ルーガンビルに連合軍が上陸

昭和17年4月12日、香港に敷設した防御機雷原保守と拡張のため、本土から香港へAMCとCMcを向かわせていました。明日は香港に到着する予定だというのに、汕頭沖でSS Graylingに夜間の襲撃を受け、CMc Katashimaが沈没しました。CMcなんて小さな船だと思いますが、連合軍の魚雷に不発はあっても、はずれはすごく少なく感じます。一方、ルーガンビル近海に潜ませてあった日本の潜水艦は、いずれも連合軍の護衛艦艇にみつかってしまい、戦果はなく、I-16は中破でトラックに修理に向かうことになりました。I-16はSSX(甲標的)搭載可能なので、沈まなかっただけラッキーかもしれません。また、前日出撃させていたSSXの方はルーガンビルでパトロール中です。

夜間、BB North Carolina、BB Coloradoと重巡3隻、軽巡3隻の上陸援護射撃に続いてルーガンビルへの上陸が始まりました。上陸してきたのは第一海兵師団、第6オーストラリア師団、第2戦車旅団が主力です。prepが100に達していない部隊もあるようで、上陸に際してそれなりにdisabledになっています。コンバットリポートによると、AMC2隻に加えて、少なくとも1隻のAPと4隻のxAPがいます。昨日の哨戒機の報告でも今日の報告でも、xAPは連合軍のTFの中にないのですが、AVと報告されているのがxAPのようですね。空母をタンカーとあやまって報告することもありましたから、xAPとAVの艦種の取り違えも当然かもしれません。

午前中、ポートモレスビーからルンガに7機のB-24D Liberatorが飛行場爆撃にやってきました。来襲6分前に防空監視哨が発見したとのこと。日本側の部隊にレーダーが配備され始めてからのルンガへの空襲はこれが初めてです。今日のコンバットリポートを見て、ルンガにレーダーを持った部隊がいないことに気づきました。隣のツラギにはレーダーを装備した部隊が2ついるので、さっそく移動させないと。ルンガにはゼロ戦2個飛行隊が駐屯していて、今日は陸攻の連合軍TF攻撃の護衛が主任務だと思って、CAPには20%しか割り当てていませんでした。合計で12機が迎撃にむかい、来襲したB-24D Liberator 7機のうち4機を撃墜、1機をOps lossにしました。連合軍は飛行場の混乱を狙ってルンガに爆撃に来たんでしょうか。そういう仕様があるかどうかは不明ですが、その後のルンガからの対艦攻撃が3波に分かれ、しかも予定より少数機しか飛べなかったことと、関連があるかなと感じてしまいます。

xAPを上陸戦につかっているので、揚陸には時間がかかります。昼のフェーズでルンガからは、ゼロ戦(A6M2, A6M3b)41機の護衛で一式陸攻27機と百式重爆9機が船団攻撃に向かいました。しかし、陸攻も重爆も部隊のうちの半分以下しか飛んでくれなかったこと、攻撃が3波にわかれてばらばらになってしまったことと、200機近いCAPにはばまれて、CV LexingtonとSaratogaに投弾できたのはごく少数機で、戦果はゼロでした。CAPの戦闘機が12機しか損失になっていないのに対し、ゼロ戦27機、一式陸攻26機、百式重爆9機を失いました。戦闘が自軍の根拠地の上空だったからだと思いますが、パイロットの死傷はKIA 21名、WIA 10名でした。CAPが200機近くいても、1波にまとまってゆけばもう少し何とかなったんじゃないかなとも思いますが、基本的には護衛戦闘機の数を揃えないとだめですね。 連合軍側は持てる戦力を集中してつかう原則に忠実に行動してますから。

ルーガンビルの南西隣のヘクスのLokatoroにも小部隊が上陸しました。ここの港の現状とSPSは0(0)ですが、飛行場の方は0(5)です。ルンガとこのLokartoと二つの飛行場をしっかり拡張して、ルンガを抑えようという意図かな。

