AE TOURNAMENT REDUX: ERSTAD(J) VS ADM SPRUANCE(A)

[racndoc]

2/44......THE AIR WAR


And finally here is a screenshot of the top Allied pilots. There are 2 quadruple aces, a handful of triple aces and scores of double aces. The list is still dominated by US Army pilots with a handful of USMC pilots. The top USN aces.....4 of them......each have 8 kills.

[racndoc]

2/7-2/8/44



SUBS


SS Flounder sinks xAK Hino Maru off Donggala.

SS Trespasser sinks PB Kaisho Maru near Muntok.

SS Bowfin sinks DD Teruzki by Hakodate.

SSX Ha-39 is sunk by Allied escorts off Sorong.

SSX Ha-37 is sunk by Allied escorts near Waigeo.

SS Devilfish is sunk by Japanese ASW AC by Balikpappan.



CBI


The string of Allied disasters in the CBI continues this turn. I had a few LCUs at Moulmein that werent drawing supply from Pegu and Rangoon so I ordered an ill advised bombardment attack to draw supplies:



Ground combat at Moulmein (55,55)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 11171 troops, 127 guns, 45 vehicles, Assault Value = 3575

Defending force 42610 troops, 547 guns, 528 vehicles, Assault Value = 1223


Allied ground losses:
742 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 78 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 15 (2 destroyed, 13 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)


Assaulting units:
2/7th Armoured Regiment
46th Indian/A Division
14th Chindit Brigade
17th Indian/B Division
14th Indian/A Division
2/5th Armoured Regiment
2/6th Armoured Regiment
23rd Indian/B Division
17th Indian/C Division
23rd Indian/A Division
14th Indian/C Division
16th Chindit Brigade
39th Indian/A Division
72nd British Brigade
2/11th Armoured Car Battalion
39th Indian/B Division
XXXIII Corps Engineer Battalion
23rd Chindit Brigade
3rd Motor Brigade
XV Corps Engineer Battalion
Provisionl Tank Brigade
2/8th Armoured Regiment
29th British Brigade
3rd Commando Brigade
6th Indian Brigade
2/4th Armoured Regiment
46th Indian/C Division
50th Indian Para Brigade
8th Indian Brigade
39th Indian/C Division
15th Indian Brigade
209th Combat Engineer Battalion
17th Indian/A Division
28th (East African) Brigade
26th Indian Brigade
14th Indian/B Division
Kowloon Brigade
46th Indian/B Division
268th Motorised Brigade
45th Indian Brigade
23rd Indian/C Division
XXXIII Indian Corps
XV Indian Corps
1st Indian Light AA Regiment
2nd Indian AA Bde

Defending units:
2nd RTA Division
2nd Tank Regiment
20th Division
16th Division
18th Tank Regiment
33rd Div /2
Burma Area Army
26th Air Defense AA Regiment
40th Field AA Battalion
45th Field AA Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
47th Field AA Battalion
2nd Ind.AA Gun Co
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
48th Field AA Battalion
1st RF Gun Battalion
25th Army
34th Field AA Battalion
5th Mortar Battalion
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion


Ground combat at Moulmein (55,55)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 10713 troops, 127 guns, 45 vehicles, Assault Value = 3557

Defending force 42723 troops, 547 guns, 528 vehicles, Assault Value = 1233


Allied ground losses:
618 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 63 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 8 (3 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)


Assaulting units:
23rd Indian/A Division
46th Indian/A Division
45th Indian Brigade
2/6th Armoured Regiment
14th Chindit Brigade
3rd Commando Brigade
23rd Indian/B Division
39th Indian/A Division
2/5th Armoured Regiment
39th Indian/C Division
14th Indian/A Division
XXXIII Corps Engineer Battalion
72nd British Brigade
28th (East African) Brigade
2/4th Armoured Regiment
14th Indian/C Division
2/11th Armoured Car Battalion
14th Indian/B Division
29th British Brigade
39th Indian/B Division
50th Indian Para Brigade
3rd Motor Brigade
Provisionl Tank Brigade
XV Corps Engineer Battalion
209th Combat Engineer Battalion
17th Indian/A Division
23rd Chindit Brigade
268th Motorised Brigade
8th Indian Brigade
17th Indian/B Division
6th Indian Brigade
26th Indian Brigade
16th Chindit Brigade
2/8th Armoured Regiment
2/7th Armoured Regiment
15th Indian Brigade
46th Indian/B Division
46th Indian/C Division
Kowloon Brigade
17th Indian/C Division
23rd Indian/C Division
1st Indian Light AA Regiment
XV Indian Corps
XXXIII Indian Corps
2nd Indian AA Bde

Defending units:
2nd RTA Division
2nd Tank Regiment
20th Division
16th Division
18th Tank Regiment
33rd Div /2
2nd Ind.AA Gun Co
45th Field AA Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
34th Field AA Battalion
Burma Area Army
1st RF Gun Battalion
5th Mortar Battalion
47th Field AA Battalion
25th Army
48th Field AA Battalion
26th Air Defense AA Regiment
40th Field AA Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion


I basically lost the equivalent of 2 brigades this turn in nthe bombardments....one was a British brigade. I will need to rest for a few more turns before ordering another assault now.

Allied bombers based in China and again catch the Japanese army on the offensive near Wuchow out in clear terrain and inflict several hundred casualties.


Nearly 80,000 supplies and Merrills Marauders are unloaded at Rangoon without incident.



SWPAC


SWPAC troops again attack the remaining Japanese at Noemfoor but cant even get 1:1 odds on them despite having the advantage in numbers, supplies and prep:




Ground combat at Noemfoor (86,110)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 15392 troops, 295 guns, 301 vehicles, Assault Value = 462

Defending force 4631 troops, 41 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 138

Allied adjusted assault: 64

Japanese adjusted defense: 89

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
289 casualties reported
Squads: 38 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 13 (9 destroyed, 4 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
420 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 55 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)


Assaulting units:
24th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
58th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
25th Infantry Division
9th USN Naval Construction Regiment
USN AirSoPac
36th USN Naval Construction Battalion
24th USN Naval Construction Battalion
26th USN Naval Construction Battalion
47th Aviation Base Force
31st Aviation Base Force
115th USAAF Base Force /4

Defending units:
18th Garrison Unit
62nd Infantry Group /2
2nd Guards Div /3
5th Div /1
25th JAAF AF Bn
47th Road Const Co
14th Garrison Unit /1



Ive been trying to finish off the Japanese here in this 3x terrain for nearly a month. Carpet bombing with 200-300 bombers seems to inflict minimal damage on the Japanese defenders.


WE now have fighters, DBs and TBFs based at Waigeo, Sansopar, Manokwari and Noemfoor.



II AUSTRALIAN CORPS.....A CHANGE OF PLANS


Aussie troops finish off the Japanese stragglers at Misool:



Ground combat at Misool (80,108)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5412 troops, 55 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 235

Defending force 1295 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 30

Allied adjusted assault: 130

Japanese adjusted defense: 7

Allied assault odds: 18 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
373 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 17 (9 destroyed, 8 disabled)


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


Assaulting units:
5th Australian Brigade
7th Australian Brigade
12th RAAF M/W Sqn
2nd RAAF M/W Sqn

Defending units:
2nd Guards Div /4
40th JAAF AF Bn




Ground combat at Misool (80,108)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5372 troops, 55 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 231

Defending force 1001 troops, 9 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 11

Allied adjusted assault: 62

Japanese adjusted defense: 3

Allied assault odds: 20 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
340 casualties reported
Squads: 14 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 5 (5 destroyed, 0 disabled)


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


Assaulting units:
5th Australian Brigade
7th Australian Brigade
12th RAAF M/W Sqn
6th RAAF M/W Sqn
2nd RAAF M/W Sqn

Defending units:
2nd Guards Div /4
40th JAAF AF Bn

40th JAAF AF Bn Wiped Out at Misool by attrition!!!


Japanese Unit(s) Wiped Out at Misool by attrition!!!




It took me 3 weeks to break through Japanese front line defenses at Manokwari and Noemfoor and in fact....I still cant finish off the Japanese at Noemfoor and I feel like Im just banging my head against a wall.

Now here in the DEI.....Dave has anticipated my intentions and has reinforced my intended II Australian Corps objectives....18,000 IJA troops at Dili, 4600 IJA troops at Lautem and another 18,000 IJA troops at Ambon. The Moluccas by contrast are very lightly defended and just behind the Moluccas is the important base of Talaud eilanden where Dave had only 11,000 troops 2 turns ago but has now flown in another 3800 troops even though Ive inficted 95% damage on the AF there.

So there will be a change in plans now. II Australian Corps is cancelling the planned invasions of Lautem and Dili and is postponing the invasion of Ambon.....they are all too peripheral to our main objective of Mindanao and the Philippines. Instead.....II Australian Corps will meet up with SWPAC in the Moluccas ASAP but Im afraid that I may have to invade Talaud-eilanden first due to the rapid Japanese buildup.

Fifth Fleet will complete maintenance and repairs at Rabaul next turn and then the offensive will resume in earnest.

CVE Casablanca and CVE Copahee....both damaged last month during the SWPAC landings at Manokwari....both reach the shipyards at Sydney this turn and will complete repairs in 22 days and 16 days respectively.

[racndoc]

2/9-2/10/44



SUBS


SS I-166 sinks LST-121 west of Johnson Is.




CBI


Dave masses over a tank corps 2 hexes south of Wuchang in an attempt to break through Allied lines:


Ground combat at 84,52 (near Wuchang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 21121 troops, 281 guns, 1822 vehicles, Assault Value = 1089

Defending force 2502 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 109

Japanese adjusted assault: 994

Allied adjusted defense: 16

Japanese assault odds: 62 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
164 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Vehicles lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
1629 casualties reported
Squads: 36 destroyed, 30 disabled
Non Combat: 26 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 12 (4 destroyed, 8 disabled)
Units retreated 1


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
1st Tank Division
10th Tank Regiment
12th Tank Regiment
3rd Tank Division
6th Tank Regiment
7th Tank Regiment
9th Tank Regiment
2nd Recon Battalion

Defending units:
44th Chinese/B Corps



Ive got a 1500 AV army with 2 Indian armor brigades in reserve in the next hex but if Dave breaks though here my 4000 AV army in Wuchang could be surrounded.


I tried a bombardment with a SEAC army on the China/Indochina border to recon Japanese stregth but one of the Allied artillery units is destroyed:


Ground combat at Lang Son (70,56)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 830 troops, 79 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1794

Defending force 42654 troops, 492 guns, 280 vehicles, Assault Value = 1419


Allied ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 24 (15 destroyed, 9 disabled)


Assaulting units:
111th Chindit Brigade
96th Chinese Division
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
64th Chinese/C Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry/C Corps
50th Tank Brigade
82nd Chinese/A Corps
55th Prov Chinese Division
Gardner's Horse Regiment
54th Chinese/B Corps
78th Chinese/C Corps
27th Group Army
1st Artillery Regiment
21st Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment

Defending units:
11th Division
18th Division
2nd Division
25th Air Defense AA Regiment
11th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
7th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd Hvy.Artillery Regiment
23rd JAAF AF Bn
3rd Ind.AA Gun Co
4th RF Gun Battalion
4th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
10th JAAF AF Coy
4th Ind.Mixed Rgt /1


Ground combat at Lang Son (70,56)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 800 troops, 69 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1794

Defending force 42654 troops, 492 guns, 280 vehicles, Assault Value = 1419


Allied ground losses:
189 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 15 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 27 (22 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Units destroyed 1


Assaulting units:
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
64th Chinese/C Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry/C Corps
111th Chindit Brigade
55th Prov Chinese Division
Gardner's Horse Regiment
96th Chinese Division
82nd Chinese/A Corps
54th Chinese/B Corps
50th Tank Brigade
78th Chinese/C Corps
27th Group Army
21st Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Artillery Regiment
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment

Defending units:
18th Division
11th Division
2nd Division
4th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
11th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
3rd Hvy.Artillery Regiment
10th JAAF AF Coy
7th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
23rd JAAF AF Bn
4th RF Gun Battalion
25th Air Defense AA Regiment
3rd Ind.AA Gun Co
4th Ind.Mixed Rgt /1





SWPAC


Fifth Fleet leaves port at Rabaul and its bigger and badder than ever.....10 CVs, 7 CVLs and 17 CVEs. Amphib transports load troops for the upcoming offensive into the Moluccas and Talaud-einlanden.

The recently captured base at Waigeo has a level 6 AF and the recently captured base at Misool has a level 5 AF....these bases will be instrumental in the Moluccas offensive.

Im finally making some progress in the jungle at Noemfoor:

Ground combat at Noemfoor (86,110)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 15148 troops, 295 guns, 301 vehicles, Assault Value = 429

Defending force 4103 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 121

Allied adjusted assault: 301

Japanese adjusted defense: 45

Allied assault odds: 6 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
752 casualties reported
Squads: 40 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled


Allied ground losses:
173 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 37 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Assaulting units:
24th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
58th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
25th Infantry Division
24th USN Naval Construction Battalion
36th USN Naval Construction Battalion
47th Aviation Base Force
26th USN Naval Construction Battalion
31st Aviation Base Force
USN AirSoPac
9th USN Naval Construction Regiment
115th USAAF Base Force /4

Defending units:
62nd Infantry Group /2
2nd Guards Div /3
5th Div /1
25th JAAF AF Bn
18th Garrison Unit /1
47th Road Const Co
14th Garrison Unit /1




Ground combat at Noemfoor (86,110)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 14955 troops, 295 guns, 301 vehicles, Assault Value = 397

Defending force 3398 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 82

Allied adjusted assault: 139

Japanese adjusted defense: 21

Allied assault odds: 6 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
411 casualties reported
Squads: 22 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 13 (13 destroyed, 0 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
160 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 24 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Assaulting units:
58th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
24th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
25th Infantry Division
24th USN Naval Construction Battalion
USN AirSoPac
31st Aviation Base Force
26th USN Naval Construction Battalion
47th Aviation Base Force
9th USN Naval Construction Regiment
36th USN Naval Construction Battalion
115th USAAF Base Force /4

Defending units:
2nd Guards Div /3
5th Div /1
18th Garrison Unit /1
62nd Infantry Group /2
47th Road Const Co
25th JAAF AF Bn
14th Garrison Unit /1





47th Road Const Co Wiped Out at Noemfoor by attrition!!!


Japanese Unit(s) Wiped Out at Noemfoor by attrition!!!





II AUSTRALIAN CORPS


Covered by land based fighters flying from Boela and Misool.......the Australian 11th Brigade will invade at Obi next turn. Obi will give us another level 4 AF to support the offensive into the Moluccas.

Allied tac, medium and heavy bombers hit Japanese AFs at Ternate, Galeia, Lolobato, Ambon, Biak, Sorong and Taluad-eilanden.

[racndoc]

2/11-2/12/44



SUBS


SS Stonehenge sinks TK Kikusui Maru off Balikpappan.



II AUSTRALIAN CORPS


The 11th Australian Brigade storms ashore at Obi while Allied tac, medium and heavy bombers carpet bomb the Japanese garrison there. By the end of the turn we have 127 AV of Allied troops ashore:


Ground combat at Obi (77,106)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 168 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 66

Defending force 2770 troops, 28 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 127



Assaulting units:
27th Electric Engineer Regiment
12th Div /8
46th Road Const Co
5th JNAF Coy
22nd JNAF AF Unit /1

Defending units:
11th Australian Brigade



Next turn the IIth Australian Brigade will shock attack at Obi following an even more massive aerial bombardment. Concurrent with that assault....over 80 transport AC based on Kai-eilanden will paradrop an Aussie and a Fiji paratroop battalion on Obi.


SBDs sink several LBs in port at Ambon and also SSX Ha-40 in port at Sorong.



SWPAC


Ive attached a screenshot of Japanese bases within range of the Moluccas. Ive been bombing most of the AFs in the region for a couple of weeks but there are still plenty of fully operational Japanese AFs level 4 or greater that can launch a massive naval counterstrike
when we invade the Moluccas. And this screenshot doesnt even show all the Japanese AFs on Mindanao and in the southern Philippines that will be in range of Talaud-eilanden when we invade there. Of all the AFs in the screenshot....im most concerned about a Japanese naval airstrike originating from Babeldaob, Manado and sangi. On D-day minus 2 for the assault on Talaud-eilanden.... Fifth Air Force will nuke the Japanee level 4 AF at Babeldaob. I believe this base is the most dangerous in the region and over 100 Japanese AC are currently stationed there.

Fifth Fleet continues its voyage along the northern coast of New Guinea towards the Moluccas. CVE Anzio....the last remaining CVE to be repaired from the amphib assault on the DEI in July 1943...finally makes it back to Rabaul this turn to refuel and then rejoin Fifth Fleet.

CVE Nehenta Bay and CVE Gambier Bay are completed at Portland and leave the US west coast for the war zones......the massive industrial output of the United States continues to crank out additional combatant ships for the Pacific Fleet.

[racndoc]

2/13-2/14/44



SUBS


SS I-185 gets into a surface gunbattle with xAK Dellwood near Obi....SS I-185 takes a direct hit on the conning tower and is forced to submerge.


