Andy Mac v String - this time no mercy.

[modrow]

Andy Mac,

thanks for the explanations. Always helpful to get more info.

Hartwig

[stldiver]

This one was really interesting, is it over?

[Andy Mac]

No just redeploying I think he is going for Fiji not sure yet I am watching it carefully

[Andy Mac]

This is typical of the last months turns....
 
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 31, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Duff Islands
 
TF 86 troops unloading over beach at Duff Islands, 123,142
 
 
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Tandjoengpinang  at 51,85
 
Japanese Ships
      DD Urukaze, Torpedo hits 1,  heavy damage
      E Tobui
 
Allied Ships
      SS Trusty
 
 
 
SS Trusty launches 6 torpedoes at DD Urukaze
E Tobui fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Ground combat at 84,56
 
Japanese Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 9746 troops, 70 guns, 12 vehicles, Assault Value = 353
 
Defending force 5223 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 230
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 265
 
Allied adjusted defense: 421
 
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker:
 
Japanese ground losses:
      319 casualties reported
         Squads: 1 destroyed, 19 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
      Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      84 casualties reported
         Squads: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
 
 
Assaulting units:
    51st Infantry Brigade
    17th/B Division
 
Defending units:
    49th Chinese Corps
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Ground combat at Duff Islands (123,142)
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 44 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1
 
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 2
 
Allied adjusted defense: 1
 
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)
 
Japanese forces CAPTURE Duff Islands !!!
 
Combat modifiers
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-)
 
 
 
Assaulting units:
    Maizuru 2nd SNLF /4
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Ground combat at Catbalogan (82,84)
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 26 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2
 
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 3
 
Allied adjusted defense: 1
 
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)
 
Japanese forces CAPTURE Catbalogan !!!
 
Combat modifiers
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-)
 
 
 
Assaulting units:
    2nd Raiding Rgt /4
 

[Andy Mac]

I just lost a large carrier battle more to follow

[Nomad]

ORIGINAL: Andy Mac

I just lost a large carrier battle more to follow

This doesn't sound good Andy.

I have always felt that defending Ceylon before May 1942 could be a trap. That unload
bonus is a killer. I would rather defend India and retake Ceylon later if necessary. ( I hadn't
been reading this AAR and just did read the last couple of pages and now I see that the
Colombo lost part was a month ago. )

[Andy Mac]

OK what to say about 3 weeks ago intel started to get an idea that Fiji was a target of Japanese attention

Sigint and over 20 IJN subs in the area gave it away.

It was so obvious that I almost didnt believe.

Anyway my reaction was to strengthen the already strong air defences c 300 LBA all trained on the bases in the area.

I also had 3 Divs on Fiji with another en route so with the terrain and lvl 5 forts I was pretty confident that he would fail miserably if he landed and decided to set a trap with my own 4 USN CV's and HMS Formidable

Plus 8 Battleships etc etc.

Well KB came calling with loaded transports behind - in two days of bitter A2A combat my LBA was reduced by about 120 aircraft in return for destroying about 80 IJN Aircraft.

By this time I have about 30 mixed USN and Dutch Subs in Fijian waters.

I therefore moved my fleet to within 300 miles of Fiji to the south

KB would need to cross sub infested waters to b e in range and would then be in range of LBA AND 400 allied carrier aircraft.

Well next turn guess what KB surprised me with a max speed sprint that left them within 120 miles of my fleet actually south of me so 7 hexes from Fiji.

What happened was a disaster.

It was a perfect allied engagements

PHASE 1

Allied Strike goes 1st but my bombers cannot hit the broad side of a barn

80+ SBD's get through the CAP and get 1 hit [:@][:@][:@]

Some Albacores get through and get 2 hits4

Despite my best efforts the Devastators and Avengers miss with everything

Well over 120 bombers got through for truly pathetic results.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jun 12, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kandavu Island at 128,168

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 133



Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 11
Martlet II x 14
F4F-3A Wildcat x 13
F4F-3 Wildcat x 13
F4F-4 Wildcat x 44
SBD-2 Dauntless x 15
SBD-1 Dauntless x 17
SBD-3 Dauntless x 81
TBD-1 Devastator x 41
TBF-1 Avenger x 14


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Albacore I: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged
Martlet II: 4 destroyed
F4F-3A Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 7 destroyed
SBD-2 Dauntless: 2 destroyed, 7 damaged
SBD-1 Dauntless: 2 destroyed, 13 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 10 destroyed, 64 damaged
TBD-1 Devastator: 6 destroyed, 22 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 destroyed, 9 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho
CV Zuikaku
CV Shokaku
CV Akagi
CV Hiryu
CV Soryu
CV Hiyo, Bomb hits 2
CV Junyo
CVE Unyo
CVE Taiyo, Torpedo hits 1
DD Uranami
CV Kaga
CVL Zuiho
CVE Hosho, Torpedo hits 1
CS Chitose
CA Suzuya
CA Chikuma



