Back in the fold - Miller vs borner

[borner]

Brutal combat replay.  The USN retired to port. I figured that I had enough fighters in port, 1 p38 group, 1 p40 group, 6 F4F groups including those from Yorktown that was sent back to Pearl, and all carriers groups set to 60%. I foolishly forgot that carriers in port are reduced by 50%.   Miller launched a sweep from Lugna that although outnumbered 2-1, shot down 60+ fighters and lost only 10. Then when his strike came, I had no fighter cover left. Hard to believe that so outnumbered a fighter sweep could clear the sky over my port.
 
It was a very creative move. I had never considered as the IJN to use the huge range of the zero to sweep the port the KB was going to atack. I will have to remember that one for the future. At least until F4U's are on the board.
 
 
 
panese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 105
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 222
P-39D Airacobra x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 12
P-38G Lightning x 14
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 7 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 51 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 3 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged
 
CPO S.Matsuyama of F1/253rd Daitai is credited with kill number 7
 
LCDR J. Thach of VF-3 is KILLED
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,54
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 15
A6M2 Zero x 58
 
Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 4
 
no losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 4 destroyed
 
WO T.Muto of BI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,54
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 15
A6M2 Zero x 58
 
Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 113
TBF Avenger x 45
P-39D Airacobra x 4
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 2 damaged
A6M2 Zero x 3 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 59 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 24 damaged
TBF Avenger x 28 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 22 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged
 
PO2 E.Sakai of BI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 15
 
Japanese Ships
BB Yamato
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 5,  on fire,  heavy damage
DD Wakaba
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 1
CV Akagi, Bomb hits 3,  on fire
DD Makigumo
CS Chitose
CA Myoko, Torpedo hits 1
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,54
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 7
A6M2 Zero x 27
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
SBD Dauntless x 78
P-39D Airacobra x 8
 
no losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 6 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 19 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 5 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged
 
PO2 E.Sakai of BI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 17
 
Japanese Ships
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 1
CV Akagi, Bomb hits 9,  on fire,  heavy damage
CA Myoko, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
CVL Zuiho,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,54
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 15
A6M2 Zero x 58
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
SBD Dauntless x 16
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 17 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged
 
WO S.Nagahama of DIII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 5
 
Japanese Ships
CA Aoba
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Cooktown at 6,53
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
G4M1 Betty x 22
 
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 19
P-40E Kittyhawk x 39
P-40E Warhawk x 34
P-38G Lightning x 16
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 10 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 18 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 9 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 2 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 7 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 3 damaged
P-40E Warhawk x 4 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 9 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged
 
PO2 D. Fukumori of F2/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 5
 
LT J. Sasai of F2/Tainan Daitai bails out and is CAPTURED
 
Allied Ships
CL Leander
DD Farragut
DD Hughes
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
 4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
 0 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 53,53
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 168
A6M3 Zero x 17
D3A Val x 221
B5N Kate x 157
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2
P-39D Airacobra x 1
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 16 damaged
B5N Kate x 20 destroyed
B5N Kate x 29 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
 
2LT C. Bryan of VMF-224 is credited with kill number 2
 
Allied Ships
DD Benham, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 13, Torpedo hits 8,  on fire,  heavy damage
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 7,  on fire,  heavy damage
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 13, Torpedo hits 7,  on fire,  heavy damage
CV Wasp, Bomb hits 19, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
BB Washington, Bomb hits 12, Torpedo hits 3,  on fire
CV Hornet, Bomb hits 19, Torpedo hits 3,  on fire,  heavy damage
BB North Carolina, Torpedo hits 6,  on fire,  heavy damage
CL Boise, Bomb hits 5,  on fire
CL St. Louis, Bomb hits 6
DD Stack, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Luganville , at 53,53
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 85
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 111
P-39D Airacobra x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 14
P-38G Lightning x 17
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 1 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 3 damaged
 
LTJG K.Matsuo of F2/1st Daitai is credited with kill number 5
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,54
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 13
A6M2 Zero x 37
 
Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 22
 
no losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 12 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 9 damaged
 
PO1 A.Kamisaka of BI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 5
 
Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,54
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 13
A6M2 Zero x 37
 
Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 32
TBF Avenger x 1
P-39D Airacobra x 3
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 destroyed
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 24 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 10 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
 
PO1 A.Kamisaka of BI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 7
 
Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku
CA Takao
CVL Shoho
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,54
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 12
A6M2 Zero x 37
 
Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 7
 
no losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 4 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged
 
