AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Aug 11, 43
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ASW attack near Brunei at 64,85
Japanese Ships
DD Satsuki
DD Minazuki
Allied Ships
SS Trout, hits 1
SS Trout is located by DD Satsuki
Trout diving deep ....
DD Minazuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Satsuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Satsuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Satsuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Satsuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Satsuki attacking submerged sub ....
DD Satsuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
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Sub attack near Tanegashima at 103,66
Japanese Ships
TK Okuni Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Akikaze
Allied Ships
SS Tunny
SS Tunny launches 6 torpedoes at TK Okuni Maru
DD Akikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Akikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Akikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Akikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Akikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
the day starts off very well when Tunny puts a torp into a tanker...
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Sub attack near Tanegashima at 103,66
Japanese Ships
TK Okuni Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Sawakaze
Allied Ships
SS Growler
SS Growler launches 4 torpedoes at TK Okuni Maru
Growler diving deep ....
DD Sawakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sawakaze attacking submerged sub ....
SS Growler eludes ASW attack from DD Sawakaze
DD Sawakaze cannot establish contact with SS Growler
SS Growler eludes DD Sawakaze by diving deep
DD Sawakaze cannot establish contact with SS Growler
DD Sawakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sawakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sawakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
Then Growler decides to attack this burning tanker again in the same hex, sinking it for sure...
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ASW attack near Daito Shoto at 103,68
Japanese Ships
xAK Tateisi Maru
PB Tonon Maru
Allied Ships
SS Sealion
SS Sealion is sighted by escort
Sealion diving deep ....
PB Tonon Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tonon Maru attacking submerged sub ....
PB Tonon Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tonon Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tonon Maru attacking submerged sub ....
SS Sealion eludes ASW attack from PB Tonon Maru
PB Tonon Maru cannot reach attack position over SS Sealion
SS Sealion eludes ASW attack from PB Tonon Maru
Escort abandons search for sub
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Sub attack near Daito Shoto at 103,68
Japanese Ships
xAK Tateisi Maru
PB Tonon Maru
Allied Ships
SS Sealion
SS Sealion launches 4 torpedoes at xAK Tateisi Maru
Sealion diving deep ....
PB Tonon Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tonon Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tonon Maru attacking submerged sub ....
PB Tonon Maru loses contact with SS Sealion
PB Tonon Maru loses contact with SS Sealion
PB Tonon Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tonon Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
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Sub attack near Nago at 95,62
Japanese Ships
SC Ch 38, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
PB Hitora Maru
SC Ch 24
TK Ceram Maru
DD Tatsukaze
Allied Ships
SS Haddo
SS Haddo launches 6 torpedoes at SC Ch 38
Haddo diving deep ....
DD Tatsukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tatsukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tatsukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tatsukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tatsukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
also a subchaser is obliberated during the night...
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ASW attack near Brunei at 64,85
Japanese Ships
DD Uzuki
DD Minazuki
Allied Ships
SS Trout
SS Trout launches 4 torpedoes at DD Uzuki
DD Minazuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Minazuki attacking submerged sub ....
DD Minazuki is out of ASW ammo
DD Minazuki is out of ASW ammo
DD Minazuki is out of ASW ammo
DD Minazuki is out of ASW ammo
DD Minazuki is out of ASW ammo
DD Minazuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Minazuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Minazuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
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Sub attack near Saishu To at 99,56
Japanese Ships
xAKL Bunzan Maru
SC CHa-44
Allied Ships
SS Herring
Captain of SS Herring elects not to launch torpedoes at this target
Herring diving deep ....
SC CHa-44 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-44 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-44 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-44 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-44 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
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Morning Air attack on Vinh , at 65,59
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 41,750 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 19
No Japanese losses
Aircraft Attacking:
19 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 36750 feet
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Morning Air attack on Vinh , at 65,59
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 38,500 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 17
No Japanese losses
Aircraft Attacking:
17 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar sweeping at 38500 feet *
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Morning Air attack on Babo , at 83,111
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 40,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 11
Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 25
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 8 destroyed
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 39000 feet
CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 36750 , scrambling fighters to 36000.
