Wild Sheep Chase - obvert (J) vs JocMeister (A)

[PaxMondo]

I don't think a trashed runway at your point of removal will matter to transports, point of origin does matter.  Tina's are far more efficient than Mavis if they are in range, but not that big of a deal.
 
Noumea, I tend to agree.  The only way to support is from the Hebrides/Santa Cruz; but even then he can easily cut you off by going at the Solomons from New Guinea.  Without Naval supremacy, I don't see being able to hold them, and even then I would ask why take the risk?

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

I don't think a trashed runway at your point of removal will matter to transports, point of origin does matter.  Tina's are far more efficient than Mavis if they are in range, but not that big of a deal.

Noumea, I tend to agree.  The only way to support is from the Hebrides/Santa Cruz; but even then he can easily cut you off by going at the Solomons from New Guinea.  Without Naval supremacy, I don't see being able to hold them, and even then I would ask why take the risk?

After I posted my last report I watched a replay and realized that he's been reconning a base called Ambrym, a dot base two hexes SE of Luganville. My guess is that he clicked the wrong spot and hasn't checked since. So because there have been planes consistently at Luganville it's likely he hasn't noticed the large transport group now stationed there. I left the group as Tinas because this base is still in operation. There are also Nicks LR CAPing the base, so when he figures it out he might not get a free shot anyway.

I also flew a small group of Thalias to Belep, which I'll just keep going as another steady pull from Anatom. The Emilys can pull all of the way from Tulagi, and I'll leave this on until it looks like I'm losing planes to ops too often.

I hope to make the New Guinea route tough. A division just landed in Rabaul to be sent to Port Moresby. A brigade is due to Milne Bay.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]25 November 1942[/font]
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subs: Several sub attacks. Nothing hit.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]
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Sub attack near Shanghai at 95,60

Japanese Ships
xAK Seian Maru
PB Naruto Maru #3

Allied Ships
SS Wahoo



SS Wahoo launches 4 torpedoes at xAK Seian Maru
Wahoo bottoming out ....
PB Naruto Maru #3 fails to find sub, continues to search...


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Sub attack near Rambutyo at 103,120

Japanese Ships
TK Akebono Maru
SC Ch 4
TK Nissyo Maru
TK Goyo Maru
DD Hokaze

Allied Ships
SS Silversides



SS Silversides launches 4 torpedoes at TK Akebono Maru
Silversides diving deep ....
DD Hokaze fails to find sub, continues to search...


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ASW attack near Suva at 132,161

Japanese Ships
SS I-16

Allied Ships
DD Farenholt
DD Arrow
DD Woodworth



SS I-16 is located by DD Farenholt
I-16 diving deep ....
DD Arrow fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Woodworth attacking submerged sub ....
DD Woodworth is out of ASW ammo

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So Pac: The transports started picking up units today from Anatom. it'll be a long process. I also put together a good fast transport TF and set it just out of 20 hex search range above Ndeni. I'll just have to be very sneaky about this with CVs in the neighborhood.

The sub cordon around Suva is tightening. I just don't know if the ship I'm looking to trap is still here. Recon hasn't picked up anything that is definitely a CV in Suva.

The mini-sub carrier is nearing it's destination.

Burma: The sweep below looks bad but on the day 9 Tojos were lost to 5 Lightnings. I'll take that, as over our base only 2 pilots were lost.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 20 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 44



Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 25


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38F Lightning: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
64th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 8 on standby, 30 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 36000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes

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What a useful plane so far in this war. I set up a factory and continued to build them after the beginning, and although it's now shut off I should have enough to take me until the bigger better Emily-L come online. I'll trade them off with Mavis as needed depending on the nature of the bases I'm pulling from and flying from.
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[PaxMondo]

Just learned the L3Y was a derivative of the Nell.  I never knew that, always thought it was a knock off of a DC2 or something.  learn something new every day. [;)]

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: obvert


I'll leave this on until it looks like I'm losing planes to ops too often.

add 30% rest and you shouldn't lose any planes at all.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

ORIGINAL: obvert


I'll leave this on until it looks like I'm losing planes to ops too often.

add 30% rest and you shouldn't lose any planes at all.

Cool. I put them on 20% rest. I'll try 30%.

It seems to be pulling well. The Emilys just pick up so much. One day's run with them is virtually the same as one CL picking up troops.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]26 November 1942[/font]
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So Pac: He finally goes for the troops at Anatom. This one attack brought the disruption into the 70s for all units! That sucks. This is the first use of the B-25 in the Pacific so far. I've been wondering where they all are hiding.

No threats to the evacuation process so far.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 16th Division, at 120,159 (Anatom)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 31
B-17E Fortress x 33
B-24D Liberator x 26
B-25C Mitchell x 60
P-38G Lightning x 21


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
344 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Burma: The Allies hit Magwe with P-40K sweeps. They did't do so well.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 1
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 44



Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 49


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40K Warhawk: 9 destroyed



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x P-40K Warhawk sweeping at 29000 feet

CAP engaged:
24th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000
Raid is overhead
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
54th Sentai Det A with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
59th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (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 31000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
64th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 24 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 15000 and 35000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes


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[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]27 November 1942[/font]
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So Pac: Another 4E raid hits Anatom. The troops are highly disrupted again. They're getting pulled out steadily nonetheless.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 16th Division, at 120,159 (Anatom)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 30
B-17E Fortress x 32
B-24D Liberator x 17
B-25C Mitchell x 60
P-38G Lightning x 16


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
235 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 28 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on 16th Division, at 120,159 (Anatom)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 8
B-24D Liberator x 8
P-38G Lightning x 5


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
53 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 53rd Infantry Brigade ...
Also attacking 16th Division ...
Also attacking 53rd Infantry Brigade ...


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JPC: Helens and the few Sallys not yet replaced begin to stage near the Burma border for raids into India from Kunming, Lashio and Katha. I'll most likely just pop them in and then out every time I want to attack.

Burma: Massive bombing runs hit Magwe targeting oil again. Happily we got to the bombers today. The raids did take the oil to 28 (272) and a group of Lightings came in at the end to massacre my Tojos. Overall we were way ahead on the day though.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 8
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 82


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 61
Wellington Ic x 42
P-40E Warhawk x 74


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 5 damaged
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed by flak
Wellington Ic: 10 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 5 destroyed

Oil hits 26

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Blenheim IV bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
11 x Wellington Ic bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
13 x Blenheim IV bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
16 x Wellington Ic bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x Blenheim IV bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
16 x Blenheim IV bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
15 x Wellington Ic bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead

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Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 17
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 75



Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 16


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 6 destroyed


CAP engaged:
50th Sentai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (17 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
17 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead
1st Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (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 12000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 14
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 72



Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12
B-17F Fortress x 11
B-25C Mitchell x 15
B-26 Marauder x 48
P-40E Warhawk x 24


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17F Fortress: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged
B-26 Marauder: 5 destroyed, 5 damaged
B-26 Marauder: 1 destroyed by flak
P-40E Warhawk: 9 destroyed

Oil hits 20

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers

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Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 10
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 51



Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 9 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed by flak


Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (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 12000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 24 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 31



Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 22


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 7 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
54th Sentai Det A with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (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 to 8000.

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The Ki-56 'Thalia.' This has been the workhorse transport for the IJAAF so far. It's range makes it useful even over Pacific distances. One group is pulling from Anatom to Belep currently, and a few more are in the area to step in should they be needed.