CPO W.Matsuki of BI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2
 
Japanese Ships
CV Kaga
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 47,54
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 12
A6M2 Zero x 37
 
Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 72
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 23 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 8 damaged
 
PO2 J.Matsunaga of BI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 7
 
Japanese Ships
CV Akagi, Bomb hits 8,  on fire,  heavy damage
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 4,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 53,53
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 110
A6M3 Zero x 17
D3A Val x 118
B5N Kate x 68
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
 
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 3 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
 
Allied Ships
CV Hornet,  on fire,  heavy damage
CV Wasp,  on fire,  heavy damage
CV Saratoga,  on fire,  heavy damage
CV Enterprise,  on fire,  heavy damage
BB Washington, Torpedo hits 4,  on fire,  heavy damage
CV Lexington,  on fire,  heavy damage
CL St. Louis, Bomb hits 6,  on fire,  heavy damage
CL Boise, Bomb hits 4,  on fire
CA Portland, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire
CL Phoenix, Torpedo hits 1
 

[Miller]

A well planned operation, even if I say so myself[;)]

But seriously, I saw the opportunity and with a bit of luck my operation went off perfectly. My 4 best Zero sqds swept the skies over Luganville for my carrier strike, which went in one big strike and swamped everything. It was not all one sided though as his carrier a/c managed to sink AKagi and Zuiho in return.

Understandably Brian was reluctant to continue the game after such a big blow, so I offerred him to rewind the game to before the big turn and I will retire my CVs to port. In return he has agreed to play to the end regardless of future developments.

[borner]

I will gladly give Miller credit for a win after the slaughter of the USN, and see who wins this one from now to the end.....

[borner]

Not a lot of action to report. 4 of the IJN's remaining MSW's were caught without cap between Lugna and Irau and sunk by low level allied bombers several turns ago. The Combined fleet was spooted in the south Soloman sea but did not venture very far south but still seems to be lurking about, perhaps to make another run somewhere?

[Miller]

The way I see it, you have 3 realistic objectives for your first big invasion - Port Moresby, Gili-Gili or Irau. My CVs are in position to react quickly to any to these target areas.

I promise it will get messy[;)]

[Miller]

We are now into February 43. A bold move by borner sees him recapture the lightly defended PM via mass fast transport invasion. The KB was only able to hit one of his TFs hard after it had already dropped its load. CA Chicago and around 10 DD/APDs went down, but that was a worthwhile price to pay. Up to now my LBA have kept the airfield closed but as he sends in more engineers this will not be possible.

Meanwhile over in SOPAC it looks like he may soon commit to an invasion of Irau. He has been sending DMS and MSW under cover of LRCAP to sweep the large minefield in place there. I did manage to intercept one of these groups with a surface force but despite having superior numbers most of his ships got away.

[borner]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/28/43
Weather: Thunderstorms
Sub attack near Irau  at 42,43
 
Japanese Ships
SS I-21, Shell hits 2,  on fire
 
Allied Ships
DD Warramunga
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,47
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34
D3A Val x 27
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 186
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 7 destroyed
D3A Val x 7 destroyed
D3A Val x 17 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4 damaged
 
CPO K.Fujiwara of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4
 
LT D.O'Neill of VF-71 is KILLED
 
Allied Ships
CVE Suwannee
DD Lansdowne
CVE Sangamon
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,47
 
Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 27
B5N Kate x 18
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
 
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 4 destroyed
D3A Val x 12 damaged
B5N Kate x 9 damaged
 
 
Allied Ships
DD Mullany
CVE Altamaha, Bomb hits 1
DD Bagley
CVE Copahee, Bomb hits 2,  on fire
DD Hutchins
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 23,40
 
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 143
TBF Avenger x 34
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 3 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 11 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 4 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, Bomb hits 1
CVE Chuyo, Bomb hits 15, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
BB Fuso, Bomb hits 13,  on fire,  heavy damage
CVE Unyo, Bomb hits 12, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 4,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 23,40
 
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
SBD Dauntless x 16
TBF Avenger x 17
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
CVE Chuyo,  on fire,  heavy damage
BB Fuso, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
CA Maya, Bomb hits 3,  on fire,  heavy damage
CVE Unyo,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 23,40
 
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 22
SBD Dauntless x 16
TBF Avenger x 41
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 8 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
BB Fuso, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
CVE Unyo,  on fire,  heavy damage
CVE Chuyo,  on fire,  heavy damage
DD Kamikaze, Bomb hits 3,  on fire,  heavy damage
DD Asanagi
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 23,40
 
