Vettim89 vs Greasylake - Reversal of Fortunes

[vettim89]

Every game is different. In Larry and my game, this is the region of most intense fighting throughout the entire war. Ops now planned to take Victoria Point where the garrison is 15 k strong and occupying/developing Nicobar Island. The 4E's out of Rangoon with help from the B-25's have been focusing on HI at Bangkok and Hanoi. The reason I focus here is that HI is pooled and does not need transport. I will deny Larry the use of these assets until I get in range of teh real goal: OIL! Taking Victoria Point will put me at extreme range to Palembag - the Big Kahuna in the economic war

[vettim89]

Lastly the quagmire of CHina. Brian has doe an excellant job in this mod as far as this theatre goes. Larry has invested considerable assets here but has only taken a handful of bases not held by the Japanese at war's start. The Chinese are horrible on the offensive but are hard to move in this mod just like in RL. My goal here is simple: keep as much Japanese firepower pinned down to keep it in this theatre. I really do not expect to gain anything from my current offensive other than to force Larry to fight. Once my current operation started, training operations for the Japanese air groups has ceased as now they are really fighting. They are losing a lot of a/c too. Look up a few posts at Lt. Lo's numbers as evidence of this

[ny59giants]

If you can spare the troops, a quick grab of Milne Bay would seal off the Coral Sea area along with Munda/Shortland area. It may lead to your opponent thinking that Solomons and New Guinea are your focus of advance, rather than a diversion. 

[vettim89]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

If you can spare the troops, a quick grab of Milne Bay would seal off the Coral Sea area along with Munda/Shortland area. It may lead to your opponent thinking that Solomons and New Guinea are your focus of advance, rather than a diversion. 

Milne Bay was originally on taps for 1942 until the entire - no hyperbole here - RAN surface fleet was elminated by KB. Since then, my focus has been on keeping PM open and supplied. Now, it seems like a poor choice as there are no Japanese units south of this point. If I was feeling brave, I might consider Woodlark Island as an alternative though. The AB can be built just as large as Milne Bay and be much closer to the fighting. I will have to wait to see how things develop but at present I am focused on a small offensive to isolate Rabaul and PNG. IF things were to go really well here, I might loop around and past these bases to take the Admiralties.

[FOW]

I notice on your Banda Sea screenie a unit at Boela on Ceram.

Is that a Dutch LCU that has survived for 18 months cut-off behind enemy lines?
Can you fly some supply in to those brave souls?
It's a pity it has no port or airfield facilities - it would have made a handy stepping stone to Amboina

[vettim89]

ORIGINAL: FOW

I notice on your Banda Sea screenie a unit at Boela on Ceram.

Is that a Dutch LCU that has survived for 18 months cut-off behind enemy lines?
Can you fly some supply in to those brave souls?
It's a pity it has no port or airfield facilities - it would have made a handy stepping stone to Amboina

Ah one of Larry's favorite training targets. Maybe some sub supply might help eh?

5 August 1943

Five notable actions today

1. Sweep over Lae practically wipes out the fighter force there.
2. Resupply effort at Buin is met by LBA form Lunga which chews up a AK and 2 of 3 ML. Better use subs next time
3. LBA strikes at Mkin hit one US DD as the LRCAP was under cloud cover. LBA strike against CV TF is mauled
4. TF's apotted at Wotje and Maeolap - presumably resupply runs.
5. UK deliberate attack at Port Blair show "Banzai Attack" message. Presumably the end is near here.

Tarawa should go Level 5 next turn. CVL Cabot arrives Pago Pago next turn. CV Enterprise is at 0 SYST Damage - can't remember the last time one of my carriers was at 0. CVL Princeton is at 4 SYST. I have 3 Baltimore class CA's at SF now and one at Panama. Unlike the norm, a/c are still at Lae. Probably not tomorrow. The Juggs are just too much for Tojo's and Zero's

For the day, Larry lost 66 A6M3a and 16 Tojo offset by 10 P-38G, 4 P-38E/F, and 3 P-47. If my carriers were not bound to Makin, I would sprint north to hit those transports. Alas, caution rules the day

[vettim89]

6 AUgust 1943

Sweep over Lae completes the destruction. AB symbol is empty. I am sending the 4E's from Cooktown in to eliminate this AB as a thorn in my side. Cannot beleive how much the P-47's make a difference here.

