December 16, 1943
Battle for Babar
The turn does not go according to plan, however, it is highly entertaining to watch.
The Landing Force carrying the 90th Inf Reg runs into three separate small STF and battles them. The escort for the TF is an older DD and two 'E'-Class ships. Considering they fight 2 DDs, then 2 more DDs, and finally CLAA Richmond and a DD they do OK. Three of the American DDs are hit pretty hard with one in sinking condition. Japanese losses amount to a DD, an AK, and an AP at this point. The landing Force turns back and heads for Darwin.
Into this melee comes a Japanese BIG BOY--Nagato, 2 CL, and 4 DDs. Nagato--probably--sinks CLAA Richmond with 4 16" shells and a DD. Two more DDs are hard hit. This TF then heads for Darwin as well.
To the north, I-43 tangles with an American ASW Group and the hunted becomes the HUNTER. I-43 SINKS TWO ASW ships--DE Hastings and AM Starling. Pretty impressive.
DAY
BB Nagato takes a TT from an Avenger that gets through her protective CAP.
The 90th Reg TF comes under attack and the 29 F6F and 11 Avengers are met by 48 Franks. There are no American survivors. All the Hellkittens get shot down and 9 Avengers get through hitting two APs and sinking them. The Avengers are then set upon by the Franks and destroyed.
Two Japanese strikes sink a pair of AKs at Babar. Should be noted that the Japanese ARMY gets its first sinking through low level (1,000 Ft) attack. Two more Aks are hit as well.
The Gove TF begins unloading.
Merauke is hit by several B-24 raids and 38 Georges manage to shot down over a dozen of the big bombers. The Merauke relief force will arrive tomorrow.
Total Losses:
Japan
DD Asanagi, 4 AP, and 4 AKs
Allies
CLAA Richmond, 2-3 DDs, a DE, an AM, and 2 AKs.
Lost about 60% of the 90th Inf Reg but will rebuild it at Darwin.
Those are the events of the day...