最後にヌーメアからルーガンビルに1st USMC Parachute Bnが空挺部隊が空挺降下しました。オペレーショナルリポートには”R4D-1 Skytrain damaged by flak”という表示が7行あります。しかし、今日の損失機リストにはR4D-1 Skytrainは1機もありません。R4D-1 SkytrainというのはC-47の海軍バージョンだそうですが、タフな輸送機なんですね。それにしても、上陸船団でたくさんの兵員を輸送してきているルーガンビルに空挺作戦。なぜでしょう？私が想像は以下の通り。

ルーガンビルのあるエスピリッツサント島は大きいので、Atollとは違って、上陸したその日にShock Attackが自動的に起きたりはしません。しかし、空挺降下させた部隊は降下したターンにShock Attackを余儀なくされる仕様です。上陸の日に空挺部隊の降下を一緒に行うと、全部隊がShock Attackをして、一日早く攻略できると考えたんじゃないでしょうか。私にはそれ以外の理由が思い浮かびません。

で、今日の連合軍からのShock Attackがどうだったかというと、連合軍側AV 503対日本側 122。ところが、修正後のAVは0対191でオッズ比1対99で日本側の勝利とな。空挺降下後のShock Attackに参加するのは、降下した部隊だけという仕様のようです。今日のところは防衛に成功しましたが、今日の勝利を手みやげに、明日は全員で靖国に行くことになるんでしょうね、きっと。

追加：今日のエントリを書いた後にお相手の方から返信があって、どうしてshock attackになったのかわからないと書いてありました。上記の一日早く攻略するためというのは、私のうがちすぎのようです。ところで「空挺降下させた部隊は降下したターンにShock Attackを余儀なくされる仕様です」と前述しましたが、あらためてマニュアルの中を探してみると、これに関する記載がありませんでした。たしかにこういうルールがあるはずというつもりでこれまでプレイしていて、それに反する経験をしたことがなかったのですが、私の思い違いでしょうか。

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Aug 05, 42

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Sub attack near Swatow  at 80,63

Japanese Ships

      CMc Katashima, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage

      ACM Shinko Maru #1

Allied Ships

      SS Grayling

SS Grayling launches 2 torpedoes at CMc Katashima

ACM Shinko Maru #1 fails to find sub, continues to search...

ACM Shinko Maru #1 fails to find sub, continues to search...

ACM Shinko Maru #1 fails to find sub, continues to search...

ACM Shinko Maru #1 fails to find sub, continues to search...

ACM Shinko Maru #1 fails to find sub, continues to search...

Escort abandons search for sub

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ASW attack near Aoba Island  at 121,150

Japanese Ships

      SS I-16, hits 9

Allied Ships

      DD Duncan

SS I-16 is sighted by escort

I-16 bottoming out ....

DD Duncan fails to find sub, continues to search...

DD Duncan attacking submerged sub ....

DD Duncan fails to find sub, continues to search...

DD Duncan fails to find sub, continues to search...

DD Duncan attacking submerged sub ....

Escort abandons search for sub

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Sub attack near Truk  at 111,108

Japanese Ships

      xAKL Penang Maru

      PB Teiko Maru

Allied Ships

      SS Triton

SS Triton launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Penang Maru

Triton diving deep ....

PB Teiko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...

PB Teiko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...

PB Teiko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...

PB Teiko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...

PB Teiko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...

Escort abandons search for sub

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ASW attack near Hong Kong  at 78,62

Japanese Ships

      TB Omodoka

      TB Nadeshiko

Allied Ships

      SS Grenadier, hits 1

SS Grenadier is located by TB Omodoka

Grenadier bottoming out ....

TB Nadeshiko attacking submerged sub ....

TB Nadeshiko fails to find sub, continues to search...

TB Nadeshiko fails to find sub, continues to search...

TB Nadeshiko fails to find sub, continues to search...

TB Nadeshiko fails to find sub, continues to search...

