

My surface ships were ordered to sail to PM and to "patrol, do not retire." They encountered a Jap combat TF led by BB Hiei. The Allies scored a victory, sinking Hiei and two destroyers and damaging a number of other ships, while BB North Carolina incurred minor damage and various CAs and DDs incurred moderate damage.

However, my ships promptly vacated PM leaving it wide open to the Jap invasion fleet. Grrrrr.......

Meanwhile, my CVs sent out plenty of scouts and pinpointed the location of all the Jap TFs in the area, but somebody forgot to remind the commadning officer that a combat mission or two might be nice. My CVs didn't launch a single one. 240 Wildcats, Dauntlesses and Avengers sat idle just four hexes from the invasion fleet..... I have no idea why.

So the Jap invasion fleet arrived unopposed and has had a turn to unload. I've moved my CV TF to a point a few hexes SW of PM and hope for better results this turn. I've also ordered most of my surface combatants back to PM.

Jap CAP intercepted the Dakota transport missions to PM, but I got part of another brigade on the ground. I've ordered the PM garrison to make a deliberate attack, but I don't hope to accomplish much.

This hasn't been an auspicious start to a crucial battle.









< Message edited by Canoerebel -- 5/14/2005 2:04:42 PM >

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 77
The Battle of Port Moresby - 5/14/2005 1:59:44 PM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/22/42 - The Battle of Port Moresby continues. Things went better this turn for the most part, but still some puzzling lapses by the Allied forces.

First, surface combatants tangled again. For the most part, the Allied fleet has given more than it has taken. But BB North Carolina was sunk (Admiral Fort went down with the ship) when it attempted to return to the fray. Several Jap DDs sank and the Jap ships took far more hits.

This time my combat TFs remained at PM as ordered, but they still declined to confront the Jap APs. I disbanded both TFs, formed one large, re-supplied TF, placed Spruance in command, and the ships docked at PM. I don't know if that was the right move, as I will explain shortly.

Two US supply convoys are now at PM. One began to unload bringing PM's supplies up to about 3500.

The Allied naval air finally sortied, but apparently flew just single missions, scoring about 25 hits total on the Jap APs, killing some 275 soldiers. That's relatively few hits for such massed air power. On the other hand, the relatively light Jap soldier casualties may indicate that most of the Jap troops have already landed (and I hope that's the case, as I will also explain shortly).

There is meager Jap CAP over PM (less than 20 Zeros, I think) and it appears to be coming all the way from Rossel. GG remains shut down and PMs medium bombers and Cairns heavies hit Lae. The damage report indicates only moderate damage (25 I think), so I don't think Lae is shut down, but the bombers destroyed some planes and the Japs didn't seem to fly any missions from Lae (other than putting up light numbers of CAP). Recond indicates nearly 100 Jap "auxillary" aircraft at Lae which are actually probably bombers.

Land combat was a close thing and I am most worried about this (see results below). The Japs suffered slightly more casualties than the Allies and failed to reduce PM's fortifications from 4, but how many more Jap soldiers will land? Right now it's even odds, but that will change quickly if the Japs still have a goodly number of troops coming ashore. I believe I can hold PM at these odds, but if 10,000 more Japs land I doubt I can.

Here's my big risk. I left Spruances TF docked at PM set to "react" in hopes that it will hit further Jap combat TF raids and the Jap APs. Also, there are two supply TFs docked there unloading. If PM should fall, what happens to the Allied TFs docked there? I simply cannot recall. However, I felt the risk was relatively small since I still have level four forts. If combat goes decidedly for the Japs this turn, I'll have to evacuate ships and more than 250 aircraft. If PM falls this turn, however, the losses to ground, sea and air troops will be devastating.

The Allied CVs will move slightly closer to PM this turn. Cairn's heavies will strike GG this time (I've got to keep that base shut down - recon shows damage level of 90). PMs mediums are set to hit Lae again.

I've ordered a shock attack at Wau just to see if the odds have changed at all since I sent in the reinforcements a few turns ago.

An "empty" AK TF left Noumea a couple of turns again making for Townsville. If the Battle of PM turns out okay, I want to be prepared to launch my own invasion force as soon as possible. I believe I know where I'm going (assuming I don't have to re-invade PM....)

