Defending the empire 1943, the allies attack - a Jap AAR

[Hortlund]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/19/43

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Kendari at 33,71

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 118

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 15 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 4 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
CA Nachi

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 10000 feet






No comment.

[Hortlund]

I believe I have found the way to halt his advance. It seems the Tojo can hold its own against the Wildcat. Not to mention the A6M3a, in todays airbattle I believe my Zeros achieved something like a 20-1 kill ratio.

I moved a surface combat TF into range in case I want to do a raid tomorrow. I expected to be hit by airpower so I capped it with Zeros and Tojos. I did not expect such a huge strike from the CVs however, I expected him to be more careful with his carrier air. The losses today will probably make him think twice about operating alone like that with his carriers.

Now I cant decide whether to press on with my surface raid, or to retreat. Or is this the moment to send in 200 Betties escorted by 200 Zeros?

The BBs should make it btw, they are retiring with 30 sys and 20-30 float.



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/20/43

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1081 encounters mine field at Kai Island (39,78)

Allied Ships
MSW Townsville
MSW Strahan

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 57 encounters mine field at Sorong (42,74)

Japanese Ships
AG AG-5164, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 107 encounters mine field at Sorong (42,74)

Japanese Ships
DD Manazuru
DD Urakaze

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Lashio , at 35,30

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 2

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIF x 17

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Beaufighter VIF bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Beaufighter VIF bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Bulla, at 40,75

Allied Ships
CL Denver
BB Tennessee
BB California

Japanese ground losses:
209 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1081 encounters mine field at Kai Island (39,78)

Allied Ships
MSW Townsville
MSW Strahan

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kai Island at 39,78

Japanese Ships
SS I-34

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Andaman Island , at 23,34


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 3
LB-30 Liberator x 143
IL-4c x 36


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
74 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 103
Port supply hits 18

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x IL-4c bombing at 10000 feet
9 x IL-4c bombing at 10000 feet
27 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 10000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 10000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 10000 feet
11 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 10000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 10000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 10000 feet
7 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
9 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
16 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
16 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
43 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
2 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lautem , at 33,78

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 118

Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
199 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 42

Aircraft Attacking:
40 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 25800 feet
46 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 25800 feet
12 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 25800 feet
13 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 25800 feet
4 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 25800 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc bombing at 25800 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kiska Island , at 92,35


Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 2
P-39D Airacobra x 23
PV-1 Ventura x 8
PB4Y Liberator x 6


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
23 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 25800 feet
2 x TBF Avenger bombing at 22400 feet
3 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 25800 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
2 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 25800 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 35,75

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 14
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 42

Allied aircraft
Seafire x 15
F4F-4 Wildcat x 48
SBD Dauntless x 97
TBF Avenger x 50

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 2 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 22 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Seafire: 14 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 26 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 14 destroyed, 69 damaged
TBF Avenger: 6 destroyed, 38 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Mogami
CA Atago
BB Yamashiro, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL Oi
DD Hayashio
CA Nachi

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 35,75

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 7
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 17

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, on fire
CA Nachi, Bomb hits 1
DD Tokitsukaze

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 39,71


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 29
Avenger I x 38


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
PC Kunashiri, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
APD APD-39, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PC Hachijo, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PC Etoforu, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PC Sado

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 39,71


Allied aircraft
Avenger I x 20


Allied aircraft losses
Avenger I: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
PC Sado
PC Etoforu, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 35,75

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 12
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 25

Allied aircraft
Seafire x 12
F4F-4 Wildcat x 38
SBD Dauntless x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 12 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Seafire: 2 destroyed, 6 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 12 destroyed, 14 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Sendai
CL Agano
CL Naka

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 35,75

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 12
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 22

Allied aircraft
PV-1 Ventura x 45

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 10 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
PV-1 Ventura: 4 destroyed, 21 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga, Bomb hits 4, on fire
BB Yamashiro, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 6000 feet
2 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 6000 feet
1 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 6000 feet
3 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 6000 feet
4 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 6000 feet
3 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 6000 feet
3 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 6000 feet
4 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 6000 feet
4 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 6000 feet
4 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 6000 feet
4 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 6000 feet
4 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 6000 feet
4 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 6000 feet

[Hortlund]

Shit I cant decide.
 
I have two options for tomorrow. Either I retreat and feel content with the airlosses I inflicted. Or I attack and risk alot. I can put 3 CAs 6 CLs and 10 DDs into harms way. I can use them to raid Kai, bombard Kai, try a mid-ocean intercept of his (presumably retreating) CVs. I can fly in 300 Betties and over 400 Zeros and Tojos and set them all on naval attack and let the chips fall where they may.
 
Kai just reached lvl 2, so for tomorrow there will be 110 Corsairs flying LRCAP from that field. He will undooubtedly attack Kendari with 300 B24s and B17s to try to catch my units on the ground.
 
That means I could be facing a total disaster, or I could achieve a glorious success. I just dont know which path to chose.