Escort abandons search for sub

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ASW attack near Pentecost Island  at 120,151

Japanese Ships

      SS I-24

Allied Ships

      DE Humphreys

      DD Stuart

      DD Clark

SS I-24 is sighted by escort

I-24 bottoming out ....

DD Stuart fails to find sub and abandons search

DD Clark fails to find sub, continues to search...

DD Clark fails to find sub, continues to search...

DD Clark fails to find sub, continues to search...

DD Clark fails to find sub, continues to search...

DD Clark fails to find sub, continues to search...

Escort abandons search for sub

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Sub attack near Aogashima  at 113,66

Japanese Ships

      DD Umikaze

      DD Suzukaze

Allied Ships

      SS Greenling

SS Greenling launches 2 torpedoes at DD Umikaze

Greenling diving deep ....

DD Suzukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...

DD Suzukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...

DD Suzukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...

DD Suzukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...

DD Suzukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...

Escort abandons search for sub

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Pre-Invasion action off Luganville (120,150)

96 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships

      BB North Carolina

      BB Colorado

      CA Canberra

      CA Australia

      CA San Francisco

      CL Boise

      CL Perth

      CLAA Concord

      DD Norman

      DD Foxhound

      DD Isaac Sweers

      AMC Prince Robert

      AMC Prince Henry

Japanese ground losses:

      127 casualties reported

         Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled

         Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled

         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

      Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

      Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Allied ground losses:

      18 casualties reported

         Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

BB North Carolina firing at Yokosuka 4th SNLF

BB Colorado firing at Yokosuka 2nd SNLF

CA Canberra firing at Yokosuka 2nd SNLF

CA Australia firing at Yokosuka 4th SNLF

CA San Francisco firing at Yokosuka 4th SNLF

CL Boise firing at Yokosuka 4th SNLF

CL Perth firing at Yokosuka 4th SNLF

CLAA Concord firing at Yokosuka 2nd SNLF

DD Norman firing at Yokosuka 2nd SNLF

DD Foxhound firing at Yokosuka 2nd SNLF

DD Isaac Sweers firing at Yokosuka 4th SNLF

AMC Prince Robert firing at Yokosuka 4th SNLF

AMC Prince Henry firing at Yokosuka 2nd SNLF

DD Norman fired at enemy troops

DD Foxhound fired at enemy troops

DD Isaac Sweers fired at enemy troops

AMC Prince Robert fired at enemy troops

AMC Prince Henry 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 2,000 yards

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Amphibious Assault at Luganville (120,150)

TF 60 troops unloading over beach at Luganville, 120,150

Allied ground losses:

      1152 casualties reported

         Squads: 2 destroyed, 202 disabled

         Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 148 disabled

         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

      Guns lost 225 (1 destroyed, 224 disabled)

      Vehicles lost 108 (1 destroyed, 107 disabled)

0.5in AAMG Sect (2) dropped into water during unload of 137th USA Base Force /1

0.5in M2HB AAMG damaged beyond repair during unload of 137th USA Base Force /1

Observor dropped into water during unload of 137th USA Base Force /1

10 troops of a US LMG Section lost in surf during unload of 137th USA Base Force /1

12 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 20th RAAF Base Force

3" Mortar lost overboard during unload of 6th Australian Div /1

12 troops of a USMC Rifle Squad accidentally lost during unload of 1st Marine Div /5

Motorized Support accidentally lost during unload of 2nd USMC Tank Bn

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Pre-Invasion action off Luganville (120,150)

96 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships

      xAP Mildura

      xAP Murada

      xAP Montoro

      DD Bancroft

Japanese ground losses:

      6 casualties reported

         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:

      10 casualties reported

         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

xAP Mildura firing at Yokosuka 2nd SNLF

xAP Mildura fired at enemy troops

xAP Murada fired at enemy troops

xAP Montoro 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 Luganville (120,150)

TF 331 troops unloading over beach at Luganville, 120,150

Allied ground losses:

      Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

      Vehicles lost 3 (0 destroyed, 3 disabled)