So far, the Allies are holding their own despite a number of "failure to engage disappointments," but now all depends upon how many more Jap troops will land....

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/22/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 26,15

Allied Ships
SS S-42


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano, Shell hits 2
CL Nagara, Shell hits 1
DD Makinami, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Takanami
DD Hayashio
DD Maikaze, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Amatsukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Asashio
DD Usugumo, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shirakumo
DD Mutsuki, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Uzuki
DD Matsukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis
CA Chester, Shell hits 1
CA Quincy
CA Vincennes
CL Hobart, Shell hits 2
DD Farenholt
DD Mustin
DD Walke, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mugford, Shell hits 1
DD Gridley
DD Perkins, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Porter
DD Selfridge
DD Farragut


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano, Shell hits 10, on fire
CL Nagara, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Makinami, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Takanami, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hayashio, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Maikaze, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Amatsukaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Asashio, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Usugumo, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shirakumo, Shell hits 7, on fire
DD Mutsuki, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Uzuki, Shell hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
DD Matsukaze, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis, Shell hits 2, on fire
CA Chester, Shell hits 4
CA Quincy, Shell hits 1
CA Vincennes, Shell hits 1
CL Hobart, Shell hits 5
DD Farenholt, Shell hits 1
DD Mustin, Shell hits 1
DD Walke, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mugford, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Gridley, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Perkins, on fire
DD Porter
DD Selfridge
DD Farragut


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 14
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 5
CL Yura, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Yugumo, Shell hits 34, and is sunk
DD Yukikaze, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shiranui, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Hagikaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Arashio
DD Natsugumo, Shell hits 1
DD Ikazuchi, Shell hits 28, on fire, heavy damage
DD Ayanami, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Satsuki, Shell hits 6, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis, Shell hits 2, on fire
CA Chester
CA Quincy
CA Vincennes
CL Hobart, Shell hits 2
DD Farenholt, Shell hits 3
DD Mustin, Shell hits 1
DD Walke, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mugford, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Gridley, on fire, heavy damage
DD Perkins, on fire
DD Porter
DD Selfridge
DD Farragut


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 1, on fire
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 3
CL Yura, on fire
DD Yukikaze, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
DD Shiranui, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hagikaze, on fire
DD Arashio, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Natsugumo
DD Ikazuchi, and is sunk
DD Ayanami, on fire, heavy damage
DD Satsuki, on fire

Allied Ships
BB North Carolina, Shell hits 55, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Meredith, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40


Allied aircraft


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

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 6


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 17


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 25,12

Japanese Ships
ML Tsugaru

Allied Ships
SS S-42


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 22,6

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

Allied Ships
SS S-47


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 9
B-26B Marauder x 29
A-20B Havoc x 16

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

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 2 destroyed
Beaufort x 1 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 214
Guns lost 4

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 64

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
2 x Beaufort at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 100 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 100 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 100 feet
3 x Beaufort at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 100 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 30
B-24D Liberator x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 59
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 15

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet

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


Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 8


Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
CS Chitose


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28
A6M3 Zero x 10

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 43
SBD Dauntless x 89
TBF Avenger x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2 destroyed

PO2 R.Shiga of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 6

Japanese Ships
AP Kyushu Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Shinnan Maru
AP Arimasan Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire
AP Kanayamasan Maru
AP Akashisan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Aki Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kyokusei Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Manju Maru
AP Arizona Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hakozaki Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Tatsuta Maru
AP Asahisan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nako Maru
AP Koyo Maru
AP Asakasan Maru
AP Taian Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Shozan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Mito Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kumagawa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 278
Guns lost 2


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


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3
B-25D Mitchell x 4


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 2 damaged
B-25D Mitchell x 1 destroyed
B-25D Mitchell x 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CS Chitose
APD 39

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 5000 feet
3 x Hudson at 5000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 41
SBD Dauntless x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged

LT T. Coleman of VF-6 is credited with kill number 7

Japanese Ships
AP Josho Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Sakido Maru
AP Teia Maru


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

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
P-400 Airacobra x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 8
P-40E Kittyhawk x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
no losses

LTJG O.Minami of F1/253rd Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 6


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

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 34878 troops, 408 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 35366 troops, 226 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 102

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 6


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wau

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12383 troops, 183 guns, 50 vehicles

Defending force 12114 troops, 119 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 59

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 52


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

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 21380 troops, 182 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 41717 troops, 498 guns, 16 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 486

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 303
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



< Message edited by Canoerebel -- 5/14/2005 2:04:04 PM >

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 78
Day Three: The Battle of Port Moresby - 5/14/2005 9:40:40 PM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/23/4 - In the air and on the sea, it was a great day for the Allies, but the ground battle is going to be a very close thing.