Aircraft Attacking:
1 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
11 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
12 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
9 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
14 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
6 x Albacore I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo
4 x Albacore I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
1 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Japanese mornign strike crucifies my TF and I lose 2 Carriers straight away.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Kandavu Island at 129,167

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 60 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 84
B5N1 Kate x 53
B5N2 Kate x 183
D3A1 Val x 161



Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 15
F4F-3A Wildcat x 13
F4F-3 Wildcat x 14
F4F-4 Wildcat x 38


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed
B5N1 Kate: 4 destroyed, 7 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 10 destroyed, 39 damaged
D3A1 Val: 4 destroyed, 63 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Martlet II: 1 destroyed
F4F-3A Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed

Allied Ships
CA Vincennes, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
CA Louisville, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CA Chester, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL St. Louis, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Pensacola, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Lamson
DD Case
CL Helena, Bomb hits 1
DD Vendetta
CL Trenton
DD Flusser
DD Clark
DD Shaw
CA Chicago, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
DD Perkins
CL Raleigh
CL Nashville
DD Conyngham
DD Cushing, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
DD Preston
DD Porter
DD Dent



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
14 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
6 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
24 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
18 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
10 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
19 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
16 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
25 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
25 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
18 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
10 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
16 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
8 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
10 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
6 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
9 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
5 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
9 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
9 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 4000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
10 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
17 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
12 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
16 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

[Andy Mac]

In the afternoon both Saraatoga and Hornet go down as well as the pm strike kills me
 
Again my SBD's dont hit a damned thing.
 
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kandavu Island at 129,167
 
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
 
Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 69 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 64
      B5N1 Kate x 43
      B5N2 Kate x 149
      D3A1 Val x 139
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      Martlet II x 6
      F4F-3A Wildcat x 5
      F4F-3 Wildcat x 5
      F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
      B5N1 Kate: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged
      B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed, 35 damaged
      D3A1 Val: 4 destroyed, 62 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
      F4F-3A Wildcat: 1 destroyed
      F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
 
Allied Ships
      DD Dent, Bomb hits 1
      CL Trenton, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
      CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      CA Vincennes, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      CV Hornet, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 1,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      CL Mauritius, Bomb hits 1
      CA Salt Lake City, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
      CA Canberra, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
      CA Northampton, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
      CA Astoria, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
      DD Mahan, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
      CL Concord, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
      DD Van Ghent, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
      CA Louisville,  on fire
      DD Vampire
      DD Meredith
      CL Raleigh, Bomb hits 2,  on fire
      CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 1
      CL Nashville, Bomb hits 3,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      DD Sims
      DD Smith
      CA Minneapolis, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
      DD Hammann
      DD Cummings
      DD Voyager, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
      DD Walke
      CL Honolulu, Bomb hits 2
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       3 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
      17 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
      13 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 4000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
      12 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
      14 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
       3 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
       4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
      13 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
       4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
      14 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
      10 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
      23 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
       5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
      21 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
       9 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
       4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       9 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
       2 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 3000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       5 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
       1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
       7 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
       9 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
       4 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 3000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       3 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
       8 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
       3 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 3000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       8 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 2000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       4 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       6 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 2000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
      10 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       4 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
       4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
       5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 3000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 2000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 3000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
      10 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
      12 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
 
CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 11000
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 62 minutes
      1 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-212  with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 11000
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VF-3 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 11000
      Raid is overhead
VMF-111 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 11000
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
VMF-212  with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 11000
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 53 minutes
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 11000
      Raid is overhead
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 11000
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 63 minutes
VF-6 with F4F-3A Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 16000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      1 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 11000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
      2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.888 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 17000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
 
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Hornet
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Saratoga
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Mahan
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Northampton
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Astoria
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kandavu Island at 128,168
 
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
 
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 98
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      Albacore I x 7
      Martlet II x 6
      F4F-3A Wildcat x 4
      F4F-3 Wildcat x 4
      F4F-4 Wildcat x 2
      SBD-2 Dauntless x 9
      SBD-1 Dauntless x 7
      SBD-3 Dauntless x 10
      TBD-1 Devastator x 9
      TBF-1 Avenger x 5
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Albacore I: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
      Martlet II: 1 destroyed
      F4F-3A Wildcat: 1 destroyed
      F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
      SBD-2 Dauntless: 3 destroyed, 6 damaged
      SBD-1 Dauntless: 7 damaged
      SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 destroyed, 6 damaged
      TBD-1 Devastator: 3 destroyed, 5 damaged
      TBF-1 Avenger: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
      CV Akagi
      CV Zuikaku
      CV Hiryu
      CVL Shoho
      CV Shokaku
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
       1 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
       7 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
       6 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
       1 x Albacore I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo
       1 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
       4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
       4 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
 
