昭和17年5月5日、オーストラリア北東部のクックタウンに2つの連合軍TFの存在を報告しました。艦種は不明ですがそれぞれ8隻と7隻いるそうで、二つとも大きなTFです。以前クックタウンに連合軍のTFを見かけた時には、クックタウンへの輸送任務をしていました。ポートモレスビーとのあいだで珊瑚海をはさんだ航空撃滅戦をするために、地上部隊を増強しているのかなと思いました。クックタウンには鉄道が通じていないので、陸路だと移動に時間がかかりますからね。もしそうなら、連合軍の増強をこのまま見過ごすのもなんなので、ラバウル在泊の重巡妙高・羽黒、軽巡五十鈴・阿武隈をクックタウンのパトロールに出動させました。
5月6日のリプレイでは、まずPerthの西方でI-28がxAK Forafricを雷撃・撃沈しました。そして、本土から前日ようやくブナに移動してきていた九七重爆15機がクックタウンに夜間爆撃を行いました。ポートモレスビーからなら距離9なので250kg爆弾を4発搭載できますが、ポートモレスビーへの配備は危険に思われてブナに移動させたのです。ただ、ブナからだと距離10と遠いので爆弾を2発しか積めず、Airbase supply hits 1、Runway hits 1と戦果は小さなものした。
ついで、オーストラリア西岸のPort Hedlandに舞鶴第三特別陸戦隊が上陸しました。偵察機によるとPort Hedlandの連合軍は一部隊100名ほどと弱体。ここを占領すると二式大艇をつかってオーストラリア南西岸のPerthを偵察できるようになるので、増強される前に占領することにしたものです。反撃もなく上陸は粛々と進みました。ところで、Port Hedlandはさきほどまで”Headland”だとばかり思っていましたが違うんですね。また、一つ勉強してしまった。
そしてそのあとに予想もしていなかったできごと、英米の重巡4隻、軽巡2隻によるポートモレスビーへの上陸準備射撃が始まりました。そして続々と上陸。報告によると陸兵を載せてきたTFは二つのようです。上陸に伴う損害が報告されているので、連合軍地上部隊のなかにはprepが100に達していない部隊もある模様。
その後、ポートモレスビーの日本側地上部隊に対して、68機の SBD-3 Dauntless、ついで61機のB-17Eによる空襲がありました。連合軍はすぐにポートモレスビーを陥落させるつもりで、空港爆撃ではなく地上部隊への爆撃だけを実施してきたのだと思います。この日のポートモレスビーの天候はあいにくに雷雨thunderstormだったためか、またポートモレスビーへのprepが100になっているおかげか、日本側部隊の死傷者は比較的少なく済みました。しかし主力の第144聯隊の方はdisruption 53と、地上戦が始まる前から困った状態になってしまいました。
ニューギニア東部は海路で補給しなければなりません。幸いポートモレスビーに直接輸送船を向かわせなくても、東岸の港に陸揚げされたサプライはオーエンスタンレー山脈を越えて陸路輸送されてゆきます。東岸の港ではブナとラエが規模2になっていますが、すこしでもオーストラリアから遠い方をということで、昨日もxAK Heian Maruがラエにサプライを陸揚げしていました。連合軍機動部隊はこの小さなコンボイも見逃してくれず、 TBD-1 Devastator12機の雷撃でxAK Heian MaruとPB Tenshin Maruが撃沈されてしまいました。
海空戦のあとの陸戦フェーズでは、ポートモレスビーで敵の上陸部隊に対する自動的な反撃として、砲撃戦が行われました。修正前AVは224対1214とかなりの劣勢で、砲の数も65対1184と全く勝負にならず、連合軍側には被害はなく日本側のみに31名の死傷者がでました。連合軍部隊の様子を見ると、I US Amphib Corpsの指揮下ですでに歩兵2個師団と一個聯隊と戦車2個大隊が完全に上陸していて、その他工兵やら根拠地隊やらFlakやらが上陸中です。あしたは連合軍側から攻撃を仕掛けてくるんでしょうが、戦車大隊を含めた2個師団以上に攻撃されれば、fortification 3、ジャングルの地形のポートモレスビーも一日で陥落しそうな感じです。ポートモレスビーにはサプライを2万以上備蓄してあるので、それをそっくり献上することになるのもまずい。またポートモレスビーが陥落すると、ニューギニア北東岸の根拠地も危ういのですが、ブナにもラエにも特別陸戦隊を一部隊づつ配置してあるだけです。サラモアやワウは無人なので、空挺作戦を心配しなければなりません。ラバウルにも特別陸戦隊が3個いるだけなので反撃はとても無理ですが、無人の根拠地に早急に移動させないと。とにかく困りました。
まさか5月にこんな作戦を実施されるとは思ってもいなかったので、ラバウルには哨戒機と戦闘機のみ、ブナに哨戒用の定数9機の九六陸攻の部隊を配置してあっただけなので、今日の上陸に対しては日本側の航空攻撃はありませんでした。相手の方もこれには拍子抜けしたかも。ポートモレスビーの連合軍TFの様子を見ると、6個のTFの存在が報告されていて、そのうちの一つには空母5隻、もう一つには軽空母2隻が含まれています。陸兵を輸送してきたTFが二つあるので、残りの二つは護衛用の水上艦隊でしょうか。戦艦が3隻いると報告されていますが、きっとこれは上陸準備射撃を実施した重巡3隻のことかな。
機動部隊の空母6隻はトラックにいたので、早速出港させました。しかしトラックからだと遠いので、ポートモレスビー周辺を攻撃できる地点に到着するのは明後日以降です。おそらく、それまでには連合軍TFは揚陸を終えて引き揚げてしまっていることでしょう。あと日本側で利用できるカードとしては、連合軍空母から距離6ヘクスと離れているので艦載機の空襲を受けずに済んだものか、昨日クックタウン方面へのパトロールに派遣した巡洋艦TFがちょうどポートモレスビーとクックタウンの中間地点に達しています。隠密にすすめてきて大成功に終わりそうな今回の連合軍の作戦で、連合軍側にとって予想外だったのはこのTFだけでしょう。きっと今日のリプレイを見て、なんでこんなところに日本のTFがいるの?とは思っているでしょうからね。他に手がないので、とりあえずこのTFをポートモレスビー泊地に突入させてみることにしました。戦果はあまり期待できそうもない、でも単なる自殺行にだけはなってほしくはない、そんな気持ちです。第一次ソロモン海戦に臨む三川中将もそんな風に感じていたのかな。
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 06, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Toyohara at 125,47
Japanese Ships
SC Ch 16
Allied Ships
SS S-45
SS S-45 is sighted by escort
SC Ch 16 attacking submerged sub ....
SC Ch 16 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 16 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 16 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 16 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Perth at 44,147
Japanese Ships
SS I-28
Allied Ships
xAK Forafric, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SS I-28 launches 2 torpedoes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Cooktown , at 92,137
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 15
Allied aircraft
no flights
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk IA: 1 damaged
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 9000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Port Hedland (57,129)
Japanese Ships
SC CHa-251
xAK Manila Maru
TB Hato
SC CHa-251 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 4,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Port Hedland (57,129)
TF 102 troops unloading over beach at Port Hedland, 57,129