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[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]28 November until 4 December 1942[/font]
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It's been a few days since the last update. RL happening full force these past few weeks. This weekly update will get me nearly caught up to the game.

subs: On the 28th a sub finally got into a big convoy and hit something with troops on it. That's a first in 11 months of the game.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Nov 28, 42
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Sub attack near Nadi at 128,162

Japanese Ships
SS I-26, hits 1

Allied Ships
AP Crescent City, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
CA Canberra
CL St. Louis
DD Peary
DD Preston
DMS Long
AP Thomas Jefferson
AP President Monroe
AP Henderson
xAP Neptuna
xAP Kedah
DD Rathburne
DD Kane
DD Pope


Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)


SS I-26 launches 2 torpedoes at AP Crescent City
DD Rathburne fails to find sub, continues to search...

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On the 29th the mini-sub attack on Suva turned into minesweeping. Oh, well. At least it got in there. I just saw 'Torpedo Run' and thought maybe it could be as lucky as the Grayfish, but not even close.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Nov 29, 42
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TF 181 encounters mine field at Suva (132,160)

Japanese Ships
SSX Ha-16, Mine hits 1, heavy damage

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On the 4th our ASW trap in the straits near Den Passar likely took out the KXV with 5 hits, three of them solid showing explosions and the like. I'm also converting more of the small 11 knot Kiso class to ACMs. These are now less effective as escorts, and I'd like more minefields on small islands like Komodo that command a point of entry to the DEI.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 04, 42
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Sub attack near Denpasar at 59,108

Japanese Ships
SC Ch 28
SC Ch 15
SC Ch 33

Allied Ships
SS KXV, hits 5


Captain of SS KXV elects not to launch torpedoes at this target
KXV bottoming out ....
SC Ch 33 fails to find sub and abandons search
SC Ch 28 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 28 attacking submerged sub ....
SC Ch 28 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 28 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 28 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 28 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


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So Pac: On the 30th near Anatom I stupidly sent in the CLAA Tatsuya to try to pick up troops. The Boise and others met the ship and sunk it. So much for that idea.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Nov 30, 42
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Anatom at 120,159, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CLAA Tatsuta, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Boise, Shell hits 1
DD Mugford, Shell hits 2
DD Ralph Talbot
DD Henley
DD Jarvis
DD Gridley

Japanese ground losses:
213 casualties reported
Squads: 20 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 17 (13 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 50% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
CLAA Tatsuta engages CL Boise at 8,000 yards

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Also on the 30th he began hitting the troops at Tanna. It is only a Coy here so they will go down quickly to this kind of bombing. I started to take the unit out after this.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 8th Indpt SNLF Coy , at 120,157 (Tanna)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 30
Hudson III (LR) x 12
B-25C Mitchell x 36


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
51 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

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Again, on the 30th I was incensed when 4Es took out my Tina transports, which should have been in the air on their mission to pick up troops at Anatom over 500 miles away. Nearly the entire group was destroyed on the ground. Not sure why bombing missions get the planes off the fields during raids, but transport missions do not.

Regardlesss, this meant everything was moved back to Ndeni, probably where I should have placed them earlier.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Luganville , at 120,150

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 8
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 2


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 51
B-24D Liberator x 35


Japanese aircraft losses
L3Y2 Tina: 10 destroyed on ground
D3A1 Val: 3 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged


Airbase hits 28
Airbase supply hits 9
Runway hits 107

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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JPC: More garrison units heading out to the islands. One just embarking for Buna.

Burma: On the 29th I launched what was supposed to be a large attack on an under protected Akyab. Weather turned it into a pinprick raid, but it did catch him with the CAP down. I wish the other 100 Helens would have flown.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Nov 29, 42
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Afternoon Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 73
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 15



Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 damaged
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 2 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 12000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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On December 2nd I sent sweeps over Imphal and bombed the oil at Ledo. I won't be taking it so I thought I might as well see if I could take it away from the Allies as well. Results were not bad, and at least the bombers flew this time. After the replay the Oil shows it lost 25 points to those 7 hits. Kunming was the launch point.