CAP engaged:
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      1 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000
      Raid is overhead
      1 planes vectored on to bombers
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 16000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
      3 planes vectored on to bombers
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      4 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 12000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
      4 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      3 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 14000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
      3 planes vectored on to bombers
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 5000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
      3 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 14000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
      5 planes vectored on to bombers
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 11000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
      2 planes vectored on to bombers
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      1 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
      4 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 16000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
      5 planes vectored on to bombers
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
      4 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
      4 planes vectored on to bombers
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000
      Raid is overhead
      2 planes vectored on to bombers
Unyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
      3 planes vectored on to bombers
 

[Andy Mac]

Next day my retreating TF's break contact 3 Carrier s down.
 
Adding the two lost at Ceylon and its a disaster.
 
 
 
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jun 13, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kandavu Island  at 128,168
 
Japanese Ships
      SS I-158, hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
 
Allied Ships
      CL Trenton, Torpedo hits 1
      DD Grayson
 
 
 
SS I-158 launches 8 torpedoes at CL Trenton
I-158 diving deep ....
DD Grayson fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Grayson fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Grayson attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-158 eludes DD Grayson by hugging bottom
DD Grayson fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Grayson fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Kandavu Island  at 130,163
 
Japanese Ships
      SS I-172
 
Allied Ships
      DD Kennison
 
 
 
SS I-172 is sighted by escort
DD Kennison fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kennison fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kennison fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kandavu Island at 128,167
 
Weather in hex: Severe storms
 
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 45
      B5N2 Kate x 13
 
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      B5N2 Kate: 7 damaged
 
Allied Ships
      DD Vampire
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       8 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 2000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kandavu Island at 129,165
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 7
      D3A1 Val x 13
 
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      D3A1 Val: 2 damaged
 
Allied Ships
      DD Cushing, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 10000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
 
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring an Allied CL
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Raoul Island at 125,169
 
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
 
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 103
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      B-17E Fortress x 6
      P-38E Lightning x 2
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
      P-38E Lightning: 1 destroyed
 
 
 
CAP engaged:
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      1 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000
      Raid is overhead
Taiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      1 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000
      Raid is overhead
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      3 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 5000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      3 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 14000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      3 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 10000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      3 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 9000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
      7 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 14000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      3 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 10000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
      3 planes vectored on to bombers
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      1 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 14000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
      4 planes vectored on to bombers
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 10000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      1 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 5000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000
      Raid is overhead
Unyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
      2 planes vectored on to bombers
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Norfolk Island at 121,171
 
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
 
Raid detected at 13 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 6
      B5N1 Kate x 3
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      no flights
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
No Allied losses
 
Allied Ships
      CL Trenton, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       3 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kandavu Island at 128,167
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 51
      B5N1 Kate x 10
      B5N2 Kate x 53
      D3A1 Val x 91
 
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      B5N1 Kate: 2 damaged
      B5N2 Kate: 5 damaged
      D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed, 23 damaged
 
Allied Ships
      DD Voyager, Bomb hits 7, and is sunk
      DD Vendetta, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
       7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
       4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
      10 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 4000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
       3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       7 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       4 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 3000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
       1 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
       2 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 2000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       7 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
       1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
      16 x D3A1 Val releasing from 10000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 2000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
      11 x D3A1 Val releasing from 10000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
      10 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 14000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
      14 x D3A1 Val releasing from 10000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       9 x D3A1 Val releasing from 10000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 14000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 10000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
       4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 10000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
 
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Voyager
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Vendetta
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Funafuti at 138,151
 
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
 
Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
 
 
Allied aircraft
      B-26 Marauder x 4
 
 
No Allied losses
 
Japanese Ships
      AMC Saigon Maru
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       4 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 6000 feet *
               Naval Attack:  3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kandavu Island at 128,167
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      D3A1 Val x 18
 
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      D3A1 Val: 3 damaged
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      18 x D3A1 Val releasing from 10000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kandavu Island at 128,167
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      B5N1 Kate x 15
 
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      15 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 14000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kandavu Island at 128,167
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      B5N2 Kate x 2
 
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Ground combat at Guiuan (82,85)
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 33 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3
 
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 2
 
Allied adjusted defense: 1
 
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)
 
Japanese forces CAPTURE Guiuan !!!
 