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14
SBD Dauntless x 11
TBF Avenger x 24
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 5 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
CVE Unyo,  on fire,  heavy damage
CVE Chuyo,  on fire,  heavy damage
DD Ariake
BB Yamashiro, Torpedo hits 3,  on fire
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 23,40
 
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
SBD Dauntless x 30
TBF Avenger x 16
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 7 damaged
TBF Avenger x 2 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 11 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
DD Hayanami
BB Hiei, Torpedo hits 1
DD Akigumo, Torpedo hits 1
CA Atago, Bomb hits 2,  on fire
BB Kirishima, Bomb hits 2
CA Chokai
DD Maikaze, Bomb hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,47
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
B5N Kate x 10
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 103
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 destroyed
B5N Kate x 7 destroyed
B5N Kate x 1 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
 
LT T. Coleman of VF-6 is credited with kill number 4
 
Allied Ships
CV Hornet
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,47
 
Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 27
A6M5-B Zeke x 23
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 59
 
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 8 destroyed
D3A Val x 11 damaged
A6M5-B Zeke x 17 destroyed
A6M5-B Zeke x 1 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
 
LT C. Chambers of VF-6 is credited with kill number 6
 
LCDR R.Matsumura of FB2/204th Daitai bails out and is RESCUED
 
Allied Ships
CA Minneapolis, Bomb hits 5,  on fire
CVE Sangamon, Bomb hits 2
CVE Long Island, Bomb hits 3,  on fire
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,47
 
Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 29
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 37
 
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 12 destroyed
B5N Kate x 7 damaged
 
 
LTJG J. Franks of VF-9 is credited with kill number 5
 
Allied Ships
CVE Chenango
CVE Sangamon
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,47
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 55
A6M3 Zero x 19
D3A Val x 93
B5N Kate x 12
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 47
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 7 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 8 destroyed
D3A Val x 19 damaged
B5N Kate x 2 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8 damaged
 
ENS V.Walton of VF-71 is credited with kill number 6
 
ENS V.Walton of VF-71 bails out and is CAPTURED
 
Allied Ships
CA Louisville, Bomb hits 4,  on fire,  heavy damage
CVE Altamaha, Bomb hits 13,  on fire,  heavy damage
DD Mugford, Bomb hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
CVE Copahee, Bomb hits 6,  on fire,  heavy damage
DD Sims
CA Chester
BB Maryland
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,47
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 42
D3A Val x 24
B5N Kate x 14
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 7 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
 
LT C. Chambers of VF-6 is credited with kill number 7
 
LT C. Chambers of VF-6 is KILLED
 
Allied Ships
DD Sims
CVE Copahee, Bomb hits 5,  on fire,  heavy damage
BB Colorado, Bomb hits 3,  on fire
CVE Altamaha, Bomb hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,47
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
D3A Val x 19
B5N Kate x 13
 
Allied aircraft
 
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 damaged
B5N Kate x 4 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
 
LTJG J. Franks of VF-9 bails out and is CAPTURED
 
Allied Ships
BB Colorado, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
CVE Altamaha, Bomb hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
CL Columbia
CVE Copahee, Bomb hits 6,  on fire,  heavy damage
DD Taylor
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,47
 
Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 12
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1
 
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 6 destroyed
B5N Kate x 3 damaged
 
 
Allied Ships
CA Portland
CLAA Van Heemskerck
CV Essex
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,47
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
D3A Val x 12
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1
 
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 6 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
 
Allied Ships
CA Northampton

[borner]

it seems part of the IJN moved one area ahead of the main force. A moderate win for the USN. 200 enemy planes down for 80 of mine. 2 IJN CVE's sunk, soon to be followed by 2 from teh USN and another trying to get back to port. I kept my fleet in position to cover the retreat of my damaged ships. We will see if the KB comes forward or pulls back.

[Miller]

I came forward....here is the result of day two of this battle:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/01/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 71
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3
Ki-21 Sally x 27
Ki-48 Lily x 38

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 8
P-40E Kittyhawk x 9
P-40E Warhawk x 27
P-38G Lightning x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 6 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 5 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 5 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged

CPO S. Sugita of F1/6th Daitai is credited with kill number 4


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 592

Airbase hits 18
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 45

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
0 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
0 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
15 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
5 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
15 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
0 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-48 Lily at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 19,45

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 15
A6M2 Zero x 79
A6M3 Zero x 33

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 9
TBF Avenger x 4

no losses

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

CPO F.Ichimura of FF2/Yokohama Chutai is credited with kill number 3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 16,51

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 30
A6M3 Zero x 15
D3A Val x 78
B5N Kate x 87