Troops unloading at Port Blair. The Japanese units are about gone. I suspect they will be gone next turn. HI raids by my bombers will end next turn as I begin prepping for the next two ops

Tarawa goes to level 5 AB and Makin goes to level 1 on the same turn. I moved in 4E's to Tarwa and two sqaudrons of F4U-1 into Makin (including the Black Sheep). Once Makin is level two, I can LRCAP Majuro with P-38's and escort bombers into Kwajalein. With teh AB up and running at Makin, I send my carriers back to Abemama. CVL Cabot has departed Pago Pago to Join up. This will give me 3 CV's and 5 CVL's. Princeton has fallen to 3 SYST damage at SF. I will sortie her plus CV Enterprise, 3 Baltimore class CA's, BB Washington, and 5 DD's very soon. We are seven days away from CV Intrepid arriving at Panama. It is actually a shorter drive from SF to Pago Pago than Panama to Pago Pago. So I will hopefully see Princeton at 0 SYST before she needs to go.

[vettim89]

7 AUgust 1943

Much to my Chagrin I completely failed to notice that the last japanese unit at Port Blair was Wiped out last turn. AB is slowly growing but that pace will quicken with the arrival of two BF's this turn. I have reduced Hanoi's HI to 18 (182) and Bangkok to 3 (58). THe 4E's are called off for now as there are now fighters at Hanoi. Don't really want to waste my fighter strength here as the HI is about toast.

The 4E's tore up Lae and took it to 54 damage. That is all for now. I don't want to dissipate my bomber strength on an empty base. I think Larry is gone for good this time. I took 150 Japanese fighters to 0 in two days losing less than 25 aircraft in the fight with most of my losses coming in older models.

Lots of units on the move right now. Operation Grumpy will be set in motin in probably less than a week's time. Once CVL Cabot arrives at Abemama, I am thinking about sending my carriers out on a rading party while the transports make their way north from Samoa

[vettim89]

8 August 1943.

I am posting from work so no screenies but it is getting interesting. Search a/c spot a large SCTF with IJN BB's in the BoB about 4 hexes NNE of Georgetown. Heading says "east". Either Larry is trying to hit the transports unloading at Tavoy or is gurading Victoria Point against an invasion. I have dispatched the UK BB's from Port Blair to tavoy at max speed. In addition PT's are being sent from Rangoon to Tavoy. The RN CVTF is sent a few hexes south of Port Blair. All LBA is set to Nav Attack with 10% Naval Search.

In the CentPac, a SCTF is spotted west of Jaluit heading SE. Now this could be bad intel and it is Larry's carriers instead. Following Larry's usual operating practices one of the following will happen:

1. A SCTF will sprint to Makin and engage the TF unloading supplies there.
2. A CVTF will situate itself 5 hexes from Makin and attempt to sink as many transports as possible.

Having the comfort of knowing I am about to add two more operational CV's and two additional CVL within the week, I send my CV's to a position WSW of Makin. I hope to either catch the SCTF on the way out or hit Larry's carriers. In addition, PT's are sent to Makin along with a TK with fule plus an AGP for permanent stationing here.

Can't wait to see this turn come back

[vettim89]

9 AUgust 1943

The RN strikes in the BoB and the RAF joins in also. While I would have liked to see more damage, it was satisfying to see Larry pay a price for sending his ships into allied air cover without regard to consequences. BB Fuso takes a total of four TT's with one "Severe Flooding" message. CA Kako also took one TT hit. The Liberators hit Fuso six times - all bounces. Surprisingly, the heading intel says the IJN is not retiring. I think Larry is trying a mid-ocean intercept of my CV's. Not gonna happen.

Larry withdrew/disappeared in the Marshalls area. Don't know what was happening here. Makin is 84% to level 2 AB. The TF taking 1st Marines and 138th RCT has arrived at Savali. Once off loading completes, I will load for Operation Grumpy - Majuro. The end of August/beginning of September promises to be interesting

[vettim89]

10 August 1943

Well the LBA liked the ASW TF at Sabang better than the stricken BB. They went after it three times for minimal losses and a single 500 lb hit on a DD - did shoot down a A6M3a and two Tojo's. They did attack Fuso once and put 5 more bombs into her. I would say her speed is about 0 now with 5 hits from only 7 bombers. Dispatching subs into her path home.

Big resupply TF with two TK heading into Kwajalein and my subs cannot hit a thing. One more chance next turn. P-38's are now at Makin. I will sweep Kwajalein to tear down the CAP some then hit it with 4E's from Tarawa. Then I will sprint my CV's up to hit as much shipping as I can.

Larry moved in a/c to Victoria Point and tried to hit Port Blair - complet wipe

Day Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 23,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 9
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 18
Ki-61 KAIb Tony x 19
Ki-49 Helen x 16

Allied aircraft
Corsair IV x 42
Spitfire Vb x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 9 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 18 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIb Tony: 19 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen: 15 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Corsair IV: 6 damaged
Spitfire Vb: 5 destroyed, 6 damaged

Still a little AB icon at Vistoria Point so the 4E's escorted by P-38 will hit the base.

