RIDERS ON THE STORM-THANK YOU

[Gen.Hoepner]

ORIGINAL: treespider

On the plus side the units in Kweilin and Hengchow are still receiving 1500 supply points per month.

If you consider them lost anyway - why not launch a counterattack out of Kweilin to the hex SW adjacent to Wuchow and cut his supply line?

With India lost and his ability to bring extra units into China ....China will be a foregone conclusion anyway...


[

Because he has LOTS of troops there! At least 3500 AVs are placed in the south of the Pocket...will just be a useless slaughter... i'll try to save as much as i can anyway...and make his life as hard as possible towards Chungking...

[Bogo Mil]

Isn't the Royal Navy more useful in India now? Ok, I understand that you are desperatly needing CVs in the Pacific. But you can not fight against the KB now anyway, these British CVs won't change that. But: If the RN leaves India, he can do what he wants in the Indic Ocean. This includes the option to withdraw all his ships, too. This would make him really dangerous everywhere.

I would keep the RN where it is. I didn't count the hexes there, but shouldn't it be possible to use this navy offensively while the KB is gone? Detailed plans have to be made, my quick idea would be this: The CVs get a fighter heavy load. So they can fend of any unescorted Bettys. Then they can cover the battlewagons near the top edge of the map to a position near Karachi. From where the surface fleet can race at full speed to Karachi and do some good things there - deliver supplies as fast transport, kill his CAs in surface combat, bombard his siege force, ... In the morning they race back to the covering CVs. I think you can hurt him there and he might even send at least some of his carriers back to the Indic.

[Gen.Hoepner]

The problem with using the RN close to the coast is the STRONG air power he still has in India. 200 Betties and probably 200 zeros...i have to avoid the zeros if i want to have a chance with my RN CVs, so to say, stay at least 10 hexes far from his bases...
Anyway the Babylon operation will go on, but i'll try to see, using only my CVs how do they react against unescorted betties....



Another very expensive day for the allies.
During the night the usual raiding surface force came at Eniwetok...my DDs stood no chances against his long lance torpedo attacks...and i got also few more AK sunk...
In the morning clouds cover Eniwetok, but the KB is spotted 3 hexes far away....so...
In the afternoon we launched 2 small raids and one big raid against the KB...losses are TERRIBLE...300 planes lost...against only 70 of his...however we managed to place 3 1000lb bombs on 3 different KB ships...no serious damage, but fire aboard and so probabaly now the KB has to get back at Truk...
Still we have 400 ready planes at Eniwetok...!
The B-17s prooved to be very effective in creating a gap into his CAP...a narrow passage where the lighter bombers can get through...my fighters performed really bad anyway[:(]


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/17/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 123 encounters mine field at Eniwetok (77,78)

Japanese Ships
DD Kazegumo, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*[:D]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Eniwetok at 77,78

Japanese Ships
CL Isuzu
CL Yura
CL Abukuma
CL Kuma, Shell hits 1
CL Tama, Shell hits 1
CL Tatsuta
CL Yubari
DD Yugumo
DD Kazegumo, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hayashio, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Nowaki
DD Arashi
DD Hagikaze
DD Amagiri
DD Mutsuki
DD Yayoi
DD Mochizuki, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
DD Sims, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD King, Shell hits 1
DD Peary, Shell hits 1
DD Brooks, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Sands, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Lawrence, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kane, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

My DDs got slaughtered by his long lance torpedo attacks...[:@]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Eniwetok at 77,78

Japanese Ships
CL Isuzu
CL Yura, Shell hits 1
CL Abukuma
CL Kuma
CL Tama
CL Tatsuta
CL Yubari
DD Yugumo
DD Kazegumo, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hayashio, on fire
DD Hamakaze, on fire
DD Nowaki
DD Arashi
DD Hagikaze
DD Amagiri
DD Mutsuki
DD Yayoi
DD Mochizuki, on fire

Allied Ships
MSW Finch, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
MSW Whippoorwill
MSW Launceston, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Eniwetok at 77,78

Japanese Ships
CL Isuzu
CL Yura
CL Abukuma
CL Kuma
CL Tama
CL Tatsuta
CL Yubari
DD Yugumo
DD Kazegumo, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hayashio, on fire
DD Hamakaze, on fire
DD Nowaki
DD Arashi
DD Hagikaze
DD Amagiri
DD Mutsuki
DD Yayoi
DD Mochizuki, on fire

Allied Ships
AK Kentuckian, Shell hits 15, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Knoxville City, Shell hits 84, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Eniwetok at 77,78