Japanese ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
17 troops of a SNLF Squad accidentally lost during unload of Maizuru 3rd SNLF
17 troops of a SNLF Squad lost in surf during unload of Maizuru 3rd SNLF
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Port Moresby (98,130)
164 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
CA Canberra
CA Australia
CA Indianapolis
CA Portland
CL Achilles
CL Leander
AMC Prince Robert
AMC Prince Henry
DD O'Brien
Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
CA Canberra firing at 144th Infantry Regiment
CA Australia firing at 144th Infantry Regiment
CA Indianapolis firing at 35th Field AA Battalion
CA Portland firing at 144th Infantry Regiment
CL Achilles firing at 144th Infantry Regiment
CL Leander firing at 144th Infantry Regiment
AMC Prince Robert firing at 144th Infantry Regiment
AMC Prince Henry firing at Sasebo 3rd SNLF
AMC Prince Robert fired at enemy troops
AMC Prince Henry fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Port Moresby (98,130)
TF 316 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 98,130
Allied ground losses:
126 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 12 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 47 (4 destroyed, 43 disabled)
Vehicles lost 14 (1 destroyed, 13 disabled)
13 troops of a USA 41 Rifle Squad lost overboard during unload of 24th (Sep) Infantry Rgt
12 troops of a US 41 Cmbt Eng Sqd lost in surf during unload of 24th Infantry Div /6
13 troops of a USA 41 Rifle Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 25th Infantry Div /3
81mm M1 Mortar damaged beyond repair during unload of 24th Infantry Div /9
Motorized Support dropped into water during unload of 193rd Tank Bn /2
12 Aviation Support troops lost overboard during unload of 30th Aviation Base Force
12 Aviation Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 30th Aviation Base Force
12 Aviation Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 135th USA Base Force /1
12 Support troops lost overboard during unload of I US Amphib Corps /1
12 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of I US Amphib Corps /1
12 Aviation Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 134th USA Base Force /2
12 Aviation Support troops lost in surf during unload of 134th USA Base Force /2
13 troops of a USA 41 Rifle Squad accidentally lost during unload of 24th Infantry Div /1
13 troops of a USA 41 Rifle Squad lost overboard during unload of 24th (Sep) Infantry Rgt /2
13 troops of a USA 41 Rifle Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 24th Infantry Div /12
37mm M1A2 AA Gun damaged beyond repair during unload of 96th Cst AA Rgt
90mm M1A1 AA Gun accidentally lost during unload of 96th Cst AA Rgt
Observor lost in surf during unload of 96th Cst AA Rgt
0.5in M2HB AAMG accidentally lost during unload of 96th Cst AA Rgt
12 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of I US Amphib Corps
12 Support troops lost in surf during unload of I US Amphib Corps
155mm M1 Howitzer dropped into water during unload of 198th FA Bn /1
10 troops of a NZ Militia Section lost overboard during unload of 2nd NZ Bde
13 troops of a USA 41 Rifle Squad accidentally lost during unload of 25th Infantry Div /5
13 troops of a USA 41 Rifle Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 25th Infantry Div /6
12 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 134th USA Base Force /3
90mm M1A1 AA Gun dropped into water during unload of 251st Cst AA Rgt /2
12 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 21st NZ Pioneer Coy
12 Aviation Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 109th USN Base Force /3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Port Moresby (98,130)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
16 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
PG Asheville
xAK Elisavet
PG Asheville fired at enemy troops
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Port Moresby (98,130)
