Back from "Dark Side of the Moon" - NY59Giants (A) vs Seille (J)

[ny59giants]

May 9th & 10th - Chinese right flank is steadily being turned

Subs:
9th - Sturgeon at 117, 119 (6 SW Ponape) misses a xAK; Seadragon at 119,121 (8 So. Ponape) misses twice on an xAK [:(]; BB Hiei is heading for safety, but one hex NE of Noumea, Pompano misses her!?!

China:
9th - Kweilin (12 F & 66 LB); 1 W Kweilin (70 LB) followed by deliberate attack 634:27(A) forces an retreat
10th - Lanchow (12 F); 3 NNW (55 F & 115); 1 NW Kweilin (68 F & 135 LB); 1 SW Ningsia (7 F & 53 LB); Luichow (33 F & 25 LB); 1 NE Kweilin (18 F & 6LB); Nanning (34 LB) followed by Shock attack at 363:987(A) - note the Gds Tank Div shows up here

India: [>:]

Australia:
9th - Darwin (45 Betty)
10th - Darwin (25 Sally)

South Pacific: [>:]

Bases:
Tahiti AF 4; Seward Port 4

Notes:
The third extra division is now present in southern China. Again, more pressure on a theater that is not vital for the Allies to win the war.

[ny59giants]

May 11th & 12th - Allied BB TF does serious damage to AF at Noumea. My opponent whines about how the Allies have an unfair advantage in this area as his experience shows his bombardments just hit troops, not the AF.

Subs:
Porpoise at 53, 125 (5 NE Exmouth) misses 3 DDs; Seawolf at 111, 119 (8 NE Rabaul) misses CS Chitose with 6 DDs

China:
11th - Chungking (36 F & 66 LB - base hits 31, Supply 4, Runway 71); 3 NNW Sian (79 LB); Nanning (21 LB); 1 NW Kweilin (24 F & 135 LB) w/deliberate attack 516:97(A) forcing a retreat; 1 NE Kweilin (9 LB); Liuchow (18 LB);
12th - 3 NNW Sian (106 F & 117 LB); Nanning (108 LB); Chungking (18 LB); 1 NE Kweilin (84 F & 61 LB) is followed by an Allied attack 294(A):2389 as a new division arrived this turn;

India: [>:]

Australia:
11th - Darwin (45 Betty & 20 Sally) are followed by 56th Recon taking the base w/odds 37:1(A).
12th - Tennant Creek (20 Sally)

South Pacific:
11th - Noumea is hit by 2 BB/BC, 8 CA, 8 CL, 5 DDs and destroy 66 Zeros & 2 Mavis. The Base gets 56 airbase hits, 22 Supply hits, 78 Runway hits.
12th - Noumea has 47 B-17s use it for extended range target practice and gets 3 base hits, 1 supply hits, 9 runway hits, and destroy another 2 Zeros

Bases:
Vava'u Port 4; Townsville AF 6; Karachi Forts 4; Sydney Forts 4; Christmas Island AF 5; Calcutta AF 9

Notes:
LCUs are being picked up in South Pacific as they prep for New Caledonia to be shipped to NZ. LCUs in USA will soon be loading on transport to Christmas. It took some time to get my mindset switched over to the offensive after the sinking of 3 CVs recently (and a fourth damaged). First counter invasion should be in early June 42, just a couple of months ahead of historical dates.

[bigred]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

I HATE reading this...distressing!

You had a good smack down..

[SuluSea]

Boy NYG,that's taking the Japanese player to the woodshed !!!

[GreyJoy]

god!...just cought up with the latest happenings...NY59: you are my hero![&o]

[ny59giants]

Thanks guys. [:)]

I had warned my opponent during our practice game to June 42 that things would be different this time around. I had gone in with a strong defensive mindset, but looking for an opportunity to hit him before the July 42 resizing option takes place. An Allied player can add those 18 plane Marine fighter units to increase survive ability and I had mentioned to my opponent the need for him to pull off Vals and replace with Zeros and Kates. He is continuing on, but feels Japan will fall quicker and will never get CV superiority again. That may be correct, but I will keep the iron fist of Allied CVs together to try not to allow him to do to me what I did to him.