The sweeps were about even against determined a few groups of Hurri IIc.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 02, 42
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Morning Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 42



Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 46


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIc Trop: 3 destroyed



Aircraft Attacking:
28 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 31000 feet

CAP engaged:
No.67 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIc Trop (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 8 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 31000 and 35600.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
No.136 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIc Trop (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 7 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 31000 and 35000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
No.615 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIc Trop (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 8 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 31000 and 35600.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes



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Morning Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 21 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 23



Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 30


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIc Trop: 1 destroyed



Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 31000 feet

CAP engaged:
No.67 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIc Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 31080 and 34000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
No.136 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIc Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters to 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
No.615 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIc Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 31000 and 33000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes



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Morning Air attack on Imphal , at 60,40

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 101 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 3



Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 13


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIc Trop: 1 destroyed



CAP engaged:
No.67 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIc Trop (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters to 35600.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
No.136 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIc Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 33000 and 35600.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
No.615 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIc Trop (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 30000 and 34000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ledo , at 65,38

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 65 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 19
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 62
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 49



Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 damaged
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 3 damaged



Oil hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 10000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
30 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 10000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
19 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/font]


___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Recon shows everyday that the CVs are still hanging around Suva. I'm thinking this means he's finally serious about moving out and taking some of the New Hebrides and going at either Noumea or somewhere like Ndeni.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]5 December 1942[/font]
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ok. Now I'm back online more. Moving before you expect to by about 2 weeks throws a wrench in everything.

subs: More of the subs I've taken from other areas are arriving in Tulagi. By the time they all arrive I should have around 30 circling the Suva area and a few more on the approaches to both Auckland and Sydney. If the Yorktown is indeed badly damaged and still in port, it has to move at some point, and I'd like to be ready. Also, everything in the So Pac area seems concentrated here.

Many of the ones arriving are in some state of damage and about 5 are on pier side or getting patched up with the repair ship there.

So Pac: Anatom troops get plastered. Another big strike. At least I'm still getting them out easily every turn. No attempts to LR CAP yet.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 16th Division, at 120,159 (Anatom)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 29
B-17E Fortress x 51
B-24D Liberator x 32
B-25C Mitchell x 35
P-38G Lightning x 21


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
326 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 32 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

----------------------------------------------------------------------------[/font]

Burma: This front seems quiet as most Allied planes have been moved back. Maybe the ineffectual attack of a few days ago had some lasting effect.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[obvert]

x

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]7 December 1942[/font]
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Something seems to be happening now.

subs: A few sub attacks but nothing major.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Swatow at 79,67

Japanese Ships
xAK Kuroshio Maru
xAK Iwaki Maru
xAK Daijukyo Maru
PB Toko Maru

Allied Ships
SS Haddock



SS Haddock is sighted by escort
PB Toko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Toko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Toko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Toko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Toko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Iba at 74,74

Japanese Ships
TK Fujisan Maru
TK Amatsu Maru
PB Ichiyu Maru

Allied Ships
SS Peto



SS Peto launches 2 torpedoes at TK Fujisan Maru
PB Ichiyu Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Ichiyu Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Ichiyu Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Ichiyu Maru attacking submerged sub ....
PB Ichiyu Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/font]

So Pac: A 7 ship SCTF shot out from the Fiji region today. This ended up in the Anatom and Tanna region. Maybe he is looking for more fast transports taking out troops. I won't be trying that soon with the entire US navy at Suva.

Burma: Nothing.


___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jakes are at Noumea searching the area.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]8 December 1942[/font]
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

An Allied invasion!

subs: Still a few Dutch subs around. I'd really like to wipe them all out. More ASW is now setting the trap at Komodo.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Makassar at 63,105

Japanese Ships
PB Kenan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
SC Ch 37
xAK Nitii Maru
xAK Shikano Maru
xAK Sanura Maru
xAK Ryotaku Maru
PB Manyo Maru

Allied Ships
SS KXVIII

SS KXVIII launches 2 torpedoes at PB Kenan Maru
KXVIII diving deep ....
PB Manyo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Manyo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Manyo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Manyo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Manyo Maru attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/font]

So Pac: Ok. Something is definitely up. Many TFs including CVs moved out today and seem to be heading to Tanna. The last IJN troops are off of that island. Allied troops have now taken their place! Looks like a fast transport TF.