Combat modifiers
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-)
 
 
 
Assaulting units:
    2nd Raiding Rgt /29

[ADB123]

Andy -

I thought that the Allies were penalized for having two CVs in a TF in 1942. Why didn't you have your CVs split up into single-CV TFs?

Also, since you had three division on Fiji, why did you send your CVs in before letting your LBA work on the KB for a while? After all, it's only June 1942.

I've noticed that US DBs in 1942 are pretty bad, even against relatively stationary targets such as transports. This was a big risk that you took, and it sure hurt you.

[Andy Mac]

All of my TF's were single CV TF's
 
There is now bleed over to other TF's
 
I had caused 80 destroyed aircraft in KB and about the same or more damaged

[Andy Mac]

I underestimated how bad my aircraft were at hitting flat tops need to think this through a bit more

[FatR]

ORIGINAL: Andy Mac

I underestimated how bad my aircraft were at hitting flat tops need to think this through a bit more

The weather over target for your first strike was "thunderstorms", which is, AFAIK, the worst weather possible. This probably was the main reason of the extremely low number of hits. The second strike was simply too small. And attacking the force consisting of every carrier Japan has with 4 CVs was a bad idea in general.

[wpurdom]

Aren't you glad you were more cautious against PzB?
So much for the premise that it's safe to for US CV's to fight 1-2 odds, or even 4-6 in a defensive battle.
 
I wonder if you're suffering from insufficient pilot micromanagement and training? In June of 1942, between equal PBEM players, the US player needs, it seems, direct LBA support and a close port or at least numerical equality in CVs and a battle fought at optimal range.

[Andy Mac]

I had 5 Carriers and he had faced 3 days of action over Suva so his pilots should have been degraded and tired I had shot down over 80 to 90 of them

The pilots on the carriers were pretty damned good they were my best and brightest.

I lost 270 : 100 in that one day so it was 5:7 with mini KB basically adding another 100 ish

So I had 400 he had 600 less the 80 - 90 he had lost against Suva less whatever were damaged so the odds were more or less even and 120 - 150 of my bombers penetrated his CAP asnd made there runs

Over 61 Torpedo bombers got through and only the 2 Albacores got a hit

Only 2 SBD's hit anything out of that lot below that got through thats just a seriously low hit rate out of 95 SBD's that got through I got 2 hits



1 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
11 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
6 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
12 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
9 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
6 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
14 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
6 x Albacore I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
7 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
1 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'


It was as good an operation as i could manage with every single aircraft of mine in range so negatinbg his range advantage

the morning strike from him only sank 1 carrier had my am strike been more damaging it would have been very different

So the main issue was my pilots poor bombing accuracy

[khyberbill]

I underestimated how bad my aircraft were at hitting flat tops need to think this through a bit more

My personal (and rather disheartening) experience is that it has been a disaster to meet up with KB until I have the Essex and F6F-3s. However, your dive bombers did make it through the cap and I have not ever seen such terrible results. Enough got through to at least make his carriers inoperable You did not get a single die roll in your favor.

[ADB123]

ORIGINAL: Andy Mac

All of my TF's were single CV TF's

There is now bleed over to other TF's

I had caused 80 destroyed aircraft in KB and about the same or more damaged

Bleed over to other TFs in the same hex!? [X(] Wow! That's scary.

Sorry to say it, but I'm glad you found this out before me ... [;)]

[Nemo121]

Were all of your divebombers attacking between 10,000 and 14,000 feet? That's the dive-bombing height isn't it? Above 14,000 feet is glide-bombing right?

All in all it really looks as though your dive-bombers and torpedo bombers got so disrupted by the enemy fighters and, possibly, weather that they couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. Enough of them got through that I'd have expected the IJN CVs to take quite a few hits...

Could you and your opponent rerun the turn with the same orders and see how it turns out... It might be interesting to see if the weather in the IJN hex is better if that makes a big difference to hit rates.

[ADB123]

ORIGINAL: khyberbill

I underestimated how bad my aircraft were at hitting flat tops need to think this through a bit more

My personal (and rather disheartening) experience is that it has been a disaster to meet up with KB until I have the Essex and F6F-3s. However, your dive bombers did make it through the cap and I have not ever seen such terrible results. Enough got through to at least make his carriers inoperable You did not get a single die roll in your favor.

What this says is leave the US CVs off map until mid-43 or later... [:(]

I had better up the Forts on the West Coast in a big way...

[Andy Mac]

over 150 of my best bombers got through and got 4 hits.....not good.
 
Lesson learned dont fight KB ever until you have overwhelming force
 
I thought I had an edge with 30+ subs in the area and 3 days of battle with my Fiji based garriosn to degrade him