TF 326 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 98,130
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Port Hedland (57,129)
Japanese Ships
SC CHa-251
xAK Manila Maru
TB Hato
SC CHa-251 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Port Moresby (98,130)
74 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
CA Canberra
CA Australia
CA Indianapolis
CA Portland
CL Achilles
CL Leander
DD O'Brien
AMC Prince Robert
AMC Prince Henry
DD Mustin
Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
CA Australia firing at 144th Infantry Regiment
CA Indianapolis firing at 144th Infantry Regiment
CA Portland firing at 144th Infantry Regiment
DD O'Brien firing at 144th Infantry Regiment
AMC Prince Robert firing at 144th Infantry Regiment
AMC Prince Henry firing at 144th Infantry Regiment
DD O'Brien fired at enemy troops
AMC Prince Henry fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Port Moresby (98,130)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
14 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
PG Asheville
xAK Elisavet
PG Asheville fired at enemy troops
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Kanoya at 103,62
Japanese Ships
SC Ch 29
SC Ch 26
Allied Ships
SS Drum
SS Drum is located by SC Ch 29
Drum diving deep ....
SC Ch 29 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 29 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 29 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 29 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 29 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Pearl Harbor at 186,95
Japanese Ships
SS I-7
Allied Ships
DE Edsall
SS I-7 is sighted by escort
DE Edsall fails to find sub, continues to search...
DE Edsall fails to find sub, continues to search...
DE Edsall fails to find sub, continues to search...
DE Edsall fails to find sub, continues to search...
DE Edsall fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 30th Chinese Corps, at 85,46 , near Nanyang
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 28
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 102
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 22
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 2 damaged
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 5 damaged
Allied ground losses:
1092 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 35 disabled
Non Combat: 10 destroyed, 89 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
17 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
17 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
14 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
13 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
22 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
19 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
7 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
7 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Also attacking 19th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 77th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 61st Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 55th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 23rd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 6th Group Army ...
Also attacking 8th Group Army ...
Also attacking 30th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 43rd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 2nd Group Army ...
Also attacking 30th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 19th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 30th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 19th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 61st Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 55th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 23rd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 55th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 23rd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 6th Group Army ...