Raid is overhead
sent some Lightnings to sweep Babo, to my surprise the enemy has put up Cap here... I´ve thought he would only put some bombers and escorts into Babo and Biak to attack our carriers or the amphib TF at Vanimo... the Zeroes had no chance at all against the diving Lightnings...
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Morning Air attack on Biak , at 87,110
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 42,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 2
Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 25
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 39000 feet *
CAP engaged:
202 Ku S-1 Det A with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 38500
Raid is overhead
the second squadron was set to sweep Biak, we also meet some Zekes here...
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Morning Air attack on Vanimo , at 93,117
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 42,500 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 12
No Japanese losses
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 38500 feet
6 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 38500 feet
then a dozen Zekes from Biak show up on a sweep over Vanimo but all our land based fighters here have been set to LRCAP the fleet... this could turn out as a problem if the enemy attacks our transports...
we also got this very interesting message popping up:
Carrier support unable to supply air cover
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and after having seen at least two dozen messages of Japanese aircraft spotting our fleet I knew something would happen today... and here the real party begins...
ALERT! ALERT! ALERT! Man your aircraft! ALERT! ALERT! ALERT!
Morning Air attack on TF, near Hollandia at 94,116
Weather in hex:
Moderate rain
Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes
ship based radar WORKS!
[img]
https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/upfi ... 12E215.jpg[/img]
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 30
A6M5 Zero x 101
B5N2 Kate x 17
B6N1 Jill x 63
D4Y1 Judy x 132
Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 17
P-40K Warhawk x 24 [:(]
F6F-3 Hellcat x 401 [:)]
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 7 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 4 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 8 destroyed, 1 damaged
B6N1 Jill: 34 destroyed, 15 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 73 destroyed, 47 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane Ib: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
CVL Independence
CV Wasp
CA Vincennes
CV Essex, Bomb hits 1
FOW
BB Massachusetts, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
CV Saratoga
CV Hornet
CA Indianapolis
BB Indiana, Bomb hits 1
DD DeHaven
CV Bunker Hill, Torpedo hits 1
CA New Orleans
BB Washington
CA Chester
CA Houston
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
6 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
6 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
1 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 6000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 6000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
7 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
1 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
6 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
6 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (9 airborne, 20 on standby, 7 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
20 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 20 on standby, 7 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
18 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 20 on standby, 7 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
23 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 20 on standby, 7 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
18 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 20 on standby, 7 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
27 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 20 on standby, 7 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
20 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 6 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 12 on standby, 4 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
No.882 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.896 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
No.898 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-41 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-60 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 15 on standby, 6 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-6F with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 15 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
49th FG/8th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
35th FG/41st FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
as expected we run into the next carrier clash today... the Japanese are the ones to start the party with a 343 aircraft strike in the first wave, which is by far not comparable to the 505 aircraft wave that broke our neck in our first carrier engagement 8 months ago. Our radar picks up the strike early enough and no less than 442 fighters meet the incoming enemy strike. Unlike last time we now field 400 Hellcats instead of 300 Wildcats, at this point I could only hope that they would do seriously better. The engagement starts off with the Hellcats diving on the enemy fighters and that´s what is happening during the whole engagement. It only was Hellcat diving on A6M5, Hellcat diving on A6M3a... We took out a rather small number of fighters but the escorts were left alone quite quickly and then the first bombers were targeted. 232 fighters were reported to be vectored on to bombers, would be interesting if the 210 fighters left actually also attempt to engage the bombers or if they only would fight the fighters because if so, then it´s pretty much a joke as this would mean halve of our fighters managed to down only some three dozen enemy fighters. It was then the time to start getting nervous while never knowing if the bomber that has just been shot down would be the last one before the enemy bombers start their bomb runs...
