Rumble in the Southwest witpqs-A vs Andav-J 2011-11-29 to 2017-02-08

[princep01]

The excitement builds as the invasion forces gather for the Noumea op.  Best of Luck!  May the KB be far way and in need of refueling.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

...

Nanumea and all three Ellice Islands are under observation. Fiji too, and both the Dutch at Suva and Adm. Pye's Northern Cover force 40nm south of Suva. The Eye of Mordor is watching!
...

Well now that you have riveted Mordor's attention to the SE, which direction will Frodo and Sam approach from??[;)]

[witpqs]

He he he he. I'm afraid the KB will be right there, along with KB#2, mini-KB, and both the kitchen and bathroom sinks. Walter's attention is clearly fixed on the right target. Maybe all the mucking around moving the invasion fleet to avoid early detection will convince him it was a false alarm? That would be nice; then he might pull back some forces to refuel or something. I do wish I got a firm contact via sub.

A para Bn is prepped for Tanna but it's too far for a drop. I had figured on flying them from Noumea, but Maybe I'll get some APDs over to Fiji to pick them up. Tanna should stir some action in the region.

[witpqs]

1942 October 20

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The air action today was all the IJA in China. Then came the start of reducing the advanced defense line outside of Patung.

Ground combat at 81,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 25015 troops, 172 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 764

Defending force 5461 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 156

Japanese adjusted assault: 603

Allied adjusted defense: 313

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
325 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Allied ground losses:
259 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 21 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
41st Division
60th Infantry Brigade
3rd Infantry Regiment
58th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
45th Chinese Corps

IJN subs are operating near Karachi, Bombay, some distance SW of Kona, and off the North Island of New Zealand. In the case of the sub SW of Hawaii we are going to route two troop convoys and a battleship TF westward through that area and see of they are scouted.

There is a 1/1 DL on one of the follow on forces convoys near New Zealand. That TF has 2 x CVE and so that little sighting might confirm whatever suspicions are flying around DAW HQ. The fleet is moving west before refueling. After refueling, they will head NNE to New Caledonia.

2 x AVDs will be in place at Vaitupu tomorrow, so a PBY squadron has relocated there and will begin searching tomorrow. I've also ordered the LB30s (1 squadron each at Brisbane and Suva) to begin naval search. Even though they are not trained at all for that, they are achieving nothing with recon. Let's see what the light shines on!

[BBfanboy]

I don't think a 1/1 sighting give much info other than a TF being there: no ship types for sure and no numbers likely. I think you get a 1/1 from something like a sub seeing approaching escorts and diving, but not seeing the convoy afterwards. Or perhaps radio SIGINT that says something transmitted from that hex. I never seem to get useful info below a level 7 detection.

[witpqs]

I hope he got nothing helpful. These subs (see pic) are getting sighted hard enough and often enough that his sightings are giving me some Intel!

---

1942 October 21

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


No ground combat. The usual air attacks in China, plus our 4EBs did a modest job against Akyab port and airfield but lost 1 x B-17 to flak. More Imperial units are noted moving to the east out of Akyab.

Tennant Creek finally got the airfield to size 5, which will pull in slightly more supplies. All of which will be used in construction of the airfield.

Relevant tidbits:

SBD-3 Dauntless reports periscope at 99, 173 near Lord Howe Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea

So the fleet has begun fueling and moving a little to the NE. It's even possible that this was the same sub that got a sighting on one of the convoys to the east, and is itself now heading west trying to pick up targets. No panic, but after fueling the fleet will move north by the western side of Norfolk Island and then on to New Caledonia.

Suva expanded to port size 5, its maximum, and now shifts construction back to the airfield.

We are not getting sightings of IJN ships by our subs, but they are seeing Imperial aircraft see them.

[witpqs]

1942 October 22

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Sweeps and heavy bomber attacks on Milne Bay went well except for the loss of 2 x P-38s to operational issues. Akyab was hit hard again and all planes made it back safely.

In central China the IJA is probing at its forward positions. The Empire nearly dislodged the advanced defense near Patung, but the stout men refused to retreat!

