The Sun Also Sinks: Grotius (IJN) vs. Terp (USN), #17

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Grotius
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The Sun Also Sinks: Grotius (IJN) vs. Terp (USN), #17

Post by Grotius »

This is scenario 17, 100% ship commitment both sides (why didn't I ask for more?), Variable Reinforcements, Allied Damage Control On, Japanese Sub Doctrine Off, Naval Geniuses On. I have the IJN; Terp has the USN. Two house rules: no 4-engine level bombing at 1000 feet or less; no stacking of subs in a hex.

It's my second PBEM game, and I think that's true for Terp, too. Good luck, Terp!
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Post by Grotius »

The first 10 days have seen some skirmishing in New Guinea and on the high seas. Terp has gotten the better of things on land so far. In addition, Terp's submarines have been quite a nuisance, but fortunately the Emperor has seen fit to send me some more ASW assets, so the party will soon be over.

My CVs did sight his CVs once, in the Coral Sea, but my Vals failed to find the target, and he slipped away. I did, however, bang up a couple of surface ships as a consolation prize.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/01/42

Weather: Overcast

Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
G3M Nell x 28
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 10
P-40E Kittyhawk x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 5 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed

CPT P. Brown of 36th FS is KILLED

Runway hits 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
13 x G3M Nell at 11000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet
14 x G3M Nell at 4000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 15th Base Force, at 9,33

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 11
P-40E Kittyhawk x 6

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 2 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 11 damaged

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

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 11
P-39D Airacobra x 6
P-40E Kittyhawk x 5
A-24 Dauntless x 9
A-20B Havoc x 9

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged
A-24 Dauntless x 1 damaged
A-20B Havoc x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 114
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 7
Runway hits 20

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x Hudson at 6000 feet [snip]
--------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/02/42

Weather: Clear

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/03/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Buna , at 12,38

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 14

no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
14 x G4M1 Betty at 4000 feet

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

Japanese Ships
DD Kikuzuki

Allied Ships
SS S-44

---------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 86th Naval Garrison Unit, at 12,38

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 14
P-39D Airacobra x 13
P-40E Kittyhawk x 5
A-24 Dauntless x 12
A-20B Havoc x 7

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 16 [snip]

---------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 81st Naval Garrison Unit, at 17,42

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 3

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

-----------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 801 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1378 troops, 31 guns, 0 vehicles

--------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Gili Gili

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 247 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 8 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Gili Gili base !!!

-----------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/04/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 23

no losses

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-25D Mitchell at 5000 feet [snip]
------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 86th Naval Garrison Unit, at 12,38

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 15
P-40E Kittyhawk x 8

no losses

-----------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Hoskins at 16,31

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Marsue Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Chowa Maru
DD Asanagi

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

-------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Hoskins at 16,31

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Marsue Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Chowa Maru
[snip]
------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 801 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1378 troops, 31 guns, 0 vehicles

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/05/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack near Truk at 20,2

Japanese Ships
AP Mogamigawa Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Hoskins at 16,31

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 3

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 8

no losses

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Daifuku Maru
DD Asanagi
AP Mito Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 5000 feet [snip]

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

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 6
G4M1 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 6
P-400 Airacobra x 12
P-39D Airacobra x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 5 damaged

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

Allied Ships
PG Warrego, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PG Swan
SC 520, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
[snip]
---------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Hoskins at 16,31

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 2

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Marsue Maru, heavy damage
DD Asanagi [snip]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/06/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 17,29

Japanese Ships
AP Marsue Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-47

---------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 17,29

Japanese Ships
AP Mito Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage [Grrr]

Allied Ships
SS S-47
-----------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 17,29

Japanese Ships
AP Mito Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-47

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/07/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Buna , at 12,38

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x G4M1 Betty at 4000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 19

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 10
P-400 Airacobra x 6
P-39D Airacobra x 5
P-40E Kittyhawk x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 6 destroyed
G3M Nell x 11 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 1 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Mungana
AP Manunda
AP Ormiston
AK Mildura, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Adelong, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 37 [snip]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/08/42

On this day, or maybe the day before, our CVs made contact, but my Vals failed to find their target, and his TFs then slinked away, toward Australia. The Empire looks forward to another chance.

