All that this defeat means is that Palmyra is probably lost.
in 3 months even if all of Hornet, Wasp and Indimatble are sunk I will have
3 x RN CV's ansd 1 x CVL = 180
10 x CVE's = 300
Big E, Sara and Lady Lex plus Essex = 360
If Hornet and Indy get away add 140 to that total.
Thats why what I did was so moronic
But things are not all that bad, as KB is fast approaching it's use-by-date. You have repaired carriers, and new carriers not far-off. Plus not long now, and Hellcats arrive, then his incoming strikes will be getting chewed to pieces.
When you see the Southern Cross, For the first time
You understand now, Why you came this way
I would love to say I was unlucky or that it was unfair but the truth is I was a moron took an unessecary ruisk because I didnt like leaving 3rd marines rotting on a rock.
I have paid a heavy proce 3 Carriers and 2 Battleships have been sunk plus a few other ships.
However I will be back
OK I am looking at the plan.
In last few days I lost 3 CV's - originally I was going to re commence Hydra in June 43 it will now need to wait until mid July so a 6 week delay - in July I recieve 3 Essex class and 3 new CVL's so more than offsets the losses I just took.
However this delay probably means no time for the SEAC side of the offensive which is irritating
I am also irritatyed by Burma the whole point of drawing PZB into a war in north burma was to get him out of position for the real amphib attack that part of the plan is probably scuppered now I will need to reconsider
43 was supposed to be about position and bases and getting ready for the killer blow in 44 when I went deep - i.e. take the Gilberts, PM, Solomons and Sumatra at the run before he can react so I am ready to hit Marshalls,Marianas, New Britain, Borneo and Malaya in 44
This is now in question
My initial thoughts are as follows.
1. CENTPAC needs to proceed to retake Line Islands, Canton and Gilberts to open comms
2. I need to retake PM and take Solomons to make him think a SWPAC drive is still on the cards.
3. The most valuable attack I have is the one I was about to discount i.e. the Andaman Islands, Sabang, North Sumatra one.
I have stockpiled maases of fuel and supply at Ceylon, I have 7 fresh Divisions currently rested for operations in SEAC and I have drawn a large chunk of the Japanese Army into no mans land.
Accordingly. New Operations plan for Hydra II is being fomulated.
Remember operational art is the art of combing both acceptances and declinations of battle in order to achieve a greater strategic goal.
You just forgot about the greater strategic goal ( multi-division strategic offensives ) in order to rescue a small force ( a portion of a division ). And you got punished for it.
I know you're beating yourself up about it now and I don't say this to add to your beating up. But don't beat yourself up over this, you took a risk and it didn't pay off. The trick though is to learn the lesson in the line above. NEVER risk a great strategic undertaking for a matter of small tactical importance. You'll get away with it most of the time but when you don't something like this will happen.
It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is in your head, neither is it as recoverable as you sometimes try to convince yourself.... Sit back, don't run a turn for 2 days and get perspective so you can examine this objectively without the emotions which are clearly occurring. Re-examine things without wishfull thinking or excessive recrimination and then decide what to do. It might be what you're thinking now but I doubt it.
You do, however, need perspective a lot more than you need your internal recriminations or internal wishful thinking. I'd be concerned you'd convince yourself that you just need to wait 6 weeks and then all will be fine... That strikes me as optimistic
John Dillworth: "I had GreyJoy check my spelling and he said it was fine."
Well, that's that settled then.
nope I need to wait for three months at least unfortuantely but in general I am annoyed at myself but on the other hand I know all is not lost nor am I going to launch a mad assault straight ont the Marianas as soon as I get a few Essex class.
As you say I got tactical when I should have been thinking strategic.
The only reason I am beating myself up a little bit is that I do actually know better than this and therefore shouldnt have made this mistake ah well cest la vie !!!
(Loss of trained pilots is a bit of a swine as well)
Taking a long look round just now while I wait on the next turn.
Indian Army Divs get a TOE upgrade in a few days to add a 10th Inf Bn for HQ secuity as part of the all round defence this is an important upgrade as it increases the staying power of Indian Army units in these tight attritional battles
I think KB's fighters took a bit of a kicking today not 100% sure as I havent seen the turn yet but few sweepers survived against the Corsairs on CAP
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Mar 24, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Johnston Island at 168,120
SS Grenadier launches 4 torpedoes at CL Agano
Grenadier diving deep ....