in the end 94 (if I have counted right) of the bombers made it through my Cap, means 118 were shot down before reaching the ships (44.33% attacked the ships). This was of course the moment when I started thinking "oh my good, my fleet is going to be obliberated again, what more can I do..."
but unlike during the last carrier engagement, this time the majority of the bombers were Judies and only 80 torpedo bombers were coming in in this wave (of which 17 were Kates on extended range dropping bombs). While I would rate a dive bomber far more dangerous to an undamaged ship in real life, in AE (and WITP of course) it´s the torpedo bomber that is the all killing machine that got no problem to hit an undamaged ship moving at full speed that is bristling with AA weapons. The fact that there were still Kates on the enemy carries is an interesting one, looks like there weren´t enough Jills available yet.
It was nevertheless a pain to watch the bombers attacking my ships and it felt like it would never end even though there were "only" 94 bombers. Flak was, well, not what you would expect from these kind of Allied TFs in 8/43. Hard to say how much it effected bombing accuracy (with such a low hit rate you could say it affected accuracy a lot), I´m convinced that we were mostly saved by the bad weather. No severe storms or thunderstorms but moderate rain and this can already be seen as bad weather for sure. At the end of this wave we had one carrier bombed and one torpedoed (one bomb hit turned out to be FOW), a modern BB took two torps that caused heavy damage and another BB was hit a non penetrating bomb from a Kate.
Now if you look at the bombers that actually made it through our fighters then it were again the torpedo bombers that did the damage. The Judies of this wave in fact didn´t inflict ANY damage. And that´s why IMO the torpedo bombers are what makes KB so much more dangerous than the Allied counterparts. I was absolutely amazed not to see more torp bombers in the first wave, there were more than twice the number of torp bombers in the engagement 8 months ago. But it´s not over yet...
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Hollandia at 94,116
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 56
B5N2 Kate x 10
B6N1 Jill x 31
D4Y1 Judy x 8
Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 15
P-40K Warhawk x 17
F6F-3 Hellcat x 362
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 15 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
B6N1 Jill: 16 destroyed, 5 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 3 destroyed
Allied Ships
CVL Independence
CV Hornet
BB Massachusetts, heavy damage
CV Saratoga
BB Washington
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
2 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
1 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 6000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 20 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
27 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 3 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 11 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
32 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (9 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 10 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
30 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 22 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 63 minutes
25 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 23 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
20 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
22 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 4 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers
No.882 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
No.896 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.898 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-41 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-60 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 9 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-6F with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 4 on standby, 2 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
19 planes vectored on to bombers
49th FG/8th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
35th FG/41st FS with P-40K Warhawk (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
3 planes vectored on to bombers
15th FG/72nd FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
Here comes the follow on wave. 343 aircraft in the first wave are followed by another 105 in the second one. This is more what I would think is realistic compared to the single 505 aircraft strike in Jannuary. But it also makes me wonder why so "few" aircraft attacked my fleet. In total the enemy launches 408 aircraft in the morning strike which is nearly a hundred less than in Jannuary. Granted, we´ve sunk the "crappy" Hiyo with her 50 aircraft but by now the enemy should have received some other carriers I guess. Could be that not all are kept together (which is a mistake IMO) or that some are undergoing upgrades. Not having looked at the Japanese side I have no clue when the upgrades take place.
Unlike during the first wave I was quite confident when this one showed up, still meeting nearly 400 fighters on Cap, the first wave nearly hasn´t reduced our Cap strenght at all. It was the usal "Hellcat dives on A6M5" and the enemy fighters had not even a slight chance while being on escort and dived on. This seems to be too much again. What disappointed me was the fact that out of 250 land based P-40K we get only two dozen over the fleet at best. Being just 45 miles off the coast I can´t see why it should be that hard to send some more fighters but as we know, LRCAP over carriers is supposed not to work that well. What irks me in this respect is the fact that if you don´t have carriers in your fleet and set 250 fighters on LRCAP one hex then you are probably going to see a hundred (if not more) fighters over your battlewaggons for example. Is it really that much a difference when you suddenly have carriers in a 2025 square mile hex?