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on 81st Naval Garrison Unit, at 17,42

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 6
B-26B Marauder x 8
A-20B Havoc x 8

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 8

Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x B-26B Marauder at 5000 feet
8 x A-20B Havoc at 4000 feet

------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Kavieng at 18,24

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 2

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 9

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Asanagi
AP Daifuku Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x Hudson at 5000 feet
4 x Hudson at 5000 feet
4 x Hudson at 5000 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
G3M Nell x 7

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 10
P-400 Airacobra x 8
P-40E Kittyhawk x 13

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

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

CDR Y. Kozono of F1/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
AP Manunda, Torpedo hits 1, on fire [snip]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Hoskins at 16,31

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 6

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 11
AG 116 [snip]

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
G3M Nell x 4

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 9
P-400 Airacobra x 7
P-40E Kittyhawk x 12

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

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 1 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 5 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 damaged

CPO S. Ishihara of F1/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
PG Swan [snip]
------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Shortland Island at 29,34

Japanese Ships
DD Mutsuki
DD Yayoi

Allied Ships
SS S-44, Shell hits 2 [YAY! I finally hit one!! Alert the media!]

------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Hoskins at 16,31

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 12

Allied Ships
SS S-37

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/09/42

Weather: Clear

Sub attack near Hoskins at 16,31

Allied Ships
SS S-37

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Truk at 20,2

Japanese Ships
AP Akibasan Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire [Grr! This ship's escorts did nothing, as usual.]

Allied Ships
SS S-42

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 30
Guns lost 1

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

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 11

no losses
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 81st Naval Garrison Unit, at 17,42

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 9
B-26B Marauder x 4
A-20B Havoc x 8

no losses [snip]
--------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 11

no losses

----------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 24,48

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
D3A Val x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 12 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Australia, Bomb hits 4, on fire
CL Hobart, Bomb hits 1
DD Farragut, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage [Banzai!]

------------------------------------------------------------
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Terp
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USN posting day 11

Post by Terp »

Posted by Terp (Chief of Staff USN),

It has been a tight and very secretive game thus far. Grotius has revealed little of his strategy. The attacks that I expected at Lunga still have not come, and Buna is holding fast and being reinforced daily. Gili Gili has fallen but to a weak and partial Garrison force. We are now 12 turns in.

Our carrier fleets have been playing a bit of cat and mouse. There was one possible encounter, but the conditions were not favorable for victory so I withdrew. The Australia and Farragut took minimal damage and are now undergoing repairs.

Covert Sub attacks at all enemy bases are effective in full force, and some success has been achieved. The pressure on his supply and communication will be increased daily.

Troops and supplies are being assembeled in Port Morsbey. A small Infantry skirmish on the trail to Lae proved favorable, and a continued advance is in the planning stages.

stand by................
It has long been noted that some conquerors prefer enemies as fierce as tigers and brave as eagles, for only then can they savor the true joy of victory.
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Grotius
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Post by Grotius »

The American is correct: I have made some effort to disguise my true intentions. But a strong wind blows from the North. I offer a humble haiku:

A red bird flies south
With a strong breeze at its back
And a nest that floats
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Terp
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USN Posting day 18

Post by Terp »

Posted by Terp (Chief of Staff USN),

It is day 18 and the forces of Imperial Japan have recently moved on Lunga. It will fall within a day without much of a fight and Tulagi will likely follow suit. There is a high voulme of traffic in the Shortland-Munda-Lunga area, suggesting a build up of ground forces and supplies.

The Hoskins base also seems to have a high level of activity. A number of Naval air srtikes and submarine attacks have proven somewhat successfull here. And as a whole, the sub war seems to be paying good dividends.

The long anticaped carrier meeting still has not happened. The Yorktown and Lexington are expecting the arrival of the Long Island soon, and will likely look to press for an engagement.

Buna is still holding and being reinforced. Port Moresby is in a bit of pre attack chaos albeit morale is still very high. The enemies intentions are still not known.

With each passing day the winds of war push at our back...
It has long been noted that some conquerors prefer enemies as fierce as tigers and brave as eagles, for only then can they savor the true joy of victory.
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Feinder
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Post by Feinder »

Interesting stuff!

More Haiku!
-F-
"It is obvious that you have greatly over-estimated my regard for your opinion." - Me

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Grotius
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Post by Grotius »

The Yankee submarine continues to harass me, but there are signs of life in my ASW assets. The Empire is amused to note, however, that the humble Japanese barge is proving to be the most potent ASW vessel in the fleet. Consider this recent exchange:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/18/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

[snip]
-------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Shortland Island at 29,34

Japanese Ships
AG 2051, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-41, Shell hits 2

I shall compose a haiku honoring Barge Number 2051 in due course.
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Terp
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USN Posting Day 22

Post by Terp »

Posted by Terp (Chief of Staff USN),

It is now May 21st, 1942... (turn 22). The forces Imperial Japan are still very quiet (as has been the case through the entire campaign)

Minimal new information has been gained. Recon does report supplies moving into Lea daily and the typical sightings of movement between his other bases all seem normal as well. They are massing somewhere, but it is impossible to tell where they may strike. It has become a waiting period for myself and my entire staff. (and wait we will)

With each passing day our own forces grow stronger. Luganville is under a constant state of readiness. Noumea fortifies its position a little more each day. To the east Brisbane, Rockhampton and Townsville are all in a state of readiness and complete defensive measures have been put in place for the entire Australian coast.