Forces are on the move, but the Pacific is a very large ocean to move stuff. I am spoiled in playing Japan with those interior lines of communications. June and July will be busy months.

[ny59giants]

May 13th & 14th - China and sub wars continue

Subs:
13th - O21 is patrolling 3 hexes SW of Rangoon and survives an ASW attack by 2 DDs;
14th - Salmon is south of Truk and misses CS Chitose and 5 DDs; Halibut is in transit by Marcus and misses a TK; Grwoler gets to miss at the same group of TKs;

China:
13th - Chengtu (29 F & 74 LB); Nanning (92 LB); 1 NE Kweilin (55 F & 100 LB);
14th - 2 No Kweilin (51 F & 73 LB); 3 NNW Sian (81 F 7 134 LB); Nanning (38 LB) followed by shock attack 442:113 (falls); Poashan (31 Helens); Changteh (7 LB); 3 NW Sian (12 LB); Liuchow (43 LB); 1 East Changsha (bombardment attack only) 1385:1941(A)

India: [>:]

Australia:
13th - Tennant Creek (20 Sally)
14th - Tennant Creek (20 Sally)

South Pacific:
13th - Noumea sees 49 B-17 get 5 x 500lb bomb hits on BB Hiei
14th - Noumea sees 49 B-17 destroy 3 more Zeros on ground and get 3 more 500 lb bomb hits on BB Hiei

Bases:
Colombo AF 5: Diamond Harbor AF 4: Prince Rupert Port 9; Cold Bay Forts 4; Alice springs AF 5; Sorotra AF 3

Notes:

[ny59giants]

May 15th & 16th - Last two heavily damaged BBs head for USA

Subs:
15th - O16 is 4 ENE of Sabang and sinks a DMS with a single torpedo [:)];

China:
15th - 2 No Kwelin (23 F & 74 LB);1 NW Luichow (108 LB); 1 West Hengyang (31 F 7 25 LB) ground troops in clear terrain get killed easily; Shaoyang ((12 F 7 12 LB); Paoshan (29 Helen);
16th - 3 NNW Sian (12 F & 85 LB); 1 NE Liuchow (37 LB); 1 NW Kweilin (12 F & 66 LB) then a deliberate attack, 696:337(A) forces my forces to retreat; 1 W Hengyang (41 F & 34 LB); Paoshan (29 Helen from Burma)

India: [>:]

Australia:
15th - Tennant Creek (20 Sally)

South Pacific:
15th - Noumea (23 B-17)
16th - Noumea (42 B-17s destroy another 3 Zeros)

Bases:
Suva AF 6 (this will help my B-17s); Vava'u AF 5; Raipur Forts 3

Notes:
BB Maryland and West Virginia leave Pearl for USA with escorts to complete repairs. These were my worse two BBs and will take about 20 days to reach Alemeda. Intel shows 24 ships at Lunga.

[ny59giants]

May 17th & 18th - Anchors are lifted as ....

Subs:
17th - Searaven is 3 NNE Exmouth and is not hit by 3 DDs; Salomon is 9 NNE Kavieng and misses CS Chitose and 6 DDs
18th - O16 is 4 East Sabang amd misses a DMS; Salmon is hit once 13 south Ponape by 2 DDs; KXV is hit twice by 3 DDs 2 SW Moulmein; both subs should survive

China:
17th - Chungking (31 F & 51 LB); Kienko (19 F & 29 LB); Siamgtan (16 F & 49 LB); 1 East Changsha bombardment ends up 1385:1508(A)
18th - 2 NW Liuchow (12 F & 40 LB); 3 NNW Sian (31 F & 42 LB); Siangtan (33 F & 95 LB); 2 north Kweilin (70 LB); Changsha (16 F & 25 LB); Chungking (20 LB);