[Hortlund]

It is reasonable to expect that he will pull surface forces from his CV defence and put them at Kai instead. That means I will probably not have a chance to bombard the airfield there, but instead I will run into his surface TFs. I can expect to face at least two BBs, a handful of CAs and two PT-TFs. This to me makes a surface raid there a losing proposition. I can probably inflict some damage to his surface forces, but is that what I want to do right now...trade ships in "fair" surface engagements?
 
As for the Betties. If I cant close the Kai airfield, I am certain to face the full might of the Corsair tomorrow. He will have Corsairs at the bases of Kai and Tenimbar LR-Capping his CVs. That means I will face something like 60 Wildcats and 60-150 Corsairs if I try to go for his carriers. I can surely get at least some bombers through if I try that attack with all my Zeros and Betties, but what will it really achieve? I will trade fighters 1-1 or 2-1, lose half my Betty force and for that price I might sink two-three of his CVs.
 
On the other hand, today should have freaked Castor out. Clearly his CV air is not good enough yet, he achieves 1-2 kill/loss-ratios with his fighters and he just lost 30-40 high (80-something) experience pilots that will be replaced by 60-exp pilots. I have dealt a good blow to his carrier air, and I imagine I have dealt an even bigger blow to his confidence in his CV air and carrier tactics. I think it would be foolish to help him regain that confidence tomorrow by risking a large chunk of my surface fleet for dubious gains.
 
Upon reflection, I have decided not to use my Betties tomorrow, and the surface ships will retire aswell. With that in mind, I can now plan for his likely dispositions tomorrow. Like I said, Im expecting a huge raid on Kendari. Unfortunately, such a raid will consist of B24s and B17s...and we all know I cant fight against that.

[Hortlund]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/21/43

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1081 encounters mine field at Kai Island (39,78)

Allied Ships
MSW Townsville
MSW Strahan

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 78 encounters mine field at Menado (39,67)

Japanese Ships
MSW Rokko Maru
MSW Musashi Maru
MSW Hagoromo Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Lashio , at 35,30

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 4

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIF x 14

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Beaufighter VIF bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Beaufighter VIF bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kai Island at 39,78

Japanese Ships
SS I-34

Allied Ships
MSW Townsville, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Strahan

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 37,80

Japanese Ships
SS I-17, hits 4

Allied Ships
DD DeHaven, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Clark
DD Balch
DD Ellet
DD Benham
DD Monssen

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1081 encounters mine field at Kai Island (39,78)

Allied Ships
MSW Strahan

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lautem , at 33,78

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 24
B-25J Mitchell x 11
B-24D Liberator x 118

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-46-II Dinah: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
182 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 59

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
11 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
20 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
11 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
13 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
10 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kiska Island , at 92,35


Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 16
P-39D Airacobra x 46
PV-1 Ventura x 31
PB4Y Liberator x 12


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
95 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

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

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x TBF Avenger bombing at 22400 feet
9 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 25800 feet
6 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 25800 feet
3 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 25800 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
3 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 25800 feet
2 x TBF Avenger bombing at 22400 feet
3 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 25800 feet
5 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 25800 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
2 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 25800 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
2 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 26000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Sorong at 42,74

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 6
A6M3a Zero x 48
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 22

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 56
PV-1 Ventura x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 4 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 6 destroyed, 4 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 16 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 12 destroyed, 25 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Hikawa Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
50 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 6000 feet
4 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Namlea at 38,73

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 10
A6M3a Zero x 31
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7

Allied aircraft
Seafire x 10
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21
SBD Dauntless x 93
TBF Avenger x 9
Avenger I x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Seafire: 2 destroyed, 6 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 15 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 5 destroyed, 30 damaged
TBF Avenger: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
Avenger I: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Naganami
AP Eli Maru
AP Taigen Maru
AP Ueizuru Maru
AP Teiyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Haguro Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kaisho Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Kashi Maru
AP Kaika Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Kanayamasan Maru
AP Nachisan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Fukkai Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Choko Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Aratama Maru

Japanese ground losses:
285 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 40,72

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 17
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
Seafire x 11
F4F-4 Wildcat x 28
TBF Avenger x 12
Avenger I x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Seafire: 3 destroyed, 5 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed, 16 damaged
TBF Avenger: 1 damaged
Avenger I: 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Tamanami
DD Isokaze
APD APD-35, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PC Iki

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I launching torpedoes at 200 feet

[Hortlund]

Already another invasion. I had given my fighters order to ignore the invasion beaches and instead cover an unloading TF at Sorong. The results are again good.

I am starting to wonder if he is not overextended right now. His CV CAP must be depleted by now, and I just dealt a hard blow to his P38s and even to his dreaded Corsairs.

It seems my Zeros can still kick some a**. The A6M3a went 3-1 against the Corsairs, the A6M3s went 1-1.

