連合軍がポートモレスビーに上陸

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Amphibious Assault at Port Moresby (98,130)

TF 326 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 98,130

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 ...

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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  ...

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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 ...

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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

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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 ...

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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

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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 ...

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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

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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