India:[>:][>:]

Australia:
17th - Tennant Creek (20 Sally)
18th - Tennant Creek (20 Sally)

South Pacific:
17th - Noumea 34 B-17E
18th - Noumea 33 B-17 destroy 4 more Zeros on the ground and hit an AP with 1 x 500lb bomb

Bases:
Adelaide AF 7; Tennant Creek AF 3; Dimapur AF 4; Albany AF 5; Perthh Forts 5; Warangal AF 2

Notes:
Most of the invasion troops for the reconquest of Canton Island and then the lower Gilberts leave San Fran for Christmas

[ny59giants]

May 19th & 20th - More scattered bombing attacks across China

Subs: [>:]

China:
19th - 2 NW Luichow (12 F & 110 LB); 3 NNW Sian (31 F & 77 LB); Shaoyang (43 F & 108 LB); Siangtan (16 F & 73 LB); Hami in far northern China is captured
20th - 3 NNW Sian (19 F & 50 LB); 3 NW Sian (21 LB); 2 NW Liuchow (12 F & 108 LB); SShayang (37 F & 114 LB); 1 SW Ningsia (12 F & 21 LB)

India:
19th - Chittagong - 47 Oscars and 24 Lilies hit the base

Australia:
17th - Tennant Creek (20 Sally); an empty Daly Waters falls

South Pacific:
17th - Noumea 34 B-17s destroy another 2 Zeros on ground
18th - Noumea sees my 35 B-17 being attacked by 18 Zeros (probably LRCAP from Koumac) and I have 5 B-17s shot down for only one Zero. The xAP gets another bomb hit.

Bases:
Townsville AF 7; Dunedin Port 7; Vladivostok Port 8

Notes:
Intel shows Imperial Guards Division is at Broome

[ny59giants]

May 21st & 22nd -

Subs:
22nd - KXII is 3 SW of Rangoon and sees nobody hit vs 3 SC

China:
21st - an empty Kuichun falls; Chungking (63 LB); 3 NNW (19 F & 50 LB); 1 NE Nanning (21 LB); 2 NW Liuchow (18 LB); 2 north Kweilin attack ends up as 413:847(A) - I cannot afford this hex to fall, so multiple troops are in route
22nd - Chungking (27 F); 3 NW Sian (31 F & 83 LB); 2 NW Liuchow (82 LB); 2 So Ankang (22 F & 70 LB) and deliberate attack of 438:4(A); 2 No Kweilin (22 F & 63 LB)

India/Burma:

Australia:
22nd - Tennant Creek (20 Sally)

South Pacific;
21st - Noumea sees a draw as 33 B-17s vs 10 Zeros
22nd - Noumea 25 B-17 vs 19 Zero sees me lose 4 more to 2 Zeros.

Bases:
Port Augusta Port 4; Ledo Forts 3; Comilla Forts 4

Notes:
This PBEM game has turned into China, China, and more China. [:D]

[ny59giants]

Since last entry, the Allies have taken Tanna and Efate. Forces were gathering and on their way for the next target. Meanwhile, after a 'nuke' bombardment of Luganville, my opponent, Seille, quit and Damian took over (August 10th). I had lost CV Wasp and CV Illustrious to two torpedo hits with one Fuel explosion each time from subs (Wasp sunk upon reaching Vava'u but was unable to successfully disband). I was down to my 5 American CVs and CV Formidable. About two weeks of game time took place before this fateful day with Damian trying to rally the Japanese forces.