Ground combat at 79,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 13296 troops, 102 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 954

Defending force 36158 troops, 196 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 864

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

Assaulting units:
35th Division
6th Division
104th/A Division

Defending units:
8th Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at 78,49 (near Chihkiang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 13278 troops, 104 guns, 24 vehicles, Assault Value = 631

Defending force 45315 troops, 144 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1098

Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
27th Division
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
65th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
4th Chinese/C Corps
6th War Area
9th War Area
19th Group Army
32nd Group Army


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

Ground combat at 81,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 24843 troops, 172 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 744

Defending force 5269 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 136

Japanese adjusted assault: 433

Allied adjusted defense: 130

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
246 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 33 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Allied ground losses:
300 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 28 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
3rd Infantry Regiment
60th Infantry Brigade
41st Division
58th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
45th Chinese Corps

The battleship TF and one of the two troop convoys were firmly scouted by Imperial aircraft south of Hilo, with DLs of 3/3 and 4/3 respectively. All three will now head due west. No known sightings of our invasion forces. However, an Imperial sub has been sighted 40nm west of Norfolk Island, so clearly the IJN has staked out the area.

The question now is, after refueling, does the fleet sail straight in or try to gain some tactical surprise by sailing two or three hundred miles east of Norfolk Island? This will get too long, I think we have to go straight in. What do you think?

Adm Pye's Northern Cover force is still under surveillance at Suva, and tomorrow will split off the light cruisers as they join three destroyers and form a separate surface combat group.

This is about as good a submarine sighting as you can get!

[witpqs]

1942 October 23

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Despite significant air attacks and great enemy superiority on the ground, they held again.

Ground combat at 81,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 24566 troops, 172 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 714

Defending force 5003 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 107

Japanese adjusted assault: 509

Allied adjusted defense: 328

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), disruption(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
160 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
243 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 28 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Assaulting units:
60th Infantry Brigade
3rd Infantry Regiment
41st Division
58th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
45th Chinese Corps

B-25s hit the troops moving out of Akyab to slow them up. If they are short on supplies I want them to stay that way. In a couple of day we will have an additional 2 x Rgts, 3 x Arty units, and 2 x armored units in place to aid the next attack outside of Akyab. If we can wear down those troops and retreat them, that should over crowd Akyab.

Our troop and BB TFs near Hawaii are hidden under heavy rain. Drat!

Our invasion forces in the Tasman Sea are unseen and that sub contact is in the same place. Tomorrow rain is forecast, so the fleet will move north right through the mid way point between Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island.

TF 340 detected by D3A1 Val at 117,146 near Torres Islands
D3A1 Val attacking SS O23 at 117,146

In my view it is definite that there are significant Imperial carrier force in the area previously mentioned. See this day's Allied sub detection levels in that area.

6 x APDs are a day out of Suva. Once there they will load the USMC paras for Tanna. 2 x AVDs are loading supplies at Auckland and will set off at once for a stand-by point to move in after Tanna is secured. The squadron of RAAF Catalinas operating out of Raoul Island will then transfer to Tanna. This mini-op will probably roughly coincide with certain sightings of the Allied invasion fleet.

I am considering a variation on that mini-op, but won't decide until the next turn. The other USMC para Bn is also at Suva, prepped for Ndeni. It is now clear that Ndeni is occupied and its capture will be left to the USA infantry division prepped for it. I might split the APDs and have 3 assigned to lift paras from the two Bns to Tanna and Anatom, and likewise split the AVDs that are en route. Each AVD can support 6 aircraft and the squadron assigned is only 4. This way the squadron of 4 at Lord Howe Island could be transferred, or the squadron of 6 at Norfolk Island. Either way would provide better search in the areas where the IJN's KBs are likely to strike from. Setting up two bases will ensure that one survives to aid search during the coming fight.

[witpqs]

A quick update - the Devious One, Admiral Wa, is tied up today and likely will not get a turn out. Obviously a psychological operation designed to sap my will power on the eve of battle!