Anyway, we were confident to obliberate this rather small strike but that´s not what has happened. 9 out of 39 bombers (23.07%) made it through our fighters and made their attack runs but all of them failed to score a hit... phewww...
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Morning Air attack on Vinh , at 65,59
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIb Sally x 48
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 21
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 47
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIb Sally: 1 damaged
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 damaged
Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 79
Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Ki-21-IIb Sally bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
23 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
24 x Ki-21-IIb Sally bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
21 x Ki-48-IIa Lily bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
24 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Also attacking 53rd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking Vinh ...
Also attacking 85th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking Vinh ...
Also attacking 7th Construction Regiment ...
Also attacking Vinh ...
Also attacking 25th Group Army ...
Also attacking Vinh ...
Also attacking 7th Construction Regiment ...
Also attacking Vinh ...
Also attacking 7th Construction Regiment ...
Also attacking Vinh ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Vinh , at 65,59
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 41,500 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2
No Japanese losses
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar sweeping at 38500 feet *
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Sarmi at 93,108
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 19
A6M5 Zero x 69
Allied aircraft
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 10 [8|]
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
Japanese Ships
CVE Unyo, Bomb hits 1
CV Akagi
CVE Hosho
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 16000 and 38500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 38500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
Ryujo-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 16000 and 38500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
Shoho-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 16000 and 38500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 38500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 36750.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
Taiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 38500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
Unyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
Chuyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 36750.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
if you wonder why the next attack isn´t coming from our carriers, well, I have deliberately set my carriers to react 0 and that´s exactly what they´ve done. They stayed in place, means they were 8 hexes away from KB and everything on my carriers was set to range 7. So the first wave that is attacking KB is a single squadron of USN heavy bombers. It is of course a very good idea not to attack in bigger groups. Oh well, let´s see this as a kind of sneak attack to break through Cap more easily. I was more than surprised to see only 88 enemy fighters on Cap, I would say it can´t be much more pathetic. Imagine what would have happened if my carriers would be one hex closer, 88 enemy fighters wouldn´t even be able to stop a big wave of unescorted bombers. Same goes for my heavy bombers. They were shot up badly but managed to break through to the ships and one 500lb bomb actually hits one of the enemy´s CVEs.
Ok, so there are also CVEs. But in total a rather small number of aircraft. Let´s see what we can identify. We have:
Akagi 72
Kaga 72
Soryu 60
Hiryu 60
Shokaku 72
Zuikaku 72
Ryujo 40
Junyo 50
Shoho 30
Zuiho 30
Hosho 12?
Taiho 80?
Taiyo 30
Unyo 30
Chuyo 30
WOW! Is there any other carrier that wasn´t here? Except Hiyo that was sunk 8 months ago it seems we have faced everything that we could face. Boahh...
Now if the carriers and the numbers above are nearly correct than we would have faced a total of around 740 carrier based aircraft which is nearly a hundred more than we field! [X(][X(][X(]
With the first two waves and the Cap we count 448+88 aircraft, makes a total of 536. Around a dozen bomber on search were shot down during the search phase, makes it at best some 560-570 aircraft on KB (if we think about one or two dozen damaged). I guess a realistic number would be 550-560 aircraft that were on KB when Rainer decided to attack. This would mean nearly 200 aircraft less than we count if look at the identified carrier fighter units and assume every carrier actually is here. So this means either some units completely failed to launch or missed our fleet or the enemy has some of his carriers elsewhere (for upgrade for example) and is using those fighter units on other carriers.
I really wouldn´t want to think about what could be happen if the enemy would really have 740 carrier based aircraft here and the weather would be "clear sky". Guess that would mean say good bye to our fleet.