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Pre-Invasion action off Luganville (120,150)

81 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships

      DD Sterett

      AP Barnett

Allied ground losses:

      53 casualties reported

         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled

         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

DD Sterett firing at Yokosuka 4th SNLF

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 Luganville (120,150)

TF 335 troops unloading over beach at Luganville, 120,150

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Invasion Support action off Luganville (120,150)

37 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships

      BB North Carolina

      BB Colorado

      CA Canberra

      CA Australia

      CA San Francisco

      CL Boise

      CL Perth

      CLAA Concord

      DD Nizam

      DD Foxhound

      AMC Prince Robert

      AMC Prince Henry

      DD Norman

Japanese ground losses:

      39 casualties reported

         Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:

      10 casualties reported

         Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled

         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

BB North Carolina firing at 38th JNAF AF Unit 

BB Colorado firing at Yokosuka 2nd SNLF

CA Canberra firing at Yokosuka 2nd SNLF

CA San Francisco firing at Yokosuka 2nd SNLF

CL Boise firing at Yokosuka 4th SNLF

CLAA Concord firing at Yokosuka 2nd SNLF

DD Nizam firing at Yokosuka 2nd SNLF

AMC Prince Henry firing at Yokosuka 2nd SNLF

DD Foxhound fired at enemy troops

AMC Prince Robert fired at enemy troops

AMC Prince Henry fired at enemy troops

Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards

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Invasion Support action off Luganville (120,150)

79 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships

      DD Bancroft

      xAP Montoro

Allied ground losses:

      13 casualties reported

         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

DD Bancroft 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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Invasion Support action off Luganville (120,150)

Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

8 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships

      DD Sterett

      AP Barnett

DD Sterett fired at enemy troops

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Sub attack near Cam Ranh Bay  at 65,72

Japanese Ships

      DD Hagikaze

Allied Ships

      SS Skipjack

SS Skipjack launches 2 torpedoes at DD Hagikaze

DD Hagikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...

DD Hagikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...

DD Hagikaze attacking submerged sub ....

DD Hagikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...

DD Hagikaze attacking submerged sub ....

DD Hagikaze is out of ASW ammo

DD Hagikaze is out of ASW ammo

Escort abandons search for sub

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ASW attack near Georgetown  at 48,74

Japanese Ships

      APD Nadakaze

Allied Ships

      SS KVIII

SS KVIII launches 2 torpedoes at APD Nadakaze

APD Nadakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...

APD Nadakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...

APD Nadakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...

APD Nadakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...

APD Nadakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...

Escort abandons search for sub

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Morning Air attack on Ledo , at 65,38 

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft

      Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 12

      Ki-49-IIa Helen x 90

Japanese aircraft losses

      Ki-49-IIa Helen: 36 damaged

Airbase hits 5

Airbase supply hits 5

Runway hits 19

Aircraft Attacking:

      17 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet * 

               Airfield Attack:  2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

      17 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet * 

               Airfield Attack:  2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

      16 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet * 

               Airfield Attack:  2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

      20 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet * 

               Airfield Attack:  2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

      20 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet * 

               Airfield Attack:  2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Daly Waters , at 76,131 

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft

      Ki-21-IIa Sally x 18

      Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 21

Japanese aircraft losses

      Ki-21-IIa Sally: 4 damaged

Airbase hits 1

Airbase supply hits 1

Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:

      18 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet

               Airfield Attack:  4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45 

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft

      Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 9

      Ki-49-IIa Helen x 29

Japanese aircraft losses

      Ki-49-IIa Helen: 8 damaged

Allied ground losses:

      13 casualties reported

         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase supply hits 3

Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:

      14 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet

               Airfield Attack:  4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

      15 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet

               Airfield Attack:  4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on 22nd JNAF AF Unit , at 98,127 (Salamaua)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft

      B-25C Mitchell x 13

      Hudson III (LR) x 9

Allied aircraft losses

      B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged

      Hudson III (LR): 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:

