75th squadron RAAF...

During this period the Carriers Yorktown and Lexington were in the area and did some attacks on the Japanese.These will also be done for this Campaign.


Talon
 
Great idea to expand activities to include carriers. :)

The raid against Lae and Salamaua on the 10 March has it all, two carriers, 18 F4F's, 60 SBD's and 25 Devastators. Spaced around the Huon Gulf, lying off Lae and Salamaua were 5 transports, 6 destroyers, 1 large minelayer, 2 small minesweepers, 1 seaplane tender and the light cruiser Yubari. Additional to the ship strikes several strafes were carried out against land targets and the one hapless Japanese aircraft that got airborne, a Type 95 reconnaissance floatplane.

After that nothing much happened for two months. Lexington departed back to Pearl, and Yorktown stooged around the Coral Sea on her lonesome. Lexington rejoined Yorktown on 1 May.

On 4 May there was the raid on Tulagi. Then all hell broke loose with the Battle of the Coral Sea on the 7th.
 
Another very good resource for this campaign is John Vader's "Pacific Hawk" published in 1970. An entire chapter is devoted to the defence of Port Moresby.

Regarding belly tanks, he states:

"Belly tanks were usually carried, even on short-range operations, and the plane flew initially on this supplementary fuel, switching over to the normal internal supply and dropping the belly tank either when it was empty or before if there was action. The internal supply of 148 gallons gave a maximum range of 350 miles, including half an hour of combat at full throttle."

As for the arrival of the Kittyhawks from Horn Island, the anti-aircraft gunners, acccustomed to seeing only Japanese single-engined aircraft approaching 7 Mile Drome, opened fire and damaged three of the four aircraft in the first flight. One bullet just missed Squadron Leader Peter Jeffrey's head as he was landing.
 
Enhanced Lae...

To all,

Because the airbase at Lae is attacked by the RAAF and used as a primary base for the Japanese side, I want to use Dog1's enhanced Lae base for this campaign. I have adjusted the layout file to reflect aircraft for Early 1942 (getting rid of the Ki-61 and the A6M3), to reflect some semblance of historical accuracy.

I'll work on contacting him, because I just created a single gsl file for Lae to make it easier to install. If need be, I can also make a separate GSL file sans Usio's ships for those with slower PCs.

It will require downloading a smidge more objects, mainly ships, but I think the results speak for themselves. Is this cool with y'all?
 
I just wanted to let you know that I only have one mission left for the Port Moresby CFS1 conversion, fourteen out of fifteen have been completed. I will blend these missions into DOA to provide for an expanded Australian campaign.
 
All fifteen missions of the Port Moresby campaign for CFS1 have been converted and updated. I will now begin working on the actual DoA missions.
 
Really hanging for this one Rami. The DEI campaign (which is simply brilliant) has whetted the appetite for more early-war action. :)
 
Reply...

Pips,

Here. These are the fifteen missions that I've done for Defense of Australia. Technically, these are not part of the original pack, these are converted missions of a CFS1 campaign written by Mauro.

We'll see how these fit in to DoA.

In addition, please note that mission 13 is completely fictional. Talon has informed me that the RAAF and USN never flew coordinated strike missions, especially considering the American Carrier Task Forces had withdrawn to Pearl during the time period of April, 1942. I just thought it would be fun to do.

When the total campaign package is released, I will include two campaign files. One will be for those who wish to fly the historically-based missions only, the other will include the non-historical missions.
 
I want to publicly thank Ravenna for answering my question. There are a total of nine missions in the Port Moresby conversion that are unique, not duplicated in DoA. That fact, combined with the USN side that Talon is working on, will result in a whole new side to this campaign.

Here are the unique missions...

"title_string"=Defense of Australia - Transfer to Jackson
"summary_string"=Attention, pilots! The 75th RAAF Fighter Squadron has received orders to transfer from our base at Cooktown to Seven Mile airfield at Port Moresby. Your operational duty once there will be fighting the Japanese Air assets which are assisting their ground forces in overtaking much of the island.
"objective_string"=The Japanese forces that conquered Rabaul on January 23rd, 1942 and Lae on March 8th have also been bombing ground installations and fields at Port Moresby since February 3rd. Our forces there had no fighters, so the 75th Squadron was sent to Port Moresby toward the end of March, stationed at Seven mile airfield.
"intelligence_string"=After departing Queensland, you'll fly on a rough north-northeast heading until you reach the New Guinea coast. A flight of Lockheed Hudsons will accompany you on your journey. Upon reaching Port Moresby, watch for any Japanese bombers or fighters in the area. It is important that all planes arrive with little or no battle damage so that they can be used without delay. Good luck!

"title_string"=Defense of Australia - Armed reconnaissance
"summary_string"=Attention! Our coastal watchers have spotted two enemy convoys travelling in opposite directions paralleling the coastline. Your mission is to take off and find these enemy convoys, then strike and strafe them with bombs and your machine guns, doing as much damage as you can. Another flight of P-40s will meet you en route to assist in your attack. Good luck!
"objective_string"=One of the tasks RAAF 75th Squadron undertook was that of armed reconnaissance. P-40s would be equipped with a 500lb bomb, and then take off from Port Moresby looking for Japanese ship or ground movement in a designated area. Often this was done to locate enemy ship convoys operating off the New Guinea coastline.
"intelligence_string"=After getting into the air, you'll rendezvous with another flight of Kittyhawks, then head out to the first area where a enemy convoy has been sighted heading southeast. After striking this convoy, you will look for another convoy heading northwest along the coastline. Our spotters did not see any large Japanese ships, so you may only encounter destroyers and torpedo boats escorting the ships. It's critical that you focus on the freighters that are laden down with supplies. Remember to keep an eye out for enemy fighters patrolling the area as well!

"title_string"=Defense of Australia - Dumbo rescue
"summary_string"=Attention, pilots! A USN pilot has been shot down off the Eastern coastline of Papua New Guinea. A PBY Catalina has been sent out to rescue him, and we have been sent along to provide fighter cover while the 'Dumbo' goes to work.
"objective_string"=Downed US Navy pilots relied heavily on the PBY 'Catalina' flying boats to rescue them from hostile waters. Built from 1935, these aircraft were not only used for rescue; their long range made them quite ideal for naval reconnaissance and anti-sub patrols.
"intelligence_string"=As the American Catalina descends to rescue the downed airman, maintain fighter cover at several thousand feet above the PBY. It is important that you keep close watch for Japanese fighter patrols that try to interfere with the rescue operation. If the rescue is successful, you will receive a radio communication from the Catalina, and you'll escort the PBY back to Port Moresby.

"title_string"=Defense of Australia - Protect our big friends
"summary_string"=Attention, pilots! A formation of US B-17 bombers have requested our escort, and have just gotten airborne after refueling. You must get into the air at once and escort them as far as your fuel stores will take you. Good luck!
"objective_string"=Formations of US bombers often passed over Port Moresby during their raids on Rabaul. Due to the limited range of Kittyhawks equipping RAAF 75th Squadron, their pilots were only able to bring the B-17s partway through New Britain before having to turn back. The Japanese used this information to intercept them as they made their closest pass to Lae, trying to force the P-40s to release their drop tank and abort their escort, thus making the bombers vulerable.
"intelligence_string"=With a drop tank, the range of the P-40 is roughly 900 mines. That will allow you to remain with the bombers across much of New Britain before you'll need to turn around and head home. If Japanese fighters are encountered, don't release your drop tank unless it is absolutely necessary, because in doing so you will have to leave the bombers much earlier and return to Port Moresby.

"title_string"=Defense of Australia - Never a dull moment
"summary_string"=Listen up! Japanese ships have been spotted in the vicinity of Goodenough island, but all the fighters of RAAF 75th Squadron are currently engaged in other assignments. Despite being on rest, you have volutneered to go out alone and attack the enemy ships. Good luck!
"objective_string"=Australian bomber forces were meager during this period, consisting primarily of Lockheed Hudsons and PBY Catalinas, both used primarily for naval reconnaissance. Strategic bombing was relegated to the American bomber crews which had modern types such as the B-17, B-25, and B-26 that could inflict significant damage on the enemy.
"intelligence_string"=You will have a full load of ammunition as well as a 500lb bomb to attack the enemy transports. This is usually an assignment for bombers, but the pilot which spotted the enemy ships on reconnaissance was badly wounded. We don't want to waste time flying another scouting mission to find the enemy convoy. We don't anticipate enemy fighters on this mission, and your odds of being intercepted are minimized going out alone.

"title_string"=Defense of Australia - Yankees and Diggers
"summary_string"=Attention, pilots! The US Army is sending a flight of Douglas A-24 Banshees to New Guinea. They're being escorted by Grumman F4F Wildcat fighters. These pilots have requested assistance to ensure the A-24s reach Port Moresby safely, due to the fact that they lack the range to bring them to Port Moresby and make it back to their carrier. You're to take off at once and make sure that the A-24s reach Port Moresby safely after taking over for the Navy pilots. Good luck!
"objective_string"=Douglas A-24 Banshees were very similar to the SBD Dauntless model flown in the US Navy from its carriers. Though popular and effective in the Navy, the A-24 found little support in Army hands, and was decimated in both Java and New Guinea where they weren't provided with decent fighter protection.
"intelligence_string"=After meeting up with the A-24 Banshees, the F4F Wildcats will communicate with you and then turn back for their carrier. Approaching Port Moresby, keep a close eye for any enemy fighters that try to jump you when you least expect it. The buildup of American planes in pilots in this area will be a big help in our effort to ward off enemy forces.

"title_string"=Defense of Australia - To hell and back
"summary_string"=Listen up, pilots! ABDA Headquarters has ordered to continue the attacks on the enemy-held fields at Lae and Nazdab. RAAF 75th Squadron has been requested to provide escort once again, this time for American B-26 Marauders who will strike both bases. You must ensure their safety. Good luck!
"objective_string"=The 75th RAAF Squadron occasionally provided long-range fighter escort for American and RAAF bombers attacking the Japanese-held strongholds of Lae and Nadzab. To accomplish this, the P-40s were given 52 gallon drop tanks to increase their range and offer protection over the target.
"intelligence_string"=After getting into the air, you'll rendezvous with the American Marauder bombers and escort them on a bombing strike to the enemy-held airfields of Lae and Nadzab. Another flight of Kittyhawks will watch over 'Playmate' flight. Your bombers will strike the Nadzab complex, the other flight will attack Lae. After your bombers complete their run, you will stick with the formation to provide cover for the other flight.

"title_string"=Defense of Australia - Joint venture
"summary_string"=Attention, pilots! US Navy Dauntless dive-bombers escorted by Wildcat fighters will attack an enemy convoy sighted east of Goodenough island. At the same time, you'll be escorting Lockheed Hudsons that will attack the convoy at the same time. Due to the amount of supplies the ships are carrying, it is highly likely that the convoy will have heavy air suport. Good luck!
"objective_string"=With the presence of an American task force in the Coral Sea, RAAF 75th Squadron occasionally flew coordinated strike missions. These missions were aided by the presence of US Navy fighters, which would assist the RAAF P-40s in providing air cover for these attacks.
"intelligence_string"=You'll meet up with the Lockheed Hudsons shortly after taking off. The American strike force will approach from the southwest. Once over the enemy convoy, US Navy Wildcats will assist you giving air cover for the strike force. After the attack, you will make sure that the Hudsons return to Port Moresby safely.

(Mission thirteen is entirely fictitious, but I thought it would be interesting)

"title_string"=Defense of Australia - Palm beaches of Milne
"summary_string"=Attention, pilots! After a long, exhausting duel with the Japanese, we are being replaced by the new USAAF forces recently deployed here. Our orders are to pack up and fly to Milne Bay, where we will support our 'Diggers' against a possible landing of enemy troops.
"objective_string"=Though the 75th Squadron actually departed New Guinea on May 7th, 1942 for their home airbase at Townsville, Queensland, they transfered to the Milne Bay airfield complex on July 21st, 1942 to continue operations against the Japanese Empire.
"intelligence_string"=After getting airborne, another flight of P-40s will link up with you, and will accompany you to Milne Bay. Watch out for enemy fighters, as you will be flying portions of this journey over enemy held territory. It is critical that you make it to your new home with as little damage as possible, so if you encounter enemy planes, you must decide whether to engage them or not. Good luck!

Now, the challenge will be the other six missions...
 
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