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed

PO1 E.Araki of F2/6th Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
CVE Sangamon, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Long Island, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD DeHaven, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Chevalier, Bomb hits 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 16,51

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
B5N Kate x 14

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1

no losses

no losses

Allied Ships
CVE Long Island, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 16,51

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 4

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1

no losses

no losses

Allied Ships
CVE Sangamon, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 16,51

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 4
D3A Val x 24
B5N Kate x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed


Allied Ships
CVE Sangamon, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Long Island, on fire, heavy damage
CA Minneapolis, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 16,51

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 1 damaged


Allied Ships
CA Minneapolis, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Long Island, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 16,51

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 23

no losses

Allied Ships
CVE Sangamon, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Long Island, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 18,48

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 80
A6M3 Zero x 37
D3A Val x 138
B5N Kate x 105
F1M2 Pete x 8
E13A1 Jake x 5

no losses

Allied Ships
CVE Altamaha, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Copahee, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA Louisville, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 18,48

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
A6M3 Zero x 3
D3A Val x 24
B5N Kate x 17

no losses

Allied Ships
CA Louisville, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Copahee, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Altamaha, on fire, heavy damage


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

As you can see borner's main CVs did not launch any strikes because of bad weather, which also hid them from any counter attack. Instead one big strike from my carriers sank a couple of CVEs and the other went after the already dead CVEs from the day before (Unbelieveable they were still afloat after the pounding they took yesterday).

We both decided to retire the next day. Overall result of the battle:

IJN Losses: CVE's Unyo and Chuyo, BB Fuso, CA Kinugasa, 2 DDs, 300 a/c

USN Losses: 4 CVEs, CA Minneapolis, 150 a/c.

So pretty even other than a/c losses. In other news I am still just about managing to keep PM airfield closed.....although I dont know how much longer I can keep it shut as recon shows a million engineer units there........

[Miller]

Only a little more than two weeks later our carriers clashed again south of Irau, which was in the process of being invaded.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/17/43

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
SS I-4, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
AP Esperance Bay, Torpedo hits 1
SC 645


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 24
Vehicles lost 1


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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 16

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 9
P-39D Airacobra x 3
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 23
P-38G Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk x 1 damaged


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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 28
Ki-21 Sally x 23
Ki-46 Dinah x 4
Ki-49 Helen x 23

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 9
P-39D Airacobra x 3
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 6
P-38G Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 damaged
Ki-46 Dinah x 1 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 1 damaged

2LT D. Fisher of VMF-214 is credited with kill number 3


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 291
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 17

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
8 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
8 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet
11 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 38,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
A6M3 Zero x 15

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 26
SBD Dauntless x 106
TBF Avenger x 51

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 10 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 9 damaged
TBF Avenger x 7 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 15 damaged

LTJG H. Houck of VF-9 is credited with kill number 4

Japanese Ships
CV Hiyo, Bomb hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
CL Tama
CVL Ryuho, Bomb hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Mutsu, Torpedo hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 38,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7
TBF Avenger x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 9 damaged

PO1 H.Chono of DII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
CV Hiyo, on fire, heavy damage
BB Mutsu
CV Junyo, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 38,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 13
SBD Dauntless x 18
TBF Avenger x 21

no losses

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

ENS R.Kotani of DIII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, on fire, heavy damage
CVL Ryuho, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CV Hiyo, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 38,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15
SBD Dauntless x 36
TBF Avenger x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged

PO2 H.Aihara of DIII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, on fire, heavy damage
CV Hiyo, on fire, heavy damage
CVL Ryuho, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CL Tama


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 38,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 18

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 2 damaged

LTJG J.Matsuki of DII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
CL Tama
CVL Ryuho, on fire, heavy damage
CV Junyo, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shirakumo


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 38,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
A6M3 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14
SBD Dauntless x 34

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 5 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 20 damaged

PO2 D.Akashiba of DIII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hamakaze
CL Nagara, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 38,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
A6M3 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 18

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 4 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 10 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Isuzu, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
D3A Val x 50
B5N Kate x 16
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 34

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
PT 37, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PT 46, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PT 128, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PT 149, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PT 48, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 44,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 33
D3A Val x 27
B5N Kate x 46

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 damaged
B5N Kate x 8 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Alkaid, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Lyra, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Lesuth, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Caelum, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD O'Bannon, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Sterope, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Alderamin, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Murzim, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Matar, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Azimech, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Crux