Also attacking 30th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 19th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 61st Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 55th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 23rd Chinese Corps ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Asiatic Fleet , at 79,76 (Clark Field)
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid detected at 63 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 37
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 2 damaged
Allied ground losses:
27 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Aircraft Attacking:
17 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
20 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Also attacking 11th PA Infantry Division ...
Also attacking Asiatic Fleet ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 3rd Motor Brigade, at 76,128 (Katherine)
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 20
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 19
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 2 damaged
Allied ground losses:
104 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Aircraft Attacking:
17 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Also attacking 3rd Australian Brigade ...
Also attacking 3rd Motor Brigade ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 3rd Motor Brigade, at 76,128 (Katherine)
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 14
No Japanese losses
Allied ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 7th Chinese Corps, at 91,50 , near Kiangtu
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-30 Ann x 12
No Japanese losses
Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-30 Ann bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Also attacking 48th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 7th Chinese Corps ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 20th Group Army, at 78,53 , near Hengyang
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 11
No Japanese losses
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 18th British Division, at 55,49 , near Prome
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 43
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 34
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 7 damaged
Allied ground losses:
137 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
14 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
12 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Also attacking 1st Gloucestershire Battalion ...
Also attacking 18th British Division ...
Also attacking RAF 225 Group Wing ...
Also attacking 18th British Division ...
Also attacking RAF 225 Group Wing ...
Also attacking 18th British Division ...
Also attacking 1st Gloucestershire Battalion ...
Also attacking 18th British Division ...
Also attacking 1st Gloucestershire Battalion ...
Also attacking 18th British Division ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 3rd Burma Rifles Battalion, at 55,49 , near Prome
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 2 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 14
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 19
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 5 damaged
Allied ground losses:
91 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 144th Infantry Regiment, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 4
F4F-3 Wildcat x 32
F4F-4 Wildcat x 50
SBD-3 Dauntless x 68
Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Aircraft Attacking:
13 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
Also attacking Sasebo 3rd SNLF ...
Also attacking 2nd JNAF AF Unit ...
Also attacking 144th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking Sasebo 3rd SNLF ...
Also attacking 2nd JNAF AF Unit ...
Also attacking 144th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking Sasebo 3rd SNLF ...
Also attacking 2nd JNAF AF Unit ...
Also attacking 144th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking Sasebo 3rd SNLF ...
Also attacking 2nd JNAF AF Unit ...
Also attacking 144th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking Sasebo 3rd SNLF ...
Also attacking 2nd JNAF AF Unit ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 33rd JNAF AF Unit , at 98,130 (Port Moresby)
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 61
F4F-3A Wildcat x 4
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6
F4F-4 Wildcat x 33
Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
Also attacking 144th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 3rd JNAF AF Unit ...
Also attacking 35th Field AA Battalion ...
Also attacking 2nd JNAF AF Unit ...
Also attacking 144th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 2nd JNAF AF Unit ...
Also attacking 144th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 2nd JNAF AF Unit ...
Also attacking Sasebo 3rd SNLF ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Lae at 99,126
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
TBD-1 Devastator x 12
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
xAK Heian Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
PB Tenshin, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Port Hedland RAN Base Force, at 57,129 (Port Hedland)
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 9
G4M1 Betty x 29
No Japanese losses
Allied ground losses:
79 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Aircraft Attacking:
20 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
9 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Red Chinese Army, at 85,45 (Nanyang)
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-30 Ann x 4