DD Suzukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Suzukaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Suzukaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Suzukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Suzukaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Suzukaze is out of ASW ammo
DD Suzukaze is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palmyra at 170,133, Range 2,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CL Yura
CL Tatsuta
DD Asakaze
DD Hayate
DD Ishikaze
Allied Ships
PT-157, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-163, Shell hits 18, and is sunk
PT-165, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms with 89% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 89% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
PT-157 sunk by DD Ishikaze at 2,000 yards
PT-165 sunk by DD Asakaze at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
DD Asakaze engages PT-163 at 2,000 yards
PT-163 sunk by CL Yura at 2,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Johnston Island at 165,114
Japanese Ships
SS I-162
Allied Ships
CA Chicago, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
SS I-162 launches 4 torpedoes at CA Chicago
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Palmyra at 173,120
SS Whale launches 6 torpedoes at DD Natsushio
Whale diving deep ....
DD Tagonami fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Arashi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Arashi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Arashi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Arashi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Arashi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Arashi attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Baker Island at 157,127
Japanese Ships
DD Urukaze
Allied Ships
SS Cuttlefish
SS Cuttlefish launches 4 torpedoes at DD Urukaze
DD Urukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Urukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Urukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Urukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Urukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Johnston Island at 164,112, Range 1,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CA Maya, Shell hits 1
CA Haguro
CL Kiso
DD Maikaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Hagikaze
DD Murasame
DD Yamakaze
DD Ikazuchi
DD Inazuma
Allied Ships
SC-738, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
SC-739
SC-742, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
SC-743, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
SC-744
SC-751, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
Low visibility due to Thunderstorms with 89% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 89% moonlight: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
CL Kiso engages SC-743 at 1,000 yards
CA Maya engages SC-742 at 1,000 yards
DD Ikazuchi engages SC-742 at 1,000 yards
CA Maya engages SC-738 at 1,000 yards
SC-738 sunk by DD Hagikaze at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
CA Maya engages SC-751 at 2,000 yards
SC-743 sunk by CA Maya at 2,000 yards
SC-742 sunk by DD Yamakaze at 2,000 yards
SC-751 sunk by CA Maya at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
CA Haguro engages SC-744 at 3,000 yards
CA Maya engages SC-744 at 3,000 yards
Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Johnston Island at 164,112, Range 2,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CA Maya
CA Haguro, Shell hits 1
CL Kiso
DD Maikaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Hagikaze
DD Murasame
DD Yamakaze
DD Ikazuchi
DD Inazuma
Allied Ships
DM Tracy, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
Poor visibility due to Thunderstorms with 89% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 89% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 21,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
CA Haguro engages DM Tracy at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
CA Haguro engages DM Tracy at 4,000 yards
DD Inazuma engages DM Tracy at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
CA Haguro engages DM Tracy at 3,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
CA Haguro engages DM Tracy at 5,000 yards
Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Johnston Island at 164,112, Range 3,000 Yards
Allied Ships
BB Indiana, Shell hits 29, Torpedo hits 5, and is sunk
DD Barton, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Woodworth
DD Bailey, Shell hits 1
Poor visibility due to Thunderstorms with 89% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 89% moonlight: 3,000 yards
Range closes to 27,000 yards...
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 3,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 3,000 yards
Fujiwara V. crosses the 'T'
BB Indiana engages CA Maya at 3,000 yards
CA Maya engages DD Bailey at 3,000 yards
BB Indiana engages CL Kiso at 3,000 yards
CA Maya engages DD Barton at 3,000 yards
DD Bailey engages DD Hagikaze at 3,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
BB Indiana engages CA Maya at 5,000 yards
DD Bailey engages DD Hagikaze at 5,000 yards
BB Indiana engages CL Kiso at 5,000 yards
DD Inazuma engages DD Barton at 5,000 yards
DD Bailey engages DD Yamakaze at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
BB Indiana engages CA Haguro at 2,000 yards
BB Indiana engages CA Maya at 2,000 yards
DD Woodworth engages DD Inazuma at 2,000 yards
DD Barton engages DD Inazuma at 2,000 yards
BB Indiana sunk by DD Hagikaze at 2,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Bailey at 2,000 yards
DD Inazuma engages DD Bailey at 2,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Woodworth at 2,000 yards
CL Kiso engages DD Barton at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
DD Bailey engages DD Hagikaze at 3,000 yards
DD Inazuma engages DD Woodworth at 3,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Barton at 3,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
CA Haguro engages DD Bailey at 7,000 yards
DD Woodworth engages DD Maikaze at 7,000 yards
CL Kiso engages DD Bailey at 7,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages DD Barton at 7,000 yards
Allied Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Johnston Island at 164,112, Range 2,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CA Kumano
CL Agano
CL Jintsu
CL Kuma
DD Samidare
DD Suzukaze
Allied Ships
DD Barton, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Woodworth, Shell hits 1
DD Bailey, Shell hits 1
Low visibility due to Thunderstorms with 89% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 89% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 27,000 yards...