Our long range G3M3 from Tulagi (!) actually strike down here and get skewered by LR CAP of Wildcats.

I am getting the KB ready. It looks like he's only brought 2 CVs out here. not sure, but that is what search indicates so far.

The KB will embark tomorrow to station just out of search range from Suva and be ready to move in should there seem to be a good chance. With Ryujo I should be slightly ahead in numbers, but the quality is still recovering from the recent clash. What will help no matter what happens is that two large A6M3a groups are available from Ndeni and Koumac for LR CAP and escort.

I'm reluctant to use the KB so soon after the last battle. If he's conducting offensive operations though, some of the CAP could be split and he might also not be expecting a strike thinking I'm still recovering. I'll play it turn by turn.

Also, some Kate and Val remnants of the CVs that went down will move to Luganville. This will probably get hammered by 4Es, but worth a try. A6M3a can escort from Ndeni to close to Tanna.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tanna at 120,157

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 62 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 12



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8


Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 5 destroyed, 4 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CA Hawkins
DD Peary
DD Pope



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M3 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
VF-3 with F4F-3 Wildcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Raid is overhead

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/font]

Burma: nothing.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I wish I had Judys now! They will be ready next month to go into production. Still stuck with Vals.

However, most KB groups are upgraded to A6M3a now.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]9 December 1942[/font]
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

subs: The gaggle of subs in the area now moving between Tanna and Fiji score today. DD Pope is heard sinking.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Nadi at 125,161

Japanese Ships
SS I-24, hits 4

Allied Ships
DD Pope, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Peary
AP Heywood
AP Hunter Liggett
DD Voyager



SS I-24 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Pope
DD Voyager fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Voyager fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Voyager attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Kabara at 134,165

Japanese Ships
SS I-169, hits 1

Allied Ships
SC-630
xAK Thomas Nelson
xAK Peter H. Burnett
xAK Juan Cabrillo
xAK James Schureman
xAK George Ross
xAK George H. Williams
xAK Edwin Markham
xAK Edwin M. Stanton
KV Chilliwack
SC-647



SS I-169 is sighted by escort
I-169 diving deep ....
KV Chilliwack fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC-647 fails to find sub and abandons search
KV Chilliwack attacking submerged sub ....
KV Chilliwack fails to find sub, continues to search...
KV Chilliwack fails to find sub, continues to search...
KV Chilliwack fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/font]

So Pac: The Allied CVs are reported to be in the Tanna hex. This is good news, considering the reduced flying that would happen if they remained there. I'm thinking of sending the KB in.

Luganville was hit by a 4E raid, as predicted, but the Nicks did well there shooting down 5 4Es. Only a few Vals were lost on the ground, but nothing should fly tomorrow due to the field damage.

Nells flew again as did Kates from Noumea, and both were hit as the escort from Koumac did not fly. Grrrr. I'll have to turn the Nells off now and put them back on search only as their moral dipped into the 50s. With 18 Emilys, 4 IJN 2E groups, and Jakes from several different locations, our search should be at least equal if not slightly better than the Allies. I've also got several groups of Jakes on the KB ships on night search 1k 10 hex range.

I'm going to move the KB into 8 hex range of Tanna. I'll keep them to the West of Luganville, right on or even out of range of search from Suva. This is extremely risky, but at least there is LBA support this time and I'm moving in everything I can fit on all bases in the area to augment the KB. I've even put a sacrificial group of Jakes on Efate, which has no air support, just to increase search in the area. He most likely will not bring the CVs to far north knowing that the Netties can reach down there, and not knowing how many groups I have at my disposal. Fingers crossed.