[vettim89]

11 August 1943

My bombers cream Victoria Point and kill a few Anns and Mary's. They will stand done now. next target is Hanoi where there are now 98 Fighters adn 112 Auxillary. Hope to add that to the list of killing fields.

The transports I was tracking into Kwajalein survived another sub attack without a hit and made it to port. P-38's will sweep the base tomorrow followed by 4E's the next day. While that is going on, my carries will creep north to just west of Makin. In three days, the will sprint north to hit whatever they can find. The attack a/c will be set on Naval/Port attack with Kwajalein as the target. If I don't find some TF's I will hit the port.

A IJN SS snuck into Makin and torpedoed a TK unloading fuel for PT's. Then it torpedoed a barge. How do you torpedo a barge?

Got a pleasant surprise as CVL Princeton repaired its last 2 points of SYST damage in one day. CV intrepid and her consort arrive in two days. Talk about perfect timing.

[vettim89]

12 August 1943

Fighter sweep of Kwajalein cost me 22 P-38G's - this unit is fresh into the war zone with only 60 EXP. Sorry boys but there is a war to fight. Transferred in more Lightniings from Nanumea to Makin and they will join next turn. I want to reduce fighter strength there as much as possible before I hit it with 4E's. Speaking of those guys, they hit two convoys near Wotje and sank 5 ML's today. Wotje now shows 7K troops vice the former 3400. So Larry is reinforcing. Wasn't going there anyway. Majuro op officially sttarts tomorrow.

I-18 has snuck into Makin and sunk a MSW today. Finnaly have ASW forces there and the sub is either sunk or has retreated. US CVTF sortie from Abemama today to a point just west of Makin. Losts of shipping up around Kwajalein and the results of my sweep seem to point to the absence of IJN CV's.

The transports will reach Lunga in a day or two. They will imediately load up a BF and SeaBees for Munda. A NZ BGD is heading for Noumea to replace Americal. That unit will then move to Lunga for the Invasion of Buin.

From SF, CV ENterprise, CVl Princeton, BB Washington, 4 CA's, and 6 DD's head south today all at 0 SYST damage. CV Intrepid arrives tomorrow. It will depart Panama with a CVL, CA, and 4 modern DD's

Before I started losing CV's in 1942, my max strength was 5 CV's with 162 F4F, 180 SBD, and 75 TBF. The force I am sending north has 3 CV's, 5 CVL's with 228 F6F, 108 SBD, 90 TBF. My inbound units will add 116 F6F, 72 SBD and 48 TBF. So my offensive firepower is now weighted toward torpedo bombers but the defensive strenght of over 340 F6F's is an awesome force.

[vettim89]

13-14 August 1943

Sweeps of Kwajalein on both days cost me a light of fighters but the losses were pretty much equal. Lost 40 P-38 over Kwajalein on the 13th but only 8 on the 14th. The 4E hit the island on the 14th and basically shut the AB down. I can say this as the last strike of the day was 6 PBY4 on naval attack that were not intercepted at all. Cursor Intel says only a few bombers and auxiliaries left. My Carriers are sprinting north to hit the port next turn. Intel reveals three AR's there and that is just too juicy of a target. Lots of AP's, AK's, and maybe a few TK up there too.

The big raid at Hanoi cost me even more fighters but the results were pleasing. I can take these kind of losses, Larry can't. The AB is now empty there.

US Subs had a good day sinking an AP and an AK, hitting another AK, and missing a shot on a DD in an ASW TF. That had to be a scary moment for Larry.

[ny59giants]

With your opponent having lost about 3000 more planes than you and him being over 10k in losses at this point is a big plus for you. KUDOS!![&o] His pilot pools should be near, if not at, empty. Does he do a lot of training in China to get his experience levels up??

[vettim89]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

With your opponent having lost about 3000 more planes than you and him being over 10k in losses at this point is a big plus for you. KUDOS!![&o] His pilot pools should be near, if not at, empty. Does he do a lot of training in China to get his experience levels up??

He used to but now that I am pressing the issue there, these aircraft are now flying combat missions and losing airframes all the time. His primary area of training is now SIngapore with 200-300 Sorties on some turns.

Odd that you should mention the pilot issues as Larry mentioned his pilot problems in his last e-mail

Update: in my last few posts I failed to mention a couple of important events. First one of my three surrounded CHinese Corps surrendered at Singyang. Second is BB Fuso sunk off northern Malaya

[vettim89]

15 August 1943

I delayed sending my CV's north as I spotted at least two more TF's in bound to Kwajalein from the NE. I figured I would be better off getting at these "rats" then just hitting the port. Replenishment TF is heading for Makin. My CV's rush north. The Marshalls have been essential abandoned by Japanese LBA. Time to rid Hamlin, er I mean the Marshalls, of the rats, er I mean IJn shipping

Tomorrow hopes to be a big day

[Capt. Harlock]

I failed to mention a couple of important events. First one of my three surrounded CHinese Corps surrendered at Singyang. Second is BB Fuso sunk off northern Malaya

Yep, those are important. Worth noting: Chinese units come back. Japanese BB's don't.