I will be tied up most of tomorrow and might not get a turn out. Obviously a counter-psyop! [:D]

[witpqs]

1942 October 24

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The brave defenders in the forest near Patung were finally pushed back to the city,

Ground combat at 81,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 24536 troops, 172 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 711

Defending force 4771 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 84

Japanese adjusted assault: 567

Allied adjusted defense: 52

Japanese assault odds: 10 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), disruption(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
156 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
599 casualties reported
Squads: 52 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 51 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 9 (9 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
3rd Infantry Regiment
60th Infantry Brigade
41st Division
58th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
45th Chinese Corps

Imperial forces are heading off-road toward Yenan by two separate routes. One is from the north, pursuing the remnants of the northern blocking force, the other from the northeast. Hopefully both will wither from lack of supply.

Over in the South Pacific, there is evidence that DAW HQ wants whatever carriers are present to remain on station. This contact is in the northern end of the KB-haunted seas.

ASW attack near Kirakira at 116,142

Japanese Ships
DD Isonami
AO Toei Maru

Allied Ships
SS Perch

SS Perch launches 2 torpedoes at DD Isonami
Perch diving deep ....
DD Isonami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Isonami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Isonami attacking submerged sub ....
SS Perch eludes DD Isonami by diving deep
DD Isonami cannot establish contact with SS Perch
DD Isonami cannot reach attack position over SS Perch
DD Isonami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Isonami fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

An APD and DD in convoy have been sighted 160nm NNW of Koumac heading toward that base. Reinforcement, resupply, or evacuation?

Somewhat amazingly to me, the primary invasion fleet has passed north of the line between Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island without being sighted.

I-160 was beaten up by the APDs making Suva before they entered the harbor, and later reported hit by a LR Hudson our of Suva. The two cruiser TFs are just north of Fiji but are not scouted by the Empire, although an APD near Funafuti (bound for Nanumea) is seen.

Perch, O23, and Shad all have 10/10 Detection Levels. Seadragon is being re-tasked to cover the northern end of the infested zone.

The APDs at Suva are loading in two TFs, one for Tanna and one for Anatom, as outlined yesterday. They will shove off as soon as loaded and so should be well underway by tomorrow's end. Recon of Tanna will begin tomorrow as well, to confirm it is undefended.

The two cruiser forces north of Fiji, Northern Cover and WatchTower, will head straight north. The Dutch, code name The Dutch, with 4 x Cl and 4 x DD will head straight NE from Brisbane. Once there they will head east. Trenchard's Torpedoes, a joint NZ/Aus/Br force of 3 x CL and 3 x DD (and led by Adm Trenchard) will head from Brisbane to a point 200nm west of Koumac and from there proceed to intercept the shipping at Koumac. Southern Cover, an Australian force of 2 x CA and 1 x DD, will proceed from the vicinity of Norfolk Island north to intercept any IJN movement around the southern end of New Caledonia. A scratch cruiser force of 2 x Cl and 1 x DD is departing Sydney to position WNW of New Caledonia with further routing orders to follow.

The carriers will move to within 9 hexes of New Caledonia to avoid over-flying the island with search planes. The transports will be 8 hexes away from their targets. Depending on what happens tomorrow, D-Day would be two days after.

[zuluhour]

Not going to risk a Catalina recon over targets?

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: zuluhour

Not going to risk a Catalina recon over targets?

No. PBY recon with the untrained pilots I have (in Recon Skill, that is) tends to be pretty slow to produce results and is very limited in effectiveness. The recon with trained pilots in the LB30s has been a resounding and consistent failure.

As more stuff is coming on line I will switch over to trying recon on all large targets in range, but this one is just a little in the dark. Intel seems pretty clear. More importantly, with the amount pretty good naval search coverage that I've had in place for a long time I think it a low likelihood that he has been sneaking in much if anything. He just might be happiest if he gets a favorable naval battle while my land forces invade an empty island.

The target is pretty obvious, and the chances that I could have fooled him into looking elsewhere pretty small. But still I want to keep enough uncertainty that he has to at least be looking at his flanks. Even a one-turn delay in reaction could mean a critical turn with land-based fighters/dive bombers present to aid the Allied navies. Doing the recon on Tanna is a big enough chance, I think.