[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Luganville , at 120,150

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 20



Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 40
B-24D Liberator x 25


Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled



Airbase hits 35
Airbase supply hits 16
Runway hits 83

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on TF, near Tanna at 120,157

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 58 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 9
G3M3 Nell x 10



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16


Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 5 destroyed
G3M3 Nell: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DD Peary



CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Raid is overhead
VF-3 with F4F-3 Wildcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Raid is overhead
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/font]

JPC: Another garrison leaves Hong Kong for Rabaul. This one will most likely head to Ontong Java, the well placed atoll to the East of the Solomons.

Burma: Nothing happening.


___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Because she missed the last battle refitting, the Hiryu has some of the best IJN pilots in her groups. All of them are in the the 70-80 exp range, and most have augmented skills in ASW and search from their beginning levels.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]10 December 1942[/font]
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Today will change the game completely. This time, the weather is on my side. [8D]

subs: Some good intel was gleaned by this sub attack on the covering force at Tanna.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tanna at 120,157

Japanese Ships
SS I-171, hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Fox
BB Idaho
BB Nevada
DD Walke
DD Rathburne
DD Kane
DD Hatfield

SS I-171 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Fox

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/font]

So Pac: The air phase began with a flight of A6M3a sweeping over Tanna to hit any LR CAP there. Unfortunately they flew into empty air and probably would have been better in an escort role.

The US CVs moved North and East, exactly 7 hexes from the position of the KB. Although the KB was sighted, the US CVs were not able to launch ANY attacks!! [&o][&o][&o] There were severe storms two hexes away in Luganville and I'm guessing some part of this system is what kept the US planes from finding our CVs.

The first wave of 140 odd strike planes flew into clear weather over the US CVs just to the NE of Tanna. All were hit plus both fast battleships were stuck with torpedoes. The Washington took 4 in the first strike and the NC took 3. Of the CVs the Hornet got the brunt of the Kates fury with three torpedo hits and an Ammo storage explosion. Two duds hit the Lex in addition to the one that hit and exploded. This caused engine damage and might have helped the Kates in the afternoon phase. The Saratoga took two fish also reporting engine damage.

After already taking big losses going in due to fighters and flak, the Wildcats pounced on the way out and took down another 15 Kates and Vals.

Several other strikes went for ships at Tanna from Noumea and Koumac. These did little damage, but some Wildcats did fly that direction. Also, a 4E strike over Luganville diverted some of the KB CAP and they took down about 5 of the heavies with a few losses to show for it.

When the afternoon phase began and there had been no US strikes, I knew this was going to be a very good day! The late strike was small and the Vals didn't fly at all. Still, most Kates made it past the depleted CAP, flying from only the Lex (with a few leftovers from the other CVs still in the air), and the strike made sure the Hornet was going under and put the Lex and the NC into sinking condition. CA Indianapolis also took 3 torps on the day and the CLAA San Juan took one.

The US CVs were far enough out from land that it seems most of the Wilcats were lost to ops while only the Hornet groups went down with their ship. This likely confirms the other CVs are still afloat and could make it back to Suva if they are lucky. A map will follow with the plan for tomorrow.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tanna , at 120,157

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 34



No Japanese losses



Aircraft Attacking:
34 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 22000 feet

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Tanna at 122,156

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
A6M3a Zero x 63
B5N2 Kate x 83
D3A1 Val x 60



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 34
F4F-4 Wildcat x 70


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 21 destroyed, 23 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 8 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 20 destroyed, 16 damaged
D3A1 Val: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 10, Torpedo hits 1
BB Washington, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CLAA San Juan, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CV Hornet, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
BB North Carolina, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA Portland, Bomb hits 1
CA Indianapolis, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
12 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
12 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
5 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
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
10 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 17 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
VF-3 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 17 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 12 on standby, 18 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes

Ammo storage explosion on CV Hornet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Tanna at 120,157

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 5



Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
AK Libra, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Perkins