       9 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 6000 feet

               Ground Attack:  4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

      13 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 6000 feet

               Ground Attack:  6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Lashio , at 62,46 

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft

      Blenheim IV x 30

      Hudson IIIa x 12

Allied aircraft losses

      Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

      Hudson IIIa: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 2

Airbase supply hits 1

Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:

      12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 6000 feet

               Airfield Attack:  4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

      10 x Blenheim IV bombing from 6000 feet

               Airfield Attack:  4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

       8 x Blenheim IV bombing from 6000 feet

               Airfield Attack:  4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

      12 x Hudson IIIa bombing from 6000 feet

               Airfield Attack:  4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Lashio , at 62,46 

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft

      Hudson IIIa x 11

      Wellington Ic x 15

Allied aircraft losses

      Wellington Ic: 3 damaged

Airbase hits 4

Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:

      15 x Wellington Ic bombing from 6000 feet

               Airfield Attack:  8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

      11 x Hudson IIIa bombing from 6000 feet

               Airfield Attack:  4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Mandalay , at 59,46 

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft

      B-25C Mitchell x 3

Allied aircraft losses

      B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:

      6 casualties reported

         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:

       3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet

               Airfield Attack:  6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Myitkyina , at 64,42 

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 8

      LB-30 Liberator x 4

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:

      6 casualties reported

         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Airbase hits 2

Airbase supply hits 2

Runway hits 15

Aircraft Attacking:

       8 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet

               Airfield Attack:  8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

       4 x LB-30 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet

               Airfield Attack:  8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Lunga , at 114,138 

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft

      A6M2 Zero x 5

      A6M3b Zero x 7

Allied aircraft

      B-24D Liberator x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

      B-24D Liberator: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:

       2 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet * 

               Airfield Attack:  5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

       1 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet * 

               Airfield Attack:  5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:

1st Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)

      1 plane(s) intercepting now.

      Group patrol altitude is 6000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes

Nagasaki-3 Ku S-1 with A6M3b Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)

      2 plane(s) intercepting now.

      Group patrol altitude is 6000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 120,150

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 73 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Japanese aircraft

      A6M2 Zero x 14

      G4M1 Betty x 18

Allied aircraft

      Martlet II x 16

      F4F-3A Wildcat x 33

      F4F-3 Wildcat x 48

      F4F-4 Wildcat x 99

Japanese aircraft losses

      A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed

      G4M1 Betty: 10 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:

VF-2 with F4F-3 Wildcat (4 airborne, 13 on standby, 5 scrambling)

      4 plane(s) intercepting now.

      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes

      22 planes vectored on to bombers

VF-3 with F4F-3A Wildcat (0 airborne, 13 on standby, 0 scrambling)

      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 14000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

      15 planes vectored on to bombers

VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (4 airborne, 13 on standby, 5 scrambling)

      4 plane(s) intercepting now.

      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes

      24 planes vectored on to bombers

VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 12 on standby, 8 scrambling)

      4 plane(s) intercepting now.

      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes

      24 planes vectored on to bombers

No.881 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 5 scrambling)

      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes

      12 planes vectored on to bombers

VMF-121  with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 1 scrambling)

      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 14000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes

      14 planes vectored on to bombers

VMF-122  with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 4 scrambling)

      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 14000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes

      15 planes vectored on to bombers

VMF-211 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)

      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 28300.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes

      9 planes vectored on to bombers

VMF-212  with F4F-3A Wildcat (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 1 scrambling)

      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 14000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes

      10 planes vectored on to bombers

VMF-213  with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 2 scrambling)

      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 14000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes

      16 planes vectored on to bombers

VMF-221  with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)

      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 14000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes

      13 planes vectored on to bombers

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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 120,150

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft

      A6M3b Zero x 21

      Ki-49-IIa Helen x 9

Allied aircraft

      Martlet II x 14

      F4F-3A Wildcat x 28

      F4F-3 Wildcat x 46

      F4F-4 Wildcat x 95

Japanese aircraft losses

      A6M3b Zero: 3 destroyed

      Ki-49-IIa Helen: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

      F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

      F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships

      CV Lexington

      CV Saratoga

Aircraft Attacking:

       5 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet * 

               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:

VF-2 with F4F-3 Wildcat (23 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)

      23 plane(s) intercepting now.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 

      Raid is overhead

      11 planes vectored on to bombers

VF-3 with F4F-3A Wildcat (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)

      14 plane(s) intercepting now.