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 126


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 44,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
D3A Val x 44
B5N Kate x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD O'Bannon, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Gainsar, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hammann, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Lyra, on fire, heavy damage
AK Shaula, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Alkaid, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AK Allioth, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
AK Murzim, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Alderamin, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 423
Guns lost 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 44,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
D3A Val x 12
B5N Kate x 18

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Sculptor
AK Allioth, heavy damage
AK Murzim, on fire, heavy damage
AK Gainsar, on fire, heavy damage
AK Lesuth, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
AK Azimech, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 44,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
D3A Val x 27
B5N Kate x 13

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Matar, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Gainsar, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hammann, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Serpens, Torpedo hits 1


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 48


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Alcyone, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD McCalla, Bomb hits 12, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 32
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 4 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Albireo, heavy damage
AP William Ward Burrows, heavy damage

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
A6M3 Zero x 19
D3A Val x 34
B5N Kate x 34

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 137
F4U-1 Corsair x 2
P-38G Lightning x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 8 destroyed
D3A Val x 15 destroyed
D3A Val x 14 damaged
B5N Kate x 17 destroyed
B5N Kate x 17 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed

LT K.Hickman of VF-71 is credited with kill number 5

Allied Ships
CA Chester
CVE Suwannee
CVE Chenango, Torpedo hits 3, on fire
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 7, on fire


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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 11

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 9
P-39D Airacobra x 1
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 20
P-38G Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 2 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 damaged



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 228th Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 13
B-26B Marauder x 9


no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Hudson at 1000 feet
3 x Hudson at 1000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 1000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 1000 feet
6 x Hudson at 1000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 229th Regiment, at 42,43


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 7
TBF Avenger x 13


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 10

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
10 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 37,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 81

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 48

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

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 51 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 9 damaged

LTJG K.Sagara of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 38,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 12

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 9
TBF Avenger x 8

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 9 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CL Sendai
CA Takao
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 38,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 12

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 36
SBD Dauntless x 82
TBF Avenger x 61

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 destroyed

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

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryuho, on fire, heavy damage
CV Junyo, on fire, heavy damage
CV Hiyo, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
B5N Kate x 12

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 97
F4U-1 Corsair x 3
P-38G Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 6 destroyed
B5N Kate x 16 destroyed

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

LT K.Hickman of VF-71 is credited with kill number 7

LCDR B.Fujimatsu of DI-1 Daitai is KILLED


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 60
B5N Kate x 8
G4M1 Betty x 16

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 9
P-39D Airacobra x 1
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 5
P-38G Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 7 destroyed
B5N Kate x 4 destroyed
B5N Kate x 5 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 13 damaged

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

2LT P.Bannister of VMF-214 is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
CL Achillies
CA Australia
AK Neleus, Torpedo hits 1
CL Hobart, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
G4M1 Betty x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 24 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Leander, Torpedo hits 1
CA Canberra, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DMS Zane
CL Achillies, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,44

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 14

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 51
F4U-1 Corsair x 3
P-38G Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 16 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged

LT K.Hickman of VF-71 is credited with kill number 9

Allied Ships
CL St. Louis


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
B5N Kate x 10

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 6 destroyed
B5N Kate x 6 damaged

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

CPO H.Matsuki of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
CLAA Reno
CV Essex, Bomb hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
D3A Val x 29
B5N Kate x 14

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 10 destroyed
D3A Val x 28 damaged
B5N Kate x 5 destroyed
B5N Kate x 9 damaged


LTJG D.Alford of VF-71 is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
CV Hornet, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CL St. Louis
CV Essex
CA Quincy, Bomb hits 2, on fire


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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 45
G4M1 Betty x 16

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 15 damaged


Allied Ships
AP Katoomba
SC 518
AK Murada, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
SC 647

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,44

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 35
B5N Kate x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 13
F4U-1 Corsair x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 6 destroyed
D3A Val x 6 damaged
B5N Kate x 10 destroyed
B5N Kate x 3 damaged


LTJG D.Alford of VF-71 is credited with kill number 6

Allied Ships
CL Cleveland
CA Chester
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CVE Suwannee, Bomb hits 1
CA Pensacola, Bomb hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
D3A Val x 22

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 9 destroyed
D3A Val x 20 damaged


ENS R.Henderson of VF-71 is credited with kill number 4

Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Suwannee, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Irau

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 10286 troops, 167 guns, 8 vehicles

Defending force 19876 troops, 228 guns, 0 vehicles



ENS F.Emerson of VF-71 is credited with kill number 4

LT P.Aino of 208th Sentai bails out and is RESCUED
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 13


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

Just like the previous battle one of my CV fleets reacted an extra hex, leaving itself exposed from the bulk of the CAP........they felt the full force of the US morning attacks, CVs Junyo, Hiyo and CVL Ryuho going down under a hail of bombs and torpedoes.