This might be the moment to unleash the Betty-blow. I am pondering my alternatives right now.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/28/43

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1131 encounters mine field at Babo (42,77)

Allied Ships
MSW Grebe
MSW Turkey
MSW Mildura
MSW Lithgow
MSW Launceton
MSW Katoomba
MSW Horsham
MSW Gladstone
MSW Echuca

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1133 encounters mine field at Babo (42,77)

Allied Ships
MSW Bobolink
MSW Robin
AK Mintaka, Mine hits 1, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Pagan , at 31,31


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIF x 16


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Beaufighter VIF bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Beaufighter VIF bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Babo, at 42,77

Allied Ships
BB Mississippi
BB Idaho
BB Pennsylvania
BB Arizona

Japanese ground losses:
637 casualties reported
Guns lost 9

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1131 encounters mine field at Babo (42,77)

TF 1131 troops unloading over beach at Babo, 42,77


Allied Ships
MSW Grebe
MSW Turkey
MSW Mildura
MSW Lithgow
MSW Launceton
MSW Katoomba
MSW Horsham
MSW Gladstone
MSW Echuca
AK Haraldsvang, Mine hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported

Coastal Guns at Babo, 42,77, firing at TF 1131
1039 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
MSW Grebe, Shell hits 10
CL Concord
CL Detroit
CL Richmond
CL De Ruyter
AK Brastagi, Shell hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
1780 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Vehicles lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1131 encounters mine field at Babo (42,77)

TF 1131 troops unloading over beach at Babo, 42,77


Allied Ships
MSW Grebe
MSW Turkey
MSW Mildura
MSW Lithgow
MSW Launceton
MSW Katoomba
MSW Horsham
MSW Gladstone
MSW Echuca

Coastal Guns at Babo, 42,77, firing at TF 1131
103 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
CL Concord

Japanese ground losses:
15 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
241 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 41,78

Japanese Ships
SS I-23

Allied Ships
AK Diomed, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Lihue
MSW Ipswitch


Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Andaman Island , at 23,34


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 4
LB-30 Liberator x 88


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
86 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 53
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
9 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
9 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
27 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
7 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
6 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
9 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kiska Island , at 92,35


Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 16
P-39D Airacobra x 45
PV-1 Ventura x 24
PB4Y Liberator x 21


Allied aircraft losses
PV-1 Ventura: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
131 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 29
Port hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x TBF Avenger bombing at 22400 feet
4 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 16000 feet
4 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 16000 feet
6 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 16000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 16000 feet
3 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 16000 feet
2 x TBF Avenger bombing at 22400 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 16000 feet
3 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 16000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 16000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 16000 feet
3 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 16000 feet
3 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 16000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 16000 feet
2 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 16000 feet
2 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 16000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Sorong at 42,74

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 9
A6M3a Zero x 55
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 19
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 25

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 36
PV-1 Ventura x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed, 9 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 7 destroyed, 5 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 16 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 19 destroyed
PV-1 Ventura: 7 destroyed

Japanese Ships
AP Hokusho Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 6000 feet
4 x PV-1 Ventura bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Sorong at 42,74

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 9
A6M3a Zero x 54
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 19

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 8 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 5 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 3 destroyed, 17 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Sorong at 42,74

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 9
A6M3a Zero x 54
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 19

Allied aircraft
Seafire x 5
F4F-4 Wildcat x 23
SBD Dauntless x 54
TBF Avenger x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 2 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 4 destroyed, 3 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 5 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Seafire: 5 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 18 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 3 destroyed, 23 damaged
TBF Avenger: 3 destroyed, 21 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Konan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Kiyama Maru
AP Juko Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Mitsu Maru #3
AP Mikage Maru #2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Kuraido Maru, Torpedo hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
102 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Sorong at 42,74

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 9
A6M3a Zero x 54
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 19

Allied aircraft
Seafire x 5
F4F-4 Wildcat x 23
SBD Dauntless x 54
TBF Avenger x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 2 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 4 destroyed, 3 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 5 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Seafire: 5 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 18 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 3 destroyed, 23 damaged
TBF Avenger: 3 destroyed, 21 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Konan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Kiyama Maru
AP Juko Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Mitsu Maru #3
AP Mikage Maru #2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Kuraido Maru, Torpedo hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
102 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Babo , at 42,77


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 1


No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 28th Chinese Division, at 38,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-46-III Dinah x 1

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 42,73

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 8

Allied aircraft
Seafire x 13
F4F-4 Wildcat x 37
SBD Dauntless x 39
TBF Avenger x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Seafire: 5 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 5 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 6 damaged
TBF Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Isokaze, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Tamanami, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Sorong at 42,74

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 11
A6M3a Zero x 36
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 8
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 13

Allied aircraft
Barracuda x 14
Avenger I x 5
F4U-1 Corsair x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 4 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Barracuda: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
Avenger I: 5 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair: 10 destroyed, 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Jinshu Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Huso Maru
AP Izan Maru

Japanese ground losses:
75 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Avenger I bombing at 5000 feet
2 x Barracuda launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Barracuda launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Barracuda launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Barracuda launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Babo

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12758 troops, 100 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 558

Defending force 14985 troops, 128 guns, 48 vehicles, Assault Value = 368

[1275psi]

Its betty time - now or never!!