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Bailey at 2,000 yards
CL Kuma engages DD Bailey at 2,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages DD Bailey at 2,000 yards
DD Bailey engages DD Suzukaze at 2,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Woodworth at 2,000 yards
DD Barton engages DD Samidare at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
DD Suzukaze engages DD Bailey at 7,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Woodworth at 7,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages DD Barton at 7,000 yards
Allied Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Palmyra at 172,130
Japanese Ships
DD Takanami
Allied Ships
SS Sunfish
SS Sunfish launches 4 torpedoes at DD Takanami
Sunfish diving deep ....
DD Takanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Takanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Takanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Takanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Takanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Baker Island at 157,127
Japanese Ships
DD Urukaze
Allied Ships
SS Cuttlefish
SS Cuttlefish launches 4 torpedoes at DD Urukaze
DD Urukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Johnston Island at 164,112, Range 2,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CA Maya
CA Haguro
CL Kiso
DD Maikaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Hagikaze
DD Murasame
DD Yamakaze
DD Ikazuchi
DD Inazuma
Allied Ships
DD Barton
DD Woodworth
DD Bailey, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
Poor visibility due to Thunderstorms with 82% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 82% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
CL Kiso engages DD Bailey at 2,000 yards
DD Murasame engages DD Woodworth at 2,000 yards
DD Woodworth engages DD Murasame at 2,000 yards
DD Bailey sunk by CL Kiso at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
DD Woodworth engages DD Murasame at 4,000 yards
DD Murasame engages DD Barton at 4,000 yards
DD Hamakaze engages DD Barton at 4,000 yards
Allied Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Johnston Island at 164,112, Range 2,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CA Maya
CA Haguro, Shell hits 1
CL Kiso
DD Maikaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Hagikaze
DD Murasame
DD Yamakaze
DD Ikazuchi
DD Inazuma
Allied Ships
DD Barton, on fire
DD Woodworth, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
Poor visibility due to Thunderstorms with 82% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 82% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 27,000 yards...
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
CA Haguro engages DD Woodworth at 2,000 yards
CL Kiso engages DD Woodworth at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
DD Woodworth sunk by CA Haguro at 3,000 yards
CA Maya engages DD Barton at 3,000 yards
CA Haguro engages DD Barton at 3,000 yards
DD Tokitsukaze engages DD Barton at 3,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
CA Haguro engages DD Barton at 6,000 yards
DD Barton engages DD Hamakaze at 6,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Barton at 6,000 yards
Allied Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Johnston Island at 164,112, Range 2,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CA Maya
CA Haguro
CL Kiso
DD Maikaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Hagikaze
DD Murasame
DD Yamakaze
DD Ikazuchi
DD Inazuma
Allied Ships
DD Barton, on fire
Poor visibility due to Thunderstorms with 82% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 82% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
DD Barton engages DD Hamakaze at 5,000 yards
DD Ikazuchi engages DD Barton at 5,000 yards
Allied Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Johnston Island at 164,112, Range 2,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CA Maya
CA Haguro
CL Kiso
DD Maikaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Hagikaze
DD Murasame
DD Yamakaze
DD Ikazuchi
DD Inazuma
Allied Ships
DD Barton, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
Low visibility due to Thunderstorms with 82% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 82% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
CA Haguro engages DD Barton at 2,000 yards
DD Barton sunk by CA Haguro at 2,000 yards
DD Barton sunk by CA Haguro at 2,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Palmyra at 170,133
BB Mutsu firing at 3rd Marine Division
CL Yubari firing at 3rd Marine Division
PB Okiyu Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Kongo Maru #2 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Palmyra
TF 120 troops unloading over beach at Palmyra, 170,133
Japanese ground losses:
236 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 56 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 51 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 9 (0 destroyed, 9 disabled)
17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost in surf during unload of 144th Infantry Rgt /4
17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad accidentally lost during unload of 144th Infantry Rgt /5
10 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 144th Infantry Rgt /16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Palmyra
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
BB Mutsu firing at 3rd Marine Division
CL Yubari firing at 3rd Marine Division
DD Numakaze firing at 3rd Marine Division
PB Okiyu Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Kongo Maru #2 fired at enemy troops
DD Numakaze fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Johnston Island at 164,112, Range 6,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CA Maya
CA Haguro
CL Kiso
DD Maikaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Hagikaze
DD Murasame
DD Yamakaze
DD Ikazuchi
DD Inazuma
Allied Ships
SC-739, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
SC-744, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
Low visibility due to Thunderstorms
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
CA Maya engages SC-744 at 7,000 yards
SC-744 sunk by CA Maya at 7,000 yards
DD Tokitsukaze engages SC-739 at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
SC-739 sunk by CA Maya at 10,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Palmyra at 171,134
SS Silversides launches 6 torpedoes at DD Makigumo
DD Fubuki attacking submerged sub ....