Spruance's TF at PM chewed up a couple of lone, rogue Jap BBs that attempted to force entry into the port. Then Spruance turned his attention to the Jap APs (it's about time) and ate them alive.

In the air, the combat phase resulted in a tremendously long littany of sightings, repeated hits scored by reconn aircraft (mainly B-26s from PM) on Jap ships, and then some massive air strikes on a fast transport convoy located east of Lae (I don't know if this convoy was delivering troops to the Wau area or pulling them out).

On the ground, the Japs outnumber the Allies about 4:3 and launched a 1:1 attack that reduced fortifications to 2 although the Japs incurred more damage. This is going to be a very close battle and I just don't know if my garrison can hold out. On the positive side, the Allied units do not appear to be overly fatigued or disrupted. The air transport of the reinforcement should be complete this turn, giving the Allies four full-strength brigades at PM.

The reinforcement convoy it two more turns from PM and carries two more brigades. If PM can hold one more turn and if the convoy makes it to PM safely, I think the battle will be won by the Allies.

To try to make it through the next turn, all Allied air units at PM, Cairns and Cooktown have been ordered to hit the Jap ground units at PM.

Just in case some Jap CVs show up (recon hasn't spotted any this side of Rossel), the naval air squadrons remain on CAP and naval strike mode.

PM supplies now in excess of 11,000. I've ordered the two AP TFs to return to Townsville once they finish unloading this turn. If they make it back home, and I expect them to, and further if PM can hold out, they will soon form the nucleus of an Allied invasion force. I know where I want to go if PM can just hold.

The litany of Jap ships sunk this turn was extensive. John has to be discouraged and his only hope is to capture PM.

Some Jap air units sortied against the supply ships at PM, but didn't penetrate my CAP.

The side show at Wau (an Allied "shock attack") was a standoff, but to my surprise the computer reset the units to try another shock attack, so I'm going with it and see what happens.

It really was a good day for the Allies, but it all turns to ashes if PM falls this turn. If PM holds this next turn, I believe the Battle of Port Moresby will be a decisive Allied victory.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/23/42

Weather: Clear

Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 55, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 37, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis, Shell hits 9, on fire
CA Chester, Shell hits 1
CA Quincy
CA Vincennes, Shell hits 1
CL Leander, Shell hits 1
CL Hobart
CL St. Louis
CL Nashville
DD Farenholt
DD Woodworth
DD Mustin, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Morris, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Patterson
DD Mahan, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Conyngham
DD Cushing
DD Porter
DD Selfridge
DD Farragut
DD Worden
DD Monaghan
DD Arunta


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 5, on fire
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 15, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis, Shell hits 6, on fire
CA Chester
CA Quincy
CA Vincennes
CL Leander
CL Hobart
CL St. Louis
CL Nashville
DD Farenholt
DD Woodworth
DD Mustin, on fire
DD Morris, on fire
DD Patterson
DD Mahan, on fire, heavy damage
DD Conyngham
DD Cushing
DD Porter
DD Selfridge
DD Farragut
DD Worden
DD Monaghan
DD Arunta


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 33, on fire
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 18, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CA Chester, Shell hits 1
CA Quincy
CA Vincennes
CL Leander
CL Hobart
CL St. Louis
CL Nashville
DD Farenholt
DD Woodworth
DD Mustin, on fire
DD Morris, on fire
DD Patterson
DD Mahan, on fire, heavy damage
DD Conyngham
DD Cushing
DD Porter
DD Selfridge
DD Farragut
DD Worden
DD Monaghan
DD Arunta