SS Tinosa sinks DD Shimakaze near Fukue-jima.

SS Surf is sunk by E boats off Davao.



CBI


Dave pulls his armor back from Wuchang as he senses a chance to surround a 5000 AV Chinese army outside of Sinyang. I was trying to threaten Simnyang to take the pressure off of Wuchang but somehow my army went off the road and now we are in a race back towards Nanyang.

Dave launches a 1:90 attack with his unsupplied and disrupted armor(Ive been bombing the bejesus out of them with Tenth Air Force medium and heavy bombers in clear terrain) outside Wuchow and still disables 47 squads:



Ground combat at 76,56 (near Wuchow)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1123 troops, 0 guns, 222 vehicles, Assault Value = 241

Defending force 20528 troops, 160 guns, 41 vehicles, Assault Value = 408

Japanese adjusted assault: 4

Allied adjusted defense: 362

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 90

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 38 (18 destroyed, 20 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
268 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 47 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Assaulting units:
19th Tank Regiment
8th Tank Regiment
37th/B Division

Defending units:
38th Chinese/C Corps
159th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
49th Chinese/B Corps
200th Chinese Division
65th Chinese Corps
31st Infantry Regiment
52nd Chinese/B Corps
4th War Area
14th Group Army


The Chinese gain a measure of revenge by overrunning an IJA regiment outside of Kanhsien:



Ground combat at 83,58 (near Kanhsien)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 22759 troops, 78 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 932

Defending force 3401 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 126

Allied adjusted assault: 465

Japanese adjusted defense: 119

Allied assault odds: 3 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1366 casualties reported
Squads: 27 destroyed, 32 disabled
Non Combat: 21 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 11 (3 destroyed, 8 disabled)
Units retreated 1


Allied ground losses:
610 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 85 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
60th Chinese/C Corps
69th Chinese Corps
97th Chinese/B Corps
43rd Chinese/B Corps
82nd Chinese/B Corps
7th Chinese/B Corps
3rd New Chinese/C Corps
NCAC
Y' Force

Defending units:
13th Indpt Infantry Regiment



II AUSTRALIAN CORPS


The 11th Australian Brigade launches an unsuccessful shock attack on Obi even though it was reinforce by 2 patroop battalions:


Ground combat at Obi (77,106)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 3554 troops, 34 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 180

Defending force 2430 troops, 24 guns, 62 vehicles, Assault Value = 78

Allied adjusted assault: 78

Japanese adjusted defense: 106

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 4)

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

Japanese ground losses:
154 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 7 (5 destroyed, 2 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
381 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 50 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled


Assaulting units:
1st Fiji Commando Bn /1
11th Australian Brigade
1st Australian Para Bn /1

Defending units:
27th Electric Engineer Regiment
90th Infantry Rgt /1
12th Div /8
5th JNAF Coy
46th Road Const Co
22nd JNAF AF Unit /1



I used virtually all of Fifth Air Force on ground attacks at Obi last turn but they were very ineffective in the rough terrain. In addition....even though Allied LRCAP turned back scores of transport AC Dave was still able to increase his AV from 64 to 78 with reinforcements.

Now I will need to rest Allied troops here for a turn or 2. We will see if Allied LRCAP can do a better job of interdicting Japanese reinforcement by transport AC.



SWPAC


Relatively small Japanese naval airstrikes rip through Allied CAP and LRCAP to hit shipping at Waigeo:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Waigeo at 82,106

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
B5N2 Kate x 8



Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 2
P-40K Warhawk x 18
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 30
F4U-1A Corsair x 8
F6F-3 Hellcat x 20


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

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
APA Harry Lee, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
APA John Penn, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk



CAP engaged:
No.79 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire VIII (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers
49th FG/7th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (5 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 42000 , scrambling fighters to 42000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
18th FG/70th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (4 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 42000 , scrambling fighters to 42000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
347th FG/339th FS with P-40K Warhawk (6 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-38 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 38800 , scrambling fighters between 38000 and 38800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-441 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 19900 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes



Morning Air attack on TF, near Waigeo at 82,106

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
B5N2 Kate x 4



Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 6
P-40K Warhawk x 18
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 30
F4U-1A Corsair x 24
F6F-3 Hellcat x 23


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
AM Starling, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk



CAP engaged:
VF-38 with F6F-3 Hellcat (11 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 38800 , scrambling fighters to 38000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-441 with F4U-1A Corsair (7 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19900 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
No.79 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire VIII (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
6 planes vectored on to bombers
49th FG/7th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (5 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 42000 , scrambling fighters to 42000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
18th FG/70th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (4 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 42000 , scrambling fighters to 42000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
347th FG/339th FS with P-40K Warhawk (6 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
20 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-217 with F4U-1A Corsair (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 18000
Raid is overhead
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-321 with F4U-1A Corsair (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 18000
Raid is overhead



Since 80 Jills escorted by less than 100 A6M2s were able to break through my 1000 plane CAP last month and hit 6 carriers I guess that I shouldnt be surprised that 70-80 Allied fighters cant handle 20 Japanese escort fighters. The strange thing to me is that Japan lost 4 of 8 Kates in A2A in the 1st combat but still lkanded 6 torpedo hits and then in the 2nd combat Japan lost 3 of 4 Kates in A2A but still scored 3 torpedo hits.

Meanwhile.....Fifth Fleet pauses off the northern coast of New Guinea to refuel.....and evidently we havent yet been spotted by Japanese naval search planes.

Ive attached a screenshot of the area to the north of Talaud-eilanden....there is a whole other network of interlocking Japanese level 4 AFs in the southern Philippines and Borneo including level 4 AFs at Donggala, Gorontalo, Surigao and Siargao that arent on the map.

Recon shows that Dave has a force of 90 plus fighters and 40 plus bombers based at Manado. I know that I cant be certain of stopping a Japanese naval airstrike with an escort of 90 plus fighters....even if I have 1000 fighters on CAP as I saw last month. I am putting some bait out again at Waigeo....4 nice fat AKs and a small surface TF with CL Raleigh to boot. I have some 250 land based fighters on CAP and LRCAP but I know that the Japanese escorts will easily brush them aside. But it would be worth the sacrifice if we are able to break up one or 2 Japanese naval airstrikes. On top of that....Fifth Air Force is concentrating over 300 medium and heavy bombers on the Japanese AFs at Manado and Babeldaob so whether they fly or not we should be able to severely attrition them. And then Fifth Fleet will storm out into the open to cover the amphibious assaults on the Malaccas and on Talaud-eilanden.

[BBfanboy]

Detection distance/response time was very short on those raids - no radar with your ground units I guess. With only five minutes warning the CAP must have shot down the Kates after they dropped their torps.

[racndoc]

BBfanboy....good point on the short detection and response time....I hurried my turn and didnt even look at that. But that wasnt the case in January when my carriers got hammered....I had 40 minute detection and response time then.



2/15-2/16/44



SUBS


SS Trespasser sinks TK Komaki maru off Simgkep.





SWPAC


The Japanese dont take the bait at Waigeo and no naval airstrikes were launched. But that didnt stop Fifth Air Force from taking out both Babeldaob and Manado AFs. Manado AF is now shut down with 100% damage and babeldaob now has 77% damage. The Japanese lose 38 AC on the ground.....mainly Franks and Kates.

Now Fifth Fleet will charge into action next turn as SWPAC and II Australian Corps launch their next round of amphib assaults.



CHINA


The 5000 AV Chinese army outside if sinyang makes it safely back to the vicinity of Nanyang as the Japanese pursue it.

Dave concentrates a massive army now at Wuchang:


Ground combat at Wuchang (84,51)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 121983 troops, 1404 guns, 383 vehicles, Assault Value = 6771

Defending force 121266 troops, 1027 guns, 269 vehicles, Assault Value = 3967

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


Allied ground losses:
241 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)


Assaulting units:
6th Tank Regiment
2nd Recon Battalion
3rd Tank Division
12th Tank Regiment
10th Tank Regiment
64th Division
62nd Division
40th Division
7th Tank Regiment
27th Division
36th Division
1st Tank Division
26th Engineer Regiment
65th Division
35th Division
22nd Division
3rd Division
116th
110th Division
6th Division
30th Engineer Regiment
69th Division
25th RGC Temp./A Division
11th Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
22nd AA Regiment
15th AA Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
38th Ind. Engineer Regiment
30th Field Artillery Regiment
4th Mortar Battalion
11th Army
8th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
5th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
10th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
2nd Ind. Field Artillery Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
71st Mountain Gun Regiment
27th Fld AA Gun Co
54th JAAF AF Bn

Defending units:
16th Canadian Brigade
73rd Chinese/A Corps
20th Chinese Corps
94th Chinese/B Corps
74th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese/B Corps
37th Chinese Corps
3rd Carabiniers Regiment
94th Chinese/A Corps
92nd Chinese/B Corps
8th Prov Chinese/B Corps
48th Chinese Corps
22nd Chinese/A Corps
77th Chindit Brigade
18th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese/C Corps
28th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
6th Mixed A/T Mtr Rgt /1
23rd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
22nd Artillery Regiment
29th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
24th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
8th Medium Regiment
20th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
57th AT Gun Regiment
18th Artillery Regiment
9th War Area
25th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
2/9th Field Regiment
137/155th Field Regiment
2/13th Field Regiment
6th War Area
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
19th Group Army
7th Artillery Regiment
108th Tank Attack Rgt /1



Dave now has nearly 6800 AV at Wuchang with another 3 1/2 divisions next door at Hankow that are attempting to reinforce. Its time for the Allies to withdraw from Wuchang back towards Changsha.

Dave is going all out to decimate the Chinese army that was forced out of Wuchow:


Ground combat at 76,56 (near Wuchow)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 13463 troops, 116 guns, 213 vehicles, Assault Value = 534

Defending force 20322 troops, 162 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 388

Japanese adjusted assault: 302

Allied adjusted defense: 304

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
722 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 43 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 30 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Vehicles lost 46 (20 destroyed, 26 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
1096 casualties reported
Squads: 37 destroyed, 71 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 42 (2 destroyed, 40 disabled)


Assaulting units:
8th Tank Regiment
37th Division
19th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
159th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
200th Chinese Division
38th Chinese/C Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
49th Chinese/B Corps
65th Chinese Corps
31st Infantry Regiment
52nd Chinese/B Corps
4th War Area
14th Group Army



We will hit this Japanese army with DBs next turn and then the bulk of this Allied army should be able to withdraw to good defensive terrain.

[racndoc]

2/17-2/18/44


SUBS


SS Thresher sinks xAK Ishikara maru off Tawi Tawi.


SS RO-36 is sunk by an Allied ASW TF near Sarmi.



CBI


The string of Allied disasters in Burma continues.

First an Allied bombardment TF was sent from Rangoon to bombard Moulmein but Dave mined the mouth of the Irrawaddy River:


TF 626 encounters mine field at 54,54

Allied Ships
CA Hawkins, Mine hits 1
CL Ceylon, Mine hits 1
CL Hobart, Mine hits 1
DD Napier, Mine hits 1, heavy damage
DD Worden, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage





The naval bombardment of Moulmein was cancelled due to this. I launched a 1:1 assault and then a 1:2 assault at Moulmein:


Ground combat at Moulmein (55,55)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 105203 troops, 1287 guns, 1923 vehicles, Assault Value = 4161

Defending force 44202 troops, 559 guns, 528 vehicles, Assault Value = 1321

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 6

Allied adjusted assault: 6652

Japanese adjusted defense: 5317

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 6)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 6

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), leaders(+)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1658 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 146 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 48 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 43 (1 destroyed, 42 disabled)
Vehicles lost 33 (1 destroyed, 32 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
10175 casualties reported
Squads: 224 destroyed, 1030 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 194 disabled
Engineers: 41 destroyed, 223 disabled
Guns lost 254 (20 destroyed, 234 disabled)
Vehicles lost 131 (5 destroyed, 126 disabled)


Assaulting units:
28th (East African) Brigade
Merrills Marauders Regiment
XXXIII Corps Engineer Battalion
72nd British Brigade
46th Indian/B Division
14th Indian Division
2/5th Armoured Regiment
2/11th Armoured Car Battalion
3rd Motor Brigade
6th Indian Brigade
209th Combat Engineer Battalion
23rd Indian/B Division
29th British Brigade
XV Corps Engineer Battalion
23rd Chindit Brigade
45th Indian Brigade
81st (West African) Division
46th Indian/A Division
268th Motorised Brigade
8th Indian Brigade
3rd Commando Brigade
16th Chindit Brigade
Provisionl Tank Brigade
2/7th Armoured Regiment
14th Chindit Brigade
26th Indian Brigade
39th Indian Division
50th Indian Para Brigade
2/6th Armoured Regiment
23rd Indian/A Division
22nd Indian Brigade
46th Indian/C Division
15th Indian Brigade
2/8th Armoured Regiment
17th Indian Division
2/4th Armoured Regiment
Kowloon Brigade
23rd Indian/C Division
3rd Indian Coastal Artillery Regiment
XXXIII Indian Corps
1st Indian Light AA Regiment
1st Indian Coastal Artillery Regiment
XV Indian Corps
2nd Indian AA Bde

Defending units:
2nd RTA Division
2nd INA Gandhi Regiment
16th Division
2nd Tank Regiment
20th Division
18th Tank Regiment
33rd Div /2
5th Mortar Battalion
34th Field AA Battalion
45th Field AA Battalion
26th Air Defense AA Regiment
40th Field AA Battalion
47th Field AA Battalion
25th Army
48th Field AA Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
2nd Ind.AA Gun Co
Burma Area Army
1st RF Gun Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion



Ground combat at Moulmein (55,55)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 96196 troops, 1266 guns, 1923 vehicles, Assault Value = 3001

Defending force 42729 troops, 559 guns, 528 vehicles, Assault Value = 1121

Allied adjusted assault: 4147

Japanese adjusted defense: 7335

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 6)

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

Japanese ground losses:
597 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 39 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 48 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 56 (6 destroyed, 50 disabled)
Vehicles lost 111 (48 destroyed, 63 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
8837 casualties reported
Squads: 375 destroyed, 563 disabled
Non Combat: 31 destroyed, 238 disabled
Engineers: 77 destroyed, 134 disabled
Guns lost 118 (13 destroyed, 105 disabled)
Vehicles lost 181 (32 destroyed, 149 disabled)
Units destroyed 1


Assaulting units:
46th Indian/C Division
Kowloon Brigade
268th Motorised Brigade
8th Indian Brigade
29th British Brigade
14th Chindit Brigade
23rd Indian/A Division
46th Indian/A Division
81st (West African) Division
16th Chindit Brigade
XXXIII Corps Engineer Battalion
46th Indian/B Division
6th Indian Brigade
2/8th Armoured Regiment
3rd Commando Brigade
23rd Indian/B Division
14th Indian Division
15th Indian Brigade
39th Indian Division
50th Indian Para Brigade
28th (East African) Brigade
Provisionl Tank Brigade
2/5th Armoured Regiment
3rd Motor Brigade
2/11th Armoured Car Battalion
2/7th Armoured Regiment
2/6th Armoured Regiment
45th Indian Brigade
26th Indian Brigade
XV Corps Engineer Battalion
72nd British Brigade
2/4th Armoured Regiment
22nd Indian Brigade
17th Indian Division
Merrills Marauders Regiment
209th Combat Engineer Battalion
23rd Chindit Brigade
23rd Indian/C Division
XXXIII Indian Corps
XV Indian Corps
1st Indian Coastal Artillery Regiment
1st Indian Light AA Regiment
3rd Indian Coastal Artillery Regiment
2nd Indian AA Bde

Defending units:
18th Tank Regiment
16th Division
20th Division
2nd Tank Regiment
2nd RTA Division
2nd INA Gandhi Regiment
33rd Div /2
40th Field AA Battalion
2nd Ind.AA Gun Co
5th Mortar Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
47th Field AA Battalion
26th Air Defense AA Regiment
25th Army
48th Field AA Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
45th Field AA Battalion
Burma Area Army
34th Field AA Battalion
1st RF Gun Battalion
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion



Thats about the worst result Ive ever seen for a 1:1 attack. SEAC lost 1800 AV from a 4000 AV army so it was basically cut in half. WE will need to switch over now to the defensive at Moulmein.

In China.....Dave launches a massive attack at Wuchang:



Ground combat at Wuchang (84,51)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 180241 troops, 1960 guns, 2247 vehicles, Assault Value = 6771

Defending force 121250 troops, 1025 guns, 269 vehicles, Assault Value = 3962

Japanese adjusted assault: 3190

Allied adjusted defense: 8223

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
17259 casualties reported
Squads: 254 destroyed, 905 disabled
Non Combat: 12 destroyed, 195 disabled
Engineers: 62 destroyed, 153 disabled
Guns lost 178 (23 destroyed, 155 disabled)
Vehicles lost 134 (5 destroyed, 129 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
7465 casualties reported
Squads: 106 destroyed, 668 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 195 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 53 disabled
Guns lost 147 (28 destroyed, 119 disabled)
Vehicles lost 22 (2 destroyed, 20 disabled)


Assaulting units:
3rd Division
62nd Division
40th Division
6th Tank Regiment
12th Tank Regiment
110th Division
26th Engineer Regiment
65th Division
35th Division
27th Division
1st Tank Division
64th Division
10th Tank Regiment
30th Engineer Regiment
2nd Recon Battalion
7th Tank Regiment
116th
36th Division
3rd Tank Division
69th Division
22nd Division
6th Division
25th RGC Temp./A Division
11th Field Artillery Regiment
15th AA Regiment
4th Mortar Battalion
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
8th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
38th Ind. Engineer Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind. Field Artillery Regiment
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
71st Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
22nd AA Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment
5th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
30th Field Artillery Regiment
27th Fld AA Gun Co
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
10th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
11th Army
54th JAAF AF Bn

Defending units:
74th Chinese Corps
8th Prov Chinese/B Corps
48th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
77th Chindit Brigade
37th Chinese Corps
22nd Chinese/A Corps
79th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
94th Chinese/A Corps
3rd Carabiniers Regiment
20th Chinese Corps
16th Canadian Brigade
18th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese/B Corps
94th Chinese/B Corps
6th War Area
2/9th Field Regiment
18th Artillery Regiment
6th Mixed A/T Mtr Rgt /1
24th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
23rd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
29th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
137/155th Field Regiment
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
25th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
8th Medium Regiment
19th Group Army
22nd Artillery Regiment
20th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
57th AT Gun Regiment
28th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
2/13th Field Regiment
9th War Area
7th Artillery Regiment
108th Tank Attack Rgt /1



We will stay in Wuchang for the time being.


Dave makes one last effort to again decimate the Chinese army retreating from Wuchow:



Ground combat at 76,56 (near Wuchow)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 12577 troops, 116 guns, 196 vehicles, Assault Value = 427

Defending force 14559 troops, 154 guns, 44 vehicles, Assault Value = 268

Japanese adjusted assault: 36

Allied adjusted defense: 141

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 3

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

Japanese ground losses:
287 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Vehicles lost 50 (39 destroyed, 11 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
827 casualties reported
Squads: 46 destroyed, 40 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 16 (1 destroyed, 15 disabled)


Assaulting units:
8th Tank Regiment
37th Division
19th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
200th Chinese Division
65th Chinese Corps
31st Infantry Regiment
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
159th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
38th Chinese/C Corps


It was originally a 1300 AV Chinese army but now its been cut back to just over 200 Av. There are a lot of disable squads here and this turn the remnants of the Chinese army were able to withdraw to good defensive terrain so they can rebuild.




II AUSTRALIAN CORPS


Dave sneaks in a lone DD to the waters off Obi where it roughs up some LSTs that were dropping off supplies:

Night Time Surface Combat, near Obi at 77,106, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Kishinami

Allied Ships
SC-1068, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
LST-179, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
LST-471, Shell hits 13, heavy fires, heavy damage
LST-472, Shell hits 4




Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 35% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 27,000 yards...
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 10,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 10,000 yards
Allied ships attempt to get underway
DD Kishinami engages LST-179 at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
LST-179 sunk by DD Kishinami at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
Massive explosion on SC-1068
DD Kishinami engages SC-1068 at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
SC-1068 sunk by DD Kishinami at 2,000 yards
DD Kishinami engages LST-471 at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
DD Kishinami engages LST-472 at 2,000 yards
DD Kishinami engages LST-471 at 2,000 yards
Okuma, Masakichi orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range increases to 7,000 yards
DD Kishinami engages LST-472 at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
DD Kishinami engages LST-471 at 11,000 yards
DD Kishinami engages LST-471 at 11,000 yards
Task forces break off...





Japanese naval airstikes attack Allied shipping in the area:


Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Obi at 77,106

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
D3A1 Val x 16



Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 5
F6F-3 Hellcat x 11


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 6 destroyed, 2 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
LST-17



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
10 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
VF-38 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Raid is overhead
49th FG/8th FS with P-40N5 Warhawk (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ternate at 78,102

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 15
D4Y1 Judy x 21



No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AVP Teal, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
17 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AVP Teal


The 11th Australian Brigade launches another attack at Obi but isnt close to getting 1:1 odds:


Ground combat at Obi (77,106)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3356 troops, 34 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 165

Defending force 2893 troops, 31 guns, 62 vehicles, Assault Value = 80

Allied adjusted assault: 24

Japanese adjusted defense: 136

Allied assault odds: 1 to 5 (fort level 4)

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

Japanese ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled


Allied ground losses:
211 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 45 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)


Assaulting units:
1st Australian Para Battalion
11th Australian Brigade
1st Fiji Commando Battalion
6th RAAF M/W Sqn /4

Defending units:
90th Infantry Rgt /1
27th Electric Engineer Regiment
12th Div /8
46th Road Const Co
5th JNAF Coy
62nd Infantry Group /8
22nd JNAF AF Unit /1



Dave is still sending in reinforcements to Obi via transport AC even though Im flying over 100 fighters on LRCAP there.



SWPAC


Fifth Fleet masses and refuels near Waigeo. The offensive into the Moluccas and Talaud-eilanden will start in 2 turns. Brand new BB Iowa joins Fifth Fleet.

CV Yorktown....hit by a torpedo during the SWPAC assault on Manokwari in January....makes it back to the shipyards at Pearl and will take about 1 month to repair her damage.

[racndoc]

2/19-2/20/44



SUBS


SS I-154 is sunk by an Allied ASW Tf off Rangoon.

SS Pompano is sunk by Japanese ASW AC near Miri.



CBI


Dave makes another attempt to take Wuchang but suffers horrific losses:


Ground combat at Wuchang (84,51)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 163450 troops, 1848 guns, 2145 vehicles, Assault Value = 5759

Defending force 121989 troops, 1038 guns, 937 vehicles, Assault Value = 3815

Japanese adjusted assault: 1943

Allied adjusted defense: 6925

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 3

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

Japanese ground losses:
15197 casualties reported
Squads: 24 destroyed, 1018 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 144 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 186 disabled
Guns lost 122 (3 destroyed, 119 disabled)
Vehicles lost 95 (19 destroyed, 76 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
4504 casualties reported
Squads: 40 destroyed, 390 disabled
Non Combat: 15 destroyed, 113 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 43 disabled
Guns lost 139 (9 destroyed, 130 disabled)
Vehicles lost 91 (16 destroyed, 75 disabled)


Assaulting units:
35th Division
62nd Division
3rd Tank Division
12th Tank Regiment
27th Division
3rd/A Division
1st Tank Division
26th Engineer Regiment
3rd/B Division
110th Division
36th Division
25th RGC Temp./A Division
7th Tank Regiment
116th
64th Division
2nd Recon Battalion
65th Division
5th Ind.Infantry Brigade
69th Division
10th Tank Regiment
40th Division
22nd Division
6th Tank Regiment
30th Engineer Regiment
6th Division
3rd/C Division
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
22nd AA Regiment
2nd Ind. Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
11th Army
4th Mortar Battalion
30th Field Artillery Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
15th AA Regiment
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
11th Field Artillery Regiment
71st Mountain Gun Regiment
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
10th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
27th Fld AA Gun Co
5th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
8th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
38th Ind. Engineer Regiment
54th JAAF AF Bn

Defending units:
3rd Carabiniers Regiment
58th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
16th Canadian Brigade
18th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
77th Chindit Brigade
94th Chinese/A Corps
92nd Chinese/B Corps
22nd Chinese/A Corps
48th Chinese Corps
255th Armoured Brigade
84th Chinese Corps
150th RAC Regiment
254th Armoured Brigade
79th Chinese Corps
94th Chinese/B Corps
23rd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
2/9th Field Regiment
7th Artillery Regiment
24th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
29th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
20th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
25th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
6th War Area
9th War Area
8th Prov Chinese/B Corps
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
28th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
19th Group Army
2/13th Field Regiment
57th AT Gun Regiment
137/155th Field Regiment
22nd Artillery Regiment
18th Artillery Regiment
8th Medium Regiment
6th Mixed A/T Mtr Rgt /1
108th Tank Attack Rgt /1



The Japanese launch additional low odds attacks near Kanhsien and Nanyang:


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

Ground combat at 83,58 (near Kanhsien)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 27798 troops, 339 guns, 109 vehicles, Assault Value = 1007

Defending force 27129 troops, 78 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 880

Japanese adjusted assault: 620

Allied adjusted defense: 1467

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1730 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 166 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 28 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled
Vehicles lost 34 (20 destroyed, 14 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
996 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 111 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 28 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 6 (2 destroyed, 4 disabled)


Assaulting units:
8th Armored Car Co
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
25th Division
33rd Division
1st Art.Mortar Regiment
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
7th Chinese/B Corps
43rd Chinese/B Corps
60th Chinese/C Corps
97th Chinese/B Corps
69th Chinese Corps
82nd Chinese/B Corps
3rd New Chinese/C Corps
NCAC
Y' Force





Ground combat at 86,45 (near Nanyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1025 troops, 4 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 38

Defending force 1301 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 39

Japanese adjusted assault: 34

Allied adjusted defense: 38

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(+)
Attacker: leaders(+)

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


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


Assaulting units:
30th Recon Regiment

Defending units:
2nd Chinese Cavalry/A Corps


The advantage seems to be with the defender across the CBI.



FIFTH FLEET


Fifth Fleet completes massing off Waigeo. Fifth Fleet now has 10 CVs, 6 CVLs, 18 CVEs and 17 BBs available to cover the next round of amphibious assaults by SWPAC and II Australian Corps.

Ive decided to invade the Moluccas first to get some additional AFs for support before we invade at Talaud-eilanden. II Australian Corps units will make the first assault in the Moluccas next turn at Galeia. Allied tac, medium and heavy bombers will hit Galeia next turn in addition to carpet bombing the Japanese defenders at contested Obi.

The Japanese launch multiple naval airstrikes on Fifth Fleet but they arrive in piecemeal fashion and are easily repulsed:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 82,103

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
D3A1 Val x 32
Ki-84a Frank x 37



Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 19


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
Ki-84a Frank: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DE Griswold, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DE Steele, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DE William C. Miller, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
22 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
10 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
27 x Ki-84a Frank sweeping at 14000 feet
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
49th FG/7th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(12 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
18th FG/70th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DE Griswold
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DE William C. Miller


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 82,103

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
D4Y1 Judy x 8



Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 8


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
PF San Pedro



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
2 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet

CAP engaged:
49th FG/7th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
18th FG/70th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (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 20000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 66 minutes




Morning Air attack on TF, near Waigeo at 82,106

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 59 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
B5N2 Kate x 33



Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 11
Spitfire VIII x 14
A-36 Mustang x 6
P-40K Warhawk x 12
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 3
F4U-1 Corsair x 8
F6F-3 Hellcat x 36


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 12 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 14 destroyed, 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CL Raleigh
DD Conyngham



Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 14000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-38 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(15 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 22 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 21000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
VMF-223 with F4U-1 Corsair (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
No.77 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire VIII (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 14 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
347th FG/339th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(12 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 12 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
18th FG/70th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
312th BG/386th BS with A-36 Mustang (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
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 4 minutes




Nearly 100 P-38s based at Manokwari sweep the Japanese AF at Babeldaob.

Between the attacks on Fifth Fleet and the sweeps over Babeldaob....the Japanses lose 189 AC in A2A combat vs 26 Allied AC. Individual plane losses include 43 A6M2s, 9 A6M5s, 26 Kates, 17 Jills, 8 Judys, 18 Bettys, 34 tojos, 16 Nicks, 8 Georges, 19 P-38Js, 8 P-38Hs and 4 F4U-1As.

Over a half dozen Japanese fighter squadrons are roughed up and now Fifth Fleet will sail into the Moluccas to cover the amphibious assaults there. Several hundred land based fighters flying from Misool and Waigeo will help LRCAP the fleet.

There are 45 P-38Js LRCAPing at 44,000' on kamikaze patrol over Fifth Fleet, 350 of our most advanced fighters/best pilots LRCAPing and CAPing at 20,000", 220 fighters at 19,000', 282 fighters flying at 10,000'- 18,000', and another 300 fighters flying from 9000' all the way down to 1000'. We will see if these 1150 fighters are enough to stop some 70 TBs escorted by 100 fighters from getting through our leaky CAP.

[racndoc]

2/21-2/22/44



SUBS


SS RO-41 is sunk by an Allied ASW TF near Rangoon.

SS I-185 is sunk by by a USN surface TF off Morotai.

SS Kingfish sinks xAK Manko Maru by Wakkanai.

SS Kingfish torpedoes xAK Sansei Masu by Wakkanai.

SS Snook torpedoes xAK Kasuga Maru off Toyohara.

SS Skate sinks xAK Sansei Maru near Wakkanai.

SSX Ha-34 is sunk by an Allied ASW TF off Rangoon.



CBI


Dave is doing his best to bottled up the mine damaged RN cruisers in port at Rangoon. Im stuck in port until my ASW Tfs complete the minesweeping at the mouth of the Irrawaddy River and there are still at least 7 IJN subs waiting outside the estuary even after we sink 2 IJN subs this turn. In my out of synch version of this turn.....kamikaze Kates based at Port Blair are waiting for me to leave port(and actually sank 3 ASW DDs in my version) so I will need to LRCAP my ASW TFs next turn.

In China.....the Chinese hammer 2 IJA tank regiments near Loyang:


Ground combat at 86,43 (near Loyang)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 65450 troops, 285 guns, 14 vehicles, Assault Value = 2430

Defending force 964 troops, 0 guns, 189 vehicles, Assault Value = 87

Allied adjusted assault: 1652

Japanese adjusted defense: 2

Allied assault odds: 826 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(-), disruption(-), fatigue(-), experience(-)
supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 145 (99 destroyed, 46 disabled)
Units retreated 2


Allied ground losses:
101 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
96th Chinese/C Corps
40th Chinese Corps
96th Chinese/A Corps
27th Chinese/C Corps
91st Chinese/A Corps
76th Chinese/C Corps
1st Chinese/A Corps
56th Chinese/A Corps
76th Chinese/B Corps
27th Chinese/B Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
80th Chinese/B Corps
76th Chinese/A Corps
51st Chinese/C Corps
27th Chinese/A Corps
96th Chinese/B Corps
80th Chinese/A Corps
55th Chinese/C Corps
80th Chinese/C Corps
91st Chinese/B Corps
91st Chinese/C Corps
2nd Group Army
2/215th Bty 80th AT Gun Regiment
4th Group Army

Defending units:
3rd Tank Regiment
23rd Tank Regiment



Any turn you can put 2 IJA tank regiments out of action for awhile is a good turn.



NAVAL BATTLE OF THE MOLUCCAS


Unfortunately....my version and Dave's version of the last turn are totally out of synch so Im trying to put together what actually happened last turn.

Units from II Australian Corps were supposed to invade Galeia last turn under the cover of Fifth Fleet.... a mere 2 hexes away...... and hundreds of land based AC.

Dave told me before I sent the file back to him that he thought my movement of Fifth Fleet off the Moluccas was a feint and that he was expecting the blow to land elsewhere. Still...he had hundreds of land based AC based on Mindanao, the Moluccas, Sangi, the Celebes and other islands in the region not to mention the presence of KB 2 hexes NW of Sangi(6 hexes NW of Galeia). At first both Fifth Fleet(near Morotai) and Adm Draemel's amphib TF(off Galeia) were able to turn back the multiple Japanese airstrikes:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Galeia at 79,101

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 118 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 45
G4M1 Betty x 26



Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IV x 2
A-36 Mustang x 4
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 5
F4F-3 Wildcat x 4
FM-2 Wildcat x 11
F4U-1 Corsair x 4
F4U-1A Corsair x 14
F6F-3 Hellcat x 104


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 10 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 13 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged



CAP engaged:
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(12 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 12 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
VF-37 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
VC(F)-39 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
VC(F)-65 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
VC(F)-68 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
VC(F)-92 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 10 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VC(F)-4 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead
VC(F)-7 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 10 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(15 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 15 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
VRF-6F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(15 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 15 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
VMF-113 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 3 minutes
VMF-121 with F4F-3 Wildcat (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 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
VMF-422 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
VMF-441 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19900
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
No.86 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IV (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
312th BG/386th BS with A-36 Mustang (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 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 81,102

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 83
B5N2 Kate x 18
D3A1 Val x 42
D4Y1 Judy x 5



Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 18
Seafire IIC x 16
Sea Hurricane Ib x 12
Spitfire VIII x 2
P-40K Warhawk x 2
P-40N5 Warhawk x 3
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 4
F4F-3 Wildcat x 5
FM-2 Wildcat x 10
F4U-1 Corsair x 2
F4U-1A Corsair x 6
F6F-3 Hellcat x 410


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 8 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 7 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 19 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed



CAP engaged:
VRF-5F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
VF-38 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (7 airborne, 8 on standby, 8 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 7 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
18 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 8 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
20 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 7 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 8 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 16000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (7 airborne, 8 on standby, 8 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
19 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 8 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 8 on standby, 8 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 8 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 7 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
23 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 5 on standby, 5 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
No.800 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 3 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.834 Sqn-FF-1 FAA with Seafire IIC (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 2 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.834 Sqn-FF-2 FAA with Seafire IIC (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.880 Sqn FAA with Seafire IIC (2 airborne, 2 on standby, 3 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
No.888 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (4 airborne, 4 on standby, 4 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 3 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 81,102

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 58
A6M5 Zero x 3
N1K1-J George x 5
P1Y1 Frances x 13



Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 18
Seafire IIC x 15
Sea Hurricane Ib x 12
Spitfire VIII x 1
P-40K Warhawk x 2
P-40N5 Warhawk x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 4
F4F-3 Wildcat x 5
FM-2 Wildcat x 9
F4U-1 Corsair x 1
F4U-1A Corsair x 6
F6F-3 Hellcat x 395


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 16 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 3 destroyed
P1Y1 Frances: 9 destroyed
P1Y1 Frances: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
BB Washington



CAP engaged:
VRF-5F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-38 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 13 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
16 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 16 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
No.800 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (0 airborne, 1 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
No.834 Sqn-FF-1 FAA with Seafire IIC (2 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.834 Sqn-FF-2 FAA with Seafire IIC (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.880 Sqn FAA with Seafire IIC (1 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.888 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers



Then finally a couple of Allied carriers were hit in an attack on Fifth Fleet:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 81,102

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 74
A6M3a Zero x 34
B5N2 Kate x 34
B6N2 Jill x 28



Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 14
Seafire IIC x 13
Sea Hurricane Ib x 10
Spitfire VIII x 1
P-40K Warhawk x 2
P-40N5 Warhawk x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 4
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
FM-2 Wildcat x 8
F4U-1 Corsair x 1
F4U-1A Corsair x 5
F6F-3 Hellcat x 329


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 4 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 19 destroyed, 1 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed by flak
B6N2 Jill: 14 destroyed, 1 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 3 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
P-40N5 Warhawk: 1 destroyed
FM-2 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown II
CVL Cowpens, Bomb hits 1
BB New Jersey
BB Alabama
BB South Dakota
CVL Independence
DD Fletcher
CV Lexington II
CV Bunker Hill, Torpedo hits 1



Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B6N2 Jill bombing from 14000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 14000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VRF-5F with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-38 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 7 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
20 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 62 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
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 between 13000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
No.800 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (5 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 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 to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
No.834 Sqn-FF-1 FAA with Seafire IIC (1 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.834 Sqn-FF-2 FAA with Seafire IIC (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
No.880 Sqn FAA with Seafire IIC (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.888 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000
Raid is overhead
4 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 81,102

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 117 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 37 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 51
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 9
Ki-84a Frank x 26



Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 14
Seafire IIC x 11
Sea Hurricane Ib x 6
Spitfire VIII x 1
P-40K Warhawk x 2
P-40N5 Warhawk x 1
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 3
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2
FM-2 Wildcat x 5
F4U-1 Corsair x 1
F4U-1A Corsair x 4
F6F-3 Hellcat x 243


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 10 destroyed
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 5 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed



CAP engaged:
VRF-5F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 57 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 20900.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.800 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
No.834 Sqn-FF-1 FAA with Seafire IIC (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.834 Sqn-FF-2 FAA with Seafire IIC (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
No.880 Sqn FAA with Seafire IIC (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.888 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
VF-37 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers




Adm Draemel's amphib is able to turn back a couple of more airstrikes:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Galeia at 79,101

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 9



Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IV x 2
A-36 Mustang x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 5
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
FM-2 Wildcat x 11
F4U-1 Corsair x 4
F4U-1A Corsair x 12
F6F-3 Hellcat x 87


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses



CAP engaged:
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Raid is overhead
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 63 minutes
VF-37 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 167 minutes
VC(F)-39 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
VC(F)-65 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead
VC(F)-68 with F6F-3 Hellcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead
VC(F)-92 with F6F-3 Hellcat (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 8000
Raid is overhead
VC(F)-4 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 9000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
VC(F)-7 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 183 minutes
VRF-6F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
15 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 117 minutes
VMF-113 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 55 minutes
VMF-121 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
VMF-422 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
VMF-441 with F4U-1A Corsair (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19900
Raid is overhead
No.86 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IV (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
312th BG/386th BS with A-36 Mustang (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 10000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (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 20000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 64 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Galeia at 79,101

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 9



Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IV x 2
A-36 Mustang x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 5
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
FM-2 Wildcat x 11
F4U-1 Corsair x 4
F4U-1A Corsair x 10
F6F-3 Hellcat x 83


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses



CAP engaged:
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Raid is overhead
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 11 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VF-37 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 9 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
VC(F)-39 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 11 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VC(F)-65 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead
VC(F)-68 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead
VC(F)-92 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 8000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 133 minutes
VC(F)-4 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 38800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
VC(F)-7 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 12 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 38800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
VRF-6F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 15 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
VMF-113 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
VMF-121 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
VMF-422 with F4U-1A Corsair (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
VMF-441 with F4U-1A Corsair (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19900
Raid is overhead
No.86 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IV (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
312th BG/386th BS with A-36 Mustang (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes



Finally the Japanese deliver the coup de grace on the Allied amphibious TF at galeia as some 189 Judys coodinate to attack at 1000'-3000':


Morning Air attack on TF, near Galeia at 79,101

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 112 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y1 Judy x 189



Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IV x 2
A-36 Mustang x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 5
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
FM-2 Wildcat x 11
F4U-1 Corsair x 4
F4U-1A Corsair x 10
F6F-3 Hellcat x 83


Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1 Judy: 7 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
AK Cheleb, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
AK Sterope, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
DD Guest, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Trenton, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Downes, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Hazelwood
DD Fullam
DMS Wasmuth, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
AKA Fomalhaut, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Harrison, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AKA Centarus, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk
APA American Legion, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
DD Whipple
AK Pavo, Bomb hits 7, and is sunk
LCI-22, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
APA Heywood, Bomb hits 8, and is sunk
AKA Algorab, Bomb hits 10, and is sunk
APA George F. Elliot, Bomb hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
3775 casualties reported
Squads: 171 destroyed, 107 disabled
Non Combat: 235 destroyed, 65 disabled
Engineers: 16 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 44 (37 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Vehicles lost 342 (318 destroyed, 24 disabled)


Aircraft Attacking:
2 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
14 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
12 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
7 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
14 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
9 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
12 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
11 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
14 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 11 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-37 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 9 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
VC(F)-39 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 11 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VC(F)-65 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
VC(F)-68 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
VC(F)-92 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 8000 , scrambling fighters to 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
VC(F)-4 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
VC(F)-7 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 12 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
VRF-6F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 15 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VMF-113 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
VMF-121 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
VMF-422 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
VMF-441 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 19900 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
No.86 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IV (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
312th BG/386th BS with A-36 Mustang (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes

Massive explosion on AK Cheleb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Harrison
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AKA Centarus
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AKA Fomalhaut
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AK Sterope
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Trenton
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AKA Algorab
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring APA Heywood
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AK Pavo
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring APA George F. Elliot
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DMS Wasmuth
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Downes


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Galeia at 79,101

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 62 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y1 Judy x 11



Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IV x 2
A-36 Mustang x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 5
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
FM-2 Wildcat x 11
F4U-1 Corsair x 3
F4U-1A Corsair x 9
F6F-3 Hellcat x 83


Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1 Judy: 5 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
AKA Fomalhaut, and is sunk


Allied ground losses:
161 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 101 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 206 (193 destroyed, 13 disabled)


CAP engaged:
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Raid is overhead
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 11 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
VF-37 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 9 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
VC(F)-39 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 11 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VC(F)-65 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VC(F)-68 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
VC(F)-92 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 8000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
VC(F)-4 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
VC(F)-7 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 12 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VRF-6F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 15 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
VMF-113 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
VMF-121 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
VMF-422 with F4U-1A Corsair (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
VMF-441 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 19900 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
No.86 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IV (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
312th BG/386th BS with A-36 Mustang (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Galeia at 79,101

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 105 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y1 Judy x 11



Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IV x 2
A-36 Mustang x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 5
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
FM-2 Wildcat x 11
F4U-1 Corsair x 1
F4U-1A Corsair x 7
F6F-3 Hellcat x 83


Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1 Judy: 5 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DD Harrison, on fire
CL Trenton, heavy fires
APA George F. Elliot, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


CAP engaged:
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (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 19800 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 11 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
VF-37 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 9 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
VC(F)-39 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 11 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VC(F)-65 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VC(F)-68 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
VC(F)-92 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 8000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
VC(F)-4 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
VC(F)-7 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 12 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VRF-6F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 15 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VMF-113 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
VMF-121 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 57 minutes
VMF-422 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 20000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 61 minutes
VMF-441 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 19900 , scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
No.86 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IV (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
312th BG/386th BS with A-36 Mustang (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring an Allied DD
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring APA George F. Elliot



Additional Japanese bombers find an Allied replenishment TF to the SE:

Morning Air attack on TF, near Waigeo at 82,104

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 6



Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 4


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 4 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
AO Patoka, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DMS Long



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead



The carriers of Fifth Fleet continue to fight off Japanese naval airstrikes all afternoon:


Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 81,102

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 48
B5N2 Kate x 5
D3A1 Val x 10
G4M1 Betty x 13



Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 17
Seafire IIC x 14
Sea Hurricane Ib x 12
Kittyhawk IV x 6
Spitfire VIII x 2
A-36 Mustang x 6
P-38J Lightning x 3
P-40K Warhawk x 2
P-40N5 Warhawk x 3
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 20
F4F-3 Wildcat x 16
FM-2 Wildcat x 10
F4U-1 Corsair x 10
F4U-1A Corsair x 37
F6F-3 Hellcat x 394


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 8 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses



CAP engaged:
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-113 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-121 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-422 with F4U-1A Corsair (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
VMF-441 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19900
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
No.86 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IV (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
312th BG/386th BS with A-36 Mustang (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(16 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 16 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-5F with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
VF-38 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 6 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 7 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 6 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 8 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (7 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 7 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 81,102

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29
A6M5 Zero x 24
D4Y1 Judy x 3
P1Y1 Frances x 9



Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 17
Seafire IIC x 14
Sea Hurricane Ib x 12
Kittyhawk IV x 4
Spitfire VIII x 1
A-36 Mustang x 4
P-38J Lightning x 3
P-40K Warhawk x 2
P-40N5 Warhawk x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 15
F4F-3 Wildcat x 12
FM-2 Wildcat x 9
F4U-1 Corsair x 7
F4U-1A Corsair x 30
F6F-3 Hellcat x 372


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 5 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 2 destroyed
P1Y1 Frances: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 1 destroyed



CAP engaged:
VRF-5F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
VF-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
VF-38 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 12 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 13 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 13 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 15 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 15 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
No.800 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (1 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.834 Sqn-FF-1 FAA with Seafire IIC (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
No.834 Sqn-FF-2 FAA with Seafire IIC (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.880 Sqn FAA with Seafire IIC (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 20000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.888 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 81,102

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 115 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y1 Judy x 13



Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 13
Seafire IIC x 14
Sea Hurricane Ib x 8
Kittyhawk IV x 2
Spitfire VIII x 1
A-36 Mustang x 2
P-38J Lightning x 3
P-40K Warhawk x 1
P-40N5 Warhawk x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 8
F4F-3 Wildcat x 8
FM-2 Wildcat x 6
F4U-1 Corsair x 4
F4U-1A Corsair x 19
F6F-3 Hellcat x 289


Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1 Judy: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses



CAP engaged:
VRF-5F with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000 , scrambling fighters to 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (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 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
VF-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
VF-38 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 12 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 15 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 12 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
No.800 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
No.834 Sqn-FF-1 FAA with Seafire IIC (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
No.834 Sqn-FF-2 FAA with Seafire IIC (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
No.880 Sqn FAA with Seafire IIC (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
No.888 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (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 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 81,102

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 47
A6M3a Zero x 14
B5N2 Kate x 15
B6N2 Jill x 11



Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 11
Seafire IIC x 14
Sea Hurricane Ib x 6
Kittyhawk IV x 1
Spitfire VIII x 1
A-36 Mustang x 1
P-38J Lightning x 3
P-40K Warhawk x 1
P-40N5 Warhawk x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 5
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6
FM-2 Wildcat x 4
F4U-1 Corsair x 2
F4U-1A Corsair x 11
F6F-3 Hellcat x 217


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 4 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 9 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed



CAP engaged:
VRF-5F with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (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 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-38 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 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 18 minutes
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
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 13 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
No.800 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
No.834 Sqn-FF-1 FAA with Seafire IIC (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.834 Sqn-FF-2 FAA with Seafire IIC (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.880 Sqn FAA with Seafire IIC (4 airborne, 0 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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
No.888 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 81,102

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 51 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
A6M3a Zero x 24
A6M5 Zero x 5
B5N2 Kate x 17



Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 10
Seafire IIC x 13
Sea Hurricane Ib x 6
Kittyhawk IV x 1
Spitfire VIII x 1
A-36 Mustang x 1
P-38J Lightning x 3
P-40K Warhawk x 1
P-40N5 Warhawk x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 2
F4F-3 Wildcat x 4
FM-2 Wildcat x 3
F4U-1 Corsair x 2
F4U-1A Corsair x 7
F6F-3 Hellcat x 171


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 8 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 9 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed



CAP engaged:
VRF-5F with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Raid is overhead
VF-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-38 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 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 18 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
No.800 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
No.834 Sqn-FF-1 FAA with Seafire IIC (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
No.834 Sqn-FF-2 FAA with Seafire IIC (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.880 Sqn FAA with Seafire IIC (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
No.888 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers



Unfortunately....I get the message that the Allied carriers are no longer able to provide air cover for Adm Draemels amphib TF at Galeia and the Allied amphib ships are 'dead meat"


Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Galeia at 79,101

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 115 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
D4Y1 Judy x 103



Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1 Judy: 12 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CA Frobisher, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Downes, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
AK Sterope, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Mobile, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Haggard
DD Nizam
DD Racehorse
DD Guest, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Trenton, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
AK Cheleb, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
LST-120, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
LST-83, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
CA Cornwall, Bomb hits 1
SC-1065, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
DD Franks
APA American Legion, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
LST-338, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
LST-85, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AM Force
LST-81


Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 21 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 18 (3 destroyed, 15 disabled)


Aircraft Attacking:
14 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
9 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
6 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
6 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
9 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
12 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Frobisher
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AK Sterope
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a 'R' Class class DD
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AK Cheleb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Mobile
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring APA American Legion
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring LST-338
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Trenton


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Galeia at 79,101

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 113 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y1 Judy x 34



Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1 Judy: 4 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CL Mobile, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
LST-83, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Franks
LST-29, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
LST-120, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
LST-39
AM Force, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
LST-81, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
LST-85, on fire


Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 45 (13 destroyed, 32 disabled)


Aircraft Attacking:
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
9 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Mobile
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring LST-83
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring LST-29
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AM Force
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring LST-81
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a LST Type-II class LST



In my out of synch version of the turn the Allied carriers are unscathed and the amphib TF is only moderately damaged so II Australian Corps troops make it ashore nearly intact:


Invasion Support action off Galeia (79,101)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

8 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
SC Effective
LST-338
LST-25
LST-21
LST-29
LST-30



SC Effective fired at enemy troops
LST-338 fired at enemy troops
LST-25 fired at enemy troops


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Galeia (79,101)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

8 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
AKA Fomalhaut
APA Heywood
DD Hazelwood
APA George F. Elliot, heavy damage



AKA Fomalhaut fired at enemy troops
APA Heywood fired at enemy troops
DD Hazelwood fired at enemy troops


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Galeia (79,101)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

9 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
SC-1065
AK Pavo



SC-1065 fired at enemy troops


Ground combat at Galeia (79,101)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 585 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 48

Defending force 6240 troops, 38 guns, 398 vehicles, Assault Value = 338



Assaulting units:
31st Ind.Mixed Bde /1
25th JNAF AF Unit
20th JNAF AF Unit
5th Naval Construction Battalion
2nd Air Div /1

Defending units:
1st Army Tank Regiment
29th Australian Brigade
4th Armoured Brigade




In the host version of the game....the one that counted.....Adm Draemels ampig TF is decimated and very few of the II Australian Corps troops make it ashore:


Pre-Invasion action off Galeia (79,101)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

72 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
DD Hailey
DD Haggard
DD Gatling
DD Franks
SC Effective
LST-21
CL Mobile, heavy damage
LST-25
LST-39
LST-30



DD Hailey firing at 25th JNAF AF Unit
DD Haggard firing at 20th JNAF AF Unit
DD Gatling firing at 20th JNAF AF Unit
DD Franks firing at 20th JNAF AF Unit
SC Effective fired at enemy troops
DD Haggard fired at enemy troops
DD Gatling fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Galeia (79,101)

TF 239 troops unloading over beach at Galeia, 79,101


Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Galeia (79,101)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

85 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
DD Hazelwood
DD Fullam
APA American Legion, heavy damage
CL Trenton, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Harrison
DD Whipple


Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


DD Hazelwood fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Galeia (79,101)

TF 255 troops unloading over beach at Galeia, 79,101


Ground combat at Galeia (79,101)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 630 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 50

Defending force 2827 troops, 12 guns, 146 vehicles, Assault Value = 82



Assaulting units:
31st Ind.Mixed Bde /1
20th JNAF AF Unit
5th Naval Construction Battalion
25th JNAF AF Unit
2nd Air Div /1

Defending units:
29th Australian Brigade
1st Army Tank Regiment
4th Armoured Brigade




The Japanese aerial assault on the Allied invasion force at Galeia continues on the 2nd day of the turn:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Galeia at 79,101

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 107 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 37 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 50
D3A1 Val x 21
G4M1 Betty x 3



Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IV x 2
A-36 Mustang x 4
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 4
F4F-3 Wildcat x 4
FM-2 Wildcat x 12
F4U-1 Corsair x 4
F4U-1A Corsair x 14
F6F-3 Hellcat x 136


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 18 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed



CAP engaged:
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(14 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 14 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
VF-37 with F6F-3 Hellcat (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(15 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
VC(F)-39 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(12 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
VC(F)-65 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
VC(F)-68 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(14 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 14 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
VC(F)-92 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(14 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 14 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-4 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(12 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
VC(F)-7 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(15 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 15 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(21 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 20 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
VRF-6F with F6F-3 Hellcat (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(20 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (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 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
VMF-113 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
VMF-121 with F4F-3 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
VMF-422 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
VMF-441 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 19900
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
No.86 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IV (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers
312th BG/386th BS with A-36 Mustang (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Galeia at 79,101

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 103 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 16
D4Y1 Judy x 9



Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IV x 2
A-36 Mustang x 3
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 2
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
FM-2 Wildcat x 6
F4U-1 Corsair x 3
F4U-1A Corsair x 9
F6F-3 Hellcat x 95


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 4 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed



CAP engaged:
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Raid is overhead
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-37 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 14 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-39 with FM-2 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-65 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-68 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-92 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-4 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-7 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
15 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 17000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
18 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-6F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 110 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-113 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-121 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-422 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 20000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-441 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 19900
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.86 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IV (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers
312th BG/386th BS with A-36 Mustang (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Galeia at 79,101

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 115 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 43
G4M1 Betty x 26



Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IV x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 1
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
FM-2 Wildcat x 5
F4U-1 Corsair x 2
F4U-1A Corsair x 7
F6F-3 Hellcat x 78


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 15 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed



CAP engaged:
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (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 19800 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
VF-37 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-39 with FM-2 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
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 16 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-65 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-68 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-92 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-4 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-7 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 13 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-6F with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
VMF-113 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-121 with F4F-3 Wildcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-422 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
VMF-441 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 19900
Raid is overhead
No.86 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IV (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes


Morning Air attack on TF, near Galeia at 79,101

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 62
A6M3a Zero x 33
A6M5 Zero x 2
B5N2 Kate x 42
B6N2 Jill x 21
D4Y1 Judy x 98



Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IV x 1
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 1
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
FM-2 Wildcat x 3
F4U-1 Corsair x 2
F4U-1A Corsair x 6
F6F-3 Hellcat x 57


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 7 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak
B6N2 Jill: 8 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed by flak
D4Y1 Judy: 17 destroyed, 15 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 3 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CA Cornwall, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Mobile, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LST-21, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Hailey, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
LST-81, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
LST-85
LST-43, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
LST-25
LST-88, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Franks
DD Redoubt, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Frobisher, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Gatling
LST-30, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
LST-39, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
SC Effective, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Relentless, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Nestor, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Haggard
DD Nizam, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Norman
LST-339, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
11 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
12 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 14000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
9 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
2 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 14000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
6 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
7 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
6 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (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 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VF-37 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 7 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
VC(F)-39 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
VC(F)-65 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
VC(F)-68 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
VC(F)-92 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000 , scrambling fighters between 16000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes
VC(F)-4 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 13 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
VRF-6F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 11 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
VMF-113 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
VMF-121 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
VMF-422 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
No.86 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IV (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
VC(F)-7 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring LST-21
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Mobile
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Cornwall
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Frobisher
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Relentless
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring LST-39
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Hailey
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring LST-339


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Galeia at 79,101

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 93 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 7
B5N2 Kate x 14
B6N2 Jill x 3
D4Y1 Judy x 8



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2
FM-2 Wildcat x 2
F4U-1 Corsair x 1
F4U-1A Corsair x 5
F6F-3 Hellcat x 43


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
DD Haggard
LST-25



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 11000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-37 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VC(F)-39 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-65 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead
VC(F)-68 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-92 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 8000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-4 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-6F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 117 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-113 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-121 with F4F-3 Wildcat (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 10000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-422 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 63 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Galeia at 79,101

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 12
D4Y1 Judy x 11



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
FM-2 Wildcat x 1
F4U-1 Corsair x 1
F4U-1A Corsair x 2
F6F-3 Hellcat x 30


Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 4 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses



CAP engaged:
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Raid is overhead
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 11000
Raid is overhead
VF-37 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 96 minutes
VC(F)-39 with FM-2 Wildcat (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 9000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
VC(F)-68 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
VC(F)-92 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
VRF-2F with F6F-3 Hellcat (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
VRF-6F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes
VMF-113 with F4U-1A Corsair (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
VMF-121 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
VMF-422 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 20000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes




The only response from the 10 CVs, 6 CVLs and 18 CVEs of Fifth Fleet was as follows:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Sangi at 77,97

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 2
Ki-84a Frank x 10



Allied aircraft
SBD-5 Dauntless x 2


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 destroyed



CAP engaged:
902 Ku S-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Raid is overhead
25th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes



In my out of synch version I spotted at least one IJN CV and Im not sure why no counterstrike was launched against it. Im waiting to get the file back from Dave....he said that it would take a _long_ time for him to write orders for his next turn. The carriers of Fifth Fleet are mostly intact and probably all still operational with negligible plane losses. Even though an amphib TF and a surface TF were basically wiped out....sunken ships will probably include 2 RN CAs, a dozen DDs, 3 APAs and 3 AKAs....the Japanese naval air force has been very heavily attritioned and looks vulnerable in the near turn. I will go on the defensive now at Galeia....over 75% of the assault troops were lost. But now may be a good time to press forward with the offensive into the Malaccas and Mindanao before Japanese naval air can recover.

The vast majority of the Japanee DBs and TBs came in at 3000' altitude or below. I was obviously unable to stop them and Im a bit surprised that I had 3 squadrons positioned at 5000' and another 2 squadrons positioned at 1000' ...together totaling over 100 fighters and none of these fighter groups made it into the combat report. In addition...a majority of the 12 fighter squadrons positioned from 6000'-13000' actually scrambled to 14,000'(if they flew at all) and higher against DBs that were attacking at 1000'-3000'. I really dont know a counter now for the Judys that come in a 1000' at a speed of 345 mph.


[img]https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/upfi ... C38F67.jpg[/img]

[House Stark]

Looks like you were 8 hexes away from the KB. That's probably why you didn't strike. How many Japanese planes were shot down (as far as you can tell counting the synch issues)?

[obvert]

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

The strikes are coming in high, they're just diving as they're meant to do and dropping at 1-3k over your ships. All normal, so that's why your CAP is going high. To get at them at -14-15k where they flew in before the dive or the drop to TT launch height at 200.'

He definitely got lucky with an 8 hex distance from your CVs.

[Wirraway_Ace]

Looks like Dave carefully positioned the KB 8 hexes from all the invasion targets in the Molucas. Unless the 5th Fleet CVs moved ahead of the invasion TF, or were set to react, he was going to get in a free strike. It was good tactical planning on his part. His strike against the replenishment TF also suggests the danger his flanking bases represent to your operational depth.

[racndoc]

Wirraway_Ace.....no kidding about his flanking bases representing a threat to my operational depth. He hit me from bases representing 270 degrees of the compass!

obvert...you are exactly right about the DBs coming in at 14,000'. I asked Dave about it and he confirmed. I guess that I kind of freaked out not being able to see the 001 replay(my replay was 100% out of synch) and I couldnt understand at the time why my CAP and LRCAP didnt intercept any of the big Judy strikes on the 1st day of the turn. Now I realize that it was due to exhaustion of the CAP and LRCAP and the "laws of large numbers" in WitP.

House Stark...this turned out to be the Moluccas Turkey Shoot......read on!




2/21-2/22/44..... AFTERMATH OF THE MOLUCCAS TURKEY SHOOT


So my amphib TF at Galeia was virtually wiped out although things are better at galeia than in the combat report. I have about 125 AV on the ground there vs the 82 reported in the combat report. Its funny....the 4th Australian Armored Brigade and the 29th Australian Brigades which were partially loaded on APAs and AKAs took 75% casualties while the 1st Army tank Regiment which was loaded on LSTs only took 25% casualties in the landings.... testament to the priority targeting of the more valuable APAs and AKAs.

So I ended up losing 3 APAs, 3 AKAs, 2 CLs, 1 CA, 13 LSTs and 5 DD/DMS. To me...the APA/AKAs are the 3rd most important ship class for the Allies after the carriers and BBs. So far I have lost only 5 APAs and 3 AKAs so the losses arent insurmountable. The DD and LST losses are insignificant. As for the CLs...one was an obsolete Omaha class but CL Mobile was a brand new high tech Cleveland class CL.... these are very nice and highly refined CLs but I think I get over 10 of them so the loss of one isnt a big deal. As far as the CAs...CA Hawkins is a fine ship with a great crew. I put CA Frobisher in there intentionally as she is due to withdraw in 10 days and I considered her expendable. Yet there the hulk that was CA Frobisher still floats...but with a top speed of 10 knots it would probably take a month for her to reach Sydney for withdrawal....so for a potential coast of some 600 pps Im going to let her float around the Moluccas with a half dozen crippled DDs and maybe they will soak up one or two Japanese naval airstrikes.

So far Ive lost about 390 points in sunken ships from the amphib and covering surface TFs after my CAP and LRCAP broke down.

But......Japan lost 871 AC in A2A combat vs Allied losses of 63 AC. Overall....Japan loses 990 AC this turn vs Allied losses of 143 AC. Individual plane losses include 254 A6M2s, 133 Kates, 162 Judys, 87 Jills, 80 A6M3as, 38 A6M5s, 72 Bettys, 59 Vals, 33 Tojos,33 Helens, 37 Frances, 6 Georges, 4 Franks, 62 Hellcats, (only 38 from A2A combat), 15 SBD-5s, 7 TBF-1s, 8 F4U-1as, 5 F4F-3s and 4 P-47D2s.

This was a stunning aerial victory for the Allies. The back of KB has been broken .....for the moment. CV Bunker Hill was torpedoed but with 15 SYS and 28 FLT she will stay in the fight with her 90 AC. CVL Cowpens has 16 SYS 8 FLT 4 ENG from her bomb hit but still makes 28 knots and will stay in the fight.

So my II Australian Corps invasion at Obi has bogged down and of the 400 AV of II Australian Corps troops that was supposed to land at Galeia ....... only about 125 AV is ashore. To butcher the French language in an attempt to quote Napolean....." J'attack, j'attack....toujours j'attack!". Allied troops at Obi are recovering and the incessant aerial bombardments there are starting to have an effect. Im giving up on the beach head at Galeia for the moment....they are ok where they and have plenty of supplies .....and Im exposing low value AKs there next turn to drop off even more supplies so that they will be self supporting for some time. The Aussie troops at Galeia will rest and recover squads and use their supplies to take additonal replacements while both Obi and Galeia are both cordoned off from further Japanese resupply by Allied aerial might. Dave can fly in all the reinforcments he wants but just like at Wake a a dozen other places....he cant fly in enough supplies and they will eventually starve.

Meanwhile...I think that KB will be forced to withdraw at high speed to a friendly port out of range to rebuild her shattered squadrons. The screenshot shows one of the 2 IJN air combat TFs...each one now has about 150 AC left. This is a perfect opportunity for me to strike even faster and harder and deeper than I had previously planned. Next turn I will invade Ternate while invasion forces for Talaud-eilanden join up with Fifth Fleet. Invasion forces for Morotai were loaded up a couple of turns ago and are on the way to rendezvous with Fifth Fleet. This turn I started loading up II Australian Corps units for the invasion of Manado...there are only about 2200 IJA troops there and that level 4 base is ripe for picking. More importantly....Ive started loading massive 6th Army at Rabaul for the invasion of Mindanao.

I think this is a huge opportunity for the Allies to exploit their advantage before Japan can rebuild their shattered air groups.

[BBfanboy]

Not sure if the LCU losses show the targeting of APAs/AKAs first. Could it just be that the LSTs unload vehicles so much faster than an APA/AKA can unload infantry, vehicles, guns, and ammo with landing craft and cranes?
If LSTs could take troops in significant numbers, I'd try to use them and other landing craft exclusively, if I had enough of them. Never happens, of course![;)]

[racndoc]

BBfanboy....the APAs/AKAs were all hit on the 1st day of the turn.....the LSTs not so much until the 2nd day.



2/23-2/24/44


SUBS



SS I-174 is sunk by an USN ASW TF off Morotai.

SS Tambor torpedoes xAK Asakaze Maru near Tawi Tawi.

SS Ray torpedoes xAP Hakano Maru by Orchid Is.

SS Bluegill is sunk by Japanese ASW AC near Borneo.

SS Truant is sunk by Japanese ASW AC off Palembang.



CBI


The Japanese launch a very bloody frontal assault at Wuchang:



Ground combat at Wuchang (84,51)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 140203 troops, 1656 guns, 2080 vehicles, Assault Value = 5476

Defending force 142205 troops, 1361 guns, 1339 vehicles, Assault Value = 4393

Japanese adjusted assault: 2071

Allied adjusted defense: 6015

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
17393 casualties reported
Squads: 58 destroyed, 1397 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 148 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 64 disabled
Guns lost 133 (3 destroyed, 130 disabled)
Vehicles lost 183 (30 destroyed, 153 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
6229 casualties reported
Squads: 78 destroyed, 554 disabled
Non Combat: 10 destroyed, 119 disabled
Engineers: 7 destroyed, 43 disabled
Guns lost 99 (20 destroyed, 79 disabled)
Vehicles lost 13 (4 destroyed, 9 disabled)


Assaulting units:
1st Tank Division
110th Division
65th Division
22nd Division
64th Division
116th
3rd Tank Division
69th Division
39th
3rd/B Division
27th/B Division
6th Division
7th Tank Regiment
3rd/A Division
36th Division
10th Tank Regiment
5th Ind.Infantry Brigade
27th/A Division
2nd Recon Battalion
58th Division
3rd/C Division
6th Tank Regiment
27th/C Division
4th Mortar Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
27th Fld AA Gun Co
15th AA Regiment
30th Field Artillery Regiment
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
10th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
22nd AA Regiment
8th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
11th Army
71st Mountain Gun Regiment
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind. Field Artillery Regiment
5th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
54th JAAF AF Bn

Defending units:
74th Chinese/A Corps
37th Chinese/B Corps
74th Chinese/B Corps
37th Chinese/A Corps
254th Armoured Brigade
94th Chinese/A Corps
16th Canadian Brigade
84th Chinese/B Corps
84th Chinese/A Corps
8th Prov Chinese/B Corps
20th Chinese/C Corps
77th Chindit Brigade
73rd Chinese/A Corps
255th Armoured Brigade
3rd Carabiniers Regiment
150th RAC Regiment
92nd Chinese/B Corps
94th Chinese/B Corps
18th Chinese/C Corps
74th Chinese/C Corps
79th Chinese/C Corps
79th Chinese/A Corps
20th Chinese/A Corps
18th Chinese/B Corps
58th Chinese/C Corps
48th Chinese/C Corps
22nd Chinese/A Corps
37th Chinese/C Corps
20th Chinese/B Corps
27th Infantry Division
18th Chinese/A Corps
73rd Chinese/B Corps
58th Chinese/B Corps
48th Chinese/A Corps
9th Australian Division
73rd Chinese/C Corps
79th Chinese/B Corps
48th Chinese/B Corps
58th Chinese/A Corps
84th Chinese/C Corps
6th Mixed A/T Mtr Rgt /1
7th Artillery Regiment
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
19th Group Army
20th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
9th War Area
24th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
18th Artillery Regiment
22nd Artillery Regiment
2/13th Field Regiment
29th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
8th Medium Regiment
23rd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
28th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
6th War Area
137/155th Field Regiment
2/9th Field Regiment
57th AT Gun Regiment
25th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
108th Tank Attack Rgt /1



Dave has slipped an armor regiment behind my lines yet again and is trying to surround a Chinese army near kanhsien for the umpteenth time in the war:


Ground combat at 83,58 (near Kanhsien)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 26892 troops, 339 guns, 77 vehicles, Assault Value = 917

Defending force 26110 troops, 75 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 779

Japanese adjusted assault: 539

Allied adjusted defense: 885

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
1953 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 166 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 28 (1 destroyed, 27 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
788 casualties reported
Squads: 19 destroyed, 71 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled


Assaulting units:
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
25th Division
33rd Division
1st Art.Mortar Regiment
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
43rd Chinese/B Corps
97th Chinese/B Corps
60th Chinese/C Corps
82nd Chinese/B Corps
7th Chinese/B Corps
69th Chinese Corps
3rd New Chinese/C Corps
NCAC
Y' Force


I had a lot of troops in the railyards and they will all now rail to Kukong to help support Kanhsien.


At Rangoon...Ive finally swept the minefield in the estuary of the Irrawaddy River and my RN cruiser force will now make a run for it from Rangoon to Calcutta via Akyab. Dave still has a half dozen subs waiting for me just off the coast plus kamikaze Kates based at Port Blair....it will be like running the gauntlet.



FIFTH FLEET OPS


Dave sent in a cruiser force to interdict Allied landings in the Moluccas but an ASW TF sinks 2 CLs:


Night Time Surface Combat, near Morotai at 80,100, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
F1M2 Pete: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Yahagi, Shell hits 15, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CL Oi, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Makigumo, Shell hits 1
DD Yukikaze

Allied Ships
DD Gansevoort, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Stuart, Shell hits 5, heavy fires
DE Arrow
DE Electra



Reduced sighting due to 0% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 0% moonlight: 12,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 12,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 12,000 yards
CL Oi engages DD Stuart at 12,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DD Stuart at 12,000 yards
DD Yukikaze engages DD Stuart at 12,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DE Arrow at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
CL Oi engages DD Stuart at 6,000 yards
DD Gansevoort engages DD Yukikaze at 6,000 yards
DE Electra engages CL Oi at 6,000 yards
DD Gansevoort engages DD Makigumo at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
DD Stuart engages CL Oi at 2,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DD Stuart at 2,000 yards
DD Gansevoort engages DD Yukikaze at 2,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DE Arrow at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
DD Stuart engages DD Makigumo at 3,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DD Gansevoort at 3,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DE Electra at 3,000 yards
DD Makigumo engages DD Gansevoort at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
DD Makigumo engages DD Stuart at 2,000 yards
DD Yukikaze engages DD Stuart at 2,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DE Electra at 2,000 yards
DD Yukikaze engages DD Stuart at 2,000 yards
DD Yukikaze engages DD Gansevoort at 2,000 yards
DD Makigumo engages DE Electra at 2,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DE Arrow at 2,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DD Stuart at 2,000 yards
DD Makigumo engages DD Gansevoort at 2,000 yards
DD Stuart engages DD Makigumo at 2,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DE Arrow at 2,000 yards
DD Makigumo engages DD Stuart at 2,000 yards
DD Makigumo engages DD Gansevoort at 2,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DE Electra at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
DD Stuart engages DD Makigumo at 4,000 yards
DD Yukikaze engages DD Gansevoort at 4,000 yards
DD Makigumo engages DD Gansevoort at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DD Stuart at 6,000 yards
DD Yukikaze engages DD Stuart at 6,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DE Electra at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DD Stuart at 8,000 yards
DD Gansevoort engages DD Makigumo at 8,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DE Electra at 8,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DE Arrow at 8,000 yards
Reese E. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range increases to 9,000 yards
DD Yukikaze engages DD Stuart at 9,000 yards
DD Stuart engages DD Makigumo at 9,000 yards
DD Yukikaze engages DE Electra at 9,000 yards
DD Yukikaze engages DE Arrow at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
DD Stuart engages DD Yukikaze at 10,000 yards
DD Makigumo engages DD Stuart at 10,000 yards
DD Yukikaze engages DE Electra at 10,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
DD Yukikaze engages DD Stuart at 12,000 yards
DD Gansevoort engages DD Yukikaze at 12,000 yards
Task forces break off...


I probably should have kept my extra surface Tfs in the area to stop things like this from happening but instead I sent two surface TFs to naval bombard a Frank fighter base at Sangi:


Night Naval bombardment of Sangi at 77,97

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 6 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Sussex
CA Australia
CA Chicago
CA Chester
CA Houston
CL Boise
CL St. Louis
CL Sumatra
DD Shaw
DD Mahan
DD Jarvis
DD Henley
DD Blue
DD Morris

Japanese ground losses:
109 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)



Airbase hits 42
Airbase supply hits 22
Runway hits 144
Port hits 59
Port supply hits 22

CA Sussex firing at Sangi
Seagull V acting as spotter for CA Australia
CA Australia firing at Sangi
CA Chicago firing at Sangi
CA Chester firing at Sangi
CA Houston firing at Sangi
CL Boise firing at Sangi
CL St. Louis firing at Sangi
CL Sumatra firing at Sangi
DD Shaw firing at 18th JAAF AF Bn
DD Mahan firing at Sangi
DD Jarvis firing at Sangi
DD Henley firing at Sangi
DD Blue firing at Sangi
DD Morris firing at Sangi


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Sangi at 77,97

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 3 damaged
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied Ships
CA Canberra II
CA Salt Lake City
CL Columbia
CL Honolulu
CL Phoenix
DD Eaton
DD Dortch
DD Dashiell
DD Cowell
DD Conner

Japanese ground losses:
174 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 25 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled



Airbase hits 24
Airbase supply hits 20
Runway hits 75
Port hits 37
Port supply hits 11

CA Canberra II firing at Sangi
CA Salt Lake City firing at Sangi
CL Columbia firing at Sangi
CL Honolulu firing at Sangi
CL Phoenix firing at Sangi
DD Eaton firing at Sangi
DD Dortch firing at Sangi
DD Dashiell firing at Sangi
DD Cowell firing at Sangi
DD Conner firing at Sangi


Sangi AF now has 98% damage so the Franks thee will be out of the OOB for awhile.

Low value AKs continue to drop off supplies at Galeia....the Aussie ground troops there are recovering their disablements and now number 152 AV... a far cry from the 82 AV of 2 turns ago. They will dig in here on the beach while Allied air forces in the region concentrate on Ternate and Obi.

The 8th NZ Brigade and the 1st USMC paratoopers invade at Ternate:

Pre-Invasion action off Ternate (78,102)

42 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB Colorado
CL Marblehead
CL Tromp
DD Balch
DD Cushing
DD Walke
DD Mustin
LSI(L) Empire Pride
DD Clark

Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


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


BB Colorado firing at 61st JNAF AF Unit
CL Marblehead firing at 61st JNAF AF Unit
CL Tromp firing at 61st JNAF AF Unit
DD Balch firing at 34th Ind.Mixed Brigade
DD Cushing firing at 61st JNAF AF Unit
DD Walke firing at 61st JNAF AF Unit
DD Mustin firing at 34th Ind.Mixed Brigade
DD Walke fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Ternate (78,102)

TF 543 troops unloading over beach at Ternate, 78,102


Allied ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)


11 troops of a NZ Inf Section lost overboard during unload of 8th NZ Bde /3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Ternate (78,102)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

13 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
AK Naos
AK Caelum
AK Alnitah



AK Naos firing at 61st JNAF AF Unit
AK Naos fired at enemy troops
AK Caelum fired at enemy troops
AK Alnitah fired at enemy troops
AK Naos fired at enemy troops


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Ternate (78,102)

TF 586 troops unloading over beach at Ternate, 78,102



By the end of the turn we have overwhelming forces landed at Ternate and a shock attack is ordered for next turn:


Ground combat at Ternate (78,102)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 254 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 23

Defending force 5250 troops, 59 guns, 27 vehicles, Assault Value = 211



Assaulting units:
34th Ind.Mixed Bde /2
61st JNAF AF Unit
3rd JNAF AF Unit /1

Defending units:
1st USMC Parachute Battalion
8th NZ Brigade
New Caledonia Det



The Japanese aerial response to the invasion at Ternate is muted:



Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ternate at 78,102

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D3A1 Val x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 13



Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 4
A-36 Mustang x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 4
F4F-3 Wildcat x 4
F4U-1 Corsair x 5
F4U-1A Corsair x 4
F6F-3 Hellcat x 46


Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 5 destroyed

No Allied losses



CAP engaged:
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (20 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(23 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
20 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14800
Raid is overhead
VF-38 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Raid is overhead
VOC(F)-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
VMF-113 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
VMF-121 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
No.77 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire VIII (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
312th BG/386th BS with A-36 Mustang (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ternate at 77,101

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 42 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
G4M1 Betty x 11



Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 21
Seafire IIC x 23
Sea Hurricane Ib x 15
P-38J Lightning x 9
P-40N5 Warhawk x 8
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 7
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6
FM-2 Wildcat x 8
F4U-1 Corsair x 7
F4U-1A Corsair x 6
F6F-3 Hellcat x 476


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses



CAP engaged:
VF-25 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (13 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
No.800 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
VF-37 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-39 with FM-2 Wildcat (3 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-63 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
VC(F)-65 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
VC(F)-68 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
VC(F)-92 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-4 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 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 9000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
VC(F)-5 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
VC(F)-7 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VRF-3F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
VRF-6F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-7F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
VRF-9F with F6F-3 Hellcat (11 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-211 Det with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers



Morning Air attack on TF, near Ternate at 77,101

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 116 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 43 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 15
D3A1 Val x 23
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 14



Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 21
Seafire IIC x 22
Sea Hurricane Ib x 15
P-38J Lightning x 8
P-40N5 Warhawk x 7
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 8
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6
FM-2 Wildcat x 10
F4U-1 Corsair x 7
F4U-1A Corsair x 6
F6F-3 Hellcat x 521


Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 3 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses



CAP engaged:
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 13 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 11 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 19 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
26 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 14 on standby, 7 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-25 with F6F-3 Hellcat (7 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (12 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.800 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VF-37 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-39 with FM-2 Wildcat (4 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-63 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
VC(F)-65 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 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 9000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-68 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 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 9000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-92 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-4 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-5 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-7 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-3F with F6F-3 Hellcat (7 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VRF-6F with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-7F with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Galeia at 79,101

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 69 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8



No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Sampson
DD Anderson, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
8 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..



I suspect that Dave stood down the vast majority of his naval strike AC and is rebuilding all his squadrons. KB is long gone....some CVEs were spotted off Balikpappan. They will certainly take on replacements next turn and I have at least another turn or two before they become a significant threat again.


So the joint SWPAC/II Australian Corps offensive continues during this temporary aerial reprieve. AdmHill's amphibious TF will land the 1st Marine Division on Talaud-eilanden next turn. I wont have overwhelming odds here so this will be a long difficult struggle.....but I need to free up the amphib shipping for the invasion of the Philippines.

Allied air forces have been pounding the Japamnese garrison at Obi for the last 2 weeks and the 11th Austsalian Brigade will shock attack here next turn.

Invasion force for Mrotai and Manado begin to concentrate off the tip of NW New Guinea and invasion forces for Mindanao continue to load off Rabaul and the northern coast of New Guinea.

CV Bunker Hill is having some problems with her flotation repiars so I will need to pull her off the line fairly soon.

RN CVE Ranee arrives at Rabaul from the US west coast. Kind of a strange situation... she comes with a 24 plane Avenger II squadron but only has 16 torpedoes so they cant drop torpedoes for ordnance. The Avengers are pulled off the flattop and replaced with a RAF Sea Hurricane squadron. CVL Princeton completes repair of her kamikaze damage suffered last month off Manokwari. She leaves the ARD at Rabaul and forms an air combat TF with CVE Ranee to reinforce Fifth Fleet.

Two other CVEs torpedoed off Manokwari last month will complete repairs at Sydney in 5 days. CV Yorktown...also torpedoed off Manokwari...will complete her repairs at Pearl Harbor in 23 days. In addition...CVE Ommaney Bay is completed at Portland and heads out across the Pacific...along with 4 more CVEs....to eventually reinforce Fifth Fleet.

The buildup continues.

[racndoc]

2/25-2/26/44



SUBS


SS Cisco sinks CL Naka off Taytay.

SS RO-108 is hit by 12 DCs from an Allied ASW TF near Talaud eilanden.

SS RO-107 is hit by 10 DCs from the Allied amphib TF escorts at Talaud eilanden.

SS I-7 is hit by 15 DCs from an Allied ASW TF near Lolobatao.

SS Snook sinks E W-25 off Wakkanai.

SS I-183 is sunk by a RN ASW TF near rangoon.

SS Dorado sinks SC CHa-8 by Wakkanai.

SS Grayling is sunk by Japanee ASW AC off Borneo.

SS I-45 is sunk by Allied ASW AC near Dadjangas.

SS RO-112 is sunk by Allied ASW AC by Talaud eilanden.



CBI


An Allied resupply convoy leaves Akyab for a high speed run to Rangoon with over 100,000 supplies.

The mine damaged RN cruisers escape Rangoon port and run the gauntlet of Japanee subs and kamikaze bombers without incident. The more heavily damaged ships will sail to Columbo for repairs.

Quiet in China.

With the lull in combat in China....Ive gradually pulled all of Tenth Air Force and most of the RAF from China back to India. Its obvious now that I am stalemated at Moulmein until I able to get substantial reinforcements up to the front lines. Its 1944 now and its time for the gloves to come off....we will begin strategic bombing of fuel, resources and factories across SE Asia. There will be no strategic bombing in China though as per the house rules.

This next turn Allied medium and heavy bombers will sut down the 2 major Japanese fightewr bases at Bangkok anf Ayuthia and then we will commence strategic bombing.



FIFTH FLEET:INVASION TALAUD-EILANDEN


The 1st Marine Division plus supporting US Army regiments and artillery battalions storm ashore at talaud-eilanden:


Pre-Invasion action off Talaud-eilanden (79,97) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

142 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB California
BB West Virginia
CL Raleigh
CL Richmond
DD Dent
DD Selfridge
DD Perkins
LCI-436
LCI-335
LCI-444
LCI-446
LCI-445

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


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


BB California firing at 21st Special Base Force
21st Special Base Force firing at BB California
BB West Virginia firing at 21st Special Base Force
21st Special Base Force firing at BB West Virginia
CL Raleigh firing at 1st Amphibious Brigade
CL Richmond firing at 21st Special Base Force
21st Special Base Force firing at CL Richmond
DD Dent firing at 1st Amphibious Brigade
DD Selfridge firing at 21st Special Base Force
21st Special Base Force firing at DD Selfridge
DD Perkins firing at 1st Amphibious Brigade
DD Dent fired at enemy troops
DD Selfridge fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Talaud-eilanden (79,97)

TF 446 troops unloading over beach at Talaud-eilanden, 79,97


Allied ground losses:
147 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 42 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 65 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 13 (0 destroyed, 13 disabled)
Vehicles lost 10 (1 destroyed, 9 disabled)


Motorized Support dropped into water during unload of 1st Marine Div /9


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Talaud-eilanden (79,97) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

60 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB California
BB West Virginia
CL Raleigh
CL Richmond
DD Kennison, Shell hits 1
DD Dent
DD Selfridge
DD Perkins
DD Lamson
LCI-335
LCI-436
LCI-444

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


Allied ground losses:
44 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


BB West Virginia firing at 21st Special Base Force
21st Special Base Force firing at BB West Virginia
CL Raleigh firing at 21st Special Base Force
21st Special Base Force firing at DD Kennison
DD Kennison firing at 21st Special Base Force
DD Lamson firing at 1st Amphibious Brigade
DD Dent fired at enemy troops
DD Selfridge fired at enemy troops
DD Lamson fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards



By the end of the turn SWPAC has over 600 AV of troops ashore:


Ground combat at Talaud-eilanden (79,97)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3330 troops, 56 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 206

Defending force 15059 troops, 334 guns, 190 vehicles, Assault Value = 607

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



Assaulting units:
1st Amphibious Bde /1
51st Nav Gd /1
30th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
57th Construction Battalion
4th Air Army
55th Construction Battalion
21st Special Base Force

Defending units:
1st Marine Division
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
2nd Fiji Commando Battalion
34th Combat Engr Rgt /2
223rd Field Artillery Battalion
97th Field Artillery Battalion
209th Field Artillery Battalion


Japanese aerial attacks on Fifth Fleet were easily repulsed:

Morning Air attack on TF, near Talaud-eilanden at 79,97

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
A6M5 Zero x 7
G4M1 Betty x 17



Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 10
F6F-3 Hellcat x 102


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses



CAP engaged:
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 9 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
VF-25 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(15 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 13 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
VF-37 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
VC(F)-65 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Raid is overhead
VC(F)-39 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
VC(F)-63 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 15 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
VRF-1F with F6F-3 Hellcat (18 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
18 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
VRF-3F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 19 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Raid is overhead


Morning Air attack on TF, near Talaud-eilanden at 79,97

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 69 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
G4M1 Betty x 18



Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 10
F6F-3 Hellcat x 109


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 9 destroyed

No Allied losses



CAP engaged:
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
VF-25 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(15 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
VF-37 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
VC(F)-65 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
VC(F)-68 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
VC(F)-92 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
VC(F)-39 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
VC(F)-63 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 15 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
VRF-1F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 19 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
VRF-3F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 19 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes






Dave was able to fly in over 120 AV of reinforcements to Ternate this last turn so we will shock attack here at Talaud-eilanden before it can be substantially reinforced. Two bombardment TFs with brand new BB Iowa and BB New Jersey will naval bombard Talaud-eilanden to hopefully shut down the AF there and slow down the aerial reinforcement. Fifth Fleet will withdraw to a position 2 hexes to the SE of Talaud-eilanden where it can LRCAP AKs still unloading supplies there and also be LRCAPed itself by land based fighters based at Waigeo.


Things didnt go so well at either Ternate or Obi. I ordered over 150 fighters based at Misool and Waigeo to LRCAP Ternate to prevent aerial reinforcemnt but there must have been bad weather over 1 of the 2 Allied AFs as not even enough Allied fighters flew to fend off unescorted Vals:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Ternate at 78,102

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D3A1 Val x 26



Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 3
A-36 Mustang x 2
P-40N5 Warhawk x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 6
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
F4U-1 Corsair x 2
F4U-1A Corsair x 8
F6F-3 Hellcat x 7


Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 10 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
AK Bullock, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Alamosa, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Amador, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage



CAP engaged:
VC(F)-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Raid is overhead
VOC(F)-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead
VMF-113 with F4U-1A Corsair (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
VMF-121 with F4F-3 Wildcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
VMF-223 with F4U-1 Corsair (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
VMF-224 with F4U-1A Corsair (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
VMF-422 with F4U-1A Corsair (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
No.77 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire VIII (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
312th BG/386th BS with A-36 Mustang (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
49th FG/8th FS with P-40N5 Warhawk (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
18th FG/70th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AK Amador




Allied LRCAP shot down several transport AC but it wasnt enough as Dave flew in reinforcements from 360 degrees of the comapass:

Liberator GR.VI from No.321 Sqn RAF at Rangoon grounded due to maintenance
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
24 x C-46A Commando transporting supplies to Kunming


Wellington GR.XIII from No.82 Sqn RAF is damaged on landing
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted
Transports flying to Ternate intercepted


Dave was able to fly in nearly 140 AV of reinforcements and now outnumbers us:


Ground combat at Ternate (78,102)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 5284 troops, 59 guns, 27 vehicles, Assault Value = 215

Defending force 3268 troops, 69 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 118

Allied adjusted assault: 190

Japanese adjusted defense: 91

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
119 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled


Allied ground losses:
728 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 52 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 4 disabled


Assaulting units:
1st USMC Parachute Battalion
8th NZ Brigade
New Caledonia Det

Defending units:
24th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
66th Nav Gd /2
65th Bde /7
34th Ind.Mixed Bde /2
6th Indpt SNLF Coy /1
5th Div /2
61st JNAF AF Unit
3rd JNAF AF Unit /1


Ground combat at Ternate (78,102)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 4850 troops, 82 guns, 27 vehicles, Assault Value = 162

Defending force 5114 troops, 92 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 184

Allied adjusted assault: 46

Japanese adjusted defense: 211

Allied assault odds: 1 to 4 (fort level 1)

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

Japanese ground losses:
337 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 30 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
330 casualties reported
Squads: 20 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 3 disabled


Assaulting units:
1st USMC Parachute Battalion
8th NZ Brigade
New Caledonia Det

Defending units:
34th Ind.Mixed Bde /2
66th Nav Gd /2
65th Bde /7
6th Indpt SNLF Coy /1
24th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
61st JNAF AF Unit
3rd JNAF AF Unit /1
5th Div /5




We will now need to switch over to the defensive here as I dont have any more troops prepped for Ternate. Dave's ability to fly in reinforcements by air makes it critical that we control the air over invasion beaches and capture the AFs ASAP. This is why I will be shock attacking at Talaud-eilanden next turn.




Things didnt go any better at Obi as I screwed up my orders and only the paratroops attacked:


Ground combat at Obi (77,106)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 597 troops, 7 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 184

Defending force 3117 troops, 35 guns, 61 vehicles, Assault Value = 93

Allied adjusted assault: 2

Japanese adjusted defense: 100

Allied assault odds: 1 to 50 (fort level 4)

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

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


Allied ground losses:
216 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 27 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled


Assaulting units:
1st Australian Para Battalion
11th Australian Brigade
1st Fiji Commando Battalion
6th RAAF M/W Sqn /4

Defending units:
27th Electric Engineer Regiment
90th Infantry Rgt /1
4th South Seas Det. /2
5th JNAF Coy
46th Road Const Co
62nd Infantry Group /8
22nd JNAF AF Unit /1


I will shock attack again next turn at Obi but this time it will be with everyone. It looks like Dave has indefinitely postponed(if not prevented) Allied capture of both Galeia and Ternate. Its critical now that we capture both Obi and Talaud-eilanden. Allied carrier air will LRCAP Talaud-eilanden while land based fighters LRCAP Obi. Fifth Air Force tac, medium and heavy bombers will carpet bomb the Japanese garrisons at both Obi and Talaud-eilanden.

Japan loses another 98 AC this turn in A2A comabt vs 2 Allied AC. Individual plane losses include 37 Vals, 35 Bettys, 29 A6M2s, 10 A6M5s, 5 SBD-5s, 4 F4U-1As and 2 Hellcats.

Note....I mislabeled the position of Fifth Fleet on the attached screenshot.....its not sitting off Morotai.


CVE Marcus island is completed at Portland and sails off across the Pacific to join Fifth Fleet.

[racndoc]

2/27-2/28/44



SUBS


SS Grenadier is hit by ASW AC and sinks off Wakkanai.

SS RO-33 torpedoes xAK Marland near Rangoon but is hit by 15 DCs in return from escorts.



CBI


One of the xAKs in the massive resupply convoy heading to rangoon is torpedoed by SS RO-33. The resupply convoy will reach rangoon port next turn and unload under heavy CAP.

Tenth Air Force and the RAF sweep and bomb the Japanese AFs at Bangkok and Ayuthia inflicting 55% damage on both AFs. We will hit these AFs one more time next turn and then we will commence strategic bombing in the area.

In China....Dave's armor cuts the retreat route for the Chinese troops outside of Kanhsien and then he launches a 1:2 attack:


Ground combat at 83,58 (near Kanhsien)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 29632 troops, 364 guns, 77 vehicles, Assault Value = 970

Defending force 25374 troops, 75 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 709

Japanese adjusted assault: 686

Allied adjusted defense: 715

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
2935 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 209 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled


Allied ground losses:
1000 casualties reported
Squads: 61 destroyed, 24 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 41 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled


Assaulting units:
33rd Division
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
25th Division
58th Infantry Regiment
1st Art.Mortar Regiment
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
43rd Chinese/B Corps
97th Chinese/B Corps
7th Chinese/B Corps
69th Chinese Corps
82nd Chinese/B Corps
60th Chinese/C Corps
3rd New Chinese/C Corps
NCAC
Y' Force



We have over 2000 AV in reinforcements on the way so we should be able to reopen the road to our troops without too much trouble.


Quiet across the rest of China.


FIFTH FLLET ON THE OFFENSIVE: INVASION TALAUD-EILANDEN


Two bombardment TFs based around brand new BB Iowa and BB New Jersey naval bombard talaud-eilanden:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Talaud-eilanden at 79,97

Allied Ships
BB Iowa
CA Quincy
CA New Orleans
CA Indianapolis
DD Welles
DD Woodworth
DD DeHaven
DD Capps

Japanese ground losses:
264 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 14 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled



Airbase hits 29
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 65
Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 4
Port supply hits 5

OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for BB Iowa
BB Iowa firing at Talaud-eilanden
CA Quincy firing at Talaud-eilanden
CA New Orleans firing at Talaud-eilanden
CA Indianapolis firing at Talaud-eilanden
DD Welles firing at Talaud-eilanden
DD Woodworth firing at Talaud-eilanden
DD DeHaven firing at Talaud-eilanden
DD Capps firing at Talaud-eilanden


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Talaud-eilanden at 79,97

Allied Ships
BB New Jersey
CA Boston
CA Louisville
DD Grayson
DD Kidd
DD Dyson
DD Caperton

Japanese ground losses:
220 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)



Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 65
Port hits 6
Port fuel hits 6
Port supply hits 1

BB New Jersey firing at Talaud-eilanden
CA Boston firing at Talaud-eilanden
CA Louisville firing at Talaud-eilanden
DD Grayson firing at Talaud-eilanden
DD Kidd firing at Talaud-eilanden
DD Dyson firing at Talaud-eilanden
DD Caperton firing at Talaud-eilanden


The AF at Talaud-eilanden is nearly shut down with 76% damage.


Dave tries to fly in reinforcements to both Talaud-eilanden and Obi but this time the Allied LRCAP is up to the challenge:

Transports flying to Obi intercepted
FO Farley E. of VMF-113 is credited with kill number 2
1LT Berg N. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 9
1LT Edmonds H. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 5
1LT Edmonds H. of VMF-422 attains ace status!!
Transports flying to Talaud-eilanden intercepted
LTJG Glass F. of VF-26 is credited with kill number 6
ENS Bannister J. of VC(F)-65 is credited with kill number 2
LT Zaeske, E.W. of VC(F)-39 is credited with kill number 4
ENS Short O. of VF-26 is credited with kill number 4
LTJG Perry R. of VC(F)-63 is credited with kill number 2
LT Blake F. of VC(F)-68 is credited with kill number 5
LT Blake F. of VC(F)-68 attains ace status!!
ENS Gallagher V. of VC(F)-65 is credited with kill number 3
LTJG Perry R. of VC(F)-63 is credited with kill number 3
LT Craven I. of VF-26 is credited with kill number 6
LTJG Perry R. of VC(F)-63 is credited with kill number 4
ENS Fisher F. of VC(F)-65 is credited with kill number 3
LT Scott D. of VC(F)-68 is credited with kill number 3
LTJG Emerson K. of VF-26 is credited with kill number 4
LTJG Webb, W.B. of VC(F)-39 is credited with kill number 2
LTJG Glass F. of VF-26 is credited with kill number 7
LT Calloway R. of VC(F)-65 is credited with kill number 5
LT Calloway R. of VC(F)-65 attains ace status!!
Transports flying to Talaud-eilanden intercepted
LTJG Early J. of VC(F)-63 is credited with kill number 5
LTJG Early J. of VC(F)-63 attains ace status!!
LTJG Blake U. of VRF-1F is credited with kill number 7
LTJG Keene A. of VC(F)-68 is credited with kill number 2
ENS Reese E. of VC(F)-39 is credited with kill number 5
ENS Reese E. of VC(F)-39 attains ace status!!
LTJG Keene A. of VC(F)-68 is credited with kill number 3
LT Farrell D. of VC(F)-65 is credited with kill number 2
Transports flying to Talaud-eilanden intercepted
ENS Markham, G. of VRF-1F is credited with kill number 6
LT Craven I. of VF-26 is credited with kill number 7
ENS Gallagher V. of VC(F)-65 is credited with kill number 4
LTJG Barnes M. of VC(F)-92 is credited with kill number 5
LTJG Barnes M. of VC(F)-92 attains ace status!!
23 x C-46A Commando transporting supplies to Kunming



Transports flying to Obi intercepted
FO Lindley, J. of VMF-224 is credited with kill number 2
2LT Long O. of VMF-224 is credited with kill number 5
2LT Long O. of VMF-224 attains ace status!!
2LT Dallas W. of VMF-113 is credited with kill number 3
Transports flying to Talaud-eilanden intercepted
ENS Bannister F. of VC(F)-65 is credited with kill number 2
Transports flying to Talaud-eilanden intercepted
LT Randall D. of VC(F)-68 is credited with kill number 4
ENS Kanze, R. of VC(F)-92 is credited with kill number 4
LTJG Patterson I. of VC(F)-7 is credited with kill number 2
LT Sampson W. of VRF-1F is credited with kill number 5
LT Sampson W. of VRF-1F attains ace status!!
ENS Dunsmore T. of VRF-3F is credited with kill number 2
LT Jeffries V. of VF-26 is credited with kill number 2
LTJG Emerson K. of VF-26 is credited with kill number 5
LTJG Emerson K. of VF-26 attains ace status!!
Transports flying to Talaud-eilanden intercepted
ENS Rennemo, T.J. of VF-26 is credited with kill number 5
ENS Rennemo, T.J. of VF-26 attains ace status!!
LTJG Fenwick J. of VF-26 is credited with kill number 4
23 x C-46A Commando transporting supplies to Kunming


Dave is not able to fly in signicant reinforcements at either Talaud-eilanden or Obi and the Allies nearly take both islands:


Ground combat at Talaud-eilanden (79,97)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 15110 troops, 334 guns, 190 vehicles, Assault Value = 614

Defending force 9065 troops, 96 guns, 36 vehicles, Assault Value = 220

Allied adjusted assault: 415

Japanese adjusted defense: 129

Allied assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 6)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 3

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

Japanese ground losses:
875 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 78 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 17 disabled
Guns lost 49 (11 destroyed, 38 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
798 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 89 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 21 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)


Assaulting units:
1st Marine Division
2nd Fiji Commando Battalion
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
34th Combat Engr Rgt /2
223rd Field Artillery Battalion
97th Field Artillery Battalion
209th Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
1st Amphibious Bde /1
51st Nav Gd /1
30th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
4th Air Army
55th Construction Battalion
57th Construction Battalion
21st Special Base Force
2nd Medium Mortar Bn /1



Ground combat at Talaud-eilanden (79,97)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 14523 troops, 334 guns, 189 vehicles, Assault Value = 525

Defending force 8347 troops, 100 guns, 36 vehicles, Assault Value = 153

Allied adjusted assault: 539

Japanese adjusted defense: 183

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1227 casualties reported
Squads: 50 destroyed, 29 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 22 disabled
Guns lost 33 (25 destroyed, 8 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
474 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 80 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)


Assaulting units:
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
1st Marine Division
34th Combat Engr Rgt /2
209th Field Artillery Battalion
97th Field Artillery Battalion
223rd Field Artillery Battalion
2nd Fiji Commando Battalion

Defending units:
1st Amphibious Bde /1
51st Nav Gd /1
30th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
57th Construction Battalion
4th Air Army
21st Special Base Force
55th Construction Battalion
2nd Medium Mortar Bn /1




Ground combat at Obi (77,106)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 3261 troops, 29 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 172

Defending force 2965 troops, 36 guns, 60 vehicles, Assault Value = 77

Allied adjusted assault: 68

Japanese adjusted defense: 49

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 4)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 3

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

Japanese ground losses:
283 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 20 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
190 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 28 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Assaulting units:
11th Australian Brigade
1st Australian Para Battalion
1st Fiji Commando Battalion
6th RAAF M/W Sqn /4

Defending units:
90th Infantry Rgt /1
27th Electric Engineer Regiment
4th South Seas Det.
32nd Ind.Mixed Bde /3
62nd Infantry Group /8
46th Road Const Co
5th JNAF Coy
22nd JNAF AF Unit /1


Ground combat at Obi (77,106)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 3125 troops, 29 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 156

Defending force 2719 troops, 36 guns, 59 vehicles, Assault Value = 54

Allied adjusted assault: 48

Japanese adjusted defense: 10

Allied assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
348 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
253 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled


Assaulting units:
11th Australian Brigade
1st Australian Para Battalion
1st Fiji Commando Battalion
6th RAAF M/W Sqn /4

Defending units:
4th South Seas Det.
27th Electric Engineer Regiment
90th Infantry Rgt /1
32nd Ind.Mixed Bde /3
62nd Infantry Group /8
46th Road Const Co
5th JNAF Coy
22nd JNAF AF Unit /1



The big question is what to do next turn with both islands close to capture but my assult troops are heavily fatigued from consecutive turns of shock attacks.

At Obi...the problem for me in the combat AV ratios isnt the numerator...its always been small at that island.....the problem for me has been in the denominator or the adjusted defensive AV which last turn dropped from
50 to 10 with the disruption from the incessant aerial bombardment. Its a no brainer to try to finish off Obi next turn with a shock attack.

At Talaud-eilanden its a different story....Japan still has level 1 forts and my attack odds decreased from the 1st day to the 2nd day. I should probably be pulling Fifth Fleet back this turn as KB will probably show up any minute with fresh rebuilt squadrons. I will just have to rely on the high morale and experience of the 1st Marine Division and try one more shock attack and I will leave Fifth Fleet exposed for 1 more turn before withdrawal to rearm, refuel and take on replacements. The weather is supposed to be clear over Talaud eilanden next turn and every spare medium and heavy bomber in Fifth Air Force will target it as well as most of Fifth Fleet's Avengers. In addition....100 transport AC based at waigeo will drop the 503rd Paratroop Regiment on Talaud-eilanden.

Fifth Fleet will withdraw to a point off Morotai where she will be able to LRCAP Talaud-eilanden from a range of 3 hexes and also provide support for Adm Hill's amphib assault on Morotai. Land based AC at Waigeo woll LRCAP both Morotai and Fifth Fleet while land based AC at Misool will LRCAP Obi.


Meanwhile....P-38Js based at Manokwari sweep the Japanese AF at Babeldaob. After the air combat over bangkok, Ayuthia, Talaud-eilanden, Obi and babeldaob....Japan loses 100 AC in A2A combat vs Allied losses of 32 AC. Overall.....Japan loses 130 AC vs Allied losses of 97AC. Individual plane losses include 70 Tojos, 22 H6K-4L Mavis, 8 H6K-2L Mavis, 9 A6M2s. 12 F4U-1s, 10 Beaufighter TFX, 9 P-40Ns, 6 Hellcats and 6 P-38Js.

CVL Princeton and CVE Ranee will join Fifth Fleet off Morotai this turn. CVE Nehanta bay and CVE Gambier Bay refuel at Rabaul and head west to join Fifth Fleet.