In the north, Port Moresby is a virtual beehive of activity. Supplies and troops are flowing like good wine. Buna is still held and being fortified as well. In a rather bold move my staff put together a small forward base landing. On May 20th the entire Australian 7th stormed ashore and retook Gili Gili. The Entire Japaneese garrison was overrun (250+ gorund forces killed or captured) My opponents inactivity has made my men a bit restless and something had to be done to maintain morale at its high level. The success of the operation seemed to only fuel their thirst. But this this thirst must be tempered... for the storm is coming....
It has long been noted that some conquerors prefer enemies as fierce as tigers and brave as eagles, for only then can they savor the true joy of victory.
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Grotius
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Post by Grotius »

BRIDGE
IMPERIAL AIRCRAFT CARRIER SHOKAKU
SOMEWHERE IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC
23 MAY 1942

The American's intelligence is, we are glad to see, flawed. He seems to believe the Empire has been inactive! Our forces are moving into position quietly but efficiently. All will be come clear in the fullness of time.

In the meantime, our barges lead the charge against the colonialists' submarine menace.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/21/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

-----------------------------------
Sub attack near Lae at 9,33

Japanese Ships
AG 108, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-43, Shell hits 6, on fire

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

Japanese Ships
CL Yubari

Allied Ships
SS S-41

--------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kavieng at 18,24

Japanese Ships
AG 102

Allied Ships
SS S-38, Shell hits 5, on fire

[snip]
---------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lae at 9,33

Japanese Ships
AG 113, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-43, heavy damage
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HawaiiFive-O
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Post by HawaiiFive-O »

See! It's not just me. The IJN Barge is their finest ASW platform.

USN subs quake in fear at the approach of this shallow drafted menace...
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Grotius
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Post by Grotius »

I offer this tiny haiku in honor of the noble Japanese barge, bane of the American submarine:

A raft of iron
floats on a soft current
and sinks the grey shark
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Attack Condor
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"in here? why just food and stuff......"

Post by Attack Condor »

Kind of reminds me of the indians attacking the "defenseless" covered wagon train, only to find the wagons full of soldiers... perhaps the barges have the rice and sashimi camoflaguing the 5.5in guns...? :)
"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"
Terp
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USN Posting Day 28

Post by Terp »

Posted by Terp (Chief of Staff USN),

We are nearing the end of May 1942.... The forces of Imperial Japan continue to mass for a major strike, but where is the question...

Port Moresby is held and continuing to fortify its position. Buna and Gili Gili are also held, Gili Gili just recently being retaken by the Australian 7th. Noumea and Luganville are preparing for a major move south. The Austrialian coast is also establishing defensive positions. Where will the strike come......

Port Moresby seems the ovbious target. Supplies have been moving in the Kaveing/Hoskins/Lae area for some time and Woodlark has been taken. Recon has determined that Rabul has a large concentration of infantry.

we wait....

The Lexington and Enterprise have recently been joined by the Long Island, and the Saratoga will be arriving soon.... Our air power grows daily, as do our land forces.

Should a more offensive position be taken (as is the wish of many of my advisors) or should we wait and continue to grow in strength. The air engagements are increasing each day. (over Lae, Woodlark Island and Port Moresby)

One gets the feeling something is going to happen soon, something very big.....


It has long been noted that some conquerors prefer enemies as fierce as tigers and brave as eagles, for only then can they savor the true joy of victory.
It has long been noted that some conquerors prefer enemies as fierce as tigers and brave as eagles, for only then can they savor the true joy of victory.
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Grotius
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Post by Grotius »

BRIDGE
IMPERIAL AIRCRAFT CARRIER ZUIKAKU
SOMEWHERE IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC
2 JUNE 1942, 1800 HOURS

All-out war looms on the horizon, and tensions continue to rise. Bombs fall on innocent Japanese naval installations; planes clash in the skies. Our opponent says he senses a massive buildup of Imperial forces. On this occasion, his intelligence may be correct. In the meantime, the spooky bad luck of the USS Long Island continues.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/22/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
G3M Nell x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 13 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Chicago, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet [snip]

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
G3M Nell x 3
G4M1 Betty x 6