This is all about as subjective as can be, so how likely that I am right in any of these assessments, let alone all of them?! [:D]

[zuluhour]

I'm hip. Even the well trained non recon PBYs I used in my first PBEM categorically under estimated island strength. I was able to garner pretty good port and airfield info though. Let the hammer fall![:D]

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: zuluhour

I'm hip. Even the well trained non recon PBYs I used in my first PBEM categorically under estimated island strength. I was able to garner pretty good port and airfield info though. Let the hammer fall![:D]

Now it looks as though the war will resume Monday-ish. Psychological warfare for sure! [:D]

[witpqs]

1942 October 25

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Two subs scored, USN Saury against a xAK near Damar in the Banda Sea, and I-32 against an xAKL heading for Diego Garcia. The air raids in China were 'normal', and multiple raids by B-17s and B-24s against the port at Milne bay was quite successful. Hopefully DAW HQ will have to divert assets to keep resupplying that place with the stores destroyed by Allied bombs.

One of the APD amphib groups ran over a sub. No losses but a discovery of course. They are also snooped by aircraft. APDs are likewise seen near Nanumea and near the Ellice Islands. As far as I can tell, the main invasion fleet is undetected.

The same can not be said for a force of IJN carriers, now seen 120nm NE of Luganville, just east of the Torres Islands. Their position is at least somewhat favorable to us, as there are many dive bombers and fighters on Suva. They might merely be trying to avoid the heavy sub patrols to their west, but if they are really looking toward the activity to their east then they could wind out out of position on the crucial turn, with the need to pass through Fiji's radius of attack.

The invasion forces require two days to make their objectives, and tomorrow rain is forecast all over the region. The fleet will move to positions about 40nm away from Noumea and Koumac, with intent of dashing in at full speed the following morning. The APDs bound for Tanna and Anatom will make full speed beginning tonight, intending to land troops tomorrow. The recon of Tanna failed due to weather, which also helped to hide some of our forces. Northern Cover and WatchtTower were not seen, but are clearly well inside the danger zone.

[witpqs]

1942 October 26

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Anatom
Tanna

An 'almost' big day. The weather was the dominant factor. Guns and torpedoes came in second. China continued apace. India/Burma saw units continuing to move to battle sites. The B-24s and B-17s along the NE Australia coast made shipping raids on merchants at Port Moresby and achieved some hits. The purpose for their naval attack orders was to harry any warships within range, but there were none. Two B-24s were lost in the effort.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Koto Maru
xAK Matumoto Maru, Bomb hits 1
xAK Toyooka Maru
xAK Syoan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
2nd Ku S-1 with A6M2 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
1st Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 24000
Raid is overhead
6th Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Raid is overhead
5th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 19 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Koto Maru
xAK Toyooka Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
1st Ku S-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 24000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 116 minutes
6th Ku S-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 19000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 289 minutes
5th Sentai 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 25000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 171 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 1 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Matumoto Maru
xAK Toyooka Maru, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
1st Ku S-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 24000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 64 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Toyooka Maru

Nanumea was the scene of the most decisive action, as Nagato and Fuso took the lead in assailing the Allies' furthest beachhead. WatchTower intervened to some effect.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Nanumea at 136,141, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Fuso
DD Shikinami
DD Mutsuki
DD Harukaze
DD Sanae

Allied Ships
APD Dent, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Japanese Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Allied TF begins to get underway
Low visibility due to Rain with 96% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 96% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
BB Fuso engages APD Dent at 6,000 yards
APD Dent sunk by DD Shikinami at 6,000 yards
APD Dent sunk by DD Shikinami at 6,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Nanumea at 136,141, Range 4,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 5
BB Fuso, Shell hits 2
DD Shikinami, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Mutsuki
DD Harukaze
DD Sanae

Allied Ships
CL Concord, Shell hits 1
CL Detroit, Shell hits 1
CL Trenton
CL Marblehead, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Wilson
DD Lang
DD Cassin