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Aki Maru, Shell hits 34, on fire, heavy damage
AP Arimasan Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Arizona Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Asahisan Maru, Shell hits 49, and is sunk
AP Asakasan Maru
AP Hakozaki Maru, Shell hits 42, and is sunk
AP Hakusan Maru
AP Hokko Maru
AP Koyo Maru
AP Kumagawa Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
AP Kyushu Maru, on fire
AP Kyokusei Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Manju Maru
AP Mito Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Montevideo Maru
AP Nako Maru, on fire
AP Shinnan Maru, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shozan Maru, on fire
AP Taian Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tatsuta Maru

Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis, on fire, heavy damage
CA Chester
CA Quincy, Shell hits 1
CA Vincennes
CL Leander
CL Hobart
CL St. Louis
CL Nashville
DD Farenholt
DD Woodworth
DD Mustin, on fire
DD Morris, on fire
DD Patterson
DD Mahan, on fire, heavy damage
DD Conyngham
DD Cushing
DD Porter
DD Selfridge
DD Farragut
DD Worden
DD Monaghan
DD Arunta

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 37
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Azumasan Maru
AP Josho Maru, on fire
AP Kimishima Maru
AP Kinryu Maru
AP Kiyozumi Maru
AP Meiten Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nichibi Maru
AP Reiyo Maru
AP Ryotaku Maru
AP Ryuko Maru
AP Sakido Maru, Shell hits 2
AP Sasago Maru
AP Tatsuwa Maru, Shell hits 37, and is sunk
AP Teia Maru, Shell hits 31, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Indianapolis, on fire, heavy damage
CA Chester
CA Quincy
CA Vincennes
CL Leander
CL Hobart
CL St. Louis
CL Nashville
DD Farenholt
DD Woodworth
DD Mustin, on fire
DD Morris, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Patterson
DD Mahan, on fire, heavy damage
DD Conyngham
DD Cushing
DD Porter
DD Selfridge
DD Farragut
DD Worden
DD Monaghan
DD Arunta


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 39
A6M3 Zero x 6
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 21
A-20B Havoc x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 4 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 1 destroyed
B-26B Marauder x 14 damaged
A-20B Havoc x 1 destroyed
A-20B Havoc x 3 damaged

LTJG V.Matsuo of F2/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 224
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 8
Runway hits 7

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 100 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet

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


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12
B-24D Liberator x 3


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 62
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 21

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 4000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 4000 feet

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


Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 3
Wirraway x 3
P-400 Airacobra x 4
P-39D Airacobra x 6
P-39D Airacobra x 5


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 3 damaged
P-400 Airacobra x 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CS Nisshin
APD 38, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CS Chiyoda
CS Chitose

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 100 feet

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


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 11


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CS Nisshin
CS Chiyoda


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


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
Beaufighter VIC x 24
Beaufort x 5
P-39D Airacobra x 33


no losses

Japanese Ships
CS Chiyoda, Bomb hits 3, on fire
APD 39, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CS Chitose, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CS Nisshin, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 103

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 100 feet
2 x Beaufort at 100 feet

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


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
SBD Dauntless x 46
TBF Avenger x 13


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

Japanese Ships
APD 1
CS Chiyoda, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CS Chitose, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
CS Nisshin, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
APD 38, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 252


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


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7
SBD Dauntless x 32


no losses

Japanese Ships
APD 36, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
APD 1
CS Nisshin, on fire, heavy damage
APD 2, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CS Chiyoda, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CS Chitose, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 41


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
G3M Nell x 3
G4M1 Betty x 21

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7
P-400 Airacobra x 1
P-39D Airacobra x 7
P-40E Kittyhawk x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
G3M Nell x 2 destroyed
G3M Nell x 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Vincennes
DD Farragut
CL Hobart

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

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


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 24
Beaufort x 6
Wirraway x 3
P-400 Airacobra x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 32
P-40E Kittyhawk x 6
P-39D Airacobra x 3


no losses

Japanese Ships
CS Chitose, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CS Nisshin, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
APD 36, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
APD 38, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CS Chiyoda, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
APD 1, Bomb hits 1, on fire
APD 39, on fire
APD 2, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 118