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-30 Ann: 1 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-30 Ann bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Port Moresby (98,130)
68 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
AMC Prince Robert
DD Mustin
DD O'Brien
Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Port Moresby (98,130)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
13 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
PG Asheville
xAK Elisavet
PG Asheville fired at enemy troops
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 79,55 (near Hengyang)
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 12750 troops, 102 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 458
Defending force 23466 troops, 115 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 616
Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Assaulting units:
116th Division
Defending units:
70th Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
32nd Group Army
12th Group Army
28th Chinese Corps
7th War Area
11th Chinese Base Force
16th Construction Regiment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Nanyang (85,45)
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 57728 troops, 527 guns, 187 vehicles, Assault Value = 2054
Defending force 125775 troops, 487 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 4086
Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Assaulting units:
110th Division
37th Division
13th Ind.Mixed Brigade
35th Division
32nd Division
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
12th Army
11th Field Artillery Regiment
Defending units:
36th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
17th Chinese Corps
82nd Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
34th Separate Brigade
92nd Chinese Corps
7th Group Army
22nd Group Army
19th Chinese Base Force
18th Group Army
34th Group Army
Red Chinese Army
5th War Area
4th Group Army
4th Construction Regiment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Mandalay (59,46)
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 33178 troops, 515 guns, 231 vehicles, Assault Value = 1419
Defending force 10819 troops, 71 guns, 62 vehicles, Assault Value = 109
Allied ground losses:
145 casualties reported
Squads: 22 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Assaulting units:
21st Division
Imperial Guards Division
21st Infantry Regiment
2nd Division
1st RF Gun Battalion
9th RF Gun Battalion
55th Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd RF Gun Battalion
15th Army
5th Field Artillery Regiment
23rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion
35th Fld AA Gun Co
15th JAAF Base Force
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
46th JNAF AF Unit
Defending units:
75th Indian Brigade
63rd Indian Brigade
Upper Burma BAF Battalion
101st RAF Base Force
103rd RAF Base Force
100th RAF Base Force
107th RAF Base Force
221 Group RAF
9th Burma Rifles Battalion
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 22716 troops, 308 guns, 133 vehicles, Assault Value = 775
Defending force 39738 troops, 511 guns, 639 vehicles, Assault Value = 668
Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Assaulting units:
16th Engineer Regiment
20th Infantry Regiment
48th Division
9th Infantry Regiment
I./33rd Inf Regt
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
14th Army
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
Defending units:
41st PA Infantry Division
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
194th Tank Battalion
11th PA Infantry Division
91st PA Infantry Division
31st PA Infantry Division
71st PA Infantry Division
21st PA Infantry Division
192nd Tank Battalion
51st PA Infantry Division
4th Marine Regiment
57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment
Manila USAAF Base Force
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
Provisional GMC Grp
14th PS Engineer Regiment
31st Infantry Regiment
I Philippine Corps Corps
PAF Aviation
1st PI Base Force
Subic Bay Defenses
Cavite USN Base Force
II Philippine Corps Corps
2nd PA Constabulary Regiment
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
301st Construction Battalion
1st PA Constabulary Regiment
Asiatic Fleet
USAFFE
Far East USAAF
301st PA Field Artillery Regiment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 5828 troops, 65 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 224
Defending force 37956 troops, 1184 guns, 924 vehicles, Assault Value = 1214
Japanese ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Assaulting units:
144th Infantry Regiment
Sasebo 3rd SNLF
2nd JNAF AF Unit
3rd JNAF AF Unit
35th Field AA Battalion
33rd JNAF AF Unit
Defending units:
2nd NZ Bde /1
24th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
193rd Tank Battalion
25th Infantry Division
24th Infantry Division
754th Tank Battalion
19th Combat Engr Rgt /1
811th Engineer Aviation Battalion
I US Amphib Corps /2
251st Cst AA Rgt /1
B Det USN Port Svc
109th USN Base Force /1
205th Field Artillery Battalion
198th Field Artillery Battalion
197th Cst AA Rgt /1
21st NZ Pioneer Coy
96th Cst AA Rgt /1
98th Cst AA Rgt /4
134th USA Base Force /1
70th Cst AA Rgt /1
Bobcats USN Naval Construction Battalion
1st Marine Def Bn /1
47th Construction Regiment
428th Coast Cst AA Rgt /3
135th USA Base Force /2
II US Fighter Cmnd
30th Aviation Base Force
2nd Medium Rgt /2
2 件のコメント:
攻撃側は時期と場所を選ぶことが出来るアドバンテージを持つという、まさにセオリーどおりの展開ですね。
PMに上陸した部隊を人質にとっての空母決戦が行われるのかどうか、今後の展開が大変気になります。
史実ではガ島を巡る航空消耗戦に突入しましたが、このプレイではPM、ラエを中心とした航空戦に突入するのでしょうか。
なによりも、PM突入艦隊の命運が気になります。
コメントありがとうございます。戦闘の結果は今日のエントリーの通りです。史実以上にポートモレスビー飛行場が大きく、またサービスのための基地部隊も多数上陸しているのでブナ・ラエが対抗できる感じがしません。戦闘機を配備しても地上で破壊されるのは日本側の方がずっと多いですからね。
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