DD Minegumo fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Yamagumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Natsugumo fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Fubuki attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yamagumo fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Fubuki attacking submerged sub ....
DD Fubuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Fubuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Fubuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Fubuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Perth at 38,147
SS I-11 launches 6 torpedoes at DE Arrow
DD Tjerk Hiddes attacking submerged sub ....
DD Tjerk Hiddes fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tjerk Hiddes fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tjerk Hiddes fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tjerk Hiddes fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Palmyra , at 170,133
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 38
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
No Japanese losses
Aircraft Attacking:
27 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Johnston Island at 161,118
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 30000 , scrambling fighters to 27000.
Raid is overhead
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 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 15000 and 32000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 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 28000 and 32000.
Raid is overhead
Zuikaku-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 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 15000 and 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Loyal Battalion, at 59,37
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 30000 feet
CAP engaged:
VMF-112 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 27000 and 30000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 28300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
VMF-123 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 30000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VMF-212 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 28300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
VMF-221 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 25000 and 35000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 26000 and 30000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 53 minutes
318th FG/73rd FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 27000 , scrambling fighters between 24000 and 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 3rd Marine Division, at 170,133 (Palmyra)
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 40
A6M2-N Rufe x 2
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 21
CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M2 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 30000 , scrambling fighters between 30000 and 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 55 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 7 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 30000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 73 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 27000 and 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuikaku-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 26000 and 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Johnston Island at 164,112
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
A6M3a Zero x 10
B5N2 Kate x 12
D4Y1 Judy x 3
Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 5
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
F4U-1 Corsair x 23
Allied Ships
CA Pensacola, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CLAA Oakland, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
CAP engaged:
VMF-112 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 91 minutes
VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 62 minutes
VMF-123 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 94 minutes
VMF-221 with F4U-1 Corsair (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 64 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
318th FG/73rd FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 27000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Johnston Island , at 164,112
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid detected at 41 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 30
A6M3a Zero x 4
Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 4
P-39D Airacobra x 10
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12
F4U-1 Corsair x 17
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 30000 feet
CAP engaged:
VMF-112 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 35000.
Raid is overhead
VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 28300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
VMF-123 with F4U-1 Corsair (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 28000.
Raid is overhead
VMF-212 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Raid is overhead
VMF-221 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 32100.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
318th FG/73rd FS with P-38G Lightning (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 27000 , scrambling fighters to 35000.
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Kalemyo , at 59,42
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 14
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 12
No Japanese losses
Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 9000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Palmyra , at 170,133
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 49 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 39
No Japanese losses
Aircraft Attacking:
20 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Kalemyo , at 59,42
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 11
No Japanese losses
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 9000 feet *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Kalemyo , at 59,42
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid spotted at 46 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 48
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 22
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 1 destroyed
Aircraft Attacking:
27 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
25 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
36 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
Also attacking 2nd Hyder Lancers Regiment ...
Also attacking Kalemyo ...
Also attacking 14th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 2nd Hyder Lancers Regiment ...
Also attacking Kalemyo ...
Also attacking 7th Australian Division ...
Also attacking 25th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment ...
Also attacking 2nd Hyder Lancers Regiment ...
Also attacking Kalemyo ...
Also attacking 32nd Infantry Division ...
Also attacking 25th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment ...
Also attacking 2nd Hyder Lancers Regiment ...
Also attacking Kalemyo ...
Also attacking 2nd Hyder Lancers Regiment ...
Also attacking Kalemyo ...
Also attacking 2nd Hyder Lancers Regiment ...
Also attacking Kalemyo ...
Also attacking 25th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment ...
Also attacking 14th Indian Division ...
Also attacking 7th Australian Division ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Palmyra , at 170,133
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29
G3M2 Nell x 18
G4M1 Betty x 6
Aircraft Attacking:
18 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
Also attacking Palmyra ...