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 100 feet
3 x Beaufort at 100 feet

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


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
SBD Dauntless x 46
TBF Avenger x 10


no losses

Japanese Ships
APD 2, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CS Nisshin, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CS Chitose, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CS Chiyoda, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
APD 1, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 139


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


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 32


no losses

Japanese Ships
CS Chitose, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CS Chiyoda, on fire, heavy damage
APD 1, on fire, heavy damage
CS Nisshin, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
APD 38, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 20


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


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
SBD Dauntless x 26
TBF Avenger x 13


no losses

Japanese Ships
CS Chiyoda, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
APD 38, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CS Nisshin, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
APD 1, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 15


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 46,44


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
SBD Dauntless x 13


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 6 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Bomb hits 2


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
G3M Nell x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
P-400 Airacobra x 1
P-39D Airacobra x 12
P-40E Kittyhawk x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 3 destroyed

LTJG T.Matsumura of F2/1st Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
AP John Penn

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

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

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 42020 troops, 498 guns, 30 vehicles

Defending force 37082 troops, 244 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 593

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 133
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wau

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6545 troops, 115 guns, 50 vehicles

Defending force 12042 troops, 116 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
Men lost 14


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wau

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 10868 troops, 116 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 14625 troops, 234 guns, 50 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 146
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 198
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 79
Day Four: The Battle of Port Moresby - 5/15/2005 1:52:06 PM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/24/42 - PM held (although the Japs reduced fortifications to 1). I believe the Allies will hold. The reinforcement convoy is just one hex from PM, so it ought to be able to unload a good portion of two brigades carried. The reinforcements should swing the odds in the Allies favor unless John can somehow get significant reinforcements of his own.

With the naval losses John has incurred, this will have been a tremendous victory for the Allies. The Jap naval losses will also make it more difficult for the Japs to oppose an invasion force (although Allied combat ships have also been reduced now). When PM's air squadrons are rested and able to turn their attention back to GG and Lae, I think the Allies will be in good position to finally proceed with the invasion plans.

John came very close to taking PM. If he still had his CVs and had he been able to muster another 10,000 or 15,000 troops, he could have won the battle. It was a clever attack and he caught me largely unprepared because I believed PM was no longer at risk. After all, it was MY turn to invade something, not John's (or so I mistakenly believed).

I haven't been able to seize and hold the initiative yet. John's use of his CVs to raid and this invasion has kept me reacting. On the other hand, this strategy has allowed me to fight every major battle on my own turf, where the odds have been in my favor.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/24/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0

Japanese Ships
AP Arizona Maru, Shell hits 45, and is sunk
AP Kyokusei Maru, Shell hits 20, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Chester
CA Quincy
CA Vincennes
CL Leander
CL Hobart
CL St. Louis
CL Nashville
DD Farenholt
DD Woodworth
DD Patterson
DD Conyngham
DD Cushing
DD Porter
DD Selfridge
DD Farragut
DD Worden
DD Monaghan
DD Arunta


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0

Japanese Ships
AP Meiten Maru, Shell hits 4, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Chester
CA Quincy
CA Vincennes
CL Leander
CL Hobart
CL St. Louis
CL Nashville
DD Farenholt
DD Woodworth
DD Patterson
DD Conyngham
DD Cushing
DD Porter
DD Selfridge
DD Farragut
DD Worden
DD Monaghan
DD Arunta


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

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya

Allied Ships
SS Grayling


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 16th Regiment, at 10,40


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 17
Beaufort x 5
Wirraway x 3
P-400 Airacobra x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 40
P-40E Kittyhawk x 7
B-26B Marauder x 19
A-20B Havoc x 9
P-39D Airacobra x 3


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIC x 1 damaged
Beaufort x 1 destroyed
Wirraway x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 2 damaged
A-20B Havoc x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 201

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x Beaufort at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x Beaufort at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 100 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 16th Regiment, at 10,40


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 18
B-24D Liberator x 2


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 38

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 1000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator at 1000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 1000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 1000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 1000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 1000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 1000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,43