Japanese Ships
CL Isuzu
CL Yura
CL Abukuma
CL Kuma
CL Tama
CL Tatsuta
CL Yubari
DD Yugumo
DD Kazegumo, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hayashio, on fire
DD Hamakaze, on fire
DD Nowaki
DD Arashi
DD Hagikaze
DD Amagiri
DD Mutsuki
DD Yayoi
DD Mochizuki, on fire

Allied Ships
AK Mokihana, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Mormacsul
AK San Angelo
AK San Rafael, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK San Simeon
AK San Vincente, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
AK Silverado, Shell hits 20, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Minjak
AK Tomohon
AK Toradja, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Van Hentz

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Eniwetok at 77,78

Japanese Ships
CL Isuzu
CL Yura
CL Abukuma
CL Kuma
CL Tama
CL Tatsuta
CL Yubari
DD Yugumo, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Kazegumo, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hayashio, on fire
DD Hamakaze, on fire
DD Nowaki
DD Arashi
DD Hagikaze
DD Amagiri
DD Mutsuki
DD Yayoi
DD Mochizuki, on fire

Allied Ships
AK Asphalion, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Alchiba, Shell hits 17, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk


Allmy AKs were empty...[:)]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Eniwetok at 77,78

Japanese Ships
CL Isuzu
CL Yura
CL Abukuma
CL Kuma
CL Tama
CL Tatsuta
CL Yubari
DD Yugumo, on fire
DD Kazegumo, and is sunk
DD Hayashio, on fire
DD Hamakaze, on fire
DD Nowaki
DD Arashi
DD Hagikaze
DD Amagiri
DD Mutsuki
DD Yayoi
DD Mochizuki, on fire

Allied Ships
PT PT-45
PT PT-59
PT PT-60
PT PT-61, Shell hits 7, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Eniwetok at 77,78

Japanese Ships
CL Isuzu
CL Yura
CL Abukuma
CL Kuma
CL Tama
CL Tatsuta
CL Yubari
DD Yugumo, on fire
DD Hayashio, on fire
DD Hamakaze, on fire
DD Nowaki
DD Arashi
DD Hagikaze
DD Amagiri
DD Mutsuki
DD Yayoi
DD Mochizuki, on fire

Allied Ships
DMS Southard
DMS Hovey
DMS Long
DMS Perry, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DMS Chandler
DMS Wasmuth, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 39 encounters mine field at Karachi (21,3)

Japanese Ships
MSW W.18
MSW W.15
MSW W.12
MSW W.9
MSW W.8
MSW W.7
MSW W.6
MSW W.4
MSW W.3
MSW W.2
AP Jinsai Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
27 casualties reported

Another supply-burning attack[:@]



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lautem , at 33,77

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 3
Beaufighter VIF x 3
B-17E Fortress x 24
LB-30 Liberator x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
71 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 11



mmmm...he based a Kate Chutai at Lautem...what can that mean?[&:]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Karachi , at 21,3

See the betties numbers.....[X(]

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
G3M Nell x 46
G4M1 Betty x 112

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 20 damaged


Allied ground losses:
249 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Airbase hits 18
Airbase supply hits 11
Runway hits 97





And here's the attack on the KB!!![X(]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 75,78

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 14
A6M2 Zero x 234
A6M3 Zero x 32

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
TBD Devastator x 22
Beaufort I x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 5
P-40B Tomahawk x 4
A-24 Dauntless x 3
B-26B Marauder x 6
B-17E Fortress x 4
P-38F Lightning x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 21 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 destroyed
TBD Devastator: 22 destroyed
Beaufort I: 3 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 5 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 4 destroyed
A-24 Dauntless: 3 destroyed
B-26B Marauder: 3 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 4 destroyed
P-38F Lightning: 3 destroyed


OUCH!!!![:@]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 75,78

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 7
A6M2 Zero x 210
A6M3 Zero x 32

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 24
SBD-3 Dauntless x 37
TBD Devastator x 23
Beaufort I x 3
P-36A Mohawk x 10
P-400 Airacobra x 12
P-39D Airacobra x 50
P-40B Tomahawk x 26
P-40E Warhawk x 3
A-24 Dauntless x 9
A-20B Boston x 9
B-25C Mitchell x 36
B-26B Marauder x 31
B-17E Fortress x 63
P-43A Lancer x 3
P-38F Lightning x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 42 destroyed, 80 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 22 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 23 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 25 destroyed
TBD Devastator: 17 destroyed
Beaufort I: 2 damaged
P-36A Mohawk: 10 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra: 12 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 49 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 26 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed
A-24 Dauntless: 9 destroyed
A-20B Boston: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 4 destroyed, 13 damaged
B-26B Marauder: 4 destroyed, 20 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 12 destroyed, 39 damaged
P-43A Lancer: 3 destroyed
P-38F Lightning: 4 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi
CVL Ryujo, Bomb hits 1, on fire *belt penetration.1000lb from a SDB*
CV Shokaku
CVL Zuiho
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 1 *Belt hit*
CV Hiyo
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 1, on fire *flight deck penetration, 1000lb from a SDB, severe fire*
CVE Unyo
CV Soryu
CV Junyo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 75,78

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 12
A6M2 Zero x 191
A6M3 Zero x 32

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 6
TBD Devastator x 10
P-36A Mohawk x 5
P-39D Airacobra x 8
P-40B Tomahawk x 3
A-24 Dauntless x 3
B-26B Marauder x 3
B-17E Fortress x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 2 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed, 15 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 destroyed
TBD Devastator: 9 destroyed
P-36A Mohawk: 5 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 7 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 3 destroyed
A-24 Dauntless: 2 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 3 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Hayate
PG Takunan Maru #8
DD Shiokaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AO Nippon Maru
DD Asanagi

[Gen.Hoepner]

...losses are HORRIBLE...however i couldn't see why he risked so much....for not a real target...i didn't have any important ship anchored at Eniwetok...[&:]

[Andy Mac]

Hmmmmm how strong is the RN Fleet at Aden now ?
 
Is it time to send another couple of solo AK's in to annoy him.....
 
 

[Gen.Hoepner]

ORIGINAL: Andy Mac

Hmmmmm how strong is the RN Fleet at Aden now ?

Is it time to send another couple of solo AK's in to annoy him.....

3 CVs, 1 CVL, 4 BBs, 1 BC and many CA,CLs. Some more 20 DDs

My AKs are already on the way towards Karachi. Every 5/6 days i send one AK towards Karachi...

[Jim D Burns]

ORIGINAL: Gen.Hoepner
however i couldn't see why he risked so much....for not a real target...i didn't have any important ship anchored at Eniwetok...[&:]

Very possible he had a misleading recon report of CV's at Eniwetok. My opponent told me he had reports of CV's at Sydney, but I hadn't had any near there for over a month.

Not sure I'd say losing 280+ planes was not an important target though. He's decimated your air power. I wouldn't be surprised if an invasion wasn't soon to follow.

Jim

[Feinder]

Frankly, you took a BOHICA vs. KB.  I'd say he was deliberately trying to attrit your air force (one of WitP's amusiing opposites of history).  And 300 planes for damage to Hiryu and slight damgae to Ryujo, that's not a bad trade.  While it's possible that the Hiryu is in more trouble, the likelihood of her going down from one bomb is unlikely.  I'd trade a two sky-lights for 300 enemy aircraft. 
 
-F-

[ctangus]

I don't know if I'd be that pessimistic myself. The allied losses certainly hurt, but many of the plane losses are easily replacable airframes (P-39s, B-25s, B-26s, F4F-4s, SBDs, etc.) Even the TBDs - their replacement rate sucks, but TBFs start coming on line in the next month IIRC.

The IJN lost 53 Zeros, over the KB. So maybe they lost 20-30 crack pilots. Not a lot compared to the 300+ on CAP, but still significant. And with a little luck maybe one small enemy flight deck out of operation. I'd count on Zui (certainly) and Hiryu (probably) still being operational.

I'd still rate it a tactical IJN victory. But if the General can stage 2-3 more raids like that, weakening the IJN each time, the KB will sooner or later have to be afraid of allied LBA.

So, IMO, a tactical IJ victory, but I also see reason for mild optimism by the allies.

[Jim D Burns]

I agree, the loss of Japanese pilots is always a good thing, but they were most likely the carrier capable units that lost most of the pilots. The other problem is that with almost 300 air to air victories, Japan’s remaining pilots just got a LOT better. I’d guess each pilot probably went up an average of 2-5 experience points.

The real danger is in the short term. The allied air squadrons involved in the battle will have their morale in the tank for at least a week or two after such a devastating hit. Now is a critical time as he’s exposed to a naval invasion. Even if he gets to attack the incoming fleets without KB’s LRCAP, his pilots won’t hit a thing due to low morale, if they even fly at all.

Hopefully this was just a raid in reaction to a bogus CV report or just a raid to kill his air power. If it’s an invasion, he’s very exposed due to no other supporting airfields nearby.

Jim

[ctangus]

ORIGINAL: Jim D Burns

I agree, the loss of Japanese pilots is always a good thing, but they were most likely the carrier capable units that lost most of the pilots.

Oh - yep - that's certainly true. Hopefully a few of the carrier trained went down, too.

The other problem is that with almost 300 air to air victories, Japan’s remaining pilots just got a LOT better. I’d guess each pilot probably went up an average of 2-5 experience points.

I'm sure a few IJN pilots gained experience, but from what I've seen it's extremely hard to gain experience once a pilot's already in the 70's or 80's. I doubt 2-5 points. I'd guess at most an average of 1 point, if that. We're talking roughly 1 kill/pilot. In the 50's that would boost them a lot, but in the 70's/80's/90's a single kill will boost a pilot only once in a while.

I'd still wager, with some confidence, the overall KB pilot experience went down with that battle.

The real danger is in the short term. The allied air squadrons involved in the battle will have their morale in the tank for at least a week or two after such a devastating hit. Now is a critical time as he’s exposed to a naval invasion. Even if he gets to attack the incoming fleets without KB’s LRCAP, his pilots won’t hit a thing due to low morale, if they even fly at all.

I agree with you there. Did you notice the TFs west of KB in the General's last screen shot?!?

I guess I wanted to point out that his recent losses might not have been completely in vain - kind of like Torpedo 8 at Midway. [:)]

[jumper]

I would be afraid of a bombardment run now.. BTW if you check the operational report, you should be able to recognize how many carrier capable units he is using on his CV.
 
 

[Bogo Mil]

Ok, I did count hexes in the Indic now:

Since fighters don't fly escort missions outside normal rage (afaik), the interesting number is 7 - the normal range of the Zero. Thus up to 16/1 you are save from escorted strikes. That's 6 hexes from Karachi, only the fastest ships can make a night run from there. At 16/1 you could face unescorted Bettys from 5 bases (if they are big enough): Pangim, Bombay, Poona, Ahmadabad and Malir.

If you go closer to the coast, Zeros from Malir can reach you. Only from Malir, no other base. Up to 18/1 (4 hexes out) it's only the Zeros, no Oscars. Bettys from 2 additional bases (Bhopal and Jaipur) could join. Sally+Helen can attack only from Malir, and only up to 18/1, so you are save from them up to 5 hexes out of Karachi.

That's the numbers. I don't know if unescorted Bettys are a too big threat. And I don't know what exactly he has at Malir - all other bases aren't very interesting as you see. Another risk would be a carrier (Mini-KB or Kaga) in the area, which might provide some extra escorts.

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: Bogo Mil

Since fighters don't fly escort missions outside normal rage (afaik),

I always thought they did?

[Bogo Mil]

If you set an enemy base as target hex, fighters fly escort to that base. But against task forces somewhere on the ocean? I'm not sure... I thought you have to set a target hex for escort sorties at extended range.

If they fly extended range, you are nowhere save from Malir. Zeros from Ahmadabad and Bombay might join (but that's really at the edge of their capabilities, then).

[Gen.Hoepner]

ORIGINAL: Bogo Mil

If you set an enemy base as target hex, fighters fly escort to that base. But against task forces somewhere on the ocean? I'm not sure... I thought you have to set a target hex for escort sorties at extended range.

If they fly extended range, you are nowhere save from Malir. Zeros from Ahmadabad and Bombay might join (but that's really at the edge of their capabilities, then).

I don't think so Bogo.
As far as i know zeros can easily escort till 10 hexes!

So an operation like the one you described above would be damned high risky! Cannot efford to lose my RN right now.
However, as i said, i'll taste his strenght in India with my RN CVs in the nearby future...

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/18/42

Today Japan closes again the pocket in China...hopefully tomorrow we'll be able to push those tanks back again and re-open for few more days the pocket, gaining some more time...

At Karachi another suicide landing...we burnt 5,000 supplies today with this manouver...[:o]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 39 encounters mine field at Karachi (21,3)

TF 39 troops unloading over beach at Karachi, 21,3


Japanese Ships
MSW W.15
MSW W.12
MSW W.9
MSW W.8
MSW W.7
MSW W.6
MSW W.4
MSW W.3
MSW W.2
AP Fukusei Maru, Mine hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
PG Iwate
PG Idzumo

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Coastal Guns at Karachi, 21,3, firing at TF 39
94 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Karachi, at 21,3

Japanese Ships
CA Furutaka
CA Nachi
CA Haguro
CA Myoko
CA Tone


Allied ground losses:
2673 casualties reported
Guns lost 59

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 17
Port hits 8
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 3


At Timor he moved back his Kates....mmmmm[8|]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lautem , at 33,77


Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 3
Beaufighter VIF x 3
B-17E Fortress x 21
LB-30 Liberator x 10


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged
LB-30 Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
59 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 21


Manila is down to 5,000 supplies....will fall easily as soon as he comes in force[:(]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Karachi , at 21,3

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-II Sally x 108
Ki-49 Helen x 130
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-II Sally: 7 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 13 damaged


Allied ground losses:
207 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 9
Runway hits 123

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 42,35

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 6016 troops, 10 guns, 158 vehicles, Assault Value = 160

Defending force 5275 troops, 25 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 174

Japanese max assault: 302 - adjusted assault: 143

Allied max defense: 133 - adjusted defense: 31 [:(][>:][:o]

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
86 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 7

Allied ground losses:
76 casualties reported
Guns lost 3


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

His tanks advancing in china...closing the pocket again...[:(]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Karachi

Allied Bombardment attack[:@][:@][:@][:@]

Attacking force 101015 troops, 1039 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2835

Defending force 137137 troops, 804 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2739


Japanese ground losses:
66 casualties reported




Th KB is moving back to Truk...this will give me some time to re-order my air force at Eniwetok. Trollelite isn't going to invade here...he doesn't have any troops at the moment...and Eniwetok is a fortress! 2 CD guns units, 2 AA units, 6 forts, 1200 AVs, 2 Arty regiments (with 155mm)...500 mines...too much for him at the moment!

The bombardment run is a possibilty...however he doesn't seem to have any BB at Truk....but i'll keep an aye wide open on this threat!

[Gen.Hoepner]

ORIGINAL: Jim D Burns

I agree, the loss of Japanese pilots is always a good thing, but they were most likely the carrier capable units that lost most of the pilots. The other problem is that with almost 300 air to air victories, Japan’s remaining pilots just got a LOT better. I’d guess each pilot probably went up an average of 2-5 experience points.

The real danger is in the short term. The allied air squadrons involved in the battle will have their morale in the tank for at least a week or two after such a devastating hit. Now is a critical time as he’s exposed to a naval invasion. Even if he gets to attack the incoming fleets without KB’s LRCAP, his pilots won’t hit a thing due to low morale, if they even fly at all.

Hopefully this was just a raid in reaction to a bogus CV report or just a raid to kill his air power. If it’s an invasion, he’s very exposed due to no other supporting airfields nearby.

Jim

Hi JIm, Morale of my air units ins't that bad luckly. My fighter groups still are above 80s!!! The bombers morale is different...from 99 to 20...but the overall situation isn't that bad!

As i said above, an invasion isn't possible at the moment. He would be slaughtered by my CD guns...

[Gen.Hoepner]

ORIGINAL: ctangus

I don't know if I'd be that pessimistic myself. The allied losses certainly hurt, but many of the plane losses are easily replacable airframes (P-39s, B-25s, B-26s, F4F-4s, SBDs, etc.) Even the TBDs - their replacement rate sucks, but TBFs start coming on line in the next month IIRC.

The IJN lost 53 Zeros, over the KB. So maybe they lost 20-30 crack pilots. Not a lot compared to the 300+ on CAP, but still significant. And with a little luck maybe one small enemy flight deck out of operation. I'd count on Zui (certainly) and Hiryu (probably) still being operational.

I'd still rate it a tactical IJN victory. But if the General can stage 2-3 more raids like that, weakening the IJN each time, the KB will sooner or later have to be afraid of allied LBA.

So, IMO, a tactical IJ victory, but I also see reason for mild optimism by the allies.

Probably i'm too optimistic, but the KB should be hurt a little by now. 2 of his CVEs and the Kaga (or was the Akagi?) should still be out of order due to the damages suffered at Karachi...now a CVL and a CV are on fire...i wouldn't risk them right now.
His Air units should be a bit stressed for some more days...and i still can count of a grand total of 800 planes at Eniwetok...enough to substain few more raids like that.

[Gen.Hoepner]

ORIGINAL: Feinder

  I'd trade a two sky-lights for 300 enemy aircraft. 

-F-

I wouldn't personally.
I doesn't really matter is the CVs are down to the bottom or just damaged...what counts is that a CV out of order is a CV that won't seek my ships in the nearby future!

[fcam1387]

The war has been raging for around 6 months and I see Japan is down nearly 3000 planes. Isn't that quite massive for the middle of 1942?
 
Even if his economy is powering along and he's producing many planes, Japan's pilot training program would not be able to produce adequate pilots to keep up with losses. He must be attriting himself... Are you noticing any qualitative decline in his air combat capabillty?