[font="Times New Roman"]17 November 1942[/font]
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[X(][:(][;)][:@][:)]
This was my first experience of a CV clash in an AE PBEM. Like most first time experiences the climax did not turn out exactly as planned. Still, it was exciting and hard fought on both sides. I know who came out ahead in this one, but I'm not sure Jocke does yet. Please don't spill the beans!
So Pac: In spite of our retreat the Allies charged in unseen and got in range for strikes with the full array of US CVs! I had though this could happen, and had moved Emilys into La Foa and Koumac, as well as Funafuti to give extra search on the back doors. A string of Glen subs were South of Fiji for the same reason.
In spite of these precautions, the massive CV TFs were not seen on sigint or through search. His CVs were in three TFs, two in one hex and one in another. Unofrtunately for me, there were severe storms over all of his carriers and only moderate rains over mine. I'm not sure if this is why so few of my planes flew, or if it was something else. Moral was good, Fresh groups had flown on to replace the beat up ones from a few days ago, and we had first shot. A few zeros are set to partial LR CAP 'commander discretion,' and 17 from 4 separate CVs did meet 4Es over Anatom, but this shouldn't have meant much .
The real killer was that the commander of one group, Tamon Yamaguchi, apparently reacted toward the US CVs with one TF while the other stayed behind two hexes away. This effectively split the CAP and probably hurt coordination. The biggest US strike went after the smaller of the two TFs, which was farther away, and was devastating.
It wasn't a complete lost day, as several US CVs are hit hard. Wasp goes down for sure, and the Big E looks to follow. Yorktown had an ammo explosion and showed 'heavy fires, heavy damage' but I bet will make it if I can't get a sub in her way.
On our side, Soryu is gone already. Shokaku is lost with heavy damage and massive fires. Zuikaku has a chance, but with 57 37 18 and 80 fires, its doubtful. Hosho will also go down tomorrow no doubt.
More analysis coming up, but here are the reports.
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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Yasawa Islands at 127,157
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
B5N2 Kate x 17
D3A1 Val x 39
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 4
F4F-3 Wildcat x 18
F4F-4 Wildcat x 90
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 8 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 6 destroyed, 5 damaged
D3A1 Val: 10 destroyed, 8 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
CA Quincy
CV Enterprise, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Vincennes
CA Chester
CLAA Atlanta
BB Washington
CV Wasp
CV Hornet
Aircraft Attacking:
2 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
15 x D3A1 Val bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(18 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(18 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 18 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 34000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 12 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 14000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 12 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 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 34000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
35th FG/39th FS with P-39D Airacobra (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers
8th FG/80th FS with P-39D Airacobra (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 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Ammo storage explosion on CV Enterprise
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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Yasawa Islands at 127,157
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 53
B5N2 Kate x 31
D3A1 Val x 71
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 3
F4F-3 Wildcat x 11
F4F-4 Wildcat x 81
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed, 11 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 4 destroyed, 23 damaged
D3A1 Val: 3 destroyed by flak
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 destroyed
Allied Ships
BB North Carolina, Bomb hits 1
CV Enterprise, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Quincy, Torpedo hits 1
CV Wasp, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk Banzai!!! [&o]
CV Hornet, Bomb hits 1
CLAA Atlanta
DD Mugford
CA Vincennes
DD Henley
BB Washington
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
8 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
11 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
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(17 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 90 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(17 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8810 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F4F-3 Wildcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8180 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 72 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 13 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 12 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8810 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
35th FG/39th FS with P-39D Airacobra (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 15000
Raid is overhead
8th FG/80th FS with P-39D Airacobra (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 6 minutes
Ammo storage explosion on CV Yorktown
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Yorktown
Ammo storage explosion on CV Enterprise [&o]
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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tanna at 125,156
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 65
Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 17
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
SBD-3 Dauntless x 68
TBF-1 Avenger x 12
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 23 destroyed, 10 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CVL Zuiho
CVL Ryujo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Kaga
CVE Hosho, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
CV Akagi
CV Hiyo
Aircraft Attacking:
8 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 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 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
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP 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
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
CAP engaged:
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
Hosho-1/A with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 3 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 2 on standby, 8 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 1 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Fuel storage explosion on CVE Hosho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Hosho
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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tanna at 125,156
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 53
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
SBD-3 Dauntless x 34
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 10 destroyed, 7 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese Ships
CV Kaga
CV Hiyo
CV Junyo, on fire
CV Akagi
BB Hiei
Aircraft Attacking:
3 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
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 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
CAP engaged:
Hosho-1/A with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 58 minutes
20 planes vectored on to bombers
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 64 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
3 planes vectored on to bombers
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After these strikes I was jumping up and down thinking how well things were going! Next time I'll stay in my seat until it's all over.