Despite having parity in carrier a/c and numerous LBA sqds ready to attack, the majority of my morning strikes go after transports and a PT!! boat group.[:@] In the afternoon phase I finally get some strikes on his carriers, but can only badly damage Lexington and a couple of CVEs as half of the attacking a/c go after escorts. Fortunately for me the bulk of borners afternoon strikes go after my already dead CVs from the morning attack.

We both retire, and Irau falls after a 3 day assault. Meanwhile, borner used the distraction to get a couple of big supply convoys into PM, which was under almost daily attack by my Army bombers based at Lae and Wewak. I diverted my retreating CVs to the area and managed to catch and sink quite a few transports. Among his losses include 2 CAs and 3 CLs, which were finished off in port after being badly damaged and disbanded. My air losses have been heavy in an attempt to keep the airfield closed, the single F4U unit there is clocking up plenty of kills, they are like X wings in this game[8|]

I am definately on the defensive now, not long before Irau is built up and bombers start to fly from there.........

[borner]

The battle around PM continues. I sent about every ENG unit in the west into the port once it was taken, and they are all shadows of what they once were. The reduction of these units by IJN airpower is amazing. Japan is loosing 100-150 planes per week in these operations, but he has stonewalled by attack for over a month.  I think I am finally close to getting the upper hand, but we will see. Right now there are 20 operational fighters and 200 more sitting there waiting to get repaired. b-25's are holding Gili Gili in check, and my carriers this turn hit LEa along with my B-17's. Hopefully I can keep these two bases closed and force his planes to strike from a longer range to keep his OP losses up. We will see how much longer Miller can keep up the presure.  In the east, Irau is now up to a level 3 airstrip, but for the most part Miller has left things alone there. I do not expect that to last though.....

[Miller]

A fascinating struggle we have going on over PM. Every one of my available bombers is doing an excellent job of keeping the airfield out of action. If he gets it operational and places B25s there then most of my New Guinea bases will become unhabitable soon after. I cannot let that happen. Op losses are high at times but its usually the crappy pilots that die so as long as I have the airframes to fly I'm happy to accept them.

Brian seems reluctant to commit his carriers to another battle, despite the fact he has parity in numbers and probably higher overall pilot quality now. His B17s are working overtime keeping Lae closed, but I can also base a/c at Wewak, Kavieng, Rabaul and Shortlands that are within range of striking PM.

Over in the Solomans Irau is a threat and is covered by two sqds of Corsairs, so attacking it would be suicide, but the priority is keeping PM out of action.

[borner]

a huge defeta for the USN in ships lost. Miller has the exact count but over 250 planes lost on each side. All 4 hit US carriers later were hit again and went down. The only good point here is that many of his carriers will need to retire for repairs, and hopefully I can get some intact ENG units into PM and get the airfield going. (or Pearl will finally send me the Yorktown and the CVL's they are holding on to there) A few turns later a raiding TF hit PM, with both Yamato class BB's hitting a mine and two Kongo class BC's taking a PT torp each.
 
 
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/28/43
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Sub attack at 46,43
 
Japanese Ships
SS I-176
 
Allied Ships
MSW Requisite, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,37
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 15
A6M2 Zero x 98
A6M3 Zero x 7
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 24
SBD Dauntless x 52
TBF Avenger x 36
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 5 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 47 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 18 damaged
TBF Avenger x 30 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 17 damaged
 
PO2 H.Aihara of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 5
 
Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho
DD Hatakaze, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire
CVL Hosho, Bomb hits 1
CVL Shoho
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,37
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
A6M2 Zero x 51
A6M3 Zero x 5
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12
SBD Dauntless x 33
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 12 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 26 damaged
 
LTJG F.Akashiba of CII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3
 
Japanese Ships
CVL Hosho, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,37
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
A6M2 Zero x 48
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7
SBD Dauntless x 36
TBF Avenger x 18
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 9 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 14 damaged
TBF Avenger x 10 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 10 damaged
 
LTJG A.Katsuma of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 5
 
Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 3,  on fire
CA Tone
CVL Hosho, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 2,  on fire
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,37
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 10
A6M2 Zero x 96
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
SBD Dauntless x 36
TBF Avenger x 18
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 destroyed
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 damaged
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 12 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 22 damaged
TBF Avenger x 11 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 11 damaged
 