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
SBD Dauntless x 46
TBF Avenger x 11


no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Reiyo Maru
AP Meiyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nojima Maru
AP Sanko Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Koyo Maru
AP Azumasan Maru
AP Sasago Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Tatsuta Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Shoan Maru
AP Ryotaku Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Hokko Maru
AP Ryuko Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,43


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 16


no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Meiyo Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ryuko Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Kiyozumi Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Hokko Maru


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,43


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 17


no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Azumasan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Sasago Maru, on fire
AP Asakasan Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Hokko Maru


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,43


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
SBD Dauntless x 31
TBF Avenger x 13


no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Boston Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Kinryu Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Manju Maru
AP Kaiko Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AP Daifuku Maru, Shell hits 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,44


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12
SBD Dauntless x 29
TBF Avenger x 9


no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Matsukaze, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Makinami, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,44


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
SBD Dauntless x 15


no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Maikaze, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,44


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
SBD Dauntless x 16


no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Maikaze, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,44


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 16


no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Yayoi, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,44


Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 12


no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Kaihei Maru, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kaisho Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,43


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 16


no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Kyushu Maru
AP Akibasan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Nako Maru


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,42


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 15


no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Sakido Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage


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

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 41347 troops, 498 guns, 30 vehicles

Defending force 37091 troops, 243 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 771
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 187


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wau

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6503 troops, 114 guns, 50 vehicles

Defending force 11896 troops, 114 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
Men lost 32


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wau

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 10699 troops, 114 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 14506 troops, 233 guns, 50 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 152
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 176


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

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 80
Day Five: The Battle of Port Moresby - 5/16/2005 6:01:28 AM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/25/42 - The battle continues to go well. More than half of the Allied reinforcements landed and another Jap shock attacked resulted in signficantly more Jap than Allied casualties. Unless John can get reinforcements in of his own, the Japs will be pushed out of PM.

I think the Japs have lost more than 40 ships although I haven't kept careful count. More imporantly, I think alot of Jap combat ships were damaged - enough perhaps to allow an Allied invasion to get on the ground.

Most of the Allied ships are heading back to Townsville with the exception of the surface combat TF and the reinforcement TF which will remain at PM this turn.

All Allied mediums and heavies are resting this turn.


Allied troops at Wau are still schedule to launch a shock attack. They don't seem to be making much progress and my troops are severely fatigued and disrupted, but something has to give there.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/25/42

Weather: Rain

Sub attack at 11,46

Japanese Ships
SS I-158

Allied Ships
AP Leonard Wood, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 21
B-24D Liberator x 5

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 345
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 42

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-17E Fortress at 1000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator at 1000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 1000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 1000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 1000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 1000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 1000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 1000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 29th Regiment, at 10,40


Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 7
Wirraway x 3
P-400 Airacobra x 4
P-39D Airacobra x 16
P-40E Kittyhawk x 8
B-26B Marauder x 21
A-20B Havoc x 10

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 3 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 5 damaged
A-20B Havoc x 1 destroyed
A-20B Havoc x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 148

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
2 x A-20B Havoc at 100 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 100 feet
3 x Beaufort at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
4 x Beaufort at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 16,44


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
SBD Dauntless x 16

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Tatsuta Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Meiyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Sanko Maru, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 22
Vehicles lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 16,44

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 13

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Meiyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ryuko Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tatsuta Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Azumasan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 16,44

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12
SBD Dauntless x 33
TBF Avenger x 13

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Meiyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tatsuta Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ryuko Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Sanko Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Azumasan Maru, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 18

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Unkai Maru #3
AP Mogamigawa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Tamashima Maru
AP Unkai Maru #6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,44

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 3

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Taian Maru, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 47
TBF Avenger x 13

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Canberra Maru, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
AP Chowa Maru, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
PC Ch 17, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PC Ch 29, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Goyo Maru, Bomb hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,44

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17
SBD Dauntless x 16


no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Mito Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shozan Maru, heavy damage
AP Taian Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 59
TBF Avenger x 12

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Tenryu Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shoho Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Mogamigawa Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Batavia Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tamashima Maru
AP Unkai Maru #6, Bomb hits 2, on fire
PC Ch 6
PC Tama Maru #8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shirogane Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PC Toshi Maru #3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,44

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 15

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Montevideo Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kumagawa Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,44


Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 13

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Nako Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kyushu Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 16,44