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Morning Air attack on 54th Division, at 76,124 (Darwin)
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Allied aircraft
PV-1 Ventura x 71
Allied aircraft losses
PV-1 Ventura: 1 destroyed
Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
Also attacking 8th Tank Regiment ...
Also attacking 16th Division ...
Also attacking 21st Div /1 ...
Also attacking 5th Div /1 ...
Also attacking 16th Army /1 ...
Also attacking 54th Division ...
Also attacking 16th Division ...
Also attacking 5th Div /1 ...
Also attacking 16th Division ...
Also attacking 54th Division ...
Also attacking 16th Division ...
Also attacking 5th Div /1 ...
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Morning Air attack on 4th Division, at 106,125 (Rabaul)
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 32
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
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Morning Air attack on 4th Division, at 106,125 (Rabaul)
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 12
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
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Morning Air attack on 4th Division, at 106,125 (Rabaul)
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 32
Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 4 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Sarmi at 93,108
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 14
A6M5 Zero x 57
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 12
B-24D1 Liberator x 15
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 5 destroyed, 8 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
CVL Shoho
CVL Ryuho
CV Zuikaku
BB Yamato
CVL Ryujo
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
6 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet *
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
Ryujo-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
Shoho-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
Taiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
Unyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
Chuyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 36000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
then two of the USAAF heavy bomber squadrons arrive over KB to dump their bombs into the ocean. These aren´t trained nav bomb squadrons, their primary task is ground attack. If you wonder why I still set them to nav attack, this is simply answered. I use them as long range fighters. [:D] Without the dive, no Allied fighter is as good as a heavy bomber to take out (means damage) enemy fighters. As you can see, the dozen PB4Y-1 already reduced the Cap by 17 Zekes and this bomber wave reduced the Cap even more. The bombers really take a beating here, an unexpected bloody toll to be honest. The fact that my carriers aren´t in range makes these losses an unneccessary pity though as we don´t launch 1E bombers anyway. The enemy ships don´t have to fear USAAF heavy bombers bombing from 10000ft, it would only be luck to score a hit. But these strikes deplete the enemy´s Cap and the enemy´s flak ammo.
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Sarmi at 93,108
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 7
A6M5 Zero x 32
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho
CVL Ryujo
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M5 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 16000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 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 16000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
Ryujo-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
Shoho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
Taiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (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 13000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
Chuyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
Unyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (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 13000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
what makes all this worse is of course the fact that my bombers launch in bits an pieces, for what reason ever. But if you look at the enemy´s Cap, it´s already reduced to a pitiful number of only 39 fighters. And this only because of two heavy bomber "sweeps" with not really impressing numbers. Pretty much a joke that all my USN heavies fail to engage in numbers...
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Morning Air attack on 4th Division, at 106,125 (Rabaul)
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 12
Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
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Morning Air attack on 4th Division, at 106,125 (Rabaul)
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 24
Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 4 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Hollandia at 94,116
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Japanese aircraft
B6N1 Jill x 13
Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 10
P-40K Warhawk x 11
F6F-3 Hellcat x 294
Japanese aircraft losses
B6N1 Jill: 4 destroyed
CAP engaged:
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (28 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
28 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (27 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
27 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (19 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
19 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (18 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
18 plane(s) intercepting now.