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

Allied Ships
CA Chicago, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Moreton Bay, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet [snip]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/23/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

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

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 9

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 9
P-40E Kittyhawk x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 4 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged [snip]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/24/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 14,42

Japanese Ships
SS I-15

Allied Ships
AP Moreton Bay, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage [later sank in port at PM, or so say my informers]

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

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 14
Wirraway x 8
P-39D Airacobra x 12
A-24 Dauntless x 13
B-26B Marauder x 28
A-20B Havoc x 14

Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Dauntless x 2 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 2 damaged
A-20B Havoc x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 13

Port hits 1
Port supply hits 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
11 x A-20B Havoc at 5000 feet [snip]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/25/42

Weather: Rain

Ground combat at Woodlark Island

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 975 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 13 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Woodlark Island base !!!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/26/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Buna , at 12,38

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

no losses

Airbase hits 1

[snip]

-----------------------------------
Air attack on Sasebo 5th SNLF, at 22,39

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 13
B-26B Marauder x 32

Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 37

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-26B Marauder at 5000 feet [snip]

-----------------------------
Air attack on 15th Base Force, at 9,33

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 8
P-39D Airacobra x 21

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 55

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
G3M Nell x 5

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 11
P-40E Kittyhawk x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
G3M Nell x 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 2 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 2 destroyed

SLDR P. Turnbull of No. 76 Sqn RAAF is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
SC 517
SC 519, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
[snip]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/27/42

Weather: Clear

Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged

Port hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
10 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet

----------------------------------------------
Air attack on 15th Base Force, at 9,33

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 9
P-39D Airacobra x 21

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 6

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/28/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Air attack on 15th Base Force, at 9,33

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 9
P-39D Airacobra x 19
A-20B Havoc x 6

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 4 damaged
A-20B Havoc x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 31

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x A-20B Havoc at 5000 feet

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/29/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Cairns , at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 12

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

Port hits 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
11 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet

------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 15th Base Force, at 9,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 6

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 12
Wirraway x 23
P-40E Kittyhawk x 7
B-26B Marauder x 13
A-20B Havoc x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 1 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged
A-20B Havoc x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 60

Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x A-20B Havoc at 5000 feet [snip]

--------------------------------------
Air attack on 15th Base Force, at 9,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 5

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 6

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 5000 feet [snip]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/30/42

Weather: Overcast

Air attack on 15th Base Force, at 9,33

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 6

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 10
Wirraway x 23
P-40E Kittyhawk x 12
B-26B Marauder x 13
A-20B Havoc x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A5M4 Claude x 1 destroyed
A5M4 Claude x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 3 damaged
Wirraway x 2 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 3 damaged
A-20B Havoc x 3 damaged

LTJG J. Sasai of F2/Tainan Daitai bails out and is RESCUED

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 90

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x Hudson at 5000 feet [snip]

---------------------------------
Sub attack at 10,61

Japanese Ships
SS I-28

Allied Ships
CVE Long Island, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Warramunga

------------------------
Sub attack at 10,61

Japanese Ships
SS I-28

Allied Ships
CVE Long Island, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage [later sunk]
DD Warramunga
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Terp
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue Jan 07, 2003 5:29 am

USN Posting Day 36

Post by Terp »

Posted by Terp (Chief of Staff USN),

It is now early June. The situation has changed little; things are quiet. The forces of Imperial Japan continue to supply and grow but not attack, while our own forces do the same.

We air bombard Lae daily, the toll on IJN forces is starting to tell there, (avg. 65 casualties/day for close to 2 weeks)

In a bit of misfortune the Long Island was sunk by a sub attack off the coast of Australia. And overall the Jap sub forces are doing very well... claiming 2 - DD's and a couple other misc. vessels, we are working hard to remedy this major distraction.

There is little else to report at this time, but the situation could change in an instant, and a report will be forthcoming....
It has long been noted that some conquerors prefer enemies as fierce as tigers and brave as eagles, for only then can they savor the true joy of victory.
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Grotius
Posts: 5842
Joined: Fri Oct 18, 2002 5:34 pm
Location: The Imperial Palace.

Post by Grotius »

It is now mid-June, and still a strange quiet blankets the South Pacific. As the American says, my submarines have been quite active, sinking the Long Island, a couple destroyers, and putting a hole in the CA Minneapolis. But many of our recent turns look like this:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/15/42

Weather: Rain

Ah, the American may think we have turned around and gone home to Tokyo. Let him think that! In the meantime, I have composed a haiku to describe my postwar plans:

I rise with the sun
and beyond the lake I see
snow on Mount Rainier
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