Reduced visibility due to Rain with 96% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 96% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 4,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 4,000 yards
Towers, John Henry crosses the 'T'
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 4,000 yards
CL Concord engages DD Sanae at 4,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages CL Marblehead at 4,000 yards
CL Concord engages DD Shikinami at 4,000 yards
DD Wilson engages DD Shikinami at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Marblehead at 2,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Concord at 2,000 yards
DD Shikinami sunk by CL Detroit at 2,000 yards
CL Concord engages DD Sanae at 2,000 yards
BB Nagato engages DD Cassin at 2,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Mutsuki at 2,000 yards
DD Sanae engages DD Wilson at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Concord at 5,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Concord at 5,000 yards
DD Wilson engages DD Sanae at 5,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Wilson at 5,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Lang at 5,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Lang at 5,000 yards
DD Wilson engages DD Sanae at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Marblehead at 9,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Detroit at 9,000 yards
DD Sanae engages DD Cassin at 9,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Lang at 9,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Mutsuki at 9,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Harukaze at 9,000 yards
DD Wilson engages DD Mutsuki at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 13,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Detroit at 13,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Detroit at 13,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Lang at 13,000 yards
DD Sanae engages DD Cassin at 13,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Lang at 13,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Wilson at 13,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Nanumea at 136,141, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Fuso
DD Mutsuki
DD Harukaze
DD Sanae

Allied Ships
APD Ward, Shell hits 8, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Poor visibility due to Rain with 89% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 89% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
Allied ships attempt to get underway
Range closes to 5,000 yards
BB Nagato engages APD Ward at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
APD Ward sunk by BB Fuso at 4,000 yards
APD Ward sunk by BB Fuso at 4,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Nanumea at 136,141

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso
BB Nagato

BB Fuso firing at Nanumea
BB Nagato firing at Nanumea


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Nanumea at 136,141, Range 14,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 7
BB Fuso
DD Mutsuki, Shell hits 2
DD Harukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Sanae, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
CL Concord, Shell hits 1
CL Trenton, Shell hits 1
CL Marblehead, Shell hits 16, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Wilson
DD Lang, Shell hits 1

Low visibility due to Rain
Maximum visibility in Rain: 15,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 14,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 14,000 yards
Yano, Hideo* crosses the 'T'
BB Fuso engages CL Marblehead at 14,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages DD Sanae at 9,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 9,000 yards
DD Sanae engages DD Wilson at 9,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Wilson at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages DD Sanae at 6,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 6,000 yards
DD Sanae engages DD Wilson at 6,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Lang at 6,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Wilson at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages DD Mutsuki at 10,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 10,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Lang at 10,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Mutsuki at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Marblehead at 8,000 yards
CL Trenton engages DD Mutsuki at 8,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Wilson at 8,000 yards
DD Wilson engages DD Harukaze at 8,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages DD Sanae at 8,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Trenton at 8,000 yards
CL Concord engages DD Sanae at 8,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Lang at 8,000 yards
DD Wilson engages DD Mutsuki at 8,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Trenton at 8,000 yards
CL Trenton engages DD Sanae at 8,000 yards
CL Concord engages BB Nagato at 8,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Harukaze at 8,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Lang at 8,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Trenton at 8,000 yards
DD Sanae engages DD Lang at 8,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Sanae at 8,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Mutsuki at 8,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Marblehead at 8,000 yards
CL Trenton engages DD Sanae at 8,000 yards
DD Sanae engages DD Lang at 8,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Harukaze at 8,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Mutsuki at 8,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 8,000 yards
CL Trenton engages DD Sanae at 8,000 yards
CL Concord engages DD Mutsuki at 8,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Harukaze at 8,000 yards
DD Sanae engages DD Wilson at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages DD Mutsuki at 9,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Trenton at 9,000 yards
DD Sanae engages DD Wilson at 9,000 yards
DD Sanae engages DD Lang at 9,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Wilson at 9,000 yards
Yano, Hideo* orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages DD Sanae at 8,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Concord at 8,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Sanae at 8,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Wilson at 8,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Lang at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 15,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Concord at 15,000 yards
CL Trenton engages DD Mutsuki at 15,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Sanae at 15,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Lang at 15,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Lang at 15,000 yards
Range increases to 19,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Trenton at 19,000 yards
BB Nagato engages DD Wilson at 19,000 yards
Range increases to 25,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Trenton at 25,000 yards
CL Trenton engages DD Sanae at 25,000 yards
CL Trenton engages DD Harukaze at 25,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Marblehead is gone, Detroit is limping, Trenton and Concord (and DD Lang) need some TLC from repair crews. An IJN DD was sunk and the bombardment of Nanumea missed the island entirely. Northern Cover was sighted and attacked.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Arorae at 140,139

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 59 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Louisville

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

The paras are ashore at both Tanna and Anatom. Both are undefended and will be seized tomorrow.

The biggest attack of the day was completely fought off.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 113,160

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
D3A1 Val x 12

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers

This attack came into the carrier hex but never approached any ships.

The B-17s out of Fiji made their presence known, losing two.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Belep Islands at 115,155

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 61 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 42

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 3 damaged
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet *
Naval Attack: 4 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes

2 x Wilcats were lost. Several SBDs on search were lost to CAP, although at least 2 search SBDs reported hits against merchants at Koumac.

You can see for yourself just how utterly anc completely the whole of DAW HQ was fooled by our manuevering. The convoys and min sweeperes will head for Lord Howe Island while the carriers both cover them and off battle under an umbrulla of land based search coverage. Hopefully those were their best Val and Zero pilots that were taken down.

* Note that on the included screen picture the TF shown at Koumac is Allied. It has mistakenly taken on the color of the IJN. Perhaps this will yield a tactical advantage?

[princep01]

Witpgs, I am sure you know the dangers here.  If that is KB 5 hexes north on Noumea, you're in a very dangerous position as he knows where you're going  and New Caledonia keeps you from engaging his CVs on favorable terms.  He will set up 7 hexes away and pound you with no chance of interference (other than CAP) from the US CVs.  It is doubtful that any IJN commander with his experience will allow the US CVs to do what they must do in this fight....close the enemy and engage him within 4 hexes.
 
Are you considering pulling back the main body until the Allied CVs can round the island and operate closer to the KB...if you wish to engage at all.
 
It was a good plan, but I think his spider senses figured out where things were headed.  The KB is well positioined.

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: princep01

Witpgs, I am sure you know the dangers here.  If that is KB 5 hexes north on Noumea, you're in a very dangerous position as he knows where you're going  and New Caledonia keeps you from engaging his CVs on favorable terms.  He will set up 7 hexes away and pound you with no chance of interference (other than CAP) from the US CVs.  It is doubtful that any IJN commander with his experience will allow the US CVs to do what they must do in this fight....close the enemy and engage him within 4 hexes.

Are you considering pulling back the main body until the Allied CVs can round the island and operate closer to the KB...if you wish to engage at all.

It was a good plan, but I think his spider senses figured out where things were headed.  The KB is well positioined.

Yup. The convoys are pulling back, the carriers and battleships are pulling back to a covering position where the KB would have to round New Caledonia to make range to them. After the seaborne troops are away from the scene we will see how best to crack that nut. Northern Cover, Adm Pye with 3 x CA plus about 5 x DD is on the way back to Suva and will then be available to strike from that flank. Several Allied CL forces can hit from the opposite side. Then there are the carriers and battleships that would engage head on.

First priority is to get the troops and that large mass of very valuable APs/AKs out of range. The main battle group is pulling back far enough that from anywhere on the other side of New Caledonia the KB will not reach them. I figure there is also the possibility that the KB will move halfway around NC in one direction or the other to counter a suspected move by the USN carriers to close the range. And then there are the Imperial battleships...

Still waiting on the turn. I figure it's getting a lot of detailed attention! [:D]

[witpqs]

1942 October 27

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Anatom
Tanna

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Tanna

Mostly the usual in China, but there was also a river crossing.

Ground combat at 76,51 (near Chihkiang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 35961 troops, 291 guns, 294 vehicles, Assault Value = 1131

Defending force 20182 troops, 111 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 618

Japanese adjusted assault: 661

Allied adjusted defense: 916

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
3586 casualties reported
Squads: 54 destroyed, 107 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 25 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 19 (4 destroyed, 15 disabled)
Vehicles lost 27 (3 destroyed, 24 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1908 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 230 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 23 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 28 (4 destroyed, 24 disabled)

Assaulting units:
15th/B Division
6th Tank Regiment
14th Tank Regiment
5th Recon Regiment
3rd/A Division
3rd/C Division
9th Division
36th/B Division
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
32nd Chinese Corps
21st Chinese Cavalry Division
115th Red Chinese Division
120th Red Chinese Division
3rd Prov Chinese Corps

The KB and battleship forces seen NE New Caledonia withdrew to positions east of the New Hebrides. USA B-17Ds from Fiji made numerous attacks on the battleships, but came out much the worse. 6 x B-17 were lost, 5 to air action and 1 to flak.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Efate at 122,154

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Akagi-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.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead
Soryu-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.
Group patrol altitude is 17000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Efate at 122,154

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 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 17000
Raid is overhead
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 69 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Efate at 122,154

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 2 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 3

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Akagi-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.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead

Northern Cover was savaged by a second Imperial carrier force as it made it's way back toward Fiji.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Yasawa Islands at 133,152

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36
B5N1 Kate x 30

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1 Kate: 5 damaged
B5N1 Kate: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
SOC-1 Seagull: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CA Louisville, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CA Quincy, Torpedo hits 2
CA Chicago, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
8 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
9 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

Chicago and Quincy are both still afloat but attempting to escape. Adm Pye now commands 3 x DD heading for Suva.

As you can see, if we had landed the troops they would all be ashore in good order now. the troop convoys will continue retiring toward Lord Howe Island to be clear of the coming battle area, and stand by for landing operations afterward.

[princep01]

Yes, as it played out, you would have successfully landed at least the initial wave.  However, had he moved his CVs as expected, you would have lost a great deal of the offensive power you currently have (as limited as it is).  The risks of continuing to New Caledonia were too high.  You made the right move.
 
He may wander off to replenish now since he has flown a number of missions and burned much fuel.  You could leave your main attack at sea approximately where they are and move to New Caledonia in the event KB departs.  If you are desirous of a CV battle, he might oblige you by moving one of the CV groups away to replenish.  I sure advise against trying to engage both IJN CV groups.
 
I have felt for sometime that Admiral Wa was using New Caledonia as bait to draw your fleet and CVs into a decisive battle. That failed this time.  I am not even sure he realizes what you have west of Noumea.  I suspect he is unaware of the big invasion fleet.  I base that on his most recent move toward the Tanna/Fiji area.  Perhaps I am wrong, but I doubt that New Caledonia is heavily garrisoned and fortified.
 
I say little about Admiral Wa's intentions in this AAR as He is a close friend and former opponent in th eearlier versions of this game.  However, since I have neither communicated with him for sometime nor read any of his AAR (as infrequently as that is updated),  I am unencumbered currently.  Given that, I woud not give up the attempt on New Caledonia yet.  He may n Fiji rather than lioter around New Caledonia now....and that will give you the break you need and deserve.
 
Finally a tactical thought.  Why are you still flying B-17Ds?  They are vulnerable to Zeros and even Oscars while the E model will be nearly invulnerable to 1st generation IJ fighters (in fact, they will shootdown as many of those fighters as they lose).  By now you should have enough E models to fill all Squadrons with them.  Also, unless you have a house rule preventing it, those B-17s cannot hit much anything smaller than a large airfield from 12K feet.  Drop them much lowe. Try 8K, then 6K feet and see if you can hit something.....it's still not going to be likely and will be a 500# bomb.  Much better to use them in a land mode somewhere.  I often send them to Burma and Java early and then on to Oz or India after those places are overrun.
 
Good Luck.