      3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 12000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes

      9 planes vectored on to bombers

VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (23 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)

      23 plane(s) intercepting now.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 

      Raid is overhead

      5 planes vectored on to bombers

VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (23 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)

      23 plane(s) intercepting now.

      1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 14000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes

      5 planes vectored on to bombers

No.881 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)

      13 plane(s) intercepting now.

      1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 54 minutes

      6 planes vectored on to bombers

VMF-121  with F4F-4 Wildcat (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)

      13 plane(s) intercepting now.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 

      Raid is overhead

      11 planes vectored on to bombers

VMF-122  with F4F-4 Wildcat (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)

      10 plane(s) intercepting now.

      4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 14000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes

VMF-211 with F4F-4 Wildcat (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)

      9 plane(s) intercepting now.

      4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 28300.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes

      9 planes vectored on to bombers

VMF-212  with F4F-3A Wildcat (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)

      10 plane(s) intercepting now.

      1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 14000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 54 minutes

      2 planes vectored on to bombers

VMF-213  with F4F-4 Wildcat (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)

      12 plane(s) intercepting now.

      6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 14000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes

      11 planes vectored on to bombers

VMF-221  with F4F-4 Wildcat (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)

      13 plane(s) intercepting now.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 

      Raid is overhead

      8 planes vectored on to bombers

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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 120,150

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft

      A6M2 Zero x 5

      G4M1 Betty x 9

Allied aircraft

      Martlet II x 11

      F4F-3A Wildcat x 28

      F4F-3 Wildcat x 43

      F4F-4 Wildcat x 85

Japanese aircraft losses

      A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

      G4M1 Betty: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

      F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships

      CV Saratoga

Aircraft Attacking:

       2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:

VF-2 with F4F-3 Wildcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)

      8 plane(s) intercepting now.

      5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes

      14 planes vectored on to bombers

VF-3 with F4F-3A Wildcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)

      8 plane(s) intercepting now.

      4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 13000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes

      5 planes vectored on to bombers

VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)

      5 plane(s) intercepting now.

      2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 8180.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes

      17 planes vectored on to bombers

VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (15 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)

      15 plane(s) intercepting now.

      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 12000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes

      4 planes vectored on to bombers

No.881 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)

      6 plane(s) intercepting now.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 11000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes

      3 planes vectored on to bombers

VMF-121  with F4F-4 Wildcat (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)

      12 plane(s) intercepting now.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 

      Raid is overhead

      1 planes vectored on to bombers

VMF-122  with F4F-4 Wildcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)

      5 plane(s) intercepting now.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 14000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes

      1 planes vectored on to bombers

VMF-211 with F4F-4 Wildcat (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)

      12 plane(s) intercepting now.

      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes

      9 planes vectored on to bombers

VMF-212  with F4F-3A Wildcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)

      6 plane(s) intercepting now.

      1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes

      6 planes vectored on to bombers

VMF-213  with F4F-4 Wildcat (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)

      10 plane(s) intercepting now.

      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.

      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes

      11 planes vectored on to bombers

VMF-221  with F4F-4 Wildcat (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)

      13 plane(s) intercepting now.