[vettim89]

16 August 1943

For those of you who have followed this AAR, you know how frustrated I have been by Larry's amazing ability to move CVTF's and SCTF's into areas undetected to disrupt landings and supply efforts. Today the pendulum swung the other way. The USN CV force under Admiral Towers sprinted north in the night and found itself one hex west of Kwajalein Atoll. To my surprise the first message of the day was carrier TF reacts to enmy carriers. Larry felt the beat of the war drums one day too late. The crippled CVL Zuiho was trying to make a hasty retreat from kwajalein. Alas it was her final act. You know how I try to avoid using combat reports but this one is just too good. So, the USN had a banner day:

Day Air attack on TF at 81,82


Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 63
SBD Dauntless x 61
TBF Avenger x 18


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 14, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Harukaze, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 79,82


Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 57


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
ML Hoko
PC Shimushu
AS Taigei
AR Shinfuku Maru
AS Manju Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AR Kokko Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
ML Ma 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Akasisan Maru
AD AD-3243
AK Muroran Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 79,82


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 34
TBF Avenger x 18


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 damaged
TBF Avenger: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
ML Hoko, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AS Manju Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Akasisan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AD AD-3243, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
ML Ma 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatsuharu, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AR Goyo Maru, Bomb hits 1
AR Shinfuku Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AS Yasukuni Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AR Kokko Maru, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Toshi Maru #8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Kwajalein at 81,84


Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 4


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Mogamigawa Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x PB4Y Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 81,82


Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 15


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 79,82


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 56
TBF Avenger x 60


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Terukawa Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AS Jingei, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PC Shimushu, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AR Honan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AS Taigei, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatsuharu, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AR Goyo Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hikosan Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 79,82


Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 58
SBD Dauntless x 27


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
MSW Toshi Maru #8, on fire, heavy damage
AK Muroran Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
ML Ma 2, on fire, heavy damage
AR Kokko Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
ML Hoko, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AD AD-3243, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet

The "xxxx ship" sinks messages were flying by so fast I lost track. Lets just say besides Zuiho, DD Hatsuharu is gone plus a lot of other auxillaries are gone too. Kwajalein's port has one ship in it. The carriers will stay one more day then sprint back south. Larry only has the CV's and a couple of CVL's left with horrid air groups but I don't want to risk any over exposure

[vettim89]

17 August 1943

Day two yields good results but less as weather became a factor and the Japanese TF's spread out. Still pretty awesome display of the USN striking power with 2 CV's and 2 more CVL's due to arrive in the battle zone in less than three weeks. (It is a long haul from Panama to Pago Pago)

Day Air attack on TF at 78,80


Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 62
SBD Dauntless x 46
TBF Avenger x 17


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Akasisan Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AR Shinfuku Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Muroran Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 78,82


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 14
TBF Avenger x 12


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Harukaze, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rahaeng , at 31,36


Allied aircraft
Corsair IV x 7
Avenger II x 15


Allied aircraft losses
Avenger II: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Avenger II bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 79,85


Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 46
SBD Dauntless x 90
TBF Avenger x 69


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Nako Maru, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
AK Morioka Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Muko Maru, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shinano Maru, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Mogamigawa Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PC Takunan Maru #2
MSW Choyo Maru #2, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Wa 13
PG Sozan Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 79,85


Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 7
TBF Avenger x 9


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
PC Takunan Maru #2
AK Morioka Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shinano Maru, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 79,85


Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 4
TBF Avenger x 8


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Morioka Maru, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet

I warned Larry that my "sharks" smelled blood in teh water. That was an understatement:

Sub attack at 77,76

Japanese Ships
TK Kyuei Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
TK Akane Maru
TK Shoyo Maru
PC Ch 5
PC Sonan Maru #5
PG Hakkaisan Maru
MSW Toroshima Maru
MSW W.12
APD APD-32

Allied Ships
SS Trout

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 77,76

Japanese Ships
TK Kyuei Maru, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Trout

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 80,83

Japanese Ships
AR Honan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Balao

Sub attack at 78,80

Japanese Ships
AR Shinfuku Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Grayling

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 76,75

Japanese Ships
TK Kyuei Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Scorpion

P-40's out of Lunga strafed a barge TF near Buin. Not much action elsewhere. Last few units moving toward Lunga for Solomons op. The 32nd ID is headed for Thursday Island to be lifted into Madang. Sending the bombers into Bangkok and Hanoi to hit the HI. Hopefully will find some time this weekend to do some long range planning. I have a real problem in SEAC.