Allied ground losses:
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)


Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-8 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 14000 , scrambling fighters to 7620.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 72 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tanna at 120,157

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 71 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 9
B5N2 Kate x 5



Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Nevada
BB Idaho, Bomb hits 1



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Luganville , at 120,150

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M3a Zero x 16



Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 23
B-24D Liberator x 23


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 2 destroyed on ground
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 8 damaged



Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 17

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M3a Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
Ryujo-1 with A6M3a Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
Hiyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Shoho-1 with A6M3a Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
Zuiho-1 with A6M3a 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



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Luganville , at 120,150

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M3a Zero x 33



Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 15


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 7 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Hiyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 111 minutes
Shoho-1 with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 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 between 6000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M3a Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
Akagi-1 with A6M3a Zero (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(12 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
12 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 6000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 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 5000 and 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 68 minutes
Hiryu-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 10000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 80 minutes
Ryujo-1 with A6M3a 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 to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 166 minutes

Nishiura B. in a A6M3a Zero makes head on attack ... forces B-17E Fortress out of formation


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tanna at 122,156

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
A6M3a Zero x 37
B5N2 Kate x 36



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
F4F-4 Wildcat x 32


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 4 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 28 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
BB North Carolina, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
CV Lexington, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CV Hornet, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CA San Francisco
CA Indianapolis, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
11 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
8 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

CAP engaged:
VF-3 with F4F-3 Wildcat (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 14000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 11 on standby, 15 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 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 38 minutes
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Burma: Lightnings swept Schwebo meeting only Oscars, and miraculously the Oscars took out 5 Lightings for 8 lost.

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[font="Times New Roman"]Air Losses[/font]
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The air losses on the day are staggering for both sides. Luckily I've got the Junyo groups to augment the depleted KB for tomorrow. They will fly onto Kaga and Akagi, and the zeros to Noumea to escort Bettys also flying in there.

This should mean the KB has a strike package of nearly 100 planes but almost 200 zeros still flying and LR CAP and escort help from LBA bases.

All available air power within range is brought to bear for tomorrow. I want to finish the job and make sure if there are any forays by surface groups they are punished for any damage they cause.

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[koniu]

Congratulations!!!

Superb day for You. Now go Finish Him:)

koniu

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[font="Times New Roman"]Map[/font]
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Here is the situation. The KB will move along the path shown to NE of the battle zone but trying to stay far enough out to sidestep any SCTFs rushing our way. Several SCTFs will also move in front to hopefully shield the KB and get into the area where damaged ships may be floundering back toward Suva.

Another G3M3 group flew into Tassafronga and at max range can hit this area with torps. At Lunga, Tulagi and Noumea other Netties will try to get in the mix, all set to max range.

Two other SCTFs are rushing in from Tulagi but I don't know whether they'll get far enough to play a part tomorrow.

I deliberated about sending the KB back to avoid surface threats, but I decided to go all in with the chance to take out US CV power for the next year at stake. Also, out here where it will be tough to predict our movement and where he doesn't have many undamaged fast ships, I'm banking on speed to protect the KB as well.

At Tanna the covering force for that invasion includes two old slow BBs, but I don't think they can make it up to be a factor without first hitting our BB/CA TF.

Jocke is understandably very low after yesterday's events. He said he couldn't even really work on the turn last night and didn't send me his customary late turn. I told him to take a day or two if he needed it, so we'll see what happens today. He mentioned that in the first battle he was ready to lose everything, but in this one he hadn't considered that as a possibility. It's just a freak event that the US CVs couldn't strike at all and I feel for him. Not fun to have luck ruin your well laid plans.

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Another CL/DD TF is down to the West of Nadi. I hope this doesn't shoot up to strike, as it is probably the Boise!

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ORIGINAL: koniu

Congratulations!!!

Superb day for You. Now go Finish Him:)

koniu

Thanks! I'll certainly give it a shot!

[Historiker]

Congratulations!