LTJG F.Akashiba of CII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4
 
LT N.Endo of FF1/Yokohama Chutai is KILLED
 
Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku, Torpedo hits 1
CS Chiyoda, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
CV Soryu
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 11,42
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 41
D3A Val x 50
B5N Kate x 31
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 100
P-38G Lightning x 6
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 13 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
D3A Val x 15 destroyed
D3A Val x 11 damaged
B5N Kate x 34 destroyed
B5N Kate x 4 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 3 damaged
 
LTJG C.Farrell of VF-71 is credited with kill number 7
 
Allied Ships
BB North Carolina
CV Essex, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
BB Tennessee
CV Enterprise
CV Saratoga, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire
BB Maryland, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 11,42
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
D3A Val x 27
B5N Kate x 18
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 8 destroyed
D3A Val x 19 damaged
B5N Kate x 12 destroyed
B5N Kate x 7 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
 
1LT W. Dwyer of 35th FS is credited with kill number 3
 
Allied Ships
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 5,  on fire
CV Essex, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 5,  on fire
CV Enterprise
CA Wichita, Bomb hits 1
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 11,42
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 30
D3A Val x 21
B5N Kate x 14
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 destroyed
D3A Val x 9 destroyed
D3A Val x 12 damaged
B5N Kate x 5 destroyed
B5N Kate x 11 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 2 destroyed
 
1LT L.Rutins of 36th FS is credited with kill number 2
 
LT K.Hickman of VF-71 bails out and is RESCUED
 
Allied Ships
CV Enterprise
BB Colorado, Bomb hits 5,  on fire
BB North Carolina
CV Essex, Bomb hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
CA Portland
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 11,42
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
A6M3 Zero x 3
D3A Val x 27
B5N Kate x 20
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7
 
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 11 damaged
B5N Kate x 6 destroyed
B5N Kate x 14 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
 
LTJG K.Sagara of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 5
 
Allied Ships
CV Essex, Bomb hits 6,  on fire,  heavy damage
CLAA Reno, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire
BB Colorado, Bomb hits 3,  on fire,  heavy damage
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
BB Tennessee, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 11,42
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A Val x 12
B5N Kate x 18
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 9 damaged
B5N Kate x 5 destroyed
B5N Kate x 15 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
 
ENS W.Sanders of VF-71 is credited with kill number 6
 
Allied Ships
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 7,  on fire,  heavy damage
CV Essex, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
BB Tennessee, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42
 
Japanese aircraft
 
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 15
B-25J Mitchell x 85
 
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 5 destroyed
D3A Val x 6 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 6 destroyed
E13A1 Jake x 2 destroyed
 
 
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 157
Guns lost 2
 
Airbase hits 9
Runway hits 68
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 8 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
 8 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
 3 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
 3 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
 3 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
 3 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
 3 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
 5 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
 3 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
 5 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
 6 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
 9 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
 3 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
 3 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
 5 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
 3 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
 3 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
 6 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
 3 x B-25J Mitchell at 100 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 230th Regiment, at 41,42
 
 
Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 9
 
 
no losses
 
Attacking Level Bombers:
 9 x TBF Avenger at 5000 feet
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,37
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 9
A6M2 Zero x 80
A6M3 Zero x 6
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 22
SBD Dauntless x 18
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 6 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged
 
PO2 H.Aihara of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 6
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,37
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
A6M2 Zero x 64
A6M3 Zero x 4
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
SBD Dauntless x 7
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged
 
PO1 R.Minegishi of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 6
 
LTJG C.Farrell of VF-71 bails out and is CAPTURED
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 15,37
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 9
A6M2 Zero x 76
A6M3 Zero x 5
 
Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 9
 
no losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
 
ENS L.Hori of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 11,42
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 65
A6M3 Zero x 4
D3A Val x 6
B5N Kate x 14
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 38
P-38G Lightning x 6
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 10 destroyed
D3A Val x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 3 damaged
B5N Kate x 10 destroyed
B5N Kate x 5 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 2 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 4 damaged
 
ENS M.Moore of VF-71 is credited with kill number 5
 
ENS M.Moore of VF-71 is KILLED
 
Allied Ships
CL Montpelier, Bomb hits 1
BB Indiana
CV Hornet
CV Wasp
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 11,42
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
A6M3 Zero x 3
B5N Kate x 21
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 12 destroyed
B5N Kate x 11 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
 
ENS W.Sanders of VF-71 bails out WOUNDED and is RESCUED
 
Allied Ships
CL Cleveland, Torpedo hits 1
CL Boise
CL Helena
CV Hornet
CLAA Oakland
BB Indiana
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 11,42
 
Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 68
B5N Kate x 6
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1
P-38G Lightning x 1
 
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 6 damaged
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
 
LT K.Hickman of VF-71 is credited with kill number 10
 
Allied Ships
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 9,  on fire,  heavy damage
CLAA San Juan, Bomb hits 4
BB North Carolina
CLAA Reno, Bomb hits 3,  on fire,  heavy damage
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 4,  on fire
CLAA Van Heemskerck, Bomb hits 4,  on fire
CL Columbia, Torpedo hits 1
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 5,  on fire
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 11,42
 
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 28
D3A Val x 24
 
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1
 
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 8 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 2 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 2 damaged
 
LTJG C.Morioka of F2/6th Daitai is credited with kill number 2
 
LT K.Hickman of VF-71 is KILLED
 
Allied Ships
BB North Carolina, Bomb hits 2
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 4,  on fire,  heavy damage
CA Vincennes, Bomb hits 4,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 11,42
 
Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 3
 
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 damaged
 
Allied Ships
CV Essex, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage

[Miller]

The above looks like a victory but it came at a huge cost, 200 Vals and Kates and most of my remaining high quality pilots. I doubt I will lose any carriers but 4 or 5 are out of the game due to damage.

Sinking 3 US CVs is always good at this stage of the game but he wull get plenty of replacements from Pearl. I have bought another month or two before the inevitable comeback.

[RGIJN]

very nice AAR guys...

how is the overall situation and VP score?

[Miller]

ORIGINAL: RGIJN

very nice AAR guys...

how is the overall situation and VP score?

It is now early June 43.

I am up about 4000 VPs, Brian holds PM but its airfield is totally out of action with many damaged a/c and disabled engineer units there. It is closed to resupply other than by FT.

Over in the Solomons he has built up Irau to the max but has not ventured any further, I am not too concerned about this base as it only has a max level 4 airfield, so operating 4E bombers from there is very costly in ops losses and repair times, and his 2E bombers do not have the range to hit my major bases from there either.

Major ship losses:

IJN: 2CV, 3CVL/E, 1BB, 1CL, 10DD

USN: 3CV, 4CVE, 2BB, 5CA, 3CL and around 30DDs

Transport losses very light on both sides. Should be a very interesting last six months.....

[Miller]

Well into July 43 now and still no sign of the Allied comeback. Brian is waiting on carriers arriving from PH, I think some have arrived but perhaps he is waiting for more.

I am busy topping up supplies everywhere and placing all stray units where I want them to be.......the clock is ticking.

[Miller]

Well as expected Brian launched a big all or nothing resupply of PM covered by his CVs. The overall outcome was a decisive Allied victory. Brief summary of what happened:

Day 1: My CV air attacks his CVs at max range (out of range of his bombers). They go in little bits and pieces and are almost totally destroyed by his CAP, which includes a sqd of Corsairs. Not one hit on a carrier. Almost no attacks from any LBA due to bad weather. 350 a/c lost for about 50 of his.

Day 2/3/4: Three days of Thunderstorms ensure only sporadic attacks on his Transport TFs, lots of CAs and CLs hit but I doubt any will sink, 1 AP sunk[:(] Lots of my bombers lost to flak.

Day 5: Better weather but my strikes are met by over 60 fresh P47s on CAP, flown in from Oz.......another 150 of my a/c go down for nothing in return.

He already has PM airfield fully open, so basically the game has turned on its head and I am now destined to lose. I still hope I can hurt the Allies as the game draws to a conclusion.

[borner]

probably the most fun and most fustrating game of UV I have played. The issue of Pearl holding on to carriers and relaesing old BB's instead continues. Victorious and 4 CVL's sit in port and the high command sends two more old BB's instead. The only good point is that IJN carrier airpower is now just a shell of what it once was. Still, it limits me even at this last stage to stay within range of land based air power.  The air battle over PM continues. Last turn another 180 planes lost to the enemy to 80 of mine. Probably closing in on 800 lost from the time I started this big push into PM to get it and keep it operational.  I think Miller is pretty safe in getting a win for the game, but I hope to at least cut his lead down considerably before the end.

[Miller]

I have lost close on 1000 a/c in the last week or so, mostly fighters. I have been seeing strikes by only a small percentage of my available Bettys and Nells going in with a stupidly high number of escorts which get chewed up by the PM CAP.

Troops are already marching from PM to Buna, and there is nothing I can do to stop them. The points gap of 4000 is nothing at this stage of the game (8/43). I expect Brian to take the lead by the end of 10/43 at the latest.