      Group patrol altitude is 14000 

      Raid is overhead

      8 planes vectored on to bombers

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

Invasion Support action off Luganville (120,150)

44 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships

      AMC Prince Robert

      DD Norman

Allied ground losses:

      26 casualties reported

         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards

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

Amphibious Assault at Lakatoro (119,151)

TF 107 troops unloading over beach at Lakatoro, 119,151

Allied ground losses:

      28 casualties reported

         Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

      Vehicles lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Engineer Vehicle lost in surf during unload of 3rd USN SeaBees

Engineer Vehicle lost overboard during unload of 3rd USN SeaBees

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

Pre-Invasion action off Luganville (120,150)

74 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships

      DMS Wasmuth

      DMS Chandler

      xAP Sarpedonia

Allied ground losses:

      39 casualties reported

         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled

         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

DMS Wasmuth fired at enemy troops

DMS Chandler 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 Luganville (120,150)

TF 306 troops unloading over beach at Luganville, 120,150

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

Invasion Support action off Luganville (120,150)

73 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships

      xAP Montoro

      DD Bancroft

Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards

Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards

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

Ground combat at Nanyang (85,45)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 61949 troops, 605 guns, 246 vehicles, Assault Value = 2182

Defending force 146552 troops, 621 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 4154

Japanese ground losses:

      9 casualties reported

         Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:

      61 casualties reported

         Squads: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled

         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:

    110th Division

    70th Division

    35th Division

    36th Division

    32nd Division

    12th Army

    20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

    6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

    10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment

    2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion

    Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment

    3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion

    11th Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:

    76th Chinese Corps

    55th Chinese Corps

    41st Chinese Corps

    92nd Chinese Corps

    1st Chinese Corps

    57th Chinese Corps

    36th Chinese Corps

    30th Chinese Corps

    33rd Chinese Corps

    90th Chinese Corps

    47th Chinese Corps

    3rd Chinese Corps

    77th Chinese Corps

    34th Chinese Corps

    91st Chinese Corps

    16th Chinese Corps

    4th Chinese Cavalry Corps

    Red Chinese Army

    34th Group Army

    4th Group Army

    2nd Group Army

    5th War Area 

    8th Group Army

    7th Group Army

    2nd War Area 

    22nd Group Army

    4th Construction Regiment

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

Ground combat at Luganville (120,150)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1643 troops, 22 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 125

Defending force 21387 troops, 550 guns, 480 vehicles, Assault Value = 503

Japanese ground losses:

      29 casualties reported

         Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:

    Yokosuka 2nd SNLF

    Yokosuka 4th SNLF

    34th Field AA Battalion

    38th JNAF AF Unit 

Defending units:

    1st Marine Division

    2nd USMC Tank Battalion

    6th Australian Division

    1st USMC Parachute Bn /1

    1st USMC Engineer Aviation Battalion

    21/22 Field Regiment

    4th Field Artillery Battalion

    20th RAAF Base Force

    223rd Field Artillery Battalion

    810th EAB /1

    1st USMC Air Wing Base Force

    137th USA Base Force

    2nd USMC FA Bn /1

    1st USMC Field Artillery Battalion

    F Det USN Port Svc /1

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

Ground combat at Luganville (120,150)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 1140 troops, 88 guns, 68 vehicles, Assault Value = 503

Defending force 4489 troops, 79 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 122

Allied adjusted assault: 0 

Japanese adjusted defense: 191 

Allied assault odds: 1 to 99 (fort level 3) 

Combat modifiers

Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), disruption(-), fatigue(-)

Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:

      38 casualties reported

         Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled

         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:

      141 casualties reported

         Squads: 6 destroyed, 14 disabled

         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:

    1st Marine Division

    6th Australian Division

    2nd USMC Tank Battalion

    1st USMC Parachute Bn /1

    20th RAAF Base Force

    1st USMC Air Wing Base Force

    1st USMC Engineer Aviation Battalion

    223rd Field Artillery Battalion

    1st USMC Field Artillery Battalion

    810th EAB /1

    137th USA Base Force

    21/22 Field Regiment

    4th Field Artillery Battalion

    2nd USMC FA Bn /1

    F Det USN Port Svc /1

Defending units:

    Yokosuka 2nd SNLF

    Yokosuka 4th SNLF

    34th Field AA Battalion

    38th JNAF AF Unit