The action takes place to the east of Santa Cruz Island group. The CV vs CV clash is hand-to-hand as range was only ONE hex. The Allied player, me, had sent his SC TF of 3 fast BBs and 6 DDs away from his CVs which were just 4 hexes SE of Luganville the turn before. I pay the price for the second time in my AE playing days (first was in practice game vs John 3rd to help him get game mechanics down in G'canal scenario by his 2 BBs). [:(]

I post this as many player live and die by CV action. Since the range was one hex, it seems to me that a lot of CAP and escort number are mixed together. The poor performance of his Kates turns this into a slaughter from my point of view. Both CAP 'seem' to perform poorly, IMO.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Aug 21, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Vanikoro at 126,145, Range 16,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko
CA Haguro, Shell hits 3, on fire
CA Nachi
CA Mogami, Shell hits 1
CA Mikuma
CA Kumano, Shell hits 2
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 3, on fire
CA Kako, Shell hits 1
CL Isuzu
CL Natori
CL Yura, Shell hits 1
CL Tama, Shell hits 2
DD Isonami, Shell hits 1
DD Asagiri, Shell hits 2
DD Amagiri, Shell hits 3, on fire

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise, Shell hits 3, on fire
CA Louisville, Shell hits 21, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA San Francisco, Shell hits 3, on fire
CLAA San Juan, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Phoenix, Shell hits 23, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Hughes, Shell hits 1
DD Anderson, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Mustin
DD Craven
DD Maury, Shell hits 1
DD Reid
DD Balch


Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 16,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 16,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CV Enterprise at 16,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CV Enterprise at 16,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CA Furutaka at 16,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CL Phoenix at 16,000 yards
CA Mogami engages CA Louisville at 16,000 yards
CA Kumano engages DD Balch at 16,000 yards
CA Haguro engages CL Phoenix at 16,000 yards
CA Kumano engages DD Maury at 16,000 yards
CL Tama engages CA Louisville at 16,000 yards
CL Phoenix engages CL Yura at 16,000 yards
CA Kumano engages DD Anderson at 16,000 yards
DD Amagiri engages DD Maury at 16,000 yards
DD Anderson engages DD Asagiri at 16,000 yards
DD Isonami engages DD Balch at 16,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages CV Enterprise at 11,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CL Phoenix at 11,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Phoenix at 11,000 yards
CL Phoenix engages CA Mikuma at 11,000 yards
CA Nachi engages CL Phoenix at 11,000 yards
DD Reid engages DD Amagiri at 11,000 yards
CL Phoenix engages CA Myoko at 11,000 yards
CL Tama engages CL Phoenix at 11,000 yards
DD Amagiri engages DD Mustin at 11,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Anderson at 11,000 yards
DD Amagiri engages DD Hughes at 11,000 yards
DD Hughes engages DD Amagiri at 11,000 yards
DD Isonami engages DD Mustin at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CA Kako engages CL Phoenix at 8,000 yards
CL Phoenix engages CA Furutaka at 8,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Phoenix at 8,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages CL Phoenix at 8,000 yards
CL Phoenix engages CA Mogami at 8,000 yards
DD Amagiri engages DD Balch at 8,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CA Haguro at 8,000 yards
DD Maury engages DD Isonami at 8,000 yards
CL Tama engages CL Phoenix at 8,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CL Yura at 8,000 yards
DD Amagiri engages DD Anderson at 8,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Hughes at 8,000 yards
DD Reid engages DD Amagiri at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
CA Kako engages CA Louisville at 6,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CL Phoenix at 6,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CA Furutaka at 6,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CA Mikuma at 6,000 yards
CA Mogami engages CA Louisville at 6,000 yards
CL Phoenix engages CA Nachi at 6,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CA Haguro at 6,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CA Myoko at 6,000 yards
CL Tama engages CA Louisville at 6,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CL Yura at 6,000 yards
DD Amagiri engages DD Anderson at 6,000 yards
DD Isonami engages DD Hughes at 6,000 yards
DD Amagiri engages DD Balch at 6,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Reid at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CV Enterprise at 8,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CA Furutaka at 8,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CL Tama at 8,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages CA Louisville at 8,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CLAA San Juan at 8,000 yards
DD Balch engages DD Amagiri at 8,000 yards
CLAA San Juan engages CA Haguro at 8,000 yards
CL Phoenix engages CA Myoko at 8,000 yards
DD Amagiri engages DD Craven at 8,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Mustin at 8,000 yards
DD Isonami engages DD Anderson at 8,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Hughes at 8,000 yards
DD Amagiri engages DD Hughes at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
CA Kako engages CV Enterprise at 11,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CA Furutaka at 11,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CA Furutaka at 11,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Phoenix at 11,000 yards
CA Nachi engages CLAA San Juan at 11,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Balch at 11,000 yards
CA Haguro engages CA San Francisco at 11,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CA Myoko at 11,000 yards
CL Tama engages CA Louisville at 11,000 yards
CL Yura engages CA San Francisco at 11,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages DD Hughes at 11,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Hughes at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
DD Isonami engages CV Enterprise at 9,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CA San Francisco at 9,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CA Mogami at 9,000 yards
CL Phoenix engages CA Mogami at 9,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CA Nachi at 9,000 yards
CA Haguro engages CLAA San Juan at 9,000 yards
DD Maury engages DD Isonami at 9,000 yards
CL Tama engages CLAA San Juan at 9,000 yards
CL Yura engages CLAA San Juan at 9,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Anderson at 9,000 yards
DD Amagiri engages DD Craven at 9,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Hughes at 9,000 yards
DD Isonami engages DD Balch at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CA Kako at 13,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CA Kumano at 13,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages CA Louisville at 13,000 yards
CLAA San Juan engages CA Furutaka at 13,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Balch at 13,000 yards
DD Reid engages DD Asagiri at 13,000 yards
DD Maury engages DD Isonami at 13,000 yards
CL Phoenix engages CL Tama at 13,000 yards
CLAA San Juan engages CL Yura at 13,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CL Natori at 13,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages DD Hughes at 13,000 yards
DD Anderson engages DD Isonami at 13,000 yards
Range increases to 17,000 yards
DD Isonami engages CV Enterprise at 17,000 yards
CL Phoenix engages CA Furutaka at 17,000 yards
CLAA San Juan engages CA Kumano at 17,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CA Mikuma at 17,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CLAA San Juan at 17,000 yards
CL Phoenix engages CA Nachi at 17,000 yards
CA Myoko engages DD Maury at 17,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CL Tama at 17,000 yards
DD Anderson engages DD Asagiri at 17,000 yards
DD Hughes engages DD Amagiri at 17,000 yards
DD Amagiri engages DD Mustin at 17,000 yards
Range increases to 22,000 yards
CV Enterprise screened from combat
- escorted by DD Balch , DD Reid , DD Maury ,
DD Craven , DD Mustin , DD Anderson ,
DD Hughes
CA Kako engages CV Enterprise at 22,000 yards
CLAA San Juan engages CA Nachi at 22,000 yards
CA Haguro engages CV Enterprise at 22,000 yards
Range increases to 27,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CLAA San Juan at 27,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CLAA San Juan at 27,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CL Phoenix at 27,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CLAA San Juan at 27,000 yards
CA Nachi engages DD Balch at 27,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CA Haguro at 27,000 yards
CA Haguro engages DD Maury at 27,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages DD Mustin at 27,000 yards
CA Louisville engages DD Amagiri at 27,000 yards
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vanikoro at 127,146

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 51 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 170
B5N2 Kate x 133

Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 9
F4F-3 Wildcat x 20
F4F-4 Wildcat x 73

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 39 destroyed, 14 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Formidable, Torpedo hits 3, heavy damage
CV Saratoga
CA Dorsetshire
CL Newcastle
CL Hobart, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL Mauritius
CA Houston
DD Napier
CL Dauntless


Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
10 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
16 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
9 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
11 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
6 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
5 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
6 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
VMF-211 with F4F-3 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 5 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
VF-3 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 5 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 5 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 5 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
No.888 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 3 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
VMF-121 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 3 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
VMF-122 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 3 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
VMF-221 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 3 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vanikoro at 126,145

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 166

Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 12
Martlet II x 9
F4F-3 Wildcat x 20
F4F-4 Wildcat x 61
SBD-3 Dauntless x 153
TBF-1 Avenger x 60

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Albacore I: 1 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVE Hosho, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
BB Ise, Bomb hits 2
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
BB Hyuga, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
BB Yamato, Bomb hits 4, on fire
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 1
CVE Unyo, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CV Hiyo, Bomb hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 5, on fire
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Hamakaze
CL Oi
DD Shigure
CL Jintsu, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Shirayuki
CVE Taiyo


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

CAP engaged:
Chitose Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
13th Ku S-1 /A with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
13th Ku S-1 /B with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
1st Ku S-1/A with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
13th Ku S-1 /C with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
6th Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers
3rd Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 10 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 7 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
Unyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 12 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Zuiho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Junyo
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Hiyo
Fuel storage explosion on CV Kaga
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Unyo
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring BB Haruna


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vanikoro at 126,145

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 146

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 10
F4F-4 Wildcat x 13
SBD-3 Dauntless x 34
TBF-1 Avenger x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 destroyed, 7 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
BB Haruna, on fire
DD Kuroshio
DD Hayashio
BB Yamato, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CL Oi, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
14 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
14 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
Chitose Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
13th Ku S-1 /A with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 17000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
1st Ku S-1/A with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
13th Ku S-1 /C with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
6th Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (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 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
3rd Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 3 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 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 10 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 7 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
Unyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 12 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
13th Ku S-1 /B with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Zuiho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring BB Haruna

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Vanikoro at 127,146

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 58
B5N2 Kate x 11

Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 4
F4F-3 Wildcat x 14
F4F-4 Wildcat x 58

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 6 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
DD Grayson
CV Lexington


CAP engaged:
No.888 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (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 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
No.888 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 5 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-3 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 5 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 4 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-121 with F4F-4 Wildcat (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 3 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-122 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 3 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-221 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 3 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Vanikoro at 126,145

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 128

Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 2
Martlet II x 5
F4F-3 Wildcat x 19
F4F-4 Wildcat x 56
SBD-3 Dauntless x 145
TBF-1 Avenger x 56

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Albacore I: 1 damaged
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 23 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu
CVL Ryujo, Bomb hits 1
DD Hatsukaze
BB Hyuga, Bomb hits 7, on fire
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
CVL Zuiho, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CVE Unyo, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVE Taiyo, Bomb hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Jintsu
CV Akagi, Bomb hits 2
DD Kawakaze
DD Arare
BB Ise, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1
DD Shigure
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 1
CVE Hosho, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Suzuya, Bomb hits 1
CL Sendai, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shiratsuyu

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

CAP engaged:
Chitose Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (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 9000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
13th Ku S-1 /A with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
13th Ku S-1 /B with A6M2 Zero (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 9000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
6th Ku S-1 with A6M2 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 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 16 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 18 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 10 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
Unyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 12 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Shoho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Unyo
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Zuiho
Ammo storage explosion on CVE Taiyo
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Taiyo
Fuel storage explosion on CVL Shoho
Ammo storage explosion on CVE Taiyo
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring BB Hyuga

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Vanikoro at 127,146

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 117 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 49 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 49
B5N2 Kate x 40

Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 3
F4F-3 Wildcat x 7
F4F-4 Wildcat x 44

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 14 destroyed, 5 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Saratoga, Torpedo hits 2
DD Caldwell

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
3 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.888 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
No.888 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 12810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-121 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 12810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-122 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-221 with F4F-3 Wildcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers