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

[witpqs]

1943 January 25

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


A day of attacks by the IJA in China. Even 1 to 3 odds does not yield fully satisfactory results for the defenders.

Ground combat at 79,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 32776 troops, 274 guns, 151 vehicles, Assault Value = 765

Defending force 34627 troops, 171 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 845

Japanese adjusted assault: 322

Allied adjusted defense: 1204

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 3

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

Japanese ground losses:
2193 casualties reported
Squads: 29 destroyed, 139 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 17 (1 destroyed, 16 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
501 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 98 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Assaulting units:
6th Division
15th Ind.Mixed Brigade
13th Tank Regiment
17th Tank Regiment
35th Division
104th/A Division

Defending units:
88th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at 80,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 210 troops, 17 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1010

Defending force 35600 troops, 203 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 643

Assaulting units:
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th/C Division
110th Division
17th/B Division
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
13th/C Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
71st Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
13th Group Army


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

Ground combat at 87,38 (near Yenan)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 10618 troops, 93 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 301

Defending force 6412 troops, 37 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 12

Japanese adjusted assault: 178

Allied adjusted defense: 3

Japanese assault odds: 59 to 1

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

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

Allied ground losses:
2283 casualties reported
Squads: 126 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 188 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 9 (8 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 7

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade
12th Indpt Infantry Regiment
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
19th Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
6th Group Army
18th Group Army
23rd Chinese Corps
2nd War Area
12th Chinese Base Force


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

Ground combat at 83,46 (near Ichang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 15227 troops, 121 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 482

Defending force 12282 troops, 83 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 447

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

Assaulting units:
15th/B Division
34th/B Division
12th RGC Temp. Division
34th/C Division

Defending units:
55th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps

At least one Imperial sub is back near Bombay. Scottish Chief went down faster than a cheerleader before the big game. her brothers are out for revenge.

Submarine attack near Bombay at 34,24

Japanese Ships
SS I-32

Allied Ships
xAK Scottish Chief, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

xAK Scottish Chief is sighted by SS I-32
SS I-32 attacking on the surface


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Bombay at 34,23

Japanese Ships
SS I-32, hits 2

Allied Ships
DD Inconstant

SS I-32 is sighted by escort
DD Inconstant fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Inconstant attacking submerged sub ....
DD Inconstant fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Inconstant fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Bombay at 34,23

Japanese Ships
SS I-32

Allied Ships
DD Inconstant

SS I-32 is sighted by escort
DD Inconstant fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Inconstant fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Yesterday we spotted a sub 80nm NNE Luganville out of their usual hunting grounds. Measures were taken.

TF 218 encounters mine field at Vanua Lava (121,148)

Allied Ships
AM Kapunda
AM Cootamundra
AM Igonish

9 mines cleared

Sightings of our subs give indication of IJN carriers in the waters east of Rabaul.

[witpqs]

Thanks for the map.  When I wrote earlier, I thought you had taken a few of the lesser islands in the Gilberts.  Later, I went back and checked and discovered they were still in the clutches of the Great WA.  But, hopefully, not for long.

Merry Christmas to you and your family....I wonder how it feels to celebrate Christmas in summer:)?  Guess I'll have to nventure down under someday and find out. You good folks have a very good one and a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

We invaded Tabiteuea but the Empire was humorless about it and kept the place for themselves.

As for Christmas in summertime, Admiral Harmasaki (InHarmsWay) is in Kiwi land right now. He'll be hooking up with Lord High Grand Admiral of the Fleet Wobbly (aprezto). They face off in the Pacific in our 2x2 so I sort of expect a report of arm wrestling after mass quantities of holiday beverages are consumed. [:D]

[witpqs]

1943 January 26

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The walls continue closing in on China. Defenses in the south are being rearranged as are those to the west and south of Sian.

Ground combat at 78,48 (near Chihkiang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 26291 troops, 204 guns, 131 vehicles, Assault Value = 872

Defending force 42523 troops, 243 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1164

Japanese adjusted assault: 687

Allied adjusted defense: 713

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
1031 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 91 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Vehicles lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1036 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 72 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Assaulting units:
15th Tank Regiment
39th Division
37th Division

Defending units:
57th Chinese Corps
28th Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
38th New Chinese Division
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
30th Group Army
7th Artillery Regiment
20th Group Army
29th Group Army
23rd Group Army
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment


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

Ground combat at 80,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 210 troops, 17 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 896

Defending force 35690 troops, 203 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 649

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

Assaulting units:
17th/B Division
110th Division
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th/C Division
13th/C Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
2nd Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
13th Group Army


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

Ground combat at 73,49 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1152 troops, 0 guns, 210 vehicles, Assault Value = 362

Defending force 15101 troops, 86 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 401

Japanese adjusted assault: 72

Allied adjusted defense: 203

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Allied ground losses:
747 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 96 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
4th Ind.Mixed Regiment
10th Tank Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
66th Infantry Regiment
11th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
48th Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese/B Corps


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

Ground combat at 83,46 (near Ichang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 15227 troops, 121 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 482

Defending force 12267 troops, 83 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 446

Japanese adjusted assault: 362

Allied adjusted defense: 148

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1021 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 119 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
3472 casualties reported
Squads: 100 destroyed, 34 disabled
Non Combat: 121 destroyed, 30 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 7 (2 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
12th RGC Temp. Division
15th/B Division
34th/B Division
34th/C Division

Defending units:
55th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps

From sightings of our subs, it is possible that IJN carriers have transited into the Solomon Sea. The absence of search contacts makes it likely they are north of Woodlark Island.

Movement of the 9th Australian Division, along with other ground units and one air unit from Aden to India is waiting for conversion of several destroyers to destroyer escorts at Aden. Until they are completed, in about 10 days, there are no escorts available at Aden.

What is this, already past the tip of India? Presuming there are no carriers present, Force Z will sortie to protect the convoy lanes as will cruiser forces, while slower warships will make for Socotra in case an adventurous invasion is planned.

[princep01]

What is this, already past the tip of India? Presuming there are no carriers present, Force Z will sortie to protect the convoy lanes as will cruiser forces, while slower warships will make for Socotra in case an adventurous invasion is planned.
 
I would not even hazard a guess, except to say it is highly unlikely it contains an AP.  The inscrutable Admiral Wa at work.  I would not leave something like Karachi or Bombay unoccupied, and I am sure you haven't.
 
On CAP.  Some interesting observations on CAP and its allocation over in Greyjoy's AAR.  I saw your comment there.  I have always assumed that allocating CAP at 100% or a similarly high number simply meant that the unit was dedicated to CAP, not that the CAP was 100% up or down at any given time.  In the several games I have played, in both the original stock and AE stock, I have used CAP at 100% most of the time and rested the entire unit occasionally when they became fatigued.  This method SEEMED to work well and the intercepts are very often at very high percentages of the total CAP unit.  I will start watching this more closely and gather some objective facts about what is actually engaging.
 
However, when Greyjoy set his at 40% and then whined mightily when, what, 40% of the total number of planes in the CAP units intercepted, I assumed this was because of his allocation level.  However, reading the manual on CAP and the comments made by others, it is not so clear to me anymore.  But, I must say that intercepts have never seemed to be a problem when setting CAP at 100%.  I will watch carefully in my current game.  Thanks for your observations. 

[witpqs]

I wish the controls for the CAP and Escort settings were a little different. For one thing, I wish that Escort was its own percentage, just like LRCAP and CAP. That way you could be sure that only x% of planes flew away on escort duty, with the rest either in the air or available on the ground for defense (OK, minus planes being maintained, fueled, etc. during the day). I really really like the variability they have built into CAP and air combat in general. Everything that I've read says that it wasn't so easy and quite often did not go as planned.

I figure its a surface raid. Maybe the ships are AMC types, explaining the AP mis-sighting. I am a bit thrown by the sighting of 3 ships total. I figure they are not carriers for several reasons, one being that subs within range did not report being sighted. If they were carriers operating within search range of the coast - which is how the TF was seen - they would have full search up.

I should note that in the convoy lane to/from Bombay there are two TFs that reported being strongly sighted (IIRC it was 10/10). But they are at least 9 hexes from the sighted IJN TF, so I figure those are Glen-equipped subs that sighted them. With the little extra speed that warships seem to put on moving to their patrol area they will be there pretty quickly.

What I finally settled on was:

- Two old BB with escort headed for Socotra.
- Force Z covering convoy lanes about 2/3 to the map edge.
- CA force with escort covering the convoy lanes closer in but a little farther south.
- Long range CL force with no escort (none available, maybe some will link up) along the same axis as the CA force but farther out covering almost to the map edge. Likely no subs out there as long as the CL force makes it out.

Moving a few base forces from the middle of India to that coast, plus one air HQ. DAW HQ certainly would love to distract from the Allied offensive area and cause diversion of resources. I won't do that. The air HQ is superfluous at this time and can easily be moved back later. The base forces are ones that will never leave India and are no longer needed at the large bases where they served to double up engineers and be in place to resist an invasion. A couple of air squadrons, if they find IJN ships close enough to the coast to attack, will simply get some experience.

He also had that raider out by the US West Coast that I have yet to catch. Still have a CL force on patrol duty. Being very careful with the more valuable convoys.

Got a communique in diplomatic traffic from Walter tonight on his visit to the Nimitz museum today. He was able to help the tour guide figure out the difference between 105 howitzers versus 75s, triple 25mm versus 40mm, and proper nomenclature for IJA tanks! Atta boy!

[witpqs]

1943 January 27

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


In China were the expected air attacks and one bombardment attack, plus of course maneuvering everywhere.

On the oceans and in the air over them, a busy day. First off, my assessment of the situation in the Indian ocean was completely wrong. There might just be an AP out there - as bait. An IJN carrier force is at this time right in the midst of the Cap Town - Bombay convoy route!

In the early AM hours action commenced near Bombay.

Sub attack near Bombay at 34,23

Japanese Ships
SS I-157

Allied Ships
BB Revenge, Torpedo hits 2
DD Thanet

SS I-157 launches 6 torpedoes at BB Revenge
DD Thanet fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Thanet fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Thanet fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Thanet fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Thanet fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Revenge is at 4-47(31)-0 and the whole TF (3 ships) is headed back to Bombay.

Right after, we got a look at the real threat.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Goa at 25,23, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CVE Taiyo
CVE Unyo
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano
DD Natsushio
DD Amatsukaze
DD Harusame

Allied Ships
xAK Markhor

Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms with 60% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 60% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range increases to 10,000 yards...
Range increases to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range increases to 12,000 yards...
Both Task Forces evade combat

The heavy units in Force Z are hard targets for dive bombers, but they tried their hand anyway.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Goa at 27,25

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
D3A1 Val x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 6 damaged
D3A1 Val: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
BC Repulse
BB Prince of Wales

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Various surface units are being vectored to intercept the carrier force.

The skies over Ndeni saw the first aggressive IJN move of the day., a sweep by Zeros. As just yesterday I upgraded one of the three fighter squadrons at Ndeni the timing was good. But so were our pilots.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ndeni , at 120,143

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 96 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 17000 feet

CAP engaged:
70th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 15 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

Multiple IJN carriers then revealed themselves just SW Kirakira.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Ndeni at 120,143

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 113 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 42 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 29
D3A1 Val x 15

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DD Van Nes
CL Java
CL Sumatra

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
70th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 77 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ndeni at 120,143

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 119 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 44 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 27
D3A1 Val x 25

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 14 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CL Sumatra
DD Piet Hein
CL Java, Bomb hits 3, on fire
DD Van Ghent

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 12000 feet
9 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 12000 feet
14 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
70th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes

Java's damage is 20-9(5)-4(2)-0 with the port side .50cal knocked out. Lucky, I think. The USN Battle Fleet is ordered to take up station just east of Utupua. Two USA fighter squadrons moved from Luganville to Ndeni bringing the total there to five. All 4EB at Vanua Lava and Luganville are ordered to make attacks on the KBs.

Forecast for tomorrow is rain to just north of Tulagi.

Completing the rise of the curtains, I-8 then took one (or actually 14) for the team while sighting all elements of the USN Battle Fleet (both air combat and surface combat) east of the New Hebrides.

ASW attack near Aoba Island at 127,150

Japanese Ships
SS I-8, hits 6

Allied Ships
DD Perkins
DD Cushing

SS I-8 is sighted by escort
DD Perkins fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Cushing fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Cushing fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Cushing attacking submerged sub ....
DD Cushing fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Cushing attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Aoba Island at 127,150

Japanese Ships
SS I-8, hits 8

Allied Ships
DD Nicholas
BB New Mexico
BB Idaho
DD Morris
DD Walke
DD Meade

SS I-8 launches 6 torpedoes at DD Nicholas
DD Walke fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Meade fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Meade attacking submerged sub ....
DD Meade fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Meade fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

In other news, the mine field at Vanua Lava has been cleared. We lost a PC on ASW duty near Christmas Island. A large convoy has been spotted heading into Rangoon, directly on course for a minefield that O19 just laid at the river mouth. And, waves of B-17s out of Calcutta made numerous hits against Katha, including a total of 8 supply hits.
Here is a look at the contacts in the Indian ocean, the carrier force being the one right in the convoy lanes.

[witpqs]

And here is a look at the space around Ndeni.

[princep01]

Good luck cutting off the CVEs in the convoy lane to Bombay.  Unless there is another big force of CVL/SCTF backing it up, you might even be able to successfully engage it with a big, fast SCTF of your own.  Are the British CVs about at Ceylon?  I hope you get them and singe this tenacle of the IJ Empire.
 
Good hunting.

[witpqs]

The only British carrier left is Hermes, all others gone to serve Churchill tea or something. Force Z and the CA force are heading for the carriers then moving SW in case they are trying to escape. The Cl force will run a patrol line E-W along the carriers' retreat path to the carriers' SW. Another CL force will run a patrol area between the carriers and Karachi. Goa, with too little air support just yet, has an FB group that can hit to 13 hexes and a torp capable group that can hit to 9 with bombs and 7 with torps (but they have no HQ support yet anyway).

There is another pair of warships, a CA and a CL, heading in from Mombasa - on map in 3 days - that will patrol nearer to the map edge along a possible vector of escape.

I elected not to have the intercepting ships use full speed as fuel might become an issue in a chase.

Looking at the number of planes involved at Ndeni, it is possible that there are other IJN carriers about in the Indian Ocean, but we shall run that risk!

[JocMeister]

Good luck! [:)]

[witpqs]

1943 January 28

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


First off, we had an email problem on my end. Just resolved, and poor Walter has been resending this turn with a whopping big carrier air exchange for the last day and a half. This will be a two-part AAR post, with the second part giving a map and discussing orders for tomorrow (next turn I mean).

In China we had a small victory at Lanchow as IJA forces crossed the river into heavy resistance. The defenders of Lanchow are ordered to attack tomorrow.
[quote]
Ground combat at 80,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 210 troops, 17 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 904

Defending force 35735 troops, 203 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 643

Assaulting units:
110th Division
17th/B Division
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th/C Division
13th/C Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
71st Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
13th Group Army


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

Ground combat at Lanchow (81,34)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 6309 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 319

Defending force 41599 troops, 183 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 947

Japanese adjusted assault: 0

Allied adjusted defense: 1415

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 99 (fort level 4)

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

Japanese ground losses:
3434 casualties reported
Squads: 108 destroyed, 86 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 25 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 15 (2 destroyed, 13 disabled)

Assaulting units:
53rd Infantry Brigade
19th/C Division

Defending units:
82nd Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
22nd Group Army
5th War Area
8th War Area
8th Chinese Base Force
[/quote]
Our 4EB hit Milne Bay hard again. Now for a little carrier action.

In the Indian Ocean, the IJN raiding force had things all their own way, but only merchants were targeted. We are seeing some reluctance by surface force commanders to sail into harms way without air cover, so "Absolute" threat tolerance has been ordered. An attempt by I-153 to finish off Revenge was fought off.
[quote]
Night Time Surface Combat, near Socotra at 19,22, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CVE Taiyo
CVE Unyo
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano
DD Natsushio
DD Amatsukaze
DD Harusame

Allied Ships
xAK Empire Glade
xAK Empire Glen
xAK Salween

Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms with 50% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 50% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range increases to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range increases to 12,000 yards...
Range increases to 12,000 yards...
Both Task Forces evade combat


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Socotra at 17,23, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CVE Taiyo
CVE Unyo
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano
DD Natsushio
DD Amatsukaze
DD Harusame

Allied Ships
xAK Empire Glade, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Empire Glen
xAK Salween, Shell hits 1, heavy fires

Poor visibility due to Thunderstorms
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range increases to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range increases to 20,000 yards...
Range increases to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range increases to 24,000 yards...
Range increases to 26,000 yards...
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range increases to 26,000 yards...
Range increases to 30,000 yards...
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
Range closes to 27,000 yards...
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range increases to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range increases to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range increases to 13,000 yards...
Range increases to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range increases to 17,000 yards...
Range increases to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range increases to 19,000 yards...
Range increases to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range increases to 15,000 yards...
Range increases to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range increases to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 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
Both TF attempt to withdraw!
Range increases to 12,000 yards...
DD Harusame engages xAK Salween at 12,000 yards
DD Amatsukaze engages xAK Salween at 12,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages xAK Empire Glade at 12,000 yards
Range increases to 18,000 yards
DD Harusame engages xAK Empire Glade at 18,000 yards
DD Harusame engages xAK Empire Glade at 18,000 yards
DD Amatsukaze engages xAK Salween at 18,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Socotra at 16,23

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A1 Val x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
xAK Salween, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Salween


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Socotra at 17,23

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
D3A1 Val x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAK Empire Glade, Bomb hits 8, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Socotra at 16,23

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
D3A1 Val x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
xAK Empire Glen

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Bombay at 34,23

Japanese Ships
SS I-153, hits 6

Allied Ships
DD Inconstant
CLAA Van Heemskerck
DD Thanet
DD Isis

SS I-153 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Inconstant
I-153 bottoming out ....
DD Isis attacking submerged sub ....
DD Isis fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Isis fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Isis fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Isis fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
[/quote]
Now for the main event...

I counted 1 x Catalina and 4 x SBD on search destroyed by CAP. On the other side, I counted 11 x Jake on search destroyed by CAP. But before that even happened, our sub force drew blood. What followed was a maelstrom of attacks on Ndeni, on the IJN carriers by the USN carriers, on the USN carriers by the IJN carriers, and on the IJN carriers by USA 4EB. Throw in a sweep of Kirakira where USA P-38G were hoping to find some IJN carrier fighter for the picking.
[quote]
ASW attack near Stewart Island at 118,137

Japanese Ships
DD Kuretake, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
DD Kawakaze

Allied Ships
SS S-18

SS S-18 launches 4 torpedoes at DD Kuretake
S-18 diving deep ....
DD Kawakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kawakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kawakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kawakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Kawakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ndeni , at 120,143

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 21 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 14
P-40E Warhawk x 33
P-40K Warhawk x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
343rd FG/11th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 8 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 16000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
18th FG/44th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 17 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
70th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
15th FG/72nd FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
318th FG/333rd FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kirakira , at 116,140

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai/B 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 17000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ndeni , at 120,143

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 107 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 35 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 12
P-40E Warhawk x 33
P-40K Warhawk x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
343rd FG/11th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
18th FG/44th FS with P-40E Warhawk (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
70th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
15th FG/72nd FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
318th FG/333rd FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 118,137

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 65

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 23
F4F-4 Wildcat x 48
SBD-3 Dauntless x 60
TBF-1 Avenger x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 8 destroyed, 23 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
CV Soryu
CV Hiryu
CV Shokaku
BB Yamashiro, Bomb hits 2
BB Kongo
CV Kaga
CV Junyo
CV Zuikaku
CV Hiyo, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
9 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
6 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kaga-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 2 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M3a Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
Hiyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Utupua at 122,144

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 57
B5N2 Kate x 61

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 8
P-40E Warhawk x 18
P-40K Warhawk x 11
F4F-3A Wildcat x 18
F4F-3 Wildcat x 10
F4F-4 Wildcat x 157

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 12 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 43 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3A Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Wasp

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
343rd FG/11th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 9 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
18th FG/44th FS with P-40E Warhawk (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(17 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
70th FS with P-39D Airacobra (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
15th FG/72nd FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
318th FG/333rd FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000 , scrambling fighters between 17000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 25 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
23 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-35 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 13 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 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 41 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 13 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 13 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
18 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-5F with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-111 with F4F-3A Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 13 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-211 with F4F-3 Wildcat (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-214 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 13 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-441 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ndeni , at 120,143

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 113 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 13
D4Y1 Judy x 22

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 4
P-40E Warhawk x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 4 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 4 destroyed, 10 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 5 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
AV Pocomoke, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AGP Hilo, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Port hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Port Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
13 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Port Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
18th FG/44th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
15th FG/72nd FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
318th FG/333rd FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Utupua at 122,144

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 14
B5N2 Kate x 25

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 7
P-40E Warhawk x 14
P-40K Warhawk x 10
F4F-3A Wildcat x 16
F4F-3 Wildcat x 10
F4F-4 Wildcat x 138

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 7 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 18 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
31 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
24 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-35 with F4F-4 Wildcat (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-5F with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-211 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-214 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-441 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
343rd FG/11th FS with P-40K Warhawk (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
18th FG/44th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
70th FS with P-39D Airacobra (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
15th FG/72nd FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
318th FG/333rd FS with P-39D Airacobra (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-111 with F4F-3A Wildcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 118,137

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 56

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25
SBD-3 Dauntless x 27
TBF-1 Avenger x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 5 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 11 destroyed, 10 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 4 destroyed, 3 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Soryu
CV Junyo
CV Hiyo
BB Haruna
CV Kaga
BB Mutsu

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kaga-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
Soryu-1 with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 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 20 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiryu-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Shokaku-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 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 23 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuikaku-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
Junyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (3 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 118,137

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 35

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Kaga
CL Naka
CV Junyo
BB Kirishima

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

CAP engaged:
Kaga-1 with A6M3a Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 62 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M3a 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 between 9000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 68 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
Hiyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 56 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M3a 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 12000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 118,137

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 60 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 6
B-24D Liberator x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 4 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
CV Kaga
CV Hiyo

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kaga-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M3a 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 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M3a 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 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M3a 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 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
Hiyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000
Raid is overhead


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ndeni at 120,143

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 109 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D3A1 Val x 15
D4Y1 Judy x 18

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 7
F4F-3A Wildcat x 3
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
F4F-4 Wildcat x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1 Judy: 9 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(14 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
VF-35 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
VF-60 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.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
VRF-5F with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VMF-214 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 10000 , scrambling fighters to 9810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
VMF-441 with F4F-3 Wildcat (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 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
VMF-111 with F4F-3A Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 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 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
18th FG/44th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 63 minutes
15th FG/72nd FS with P-40E Warhawk (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 11000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
318th FG/333rd FS with P-39D Airacobra (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 8000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ndeni at 120,143

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 110 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D3A1 Val x 24
D4Y1 Judy x 13

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 7
F4F-3A Wildcat x 3
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
F4F-4 Wildcat x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 13 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CL Java

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
18th FG/44th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 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 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VF-35 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
VRF-5F with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
VMF-214 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 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VMF-441 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
VMF-111 with F4F-3A Wildcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
15th FG/72nd FS with P-40E Warhawk (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 11000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
318th FG/333rd FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 118,137

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 14

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu
CV Shokaku

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kaga-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M3a 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 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 118,137

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 49 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 6

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Kaga
CV Hiyo

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 118,137

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 17 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Kaga
CV Hiyo

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

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 118,137

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 6

Allied aircraft losses
LB-30 Liberator: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo
CV Hiyo

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x LB-30 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 118,137

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 15
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17
SBD-3 Dauntless x 16

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 2
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 1
CV Soryu

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Soryu-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiryu-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Utupua at 122,144

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 7
B5N2 Kate x 16
D3A1 Val x 18
D4Y1 Judy x 10

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 5
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6
F4F-4 Wildcat x 44

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 9 destroyed, 2 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 7 destroyed, 3 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak
D4Y1 Judy: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Lexington
CV Wasp
CL Helena

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 20 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
19 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-111 with F4F-3A Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-211 with F4F-3 Wildcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-214 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-441 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Utupua at 122,144

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 32
B5N2 Kate x 9

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 4
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
F4F-4 Wildcat x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 3 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-111 with F4F-3A Wildcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
VMF-214 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
VMF-441 with F4F-3 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
25 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 118,137

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 10

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 11

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku, on fire
CV Hiryu

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Zuikaku-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M3a 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 between 13000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M3a 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 12000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 119,139

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 27

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 13
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
TBF-1 Avenger x 25

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 destroyed, 7 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
CV Hiyo
CV Kaga, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
CA Mikuma
CV Junyo

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
15 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.

CAP engaged:
Zuikaku-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiryu-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Shokaku-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 12000
Raid is overhead
Kaga-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 1 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Junyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 7 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 36750.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers

Fuel storage explosion on CV Kaga


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 118,137

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 36
SBD-3 Dauntless x 6

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu
CV Zuikaku

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 119,139

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 22

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 31
TBF-1 Avenger x 31

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed, 17 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Hiyo, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
CV Kaga, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires
BB Mutsu
BB Yamashiro, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
13 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
4 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.

CAP engaged:
Kaga-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuikaku-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead
Hiyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiryu-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
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 21 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 28680.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes

Fuel storage explosion on CV Kaga


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 118,137

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 68 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 11

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Ise
BB Kirishima

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

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 118,137

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 119,139

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 10

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Hiyo, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CV Junyo

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

CAP engaged:
Kaga-1 with A6M3a 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 13000 , scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M3a 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 12000 , scrambling fighters to 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 60 minutes
Hiyo-1 with A6M3a 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 13000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
[/quote]
Hiyo, Yamashiro, and DD Kuretake are claimed as sunk. On our side pilot losses are 50 x KIA, 21 x WIA, and 25 x MIA. Total aircraft losses on the day 148 for the Allies and 266 for the Japanese. As you can see below, flak took few planes directly. Likely, though, is that flak messed up many, many attack runs and contributed to ops losses. None of our carriers were hit, but the air groups are a shattered mess.


[img]https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/upfi ... F7C905.jpg[/img]

[witpqs]

1943 January 28

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


PART TWO
We had to pull back the recon unit and the USMC group equipped with biplane dive bombers, but doing that made enough room in the air support at Ndeni to move up Saratoga's full air group. Completely rested, fully intact, highly trained, they will take whatever additional escort they can from the USA fighters at Ndeni (now ordered to use drop tanks) and go hunting for strays. The 4EB groups are very fatigued, but are ordered to stand to again tomorrow. I expect some ops losses if they fly.

The Battle Fleet will pull back straight SE. They seem to have air assets clearly superior to the IJN carriers at this point, but by pushing forward would risk more than they might gain.

After a day's rest for their air groups we'll evaluate whether any quick sally is warranted. More likely is replenish the air groups with planes and pilots, resupply the ships, then support the Gilberts invasions, possibly followed up quickly by Ocean Island and Nauru Island. After that the Solomons can be pressed without the need to wait for amphibious ship upgrades.

[witpqs]

Here is a snap shot of the IO. We'll try to catch the buggers but they keep scaring our captains.

[witpqs]

Using Intel Monkey, sorting by date/ship type/ship name, we see the damage reported against IJN carriers this day. I only captured the relevant columns to avoid getting too large a JPG file, but these are all battles from today.

[guytipton41]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

Using Intel Monkey, sorting by date/ship type/ship name, we see the damage reported against IJN carriers this day. I only captured the relevant columns to avoid getting too large a JPG file, but these are all battles from today.

Hi Witpqs,

Good going there! After the Greyjoy/Q-ball battles I was holding my CVs well back (I'm in mid-Jan 43 in my Pbem with MMiller) but these results give me back some courage. Got any idea where the Akagi is? Your alpha strike only saw 65 CAP and there were only 57 Zero's with his counter strike. Got any idea why the numbers were so low?

Cheers,
Guy

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: guytipton41

ORIGINAL: witpqs

Using Intel Monkey, sorting by date/ship type/ship name, we see the damage reported against IJN carriers this day. I only captured the relevant columns to avoid getting too large a JPG file, but these are all battles from today.

Hi Witpqs,

Good going there! After the Greyjoy/Q-ball battles I was holding my CVs well back (I'm in mid-Jan 43 in my Pbem with MMiller) but these results give me back some courage. Got any idea where the Akagi is? Your alpha strike only saw 65 CAP and there were only 57 Zero's with his counter strike. Got any idea why the numbers were so low?

Cheers,
Guy

Thanks!

Akagi must still be repairng from the submarine launched torpedoes that she took some time ago.

In a smaller but still morning air attack, the IJN had 13 more Zeros as escort. so,

65 + 57 + 13 = 125 fighters. I figure that might not even be all of them, as some of the original CAP fighters could have been cycling on deck or in the air but out of position to oppose that first attack (in other words there might have been more than 65 assigned to CAP). There were another 14 Zeros that swept Ndeni in the morning, but I am not counting them because I think they came from Tulagi.

7 IJN carriers were seen, so that would be an average of almost 18 fighters per carrier. That does sound low. Maybe as I suggested above there were more fighters on CAP but they didn't make it to the party? I don't know.

[BBfanboy]

Nicely done!

Loss of 109 Kates has to be devastating to his carrier force. I don't fancy Kaga's chances with 4 torp hits. She must be crawling back to port and any sub could pick her off.
Hyuga and Hiyo are definitely not certain kills. If Hiyo was showing Heavy Fires I would give her chances of sinking as 70%, but with just Fires and Heavy Damage, I think 40% at best that she sinks.
Given the losses your airgroups suffered, I think the decision to pull back/regroup and rest a day is a good one. You could fly off some badly depleted groups to Ndeni and take on Yorktown's air squadrons for the subsequent pursuit.

[witpqs]

I too am skeptical of Hiyo's sinking. Certainly the battleships that were hit must be OK, with the exception of Yamashiro. She could be gone.

I'm hoping that the severely damaged ships are only able to make a couple of hexes by dawn and then Saratoga's air group will get a crack at them.

I also figured that Walter could have flown replacement squadrons on board the mission worthy carriers (I assume that 5 are mission worthy). And since Michael fixed that mouse-over FOW leak a few Betas ago, I would be none the wiser.

[neilm85uk_MatrixForum]

That's some victory I'd say. Can he do any significant repairs to Hiyo without retreating to Truk, or the home islands even? That's a good distance with maybe 50% flotation damage and even if she makes it 3-4 months to fix? I'm fairly new to WitP so I don't know but 20% damage to Saratoga in my game is 80+ days to fix. I have a love hate relationship with subs, there's work which I hate, mine sometimes work and I love that...

[GreyJoy]

ORIGINAL: guytipton41

ORIGINAL: witpqs

Using Intel Monkey, sorting by date/ship type/ship name, we see the damage reported against IJN carriers this day. I only captured the relevant columns to avoid getting too large a JPG file, but these are all battles from today.

Hi Witpqs,

Good going there! After the Greyjoy/Q-ball battles I was holding my CVs well back (I'm in mid-Jan 43 in my Pbem with MMiller) but these results give me back some courage. Got any idea where the Akagi is? Your alpha strike only saw 65 CAP and there were only 57 Zero's with his counter strike. Got any idea why the numbers were so low?

Cheers,
Guy

Well, playing with DBB mod you really need to understand that allied flak really works, so if you as IJN wanna have some chance of hitting something you must give a good escort to your strike.
The main difference between this battle and GJ/QBall battle is that the CAP numbers were complete opposite: here the allies had more than 130 planes on CAP, while i had more than 180. CAP needs to get through the escort in order to distrupt the bombers' formation. Once the formation is distrupted, the chances to really hit the enemy CVs become really few.

IJN CVs should never (expecially in 1943) go fighting within allied LBA range.

Nice victory WITPQS! Kudos!