Also attacking Palmyra ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 3rd Marine Division, at 170,133 (Palmyra)
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied Ships
CLAA Oakland, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 4000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
VMF-112 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
VMF-123 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
VMF-212 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
VMF-221 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
318th FG/73rd FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 27000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring an Allied CLAA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Palmyra
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
18 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
PB Okiyu Maru
PB Kongo Maru #2
APD Tade
DD Tadeshiwa
CS Mizuho
Assaulting units:
79th Infantry Regiment
2nd Mobile Infantry Regiment
2nd Recon Battalion
1st Recon Battalion
65th Brigade
2nd Mobile Engineer Regiment
6th Guards Division
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
14th Tank Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment
33rd Division
Imperial Guards Division
1st Tank Regiment
24th Infantry Regiment
6th Tank Regiment
38th Division
22nd Recon Regiment
Guards Tank Division
21st Army
Defending units:
2nd Hyder Lancers Regiment
7th Australian Division
32nd Infantry Division
14th Indian Division
3rd Heavy AA Rgt /1
Pathan Construction Battalion
25th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
8th Belfast Heavy AA Rgt /1
13th Indian Light AA Rgt /1
1st KNIL AA Bn /1
Assaulting units:
26th Indian Brigade
2nd Gordons Battalion
Rifles of Canada Battalion
50th Tank Brigade
3/6 Ghurka Rifles Battalion
29th British Brigade
50th Indian Para Brigade
21st USN Naval Construction Battalion
1st Bengal Construction Battalion
1st RAF Advanced Base Force
Been taking a long hartd look at the box I have gotten myself into.
Line Islands/Canton/Baker held against me means I cannot simply transfer my focus to SOPAC or SWPAC I have ground forces but not the shipping or fuel.
Same in SEAC I concentrated in order to kick the gate open and then failed to kick it open....
I can see few alternatives but to sit still and try again in 4 months this time. The alternative is to transfer my existing operatinal fleet which has 1 CV and a few CVE's to SEAC now via capetown with enough screen and amphibs etc to enable at least Bucaneer to be launched it probably delays the counterattack in CENTPAC a few months maybe not a bad thing.
My over concentration has hurt me so far so now is probably the time to do something about it
Andy
I have plenty of LCU's fuilly prepped and I have the Japanese out of position in Burma which is where I wanted them but I have bled the RAF white to achieve it.
I can do one of three or four things.
1. Sit tight train train train/repair repair repair for four months then go back with 3 Essex Class, 3 other US CV's and 3 RN's CV's plus a horde of CVE's etc/
2. Transfer Enterprise and 6 CVE's now to SWPAC or SEAC with support troops and enough other assets to get the job done at PM or Bucaneer.
3. Go for a low risk invasion of PM......if I only transfer some surface assets and enough lift to unload the forces in SWPAC to retake PM i.e. do it with no carriers...I could transfer 2 of the old R class RN BB's and a strong CA/CL TF to SWPAC augnemt it with whats left of Eastern Fleet and some transports and try a smash and grab on PM. Cover it with hundreds of 4E and P38's I can probably do it in 2 months without compromising CENTAC art all at least it opens up another theatre.
4. Try the same as 3 but against Sabang - accept some losses but an invasion straight from India could probably get ashore intact.
Lots of other options have occured to me but 3. is looking like the best option for now.
Got a few days to think about it
Andy
I like option #4, provided you can get ashore with enough force and enough fighters to hold the place and not have it get bombed into the stone age.
The nice thing is that a strong lodgement there opens the possibility of pressuring him with land and air forces (of which you have a lot) rather than naval forces (where you're weak).
You can dream of a scenario where he transfers major fleet assets up there to opposed you, but that's surprise me. I assume he'll try to bog you down with LCUs and LBS
Hmm, taking action in order to take action is what got you into this mess. Sometimes declining action IS the best thing to do.
I think you are far too active with your carriers. They're always running hither and thither doing things. Mine spend, maybe 10% of their entire life not tied to the docks and even then I think I probably use them too much and try everything I can to reduce that number to 5%. Yours seem to be at sea all the time running minor operations etc.
I think what you need to do is take a break for a few days ( which, I note, you haven't done yet ) and think of a truly important STRATEGIC operation you can conduct over the next 6 months - it might be in 1 month or it might be 5 months but give yourself a six month timescale. Then put your CVs into port and don't touch them until it is time for them to leave port to escort the invasion convoys for that operation.
You are running right from one situation where you lost 3 CVs because you lost sight of the strategically important issue into another where you are running the risk of doing something strategically unimportant at the risk of your carriers. That's bad, bad strategy.
If you can't do PM without the carriers then don't do it but above all don't do it at the risk of the carriers. It isn't worth it.
John Dillworth: "I had GreyJoy check my spelling and he said it was fine."
Well, that's that settled then.