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 16

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Sasago Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kiyozumi Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kinryu Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 40334 troops, 494 guns, 30 vehicles

Defending force 41614 troops, 254 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 1869
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 442
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wau

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6465 troops, 113 guns, 50 vehicles

Defending force 11683 troops, 112 guns, 0 vehicles


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 33
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wau

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 10493 troops, 112 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 14355 troops, 232 guns, 50 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 140

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 118
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 81
Day Six: The Battle of Port Moresby - 5/17/2005 2:22:18 PM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/26/42 - The Allies should win the battle. The Japs did not attack this turn. The Allies will try a shock attack next turn and see if the Japs are weak enough to handle with the force at hand. If not, reinforcements will be sent to PM from Australia.

The Battle of Wau did not go well. I've canceled further attacks and resumed air transporting the rest of the brigade from Cooktown (that was in the process of going to Wau when I stopped the operation in order to focus on PM).

Most of the Allied ships are heading for Townsville now. The large AK fleet that left Noumea four or five turns ago should arrive Brisbane in a couple of turns. It will load whatever is available there (probably 2 brigades and some engineers). The APs at Townsville will load the bulk of the invasion force that had been unloaded there ten turns ago while preparing for the Battle of Port Moresby.

Barring yet another surprise punch by John, the Allied invasion force should set sail in about ten turns.

PM's mediums and Cairns's heavies will hit GG this turn.

All remains quiet in SOPAC although a Jap CVL TF is cruising the waters south of New Caledonia (near Koumac). It won't find much in that area.

< Message edited by Canoerebel -- 5/17/2005 2:25:12 PM >

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 82
Day 7: The Battle of Port Moresby - 5/18/2005 4:32:30 PM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/27/42 - The Allied shock attack was a miserable failure. The Allies took 4x casualties. The PM garrison is going to need help and I also need to recapture Lea Lea. If I don't, the Japs could leave PM, head to Lea Lea, and then head to Wau where they would overwhelm the Allied troops.

Therefore, my plan is to load up Allied troops at Townsville and Brisbane and send them to PM and Lea Lea. As soon as the Allies take care of those two positions, I will probably head to Buna, hoping to isolate the Jap units retreating from PM.

The Allies will receive significant surface ship reinforcements in 19 turns including two BBs.

Cairns's B-17s hit GG airfield hard. PM's mediums will hit GG port this turn, hoping to sink some of the damaged Jap ships that sought refuge there after the PM invasion.

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 83
Day 8: The Battle of Port Moresby - 5/19/2005 5:34:59 AM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/28/42 - No ground troop activity at PM today. A few Cooktown mediums inflicted minor casualties on the Jap infantry. PM's medium bombers and most of Cairns's heavies made devastating runs on GG's airfield and port facilities, inflicting 900+ casualties, destroying some planes on the ground, and sinking four or five damaged ships.

The first troops are loading at Townsville in connection with the operation to isolate and anihilate the Japs at PM. Saying that is alot easier than carrying it out.

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 84
Day 9: The Battle of Port Moresby - 6/10/2005 1:39:01 AM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/29/42 - John has had been tied up with work-related matters and this is the first turn we've played in three weeks. It has been so long that I had forgotten much of what was going on in the game. I remembered my overall plan, but had no recall about which ports needed what supplies, which units were fatigued, when reinforcements were coming and where I planned to put them, etc. etc.

Allied mediums and heavies hit GG hard again, sinking six or seven ships (primarily APs), inflicting well over 500 casualties, and further decimating the airfield and port. This turn most of the bombers will take a crack at the Jap troops at Wau.

The Lea Lea invasion force should depart Townsville this turn.

The Japs have lost around 120 ships (3 CVs, 2 BBs, 3 CS, alot of DDs and APs) while the Allies have lost 70 (1 CV, 1 BB, 1 CA, alot of SCs, APs, AKs). Overall the Allied position is pretty strong, especially if the Allies can isolate and destroy the Jap troops marooned (hopefully marooned I should say) at PM.