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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Efate at 124,154
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 53
SBD-3 Dauntless x 102
TBF-1 Avenger x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 5 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed by flak
SBD-3 Dauntless: 13 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 damaged
Japanese Ships
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CA Tone, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires
DD Kawakaze
DD Makigumo
BB Kirishima, Bomb hits 1
DD Shigure
CA Chikuma, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Sagiri
DD Yugumo
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
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
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
16 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
13 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 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
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 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
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (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 9000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 2 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 4 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 2 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Zuikaku
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Shokaku
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Soryu
Fuel storage explosion on CV Soryu
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Tone
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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Efate at 124,154
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 9
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 3 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 17000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 67 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 19000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 78 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Efate at 124,154
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 15
P-38F Lightning x 9
P-38G Lightning x 20
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
P-38F Lightning: 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed
Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Soryu, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Zuikaku, heavy fires
BB Kirishima
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 4000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 4000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 4000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 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 9000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Shokaku
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Soryu
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Zuikaku
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tanna at 125,156
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 30
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 6
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 6 damaged
Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, on fire
CVL Zuiho
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 4000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 96 minutes
Shokaku-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 10000 , scrambling fighters to 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 94 minutes
Zuiho-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 15000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
Hosho-1/A with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Junyo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Yasawa Islands at 127,157
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 8
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 1
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6
F4F-4 Wildcat x 55
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 5 destroyed
No Allied losses
CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
VF-3 with F4F-3 Wildcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 23620.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 18000.
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)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (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 14000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tanna at 125,156
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 21 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 30
Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 12
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 4 destroyed, 5 damaged
Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho
CV Akagi
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Hosho-1/A with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Efate at 124,154
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 12
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 damaged
Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku, heavy fires, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
CAP engaged:
Hosho-1/A with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 62 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 55 minutes
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 5160.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Efate at 124,154
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid detected at 44 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 12
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 2 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
CAP engaged:
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (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, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 5160.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9080 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
Hosho-1/A with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead
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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Efate at 124,154
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 6
P-38F Lightning x 9
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Oboro
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 4000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Hosho-1/A with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Shokaku
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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tanna at 125,156
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 12
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese Ships
CV Kaga
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
Hosho-1/A with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead
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At the end of it all, Anatom was captured. Talk about anti-climactic!
The one extremely positive thing about that was many US planes diverted there to land. About 70 were lost with their pilots when the base changed hands. Roughly 260 Allied planes were lost on the day!!! That compared to 142 for the IJN. About 172 SBD lost alone! That should cut down strike ability for a few months at least.
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Ground combat at Anatom (120,159)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 18243 troops, 184 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 597
Defending force 3116 troops, 80 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 51
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1
Japanese adjusted assault: 204
Allied adjusted defense: 61
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Anatom !!!
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 49 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 21 destroyed
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: disruption(-)
Japanese ground losses:
205 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 24 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Allied ground losses:
3739 casualties reported
Squads: 61 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 310 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 42 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 116 (116 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 6 (6 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 4
Assaulting units:
16th Division
53rd Infantry Brigade
Sasebo 6th SNLF
Defending units:
22nd Australian Brigade
2nd USN Naval Construction Battalion
2nd Marine Defense Battalion
138th(Sep) Infantry Rgt /1
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"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill
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