AAR Battle of 3rd August 1942

The Japanese started their assault after surrounding the allied position early in the morning of the 3rd August. they opened their attack by creeping to within 15 inches of the village and then fired two star shells that lit up the allied positions.

Defending the village was two sections of Australian troops, a section of Militia and a section of PIB. Once the first star shell had been fired an Australian Company located at Kanadara began to move back to rescue their besieged troops in the village a distance of only 1km.

By round 4 of the game the Japanese commander now knowing that their was little in the way of opposition ordered a charge which swept away the Australian section. the PIB still held their position to the north of the village but did not engage.

By round 6 the fresh Australian company had indeed arrived but the Japanese commander sensing that what he wanted to achieve had been completed gave the order to withdraw.

The rest of the game a further 3 round of movement saw the Japanese melt back into the jungle no further fighting took place except for a few stray pot shots from each side.

The supreme allied command seeing how easy it was for an entire Japanese company to slip around an isolated Australian position ordered a withdrawal back to Isurava where the Australian troops could be concentrated and where the terrain would now funnel any future attack towards prepared Allied defences. 

OOB for Australian forces and Japanese Fela 3rd August 1942

Australian OOB and Orders Fela 1.30am 3^rd August 1942

Introduction: 

At Midnight on 2^nd August Papuan scouts A company PIB, inform your troops at Deniki that two

Japanese sections were spotted crossing the track between Deniki and Fela using Eora Creek as a

covering path as they move quickly towards the rear right flank of Deniki.

In response to this report Company C command at Deniki dispatched two full sections of militia each

with attached Papuan scouts to track down the reported Japanese. The commander at Deniki also

radios A Company moving between Isurava and Deniki which likewise dispatched two sections with

attached scouts to join up and support the searching troops. 

Meanwhile the Japanese sections execute a sharp left turn once clear of the track and creek

proceeding to deploy to the southern flank of Fela.

Between 12.30am and 1am on the 3^rd August two other Japanese formations begin to deploy to the

North East and North West of Fela, they spend another ½ hour slowly creeping towards no 5 section

A company PIB that has been left to defend and hold Fela.

At 1.30 am they attack.

Japanese break jungle cover and attack 

Battle Field Conditions:

     

The weather is again like it has been for the last few nights, it is raining heavily and there is a thick

mist rolling over the battlefield (-1 for Rain, -1 for Mist on all ACC rolls).

Australian OOB and Conditions

Defence of Fela – All Fela - Troops are entrenched

No 5 Section A Company PIB 1 x Australian corporal SMG armed, 7 x Papuan riflemen.

No 1 Section, 8^th Platoon, A Company 1 x Australian corporal SMG, 1 x L/Cpl NCO rifle armed, 1 x

LMG, 6 x Riflemen

C Company Patrol from Deniki – These troops need to roll against their guts score and those of

the Japanese to see if they have located the Japanese. If they don’t they will be located 1 D6 in

turns away from the fight when it begins.

No 1 & 2 Sections, 14^th Platoon, C Company each with 

1 x Australian corporal SMG, 1 x L/Cpl NCO rifle armed, 1 x LMG, 6 x Riflemen, 3 Papuan Scouts

A Company Patrol from main body located between Deniki and Isurava – These troops start 6

turns away from the battle, they also need to roll against their guts score and those of the

Japanese to see if they have located the Japanese. If they don’t they will add a further D6 in

turns away.

No 2 & 3 Sections, 8^th Platoon, A Company each with 

1 x Australian corporal SMG, 1 x L/Cpl NCO rifle armed, 1 x LMG, 6 x Riflemen, 3 Papuan Scouts

A Company main body troops located at kanadara – These troops start 4 turns away from the

battle, they may send through any or all of the following in aid but only after the first shots have

been fired

No 1, 2 & 3 Sections, 7^th Platoon, A Company each with 

1 x Australian corporal SMG, 1 x L/Cpl NCO rifle armed, 1 x LMG, 6 x Riflemen, 3 Papuan Scouts

No 1, 2 & 3 Sections, 9^th Platoon, A Company each with  1 x Australian corporal SMG, 1 x L/Cpl NCO rifle armed, 1 x LMG, 6 x Riflemen, 3 Papuan Scouts

1 X HMG Section, 1 x Spotter FOO. Company Sergeant Major as C-in-C.

Japanese OOB and Orders Fela 1.30am 3^rd August 1942

Introduction: 

At Midnight on 2^nd August your troops from 1^st Platoon of 1st Company 144^th Regt, cross the track

between Deniki and Fela using Eora Creek as a covering path once across the track your platoon turns sharply to its left and circles around behind Fela.

At 12.20am 3^rd August the 1^st Platoon of 2^nd Company 144^th Regt follows the path of the leading

platoon and also circles now to the West of Fela

By 1.10 you last platoon 2^nd Platoon, 2^nd Company 144^th Regt and the 2^nd  Company HQ are in place to the north of Fela the village is now surrounded and all forces begin to creep forward.

At 1.30am the attack begins.

Japanese  OOB and Conditions

All units start 15inches from Fela village

2^nd Company HQ, I Battalion, 144^th Infantry Regiment (from Kokoda)

7 men Veteran/Spirited Reactions

1^st Platoon, 1^st  Company 1/144th

 Regt (Veteran/Spirited Reactions) (from Pitoki)

Platoon HQ 1 x Officer and 1 x Sgt, 1 x Sniper, 2 riflemen

3 x Sections each  of 1 x LMG, 2 loaders, 2 x NCO, 8 x Soldiers

1 x Section of three Knee Mortars, 2 x NCO, 6 x loaders/riflemen

1 x HMG from HMG Coy 1/144^th Regt

1^st Platoon, 2ndCompany 1/144^th Regt (Veteran/Spirited Reactions) (from Kokoda)

Platoon HQ 1 x Officer and 1 x Sgt, 1 x Sniper, 2 riflemen

3 x Sections each  of 1 x LMG, 2 loaders, 2 x NCO, 8 x Soldiers

1 x Section of three Knee Mortars, 2 x NCO, 6 x loaders/riflemen

1 x HMG from HMG Coy 1/144^th Regt

2^nd Platoon, 2^nd Company 1/144th

 Regt (Veteran/Spirited Reactions) (from Oivi)

Platoon HQ 1 x Officer and 1 x Sgt, 1 x Sniper, 2 riflemen

3 x Sections each  of 1 x LMG, 2 loaders, 2 x NCO, 8 x Soldiers

1 x Section of three Knee Mortars, 2 x NCO, 6 x loaders/riflemen

No HMGs at Oivi.

Support Elements A Section 55^th Mountain battery

1 x Observer team attached to 2 x75mm Mountain Howitzers located at Kokoda

Support Elements 1/144^th Regt Mortars 1 x Observer team attached to 2 x81mm Mortars located at Kokoda

Allied Commanders Ian, Doug and Michael confir

The AAR to follow for the action.

Battle for Fila August 3rd 1942, 1.30am

Hi all

It has been a while since my last post. the reasoning’s for this is that Brad (Doc) has been doing a good coverage of the campaign to date so I figured that there was no reason to have two posts (one on my blog and one on his) per battle.

However Brad is unable to attend this Sundays coming game due to family commitments and therefore I will be posting the battle results

Please stay tuned the AAR with pictures will be posted early next week 

Hi Afewroundsmore

The three actions just played were small brief actions so not many photos were taken. When I post the other two AAR's there will be a few more photos - but again only a few.
Both sides at this point are conducting probing actions which are smaller than the large pitched actions that have occured up until now. Howvere the campaign is getting to a point where there will be a major push from the Japanese. Then you will see lots of photos coupled with heated action.
The Papuans are a combination of Brigade games minatures and converted foundry darkest african figures

Regards
Andrew

AARs from Fela and Naro

Hi all

The AARs from Fela and Naro to follow shortly

After Action Report Fowani Creek

Location - Faiwani Creek  1.5 km Nth of Deniki

Description – Faiwani creek intercepts the track that lays between Deniki and Pitoki. Both sides of the creek are heavily wooded except for an area of around a hundred yards either side of the track.

Japanese OOB

1^st Platoon, 1^st Company 1/144^th Regt (Veteran/Spirited Reactions)

Consisting of Platoon HQ 1 x Officer and 1 x Sgt, 1 x Sniper

3 x Sections each  of 1 x LMG, 2 x NCO, 8 x Soldiers

Support Elements A Section 55^th Mountain battery

1 x Observer team attached to 2 x75mm Mountain Howitzers located at Kokoda

Australian OOB

1^st Section, 13 Platoon, C Company, 39^th Battalion (Tired/ Green/trained)

Consisting of Platoon HQ 1 x Officer and 1 x Sgt, 39^th Battalion

1 x LMG (Bren), 2 x NCOs, 6 x Soldiers

No 1 and 2 Sections, B Company, PIB (Untrained)

Each PIB Section consists of 2 x NCO and  x 5 men

Support Elements 

1 x Observer team attached to 2 x81mm Mortars located behind Denik

Battle Report Faiwani Creek 31^st July 1942

The Japanese force commander (Cameron) will take up the commentary from here.

The Japanese scouting force advancedtowards the creek crossing that intersected the track heading for Deniki. They moved forwardon either side of the track with caution until they came across a clearing that now not only created a buffer zone on the track but also the creek crossing as well.

They halted for a turn to observe the far side of the clearing and through the bright and hot morning light spotted a section of Papuan infantrylead by Australian NCOs sitting hiding in cover on the far side of the creek.

Advancing Papuan Infantry Patrol – Photo via Greg and Ian

The Japanese machinegun section attached to the forward patrol opensfire laying down a hail of bullets for two turns before the Papuans begin to fire back. The attached Japanese rifle section thenbegins to add its fire to the fight and in an attempt to rattle the Papuans charges out into the open. The Sergeant of 1^st Platoon realising that one of his sections are now charging across open terrain shouts to his force and calls them back into the cover of the Jungle.

Faiwani Creek and track crossing – Photo via Greg and Ian

Following the initial exchange of fire from both sides an intense fire fight begins to buildas more sections and supporting weapons from both sides are drawn into the fight over the crossing.

A lone Japanese snipper who had until this pointhad beensitting quietly in his jungle cover spots an exposed Australian NCO,he hesitates for a second and with the squeeze of his trigger the NCO falls dead.

 Around the same time a second Papuan infantry section and a Japanese section located opposite their position appear on the other side of the track,a firefight begins between the two forces. The Japanese force on this flank decided that they too will try to advance on the Papuans in an attempt to rattle them, but this section soon found themselves in trouble as they came under fire from a Australian infantry section which had gone unnoticed.

Japanese commander Cameron looking through the jungle

Both sides were desperately attempting to call in fire support which was not able to range in.

The opposing forces continued to maintain a fierce fire fight. The Japanese on the right flank were almost wiped out and the Japanese commander committed his third section to the battle. More casualties were taken by the Australians and both force commanders decided to limit casualties, both sides withdrew.

The action was seen as a draw, neither side gained the creek, however the Japanese achieved their patrol objective of retrieving valuable Intel on the composition and make up of their opposing forces.

Australian Loses

1^st Section, 13^th Platoon, C Company 39^th Militia Battalion troops                              4 soldiers killed

1^st& 2^nd Section, B Company PIB                                                                                3 white NCO’s, 9 Native Constables

Japanese Losses

1^st Platoon, 1^st Company, 1/144^th Regiment                                                          14 privates, 1 NCO

The next Game

Hi all

This sunday we will be playing the next installment of the Campaign. The game will consist of three patroll actions. A large action 1.5km North of the village of Deniki at Fawani creek crossing and two smaller actions one at Fela village and one in the open plains in front of the village of Naro.

The Australian commanders are desperately attempting to pulling together all their scattered forces at Deniki in an attempt to stop the advancing Japanese forces and hope that Deniki wil be the place to finally hold what to date has been a costly but un-stopable Japanese advance. The patrol actions occur on a circular arc around Deniki and are an essential part of teh Australin plans to slow down the Japanese advance.  

Stay tuned for all the action.

Australian OOB and Orders Pitoki 30th July 1942

Following the defeat of the Australian forces at Kokoda on the 29^th July, the remaining Australian officers scramble to put together an effective fighting force, as they retire back down the track towards Deniki.

The decimated B and D Companies 39^th Battalion are combined into the B/D Composite Company which is placed under the command of the newly appointed Captain Mclean.

Midway along the track between Kokoda and Deniki is the village of Pitoki. Pitoki is seen by the retreating Australian commanders as a vital position from which an ambush action can be initiated. The aim of laying an ambush at Pitoki is to give time to the assembling forces at Deniki enabling them to reorganise and dig in creating formalised defences at that position.

The command of the Pitoki Ambush force is assigned to Captain Smith (Promoted from Lieutenant) Papuan Infantry Battalion - a tough ex Papuan constabulary officer.

Captain Smith’s forces consist of:-

No 1 Section, 12/16 Platoon B/D Composite Company – 9 men

A Company PIB – 35 Men under command Lt Jester (PIB)

GHQ Port Moresby has assigned one flight of P39 Air Cobras from the 5th USAAF’s 8^th Fighter Group to attack Kokoda. One of these aircraft has been assigned to hit pre designated targets at Pitoki.

OOB Australian Forces

Pitoki Ambush Force

C-in-C, Captain Smith (PIB)

No 1 Section, 12/16 Platoon B/D Composite Company, 39^th Battalion – 9 Men

2 x NCO’s (SMG), 1 x LMG, 6 x Riflemen

A Company PIB – 35 Men (the rest not being able to be found)

HQ Section - Lt Jester , SGT, 2 x Papuan’s

A Company PIB – 4 x Sections each of 2 Australian NCO’s (SMG) 6 x Papuan’s

8^th Fighter Group,  5th USAAF -  1 x P39 Air Cobra

US P-39 attacks Japanese troops in jungle (excellent Photo shop by Greg)

Battle field Conditions

The Australian forces have only been in position for around 10 hours, most of that time at night. When the Japanese advance on the Pitoki Position this occurs at 7.00am in the morning the weather conditions are fine, there is no mist, no rain. However your troops being tired and hampered by night conditions have only been able to establish shell scrap positions.

Japanese OOB and Orders Pitoki 30th July 1942

Background Information

Following the defeat of the Australian forces at Kokoda on the 29^th July, the remaining Australian forces have scrambled back towards their rear area lines at Deniki.

Your troops, the Yokoyama Advance Force has been congratulated by Imperial Headquarters at Rabaul and ordered to make ready for the main fighting elements of the South Seas Force that is due to be landed in the coming days.

The Local area commander Lt – Colonel Yokoyama has ordered the reinforced 1^st Company, 1^st Battalion, 144^th regiment to maintain contact with the withdrawing Australians while also establishing a forward patrol base close enough to continue operations against the believed reorganised Australian forces at Deniki.

The rest of the regiment has been ordered to various locations back down the track to continue the work that will make ready for the increasing Japanese forces that will begin the drive on Port Moresby.

At Kokoda After a period of time all 1^st Battalion commanders are assigned their new orders, troops are rested and some reorganisation is undertaken, the first company is now sent towards Deniki

At 7.00am 30^th July 1942, your forces approach a previously unknown village midway along the track between Kokoda and Deniki. This Village because of its locality will make an excellent forward patrol base. The 1^st company commander orders his troops to take Pitoki.

OOB Japanese Forces

The force commander is 2^nd Lieutenant Onogowa commander of the 1^st Company, 1/144^th Bn

1^st Company, I Battalion, 144^th Infantry Regiment (Type B)

1^st Company, I Battalion, 144^th Infantry Regiment HQ - 7 men Veteran/Spirited Reactions

1^st Company, I Battalion, 144^th - Infantry Regiment Snipers x 3 Veteran

1^st Rifle Platoon, 1/I/144^th 52 men + 2 men Pl HQ - Veteran/Spirited Reactions

2^nd Rifle Platoon, 1/I/144^th 52 men + 2 men Pl HQ - Veteran/Spirited Reactions

3^rd Rifle Platoon, 1/I/144^th 52 men + 2 men Pl HQ - Veteran/Spirited Reactions

Each rifle platoon consisting - Veteran/Spirited Reactions

3 x Section of 1 x LMG, 2 x NCO, 8 x Soldiers

1 x Section of three Knee Mortars, 2 x NCO, 6 x loaders/riflemen

Support Elements I/144^th Regiment

1 x Observer team attached to 2 x 81mm Mortars located at Kokoda

3 x HMG from I/144^th Battalion HMG Company

Support Elements A Section 55^th Mountain battery

1 x Observer team attached to 2  x75mm Mountain Howitzers located at Kokoda

Battle field Conditions

The Pitoki attack occurs at 7.00am in the morning the weather conditions are fine, there is no mist, no rain.

Your Forces orders are

1st Company 1/144th: Establishment of a forward Patrol base (FPB) with forward patrols to maintain contact with Australian forces. Company HQ and HMGs established at camp. Snipers attached to each platoon: platoon patrol Schedule: (summary, 1 platoon at base, 1 platoon on patrol and 1 platoon on ambush during day and night)

FPB to consist of 1 Platoon, CHQ, 3x HMG and the FOOs for the 75mm mountain guns at all times

Mortar Company: 2x 81MM Mortar and crew deployed at Kokoda, 2x 81mm Mortar’s

Battle of Pitoki 30th July 1942

AAR Battle for Pitoki July 30^th 1942

Setting up the Action

Following the defeat of the Australian forces at Kokoda on the 29^th July, the remaining Australian officers scramble to put together an effective fighting force, as they retire back down the track towards Deniki.

Midway along the track between Kokoda and Deniki is the village of Pitoki. Pitoki is seen by the retreating Australian commanders as a vital position from which an ambush action can be initiated with the aim of holding up the Japanese while give time to the assembling forces at Deniki to regroup.

A small section of militia is left at Pitoki along with the larger but under strength A company PIB to establish a defensive position with much hast. The pitoki ambush force is placed under the command of Captain Smith (Promoted from Lieutenant) Papuan Infantry Battalion - a tough ex Papuan constabulary officer.

Japanese Generals Cameron, Greg and George Consult before the game

Pitoki Ambush Force Orders are

1.       Actively ambush any advancing Japanese forces that may be following the retreating battalion

2.       Where possible effect a delaying action while avoiding heavy casualties

3.       The force is to make use of favourable terrain where advancing Japanese troops can be funnelled and cannot circle quickly around flanks. This should be achieved by the defending forces digging in and prepare the positions as much as possible where time allows.

4.       If the ambush force comes under significant pressure it is to withdraw to established positions at Deniki.

The Japanese wanting to keep pressure up on the retreating Australian forces and after some re-organisation at Kokoda on the 29^th send forward the reinforced 1^st Company, 1^st Battalion, 144^th under commander of 2^nd Lieutenant Onogowa.

Japanese troops move along river towards Pitoki

At 7.00am on 30^th July 1942 the Japanese forces approach a previously unknown village. Onogowa begins the assault by splitting his troops into three strike platoons, the first to assault the village, the second to skirt around the right flank of the village and the third to be held back in reserve. Attached to first company are the observers of a mortar section and a 75mm Mountain Howitzer section still located at Kokoda to give the force some fire support.

Battle field Conditions

The Australian forces have only been in positions for around 10 hours, most of that time at night. When the Japanese advance on the Pitoki at 7.00am the weather conditions are fine, there is no mist and no rain. However due to the Australian troops being tired and being hampered by night conditions they have only been able to establish shell scraps for protection.

The game

The first two game turns see very little action as the Japanese advance towards the Australian positions and the village utilising the jungle cover along the creek beds that approach their objective.

On turn three from the Australian left flank a section of PIB troops opens fire causing only minor casualties to the approaching Japanese.  A section of Japanese that is located directly in front of the  to the Australian sections position that has fired and is hidden by jungle now bursts forth, the Papuans fail their gut check and are forced back in retreat as the Japanese charge. The rest of turn three is reasonable quite except for a worrying message received by 2^nd Lieutenant Onogowa, that a flight of US P-39 Aircobra’s is conducting areal attacks on Kokoda attempting to take out his artillery and Mortar support.

In turn four the retreating Papuans come under heavier fire losing two casualties, the Japanese that were following them now retreat back into the jungle edge. To support their escape a second section of Papuans hidden in the native garden opens fire causing a few casualties and keeping the Japanese hidden. Meanwhile the other Japanese forces continue to advance attempting to locate other Australian force positions.

Turn five opens with the appearance of one P-39 from the Kokoda Strike mission. The cobra flies down the field from the base line of the Australian position only managing to spot a lone Japanese snipper. The pilot reasoning that a larger Japanese force must be near this man decided to drop his 500ld bomb. The result ….. Nothing the bomb clears the intended target and fails to detonate in the mud of the surrounding country. The Japanese hiding in the jungle hold their positions not firing at the aircraft through fear of drawing attention to themselves.

On turn six the cobra makes a second run this time spotting a group of infantry which is suppresses and takes out one machine gunner suppressing the heavy machine gun. One Japanese section sends forth two scouts to flush out the hidden Australians but as it is moving quickly fails to acquire any targets. Firing between the already exposed Papuan and on the Australian left flank continues but their fire is not enough to stop the fleeing Papuans from the first contact being reduced to now only 4 men who now rout.

Turn 7 sees the Air cobras last attack run, it takes out a few more Japanese including an artillery spotter and some of the flanking troops off board and then leaves. The Japanese scouts that were sent out on the last turn now come under extreme fire from ambushing Australian. The last Japanese observer calls for his 75mm support which causes three casualties and suppresses the Australian position.

The Australian commander seeing that his troops are once again in trouble calls for a withdrawal the next three turns are taken up by the Australians bugging out. On the last turn the flanking Japanese arrive, they capture a lone Papuan who is later tortured to death and the remaining Australian forces manage to flee of the board with assistance from their guides in the PIB taking jungle track back towards Deniki. 

On the last turn 2^nd Lieutenant Onogowa receives a message that the Air strike on Kokoda has taken out 4 mortar men and the mortar pits are destroyed, while the tubes were not damaged they wil not be serviceable for the rest of this day .

Battle Casualties

Japanese - A total of 40 men comprising:

55^th Mountain Regt - 1 spotter

1/144^th HMG Company- 2 gunners,

1/144^th Mortar Company - 4 Mortar men

1/144^th Battalion – 1 x Sniper

1^st coy 1/144^thRegiment – 32 men

Australian – A total of 24 men comprising:

A Company PIB – 2 Sections each of - 2 Australian NCO’s, 6 x Papuan’s (8)
C/D Composite Section - 6 Riflemen

Australian OOB Kokoda East

 B Company 39th Battalion - all forces Tired/Green
 C-in-C Captain Templeton, (Present)
 B Company 39th Battalion HQ Section (Unit reduced in size through previous actions)
 10th Platoon – 2 sections of 7, 2 x LMG’s (Lewis)
 11th Platoon - 3 sections of 7, 3 x LMG’s (Lewis)
 12th Platoon – 3 sections of 7 only 2 LMG’s (1 x Lewis, 1 x Bren)

 Detached sections HQ company 390th Militia Battalion  - all forces Tired/Green
 C-in-C Major Carrow (Present)
 HQ Platoon – 2 sections of 6, No LMG’s (made up of cooks, clerks etc)
 39th Battalion HMG Support, Section 1 – 1 x Vickers HMG’s

Japanese OOB for Kokoda East

Forces committed to Kokoda East Battle

C-in-C Lt – Colonel Yokoyama,Yokoyama Advance Force

Attached support elements of 55^th Division Mountain Artillery

“A” Battery 55^th Mountain Artillery 1 x 75mm Mountain Howitzer + Spotter crew

4^th Company, I Battalion, 144^th Infantry Regiment (Type A)

4^th Company, I Battalion, 144^th Infantry Regiment HQ - 7 men Veteran/Spirited Reactions

4^th Company, I Battalion, 144^th - Infantry Regiment Snipers x 3 Veteran

1^st Rifle Platoon, 4/I/144^th 30 men + 7 men Pl HQ- Veteran/Spirited Reactions – (3 Sec of 10)

2^nd Rifle Platoon, 4/I/144^th 45 men + 7 men Pl HQ- Veteran/Spirited Reactions

3^rd Rifle Platoon, 4/I/144^th 45 men + 7 men Pl HQ- Veteran/Spirited Reactions

4^th Grenadier Platoon, 4/I/144^th 16 men Veteran

Kokoda East Reserve Formations

15^th Independent Engineer Regiment – 3 x Engineer Platoons + HQ (Type B)

15^th Ind Engineer Regiment HQ - 7 men + 4 men LMG Sec -Veteran/Spirited Reactions

1^st Rifle Platoon, 15^th Ind Eng 39 men + 7 men Pl HQ - Veteran/Spirited Reactions

2^nd Rifle Platoon, 15^th Ind Eng 39 men + 7 men Pl HQ - Veteran/Spirited Reactions

3^rd Rifle Platoon, 15^th Ind Eng 39 men + 7 men Pl HQ - Veteran/Spirited Reactions

 

Deployment

4^th /I/144^th Regiment, A battery 55^th Regiment on board – 15” from Australian positions

15^th Engineer Regiment off Board in reserve

Battle for Kokoda East

The battle for Kokoda East saw a very tough close combat in this second part of the Kokoda game.

Japanese troops move through Native Gardens towards Kokoda Village

Elements of the Japanese 4^th Company, 1^st Battalion, 144^th Regiment with support form the Mountain Howitzer 55^th Mountain Regiment assaulted the east of Kokoda which was defended by weakened elements of the Australian  B company 39^th Battalion supported by elements of 39^th Battalion HQ .

Kokoda East Map - Japanese start 15 inches to the east

from the escarpment - area in grey

The Japanese started the assault 15 inches from the entrenched Australian positions in dark and misty conditions. The first round resulted in a mixed effort by the Japanese forces, on the southern flank three charges got off and made contact with the Australian trenches early with the Australian as this point managing to hold out the chargers. While in the North the Japanese forces edged forward cautiously against Kokoda.

The second round saw the initial charges in the south break the entrenched positions with the added assistance of star shells and the beginning of the Japanese mortar fire hitting the village. Despite the initial positions becoming over whelmed the Australian position held as one by one their hidden troops began to level fore on the advancing Japanese. 

The Japanese command seeing that their initial efforts although having some success were not progressing to plan deployed their heavy machine guns and opened a heavy breaking fire on the front lines.

Round three saw a change in the Japanese tactics.  Their forces slowed down adopting a supporting fire advance rather than their previous charging assault tactics. The Australian command at this point realised that if they were to hold their current positions they would become cut off as advancing Japanese forces had become dangerously close to their southern escape route. Japanese supporting fire continued to harass the Australian lines.

Round four saw the beginning of the Australian withdrawal. In the south Australian troops were deployed to keep the escape route open against an advancing platoon of Japanese who were attempting to seal the Aussies fate. In the north the Japanese had gained a foot hold on the ridge but despite encouragement by their officers were failing to advance past the first line of habitation. However the Japanese had at this point managed to get one of their snipers in position on the edge of the village. A second sniper was also now in position in the centre of the Japanese advancing forces,  seeing the emergence of the 2ic 39^th Battalion Major Carrow took a snap shot killing him as he began his withdrawal.

Australian troops begin a backward retreat covering

their front forces withdrawal

Lt Colonel Owen C-in C 39^th battalion now found himself in the middle of retreating Australian forces. He was busy attempting to restore troop order to the retreating militia men even fired off a pistol shot killing a closing Japanese soldier but was finding that panic was beginning to set in. the crew of the Australian HMG had been killed a section close to the HMG send off three troops to rescue the gun which was indeed saved by the end of the battle.

Round five and six saw the Australian retreat continue, sections began to rout, Lt Colonel Owen continued his attempts to order the troops he was spotted at the end of turn five by the positioned sniper and killed as he stood in the open issuing orders to his troops.

The Australians managed to get a few troops of the south end of the board by the end of the game, those troops joining up with the others retreating from the Kokoda West game heading for the safety of Deniki.

Japanese forces reach the escarpment and begin a charge up the hill

under the light of a star shell

 The result o f the game was as follows:

Australians 56 soldiers killed, two left the field in panic away from the safety of Deniki opting to hide in the jungles of the Owen Stanley’s. Lt Colonel Owen and Major Callow, C-in-C and 2ic 39^th battalion both killed.

The Japanese lost 95 soldiers in the attack including a platoon 2^nd lieutenant who was the last member of his platoon standing on the north side of the village during the failed Japanese advance in the north.

Game factors – the Japanese suffered higher losses due to consistent failed attempts to get their troops to close with the Australian positions and a high failure rate of support weapons to find accusation on targets. The Australian troops started their retreat to late resulting in higher than expected losses

Game considerations –  At the end of the game all players were in agreement that an over watch house rule would be trialed in the next game.

OVERWATCH RULE - Over watch is announced when a side has the chance to active. The rule means that the selected unit will adopt a wait and see position, indicating the area that they are watching at the time of the rule being activated. This unit will not participate in any other action but will instead take opportune fire at any enemy that either approaches or crosses their allocated target area before that enemy unit has the opportunity to conduct their normal turn

The Next Round

Hi All

The next round is due to be played Sunday 13th March ..... not 13th Feb as earlier advised due to one of the allied commanders loosing his mother to a long illness.

Keep your eyes on the site this part of the Kokoda Battle will be a very close combat with the Japanese starting 15 inches from the allied position in mist and night conditions

The Next round

Hi all

The next round of the campaign - Kokoda East will be played Saturday 13th Feburary, so not long to wait for updates