< Message edited by Canoerebel -- 6/13/2005 6:21:10 PM >

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 85
Day10: The Battle of Port Moresby - 6/10/2005 2:44:19 PM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		9/30/42 - Allied bombers inflict about 200 casualties at Wau. Then the Japs launched a shock attack and lost another 100 troops (to 35 or so for the Allies). Next turn I am resting the heavies, but the mediums will hit Wau again.

One invasion fleet just left Townsville (heading for Lea Lea). A large fleet is loading at Townsville (probably heading to a target of opportunity of which there are several at the moment). Another fleet is loading at Brisbane (probably reinforcements for PM).

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 86
Days 11-12: The Battle of Port Moresby - 6/13/2005 6:17:17 AM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		October 1-2, 1942 - PM's mediums hit Wau on the 1st inflicting more than 100 casualties. The deliberate attack at PM inflicted slightly more Jap than Allied casualties - not enough to suggest that an all out attack would be successful. A sizeable portion of the Japs at PM moved a hex to the north on the 2nd, so I've ordered a shock attack hoping to hit the remnant hard. 72 B-17s hit GG on the 2nd inflicting 180 casualties. That base is shut down and I can concentrate on Wau and PM for awhile. The Lea Lea invasion force should arrive next turn. I'm probably going to land at Buna to try and cut off the Jap units, although I wish I could hit Lae which appears open. Allied subs have sunk a couple of Jap APs the past couple of turns.

< Message edited by Canoerebel -- 6/13/2005 6:21:41 PM >

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 87
Battle of Port Moresby: Aftermath - 6/14/2005 8:01:59 AM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		10/03/42 - The Battle of Port Moresby is over. The remainder of the Jap troops moved into the jungle, heading ultimately for Buna. The Jap garrison at Lea Lea may well join them. My invasion fleet arrived at Lea Lea but did not unload. Given the Jap movements, I pulled the fleet back. It will join the other forces and constitute the Buna (and possibly Lae invasion force. The invasion fleet will consist of three transport TFs, Long Island CVL TF (small), the main Allied CV TF, and Spruance's combat TF.

PM mediums inflicted 80 casualties at Wau. The exhausted Allied troops there are going to make another shock attack next turn. Something simply has to give at Wau. PMs mediums and Cairn's B-17s will hit Wau first (if the air corps sorties - never a sure thing). Some Australia-based mediums plus the B-24s will hit GG's airfield.

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 88
New Guinea Invasion - 6/15/2005 8:27:12 PM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		10/4/42 - The Allied invasion fleets are rendezvouing south of GG next turn. Based upon a comment in his email, John believes the target is GG (a reasonable deduction on his part). However, the fleet will head to Buna and, if recon suggests Lae is a target of opportunity, that port also. The objective is to isolate the large Jap army heading for the Owen Stanley Range (the survivors of the Jap PM invasion force) and to possibly isolate the Jap army at Wau.

GG airfield remains shut down after a relatively light attack by mediums and B-24s. PM's mediums and 62 B-17s hit the Japs at Wau, inflicting over 300 casualties. The Allied shock attack inflicted some 185 casualties (to 55 for the Allies) at 1:1 odds - hopefully an indication that cracks are beginning to appear in the Jap force there. I have at least 5 Allied brigades (maybe 6) plus an HQ unit at Wau and all but the 18th Brigade are now on fumes (almost entirely disorganized and fatigued). PM's mediums will hit Wau again followed by another shock attack. The B-17s will take the day off except for one squadron reconning Rossel Islands. Other air units will recon GG, Buna and Lae.

Fuel is going to be a problem for the invasion fleet. Several replenishment ships are joining the invasion TF, but things may still get hairy. I have no fuel at PM or Townsville, although Cairns does have about 15,000 units.

< Message edited by Canoerebel -- 6/16/2005 12:36:13 AM >

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 89
New Guinea Invasion: Day 2 - 6/16/2005 2:49:31 PM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		10/5/42 - Most of the invasion fleets have joined up and will begin heading toward Buna. They should near GG next turn. Reconn shows Buna with one infantry unit (nothing else). Lae has two infantry units and a host of others (HQ, AA, ENG).

The air attack on Wau inflicted 80 casualties. The shock attack inflicted 400 (to 80 Allied) casualties. The Japs are beginning to give ground there.

All orders remain same this turn.

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 90
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