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
16 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 86 minutes
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
No.882 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
No.898 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
VC(F)-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
VC(F)-41 with F6F-3 Hellcat (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 59 minutes
VF-60 with F6F-3 Hellcat (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
16 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
VRF-6F with F6F-3 Hellcat (17 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
17 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
49th FG/8th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40K Warhawk (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
35th FG/41st FS with P-40K Warhawk (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
15th FG/72nd FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
318th FG/73rd FS with P-40K Warhawk (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
80th FG/90th FS with P-40K Warhawk (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (17 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
17 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
here comes a lost wave of Jills that is coming in totally unescorted... easy pray for our Cap... makes it 550 enemy aircraft in total that were engaged during the morning...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Sarmi at 93,108
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 4
A6M5 Zero x 27
Allied aircraft
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 4 [8|]
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Kaga-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Ryujo-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Shoho-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Zuiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Taiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000
Raid is overhead
Junyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Hosho-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000
Raid is overhead
Unyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000
Raid is overhead
Chuyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000
Raid is overhead
doesn´t make sense to see 4 bombers coming in... but look at the enemy´s Cap...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Sarmi at 93,108
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 19 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 3
A6M5 Zero x 22
Allied aircraft
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 4
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Kaga-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 38500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Ryujo-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Shoho-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Zuiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Taiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000
Raid is overhead
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Junyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Hosho-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000
Raid is overhead
Unyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Sarmi at 93,108
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 11 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 1
A6M5 Zero x 19
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Fuso
CVE Unyo
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Kaga-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Ryujo-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Shoho-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Zuiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Taiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Junyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Unyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000
Raid is overhead
only 20 enemy fighters left when the last wave of bombers goes in... if I would be the Japanese, I would really stay away from any Allied airbase...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Selaroe , at 78,118
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude
39,450 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 35
Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 20
F4U-1 Corsair x 16
Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 15 destroyed
CAP engaged:
VMF-216 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 36800 , scrambling fighters between 36000 and 36800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
VMF-222 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 36800 , scrambling fighters between 34000 and 36800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
347th FG/68th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is
42000 , scrambling fighters to 42000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
347th FG/339th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is
42000 , scrambling fighters between 35000 and 40000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
now this was an interesting one too, the enemy used his Jacks for the first time to sweep one of our Capped bases and really good a bloody nose... if you were used to the Corsair being a killer in WITP, the P-47 in AE is at least twice as good... while the Jacks were flying higher than the Corsairs, the Jacks were shot to pieces by the Thunderbolts... still a couple of kills went to the Corsair but the whole enemy unit was obliberated by the Thunderbolts, scoring an unbelievable 36:0 in this engagement as none of the Corsairs or Thunderbolts were lost... [X(]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
and then the afternoon...
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Hollandia at 94,116
Weather in hex:
Clear sky[X(][X(][:(][:(]
Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 14
A6M5 Zero x 80
B5N2 Kate x 2
B6N1 Jill x 45
D4Y1 Judy x 35
Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 14
P-40K Warhawk x 23
F6F-3 Hellcat x 391
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 5 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 5 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged
B6N1 Jill: 17 destroyed, 9 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 17 destroyed, 10 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane Ib: 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
CV Bunker Hill
CV Victorious
CVE Barnes, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
CV Saratoga
CV Hornet
CV Wasp
CVL Independence
CV Essex
BB Washington, Torpedo hits 2
one FOW
BB Indiana
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
7 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
2 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
2 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 6000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
6 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
2 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 16 on standby, 4 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 7 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
25 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 18 on standby, 7 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
21 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 20 on standby, 7 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
20 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 20 on standby, 7 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
28 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 20 on standby, 7 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
30 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 20 on standby, 7 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
31 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 16 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
18 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 3 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
No.882 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.896 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
No.898 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 10 on standby, 4 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-41 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 9 on standby, 3 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-60 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 14 on standby, 5 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-6F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 15 on standby, 6 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
49th FG/8th FS with P-40K Warhawk (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
4 planes vectored on to bombers
49th FG/9th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
35th FG/41st FS with P-40K Warhawk (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
after taking a beating in the morning, the IJNAF also shows up in the afternoon... due to not really having suffered that many fighters shot down, KB is still able to send nearly a hundred fighters to escort the first afternoon wave... the bombers took a beating in the morning and so we only face 82 of them but the higher number of fighters manage to distract our fighters and 26 bombers manage to get through the Cap. Clear sky above our ships made me really fear every single bomber and I was really taking a deep breath after we "only" took two bomb hits on an escort carrier and thank god only one torp hit on another modern BB... we nearly have put up the same number of fighters on Cap as in the morning but the times of a bullet prove defense are long gone... good work indeed and huge step forward from WITP... guess in WITP my Cap would have easily obliberated every strike...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Hollandia at 94,116
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 11
B6N1 Jill x 6
D4Y1 Judy x 5
Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 10
P-40K Warhawk x 16
F6F-3 Hellcat x 371
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 6 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 2 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane Ib: 1 destroyed
P-40K Warhawk: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
CV Bunker Hill
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (13 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 71 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 8 on standby, 7 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 3 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (7 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 16 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (10 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 15 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 12 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
18 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 12 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
No.882 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.896 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.898 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (1 airborne, 1 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 12 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-41 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-60 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-6F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 19 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
49th FG/8th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 65 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
35th FG/41st FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
a second small wave and one of the Judies manages to drop a bomb but misses...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Hollandia at 94,116
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 24
B6N1 Jill x 29
D4Y1 Judy x 13
Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 8
P-40K Warhawk x 9
F6F-3 Hellcat x 300
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 12 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 10 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 7 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 4 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 18 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 4 on standby, 4 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 8 on standby, 3 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 12 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 17 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.882 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.896 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (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 15000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-41 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 1 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 4 on standby, 3 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 17000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-6F with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
49th FG/8th FS with P-40K Warhawk (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
3 planes vectored on to bombers
49th FG/9th FS with P-40K Warhawk (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
35th FG/41st FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
15th FG/72nd FS with P-40K Warhawk (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 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
318th FG/73rd FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
another 66 enemy aircraft are then spotted and engaged, the Hellcats are now reduced by about a hundred... morale within the enemy bomber units is totally pummeled now though and those that aren´t shot down turn back with none of them breaking through to the ships...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Sarmi at 93,108
Weather in hex:
Moderate rain
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 10
A6M5 Zero x 51
Allied aircraft
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 20
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 4 destroyed, 9 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
CV Akagi
CVL Zuiho
CV Taiho
CVL Shoho
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
4 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
5 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 38500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 16000 and 38500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 38500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
Ryujo-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 38500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
Shoho-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Zuiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000
Raid is overhead
Taiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
Unyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000
Raid is overhead
Chuyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 36750.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
while KB´s Cap was totally depleted at the end of the morning, we meet 61 fighters in the afternoon again... this time two of the USN squadrons flew together but again being shot up by Cap and flak... the weather making it even worse, all 16 bombers that engaged the ships missed...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Sarmi at 93,108
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 2
A6M5 Zero x 18
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 6 damaged
Japanese Ships
CV Kaga
CV Hiryu
CVL Ryujo
CVE Unyo
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
Ryujo-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
Shoho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
Chuyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
Taiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
also the USAAF shows up in the afternoon... for no result...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Sarmi at 93,108
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 1
A6M5 Zero x 12
Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 4 damaged
Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo
CVL Shoho
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
Ryujo-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000
Raid is overhead
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
and that´s it...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Vinh , at 65,59
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 41 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 20
No Japanese losses
Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 47
Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Babo , at 83,111
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 8
Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 27
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged
Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 14
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 36750 , scrambling fighters to 36000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
we then bomb Babo as we´ve thought we would catch some Betties or Nells here... only Zeroes left that weren´t shot down by our P-38 in the morning... weather is what make the hit rate pathetic once more...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Babo , at 83,111
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 7
No Allied losses
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Babo , at 83,111
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 10
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged
Runway hits 4
Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
801 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Biak , at 87,110
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 1
Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 11
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 damaged
Ki-57-I Topsy: 1 destroyed on ground
Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 8
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
202 Ku S-1 Det A with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 38500
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Biak , at 87,110
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 1
Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 13
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 10
Aircraft Attacking:
13 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
202 Ku S-1 Det A with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 38500
Raid is overhead
same at Biak, no bombers on the ground and bad weather...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Biak , at 87,110
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 1
Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 14
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 damaged
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed on ground
Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Airbase hits 10
Runway hits 19
Aircraft Attacking:
14 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
CAP engaged:
202 Ku S-1 Det A with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 38500
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Biak , at 87,110
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Japanese aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 16
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 23
Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Saishu To at 99,56
Japanese Ships
SC CHa-44
Allied Ships
SS Flying Fish
SS Flying Fish is sighted by escort
SC CHa-44 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-44 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-44 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-44 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-44 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Darwin (76,124)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 82541 troops, 1815 guns, 1959 vehicles, Assault Value = 3346
Defending force 23634 troops, 240 guns, 469 vehicles, Assault Value = 554
Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 4
Allied adjusted assault: 2724
Japanese adjusted defense: 254
Allied assault odds: 10 to 1 (fort level 4) [&o]
Allied forces CAPTURE Darwin !!! [&o][&o][&o]
Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
3137 casualties reported
Squads: 55 destroyed, 146 disabled
Non Combat: 273 destroyed, 220 disabled
Engineers: 75 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 127 (127 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 397 (397 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
1027 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 71 disabled
Non Combat: 22 destroyed, 181 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Vehicles lost 99 (11 destroyed, 88 disabled)
Assaulting units:
2nd USMC Tank Battalion
637th Tank Destroyer Battalion
2nd Australian Division
2/6th Armoured Regiment
1st Australian Division
2/11th Armoured Car Battalion
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
193rd Tank Battalion
754th Tank Battalion
13th Australian Brigade
1st USMC Tank Battalion
2/4th Armoured Regiment
767th Tank Battalion
3rd Marine Division
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
1st USMC Corps Tank Battalion
2/7th Armoured Regiment
5th Australian Division
3rd Australian Division
4th Armoured Brigade
1st Motor Brigade
1st Marine Division
762nd Tank Battalion
2nd Marine Division
4th Australian Division
3rd Motor Brigade
2/8th Armoured Regiment
30th Australian Brigade
131st Field Artillery Battalion
183rd Field Artillery Regiment
249th Field Artillery Battalion
16th RAAF Base Force
147th Field Artillery Regiment
1st Medium Regiment
94th Coast AA Regiment
503rd Coast AA Regiment
I Australian Corps
2nd USMC Field Artillery Battalion
2nd RAN Base Force
134th Field Artillery Battalion
10th RAAF Base Force
223rd Field Artillery Battalion
II Australian Corps
148th Field Artillery Battalion
96th Coast AA Regiment
2/16th Field Regiment
4th Field Artillery Battalion
216th Coast AA Regiment
181st Field Artillery Regiment
2nd KNIL AA Battalion
70th Coast AA Regiment
30th Field Artillery Regiment
198th Field Artillery Battalion
1st Australian Army
197th Coast AA Regiment
1st RAN Base Force
225th Field Artillery Battalion
205th Field Artillery Battalion
2nd Australian Army
198th Coast AA Regiment
III Australian Corps
1st USMC Field Artillery Battalion
188th Field Artillery Regiment
168th Field Artillery Regiment
154th FA Bn
97th Field Artillery Battalion
2nd RAAF M/W Sqn
114th USAAF Base Force
226th Field Artillery Battalion
13th Australian Hvy AA Regiment
Defending units:
54th Division
21st Div /1
16th Division
14th Tank Regiment
8th Tank Regiment
5th Div /1
11th JAAF Base Force
40th JNAF AF Unit /1
16th AA Regiment
16th Army /1
we finally liberate Darwin! Hurrey! While I´m not sure what I should think about the carrier engagement of today, this surely was a long needed and important victory. With Darwin we have now the needed staging base to really threat the SRA.
More about the carrier engagement in the following posts.