CVE Shah leaves the Panama Canal and heads toward the war zones.

[racndoc]

2/29-3/1/44



SUBS


SSX HA-37 is sunk by an Allied ASW TF off Rangoon.

SSX HA-36 finishes of xAK Martland with 2 torpedoes near Rangoon.



CBI


I detached torpedoed xAK Martland from the resupply convoy and it arrived at Rangoon without further incident to drop off over 100,000 supplies.

Tenth Air Force and the RAF continue to work over Japanese AFs at Bangkok and Ayuthia. Dave has cleared the remnants of his fighters out of both AFs now so we will launch our 1st strategic bombing raid of the war next turn on Bangkok.


Dave launches another 1:2 attack on the Chinese army outside of Kanhsien:



Ground combat at 83,58 (near Kanhsien)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 24664 troops, 329 guns, 180 vehicles, Assault Value = 838

Defending force 24656 troops, 75 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 667

Japanese adjusted assault: 297

Allied adjusted defense: 869

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1660 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 99 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 31 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 23 disabled
Guns lost 11 (1 destroyed, 10 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
438 casualties reported
Squads: 19 destroyed, 34 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled


Assaulting units:
33rd Division
9th Tank Regiment
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
25th Division
58th Infantry Regiment
1st Art.Mortar Regiment
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
60th Chinese/C Corps
7th Chinese/B Corps
97th Chinese/B Corps
69th Chinese Corps
43rd Chinese/B Corps
82nd Chinese/B Corps
3rd New Chinese/C Corps
NCAC
Y' Force


These troops should be relieved by fresh troops in a couple of turns.

Quiet across the rest of China.




FIFTH FLEET ON THE OFFENSIVE: INVASION MOROTAI


Dave sent in a couple of CAs to try to interdict Allied transports unloading at Talaud-eilanden:

Night Time Surface Combat, near Dadjangas at 78,95, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Shell hits 1
CA Atago
DD Harusame
DD Samidare

Allied Ships
DE Acree, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DE Parks, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
PF Tacoma, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
PF Van Buren, Shell hits 17, and is sunk



Low visibility due to Thunderstorms with 32% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 32% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 18,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
CA Takao engages DE Parks at 2,000 yards
CA Takao engages DE Acree at 2,000 yards
DE Acree sunk by DD Samidare at 2,000 yards
Isaacs E. orders Allied TF to disengage
DE Parks sunk by CA Atago at 2,000 yards
CA Takao engages PF Van Buren at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
CA Atago engages PF Van Buren at 4,000 yards
CA Takao engages PF Tacoma at 4,000 yards
DD Harusame engages PF Tacoma at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
CA Takao engages PF Van Buren at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
CA Atago engages PF Van Buren at 6,000 yards
CA Takao engages PF Tacoma at 6,000 yards
Isaacs E. orders Allied TF to disengage
CA Takao engages PF Van Buren at 6,000 yards
CA Takao engages PF Van Buren at 6,000 yards
CA Takao engages PF Van Buren at 6,000 yards
PF Tacoma sunk by CA Takao at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
CA Takao engages PF Van Buren at 7,000 yards
PF Van Buren sunk by CA Takao at 7,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Talaud-eilanden at 79,97, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Shell hits 1
CA Atago
DD Harusame
DD Samidare

Allied Ships
DD Frankford, Shell hits 4
DD Sampson
DD Sims, Shell hits 21, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk



Low visibility due to Thunderstorms with 32% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 32% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
Nomura F. crosses the 'T'
DD Sims sunk by DD Samidare at 2,000 yards
DD Sampson engages DD Samidare at 2,000 yards
DD Frankford engages DD Samidare at 2,000 yards
DD Harusame engages DD Frankford at 2,000 yards
CA Atago engages DD Sampson at 2,000 yards
DD Frankford engages DD Harusame at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
CA Atago engages DD Sampson at 5,000 yards
CA Takao engages DD Frankford at 5,000 yards
Task forces break off...


We lost some escort ships but at least the transports unloading at at Talaud-eilanden were unscathed. The 2 IJN CAs managed to sail for an entire day within 3 hexes of Fifth Fleets 600 plus SBDs and TBFs and lived to tell about it.

Fortunately I had closed the AF at Talaud eilanden so Dave was forced to use float plane transports to reinforce and he lost some 30 Mavis transport AC on the previous turn. This turn the Allied carriers flew about 140 fighters LRCAP over Talaud eilanden and Dave was not able to substantially reinforce his troops on the ground there. Of the SWPAC forces on Talaud-eilanden....the 34th Combat Engineers and the 2nd Fiji Commandos had virtually no undisrupted squads and the 147th Regiment had maybe 30 effective squads out of the original 91 (but had fatigue of over 60) from the previous turn's shock attacks. If we were going to take Talaud-eilanden it was going to be up to the 1st Marine Division. I had about 100 transport AC paradrop the 503 Parachute Regiment onto Talaud-eilanden to help out:


Ground combat at Talaud-eilanden (79,97)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 14472 troops, 347 guns, 188 vehicles, Assault Value = 514

Defending force 7459 troops, 83 guns, 36 vehicles, Assault Value = 90

Allied adjusted assault: 477

Japanese adjusted defense: 39

Allied assault odds: 12 to 1 (fort level 1)

Allied forces CAPTURE Talaud-eilanden !!!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
F1M2 Pete: 1 destroyed

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

Japanese ground losses:
1960 casualties reported
Squads: 59 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 15 destroyed, 31 disabled
Engineers: 52 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 35 (30 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Vehicles lost 23 (23 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1


Allied ground losses:
243 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled


Assaulting units:
1st Marine Division
2nd Fiji Commando Battalion
34th Combat Engr Rgt /2
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
503rd Parachute Rgt /1
97th Field Artillery Battalion
223rd Field Artillery Battalion
209th Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
51st Nav Gd /1
30th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
1st Amphibious Bde /1
24th Ind.Mixed Bde /2
55th Construction Battalion
57th Construction Battalion
4th Air Army
21st Special Base Force
2nd Medium Mortar Bn /1


Ground combat at Talaud-eilanden (79,97)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 14813 troops, 347 guns, 189 vehicles, Assault Value = 500

Defending force 4497 troops, 38 guns, 15 vehicles, Assault Value = 52

Allied adjusted assault: 238

Japanese adjusted defense: 11

Allied assault odds: 21 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
668 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 25 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 14 (4 destroyed, 10 disabled)
Units destroyed 2


Allied ground losses:
191 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)


Assaulting units:
503rd Parachute Regiment
1st Marine Division
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
2nd Fiji Commando Battalion
34th Combat Engr Rgt /2
97th Field Artillery Battalion
223rd Field Artillery Battalion
209th Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
1st Amphibious Bde /1
24th Ind.Mixed Bde /2
30th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
4th Air Army
21st Special Base Force



Of all the bases between New Guinea and Mindanao....this was the most important one for the Allies to take. LCIs and LSTs will drop off seabees here next turn to help reopen the level 6 AF.


Things didnt go quite so well at Obi. I had over 150 fighters based at Boela and Misool LRCAP Obi but Dave transport AC got through anyway:


Transports flying to Talaud-eilanden intercepted
LT Kelly L. of VC(F)-5 is credited with kill number 3
LTJG Hammond C. of VRF-7F is credited with kill number 5
LTJG Hammond C. of VRF-7F attains ace status!!
LTJG Hansen D. of VRF-7F is credited with kill number 6
LTJG Hansen D. of VRF-7F is credited with kill number 7
LTJG Adams P. of VRF-7F is credited with kill number 7
LTJG Adams P. of VRF-7F is credited with kill number 8
LTJG Ballard V. of VRF-7F is credited with kill number 4
LCDR Dwight O. of VRF-7F is credited with kill number 5
LCDR Dwight O. of VRF-7F attains ace status!!
ENS Jones L. of VRF-7F is credited with kill number 5
ENS Jones L. of VRF-7F attains ace status!!
CDR Newman H. of VRF-7F is credited with kill number 6
LTJG Glass F. of VF-26 is credited with kill number 8
LT Vincent U. of VF-26 is credited with kill number 4
LTJG Glass F. of VF-26 is credited with kill number 9
Transports flying to Talaud-eilanden intercepted
Transports flying to Talaud-eilanden intercepted
ENS Noble, M.E. of VRF-1F is credited with kill number 4
ENS Newman T. of VF-26 is credited with kill number 4
Transports flying to Talaud-eilanden intercepted
Transports flying to Obi intercepted
2LT Barnes N. of VMF-113 is credited with kill number 5
2LT Barnes N. of VMF-113 attains ace status!!
MAJ Blake A. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 3
CPT Ferguson G. of VMF-122 is credited with kill number 2
FO Dwight P. of VMF-122 is credited with kill number 2
FO Dwight P. of VMF-122 is credited with kill number 3
Transports flying to Obi intercepted
CPT Jensen E. of VMF-122 is credited with kill number 2
LTC Irvine M. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 6
FO Sampson T. of VMF-122 is credited with kill number 2
LTC Irvine M. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 7
CPT Ferguson G. of VMF-122 is credited with kill number 3
Transports flying to Obi intercepted
2LT Ballard C. of VMF-113 is credited with kill number 7
2LT Barnes N. of VMF-113 is credited with kill number 6
MAJ Blake A. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 4
MAJ Blake A. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 5
MAJ Blake A. of VMF-422 attains ace status!!
MAJ Blake A. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 6
2LT Musselman, J. of VMF-113 is credited with kill number 2
FO Black A. of VMF-122 is credited with kill number 2
Transports flying to Obi intercepted
CPT Jensen K. of VMF-113 is credited with kill number 2
Transports flying to Obi intercepted
Transports flying to Obi intercepted
Transports flying to Obi intercepted
1LT Gilbert L. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 11
LTC Irvine M. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 8
Transports flying to Obi intercepted
1LT Gilbert L. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 12
2 x R3D-2 transporting 9 RAAF Aviation Rgt to Dagua
12 x R4D-1 Skytrain dropping 503rd Parachute Regiment at Talaud-eilanden
11 x R4D-1 Skytrain dropping 503rd Parachute Regiment at Talaud-eilanden
11 x R5C-1 Commando dropping 503rd Parachute Regiment at Talaud-eilanden

Transports flying to Obi intercepted
CPT Vaughn I. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 4
FO Carey F. of VMF-113 is credited with kill number 2
CPT Sampson U. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 5
CPT Sampson U. of VMF-422 attains ace status!!
Transports flying to Obi intercepted
1LT Isaacs S. of VMF-113 is credited with kill number 2
Transports flying to Talaud-eilanden intercepted
ENS Lawson W. of VRF-1F is credited with kill number 3
ENS Vineyard, M.W. of VRF-1F is credited with kill number 7
ENS Jones L. of VRF-7F is credited with kill number 6
H8K2-L Emily damaged by flak
H8K2-L Emily damaged by flak
Transports flying to Talaud-eilanden intercepted
ENS Kleinman, J. of VRF-7F is credited with kill number 2
ENS Vaughn R. of VRF-7F is credited with kill number 7
LTJG Orth, J. of VRF-7F is credited with kill number 4
LTJG Orth, J. of VRF-7F is credited with kill number 5
LTJG Orth, J. of VRF-7F attains ace status!!
CDR Madison N. of VRF-7F is credited with kill number 5
CDR Madison N. of VRF-7F attains ace status!!
ENS Tyler P. of VC(F)-92 is credited with kill number 2
H6K4-L Mavis destroyed by flak
LT Dunsmore I. of VC(F)-5 is credited with kill number 2
H6K4-L Mavis damaged by flak
Transports flying to Talaud-eilanden intercepted
ENS Hammond R. of VRF-1F is credited with kill number 6
ENS Lawson E. of VRF-1F is credited with kill number 3
H6K4-L Mavis damaged by flak
H6K4-L Mavis damaged by flak
H6K4-L Mavis damaged by flak
Transports flying to Talaud-eilanden intercepted
LTJG Fenwick J. of VF-26 is credited with kill number 5
LTJG Fenwick J. of VF-26 attains ace status!!
ENS Vaughn R. of VRF-7F is credited with kill number 8
LTJG Hammond C. of VRF-7F is credited with kill number 6
CDR Patterson W. of VRF-7F is credited with kill number 4
LTJG Walton A. of VRF-7F is credited with kill number 2
H6K2-L Mavis damaged by flak
LTJG Walton A. of VRF-7F is credited with kill number 3
H6K2-L Mavis damaged by flak
Transports flying to Obi intercepted
1LT Simmons V. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 6
CPT Jensen E. of VMF-122 is credited with kill number 3
1LT Isaacs S. of VMF-113 is credited with kill number 3
2LT Dallas W. of VMF-113 is credited with kill number 4
CPT Keene M. of VMF-122 is credited with kill number 2
CPT Sampson U. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 6
CPT Craven M. of VMF-122 is credited with kill number 2
Transports flying to Obi intercepted
1LT Clark A. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 4
2LT Dallas W. of VMF-113 is credited with kill number 5
2LT Dallas W. of VMF-113 attains ace status!!
CPT Vaughn I. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 5
CPT Vaughn I. of VMF-422 attains ace status!!
1LT Simmons V. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 7
Transports flying to Obi intercepted
CPT Vaughn I. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 6
1LT Barnes S. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 8
2LT Carter D. of VMF-122 is credited with kill number 2
1LT Barnes S. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 9
Transports flying to Obi intercepted
1LT Simmons V. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 8
Transports flying to Obi intercepted
Transports flying to Obi intercepted
CPT Vaughn I. of VMF-422 is credited with kill number 7
2LT Dallas W. of VMF-113 is credited with kill number 6
2LT Long V. of VMF-113 is credited with kill number 3
Transports flying to Obi intercepted
Transports flying to Obi intercepted
CPT Jensen E. of VMF-122 is credited with kill number 4
2LT Hickman E. of VMF-113 is credited with kill number 5
2LT Hickman E. of VMF-113 attains ace status!!
12 x R4D-1 Skytrain transporting 503rd Parachute Regiment to Talaud-eilanden


Instead of the Allies facing about 40 AV of disrupted, fatigued and demoralized troops from 2 weeks of around the clock bombing.....Dave was able to fly in 50 AV of fresh troops and they held off the 11th Aussie brigade:


Ground combat at Obi (77,106)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 2993 troops, 29 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 140

Defending force 3627 troops, 48 guns, 58 vehicles, Assault Value = 87

Allied adjusted assault: 49

Japanese adjusted defense: 76

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 0)

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

Japanese ground losses:
90 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
196 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 44 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled


Assaulting units:
1st Australian Para Battalion
11th Australian Brigade
1st Fiji Commando Battalion
6th RAAF M/W Sqn /4

Defending units:
27th Electric Engineer Regiment
90th Infantry Rgt /1
24th Ind.Mixed Bde /3
32nd Ind.Mixed Bde /3
4th South Seas Det. /2
66th Nav Gd /3
65th Bde /8
62nd Infantry Group /8
46th Road Const Co
5th JNAF Coy
22nd JNAF AF Unit /1



I dont think that I will ever take Obi now. However....originally I wanted to take Obi as a forward base to help support the invasion of the Malaccas. With this turn's invasion of Morotai....we are pretty much done with the Malaccas so Obi is now almost irrelevant. Dave lost 70 Topsys and Thalias in the effort to reinforce obi but it worked and he can just rebuild those AC in a week or so. Its amazing in WitP that you can naval bombard and aerial bombard some Japanese atoll for a couple of weeks so that the defenders are all senseless and disrupted and the AF is shut down and then just as your troops swarm ashore the Japanese can just fly in a regiment with float plane transport AC and the fresh, undisrupted Japanese reinforcements can swim ashore and join the garrison before you can launch an attack....its lucky for the US that Japan didnt do that in the real war....lol. I belw it here at Obi though...I should have put the AF there completely out of action.

Adm Hill's amphib TF invades at Morotai:

Pre-Invasion action off Morotai (80,101)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

233 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CL Richmond
LST-41
LST-446
LST-205
LST-175
LST-176
LST-353
DMS Dorsey



CL Richmond firing at Kure 3rd SNLF
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


Pre-Invasion action off Morotai (80,101)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

223 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CA Chicago
CL St. Louis
DD Schley
DD John D. Edwards
DD Reid
APA Du Page


Allied ground losses:
62 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


CA Chicago firing at Kure 3rd SNLF
CL St. Louis firing at 62nd Infantry Group
DD Schley firing at 62nd Infantry Group
DD John D. Edwards firing at 62nd Infantry Group
DD Reid firing at Kure 3rd SNLF
DD Schley fired at enemy troops
DD John D. Edwards fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Morotai (80,101)

TF 424 troops unloading over beach at Morotai, 80,101


Allied ground losses:
51 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 10 (1 destroyed, 9 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (0 destroyed, 3 disabled)


5 troops of a US MMG Section accidentally lost during unload of 185th Infantry Rgt
155mm M1 Howitzer accidentally lost during unload of 34th Infantry Rgt /1
10 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 53rd (Sep) Infantry Rgt


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Morotai (80,101)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

56 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
DD Sands
AK Caelum
AK Naos



75mm Infantry Gun battery firing at AK Caelum
75mm Infantry Gun battery firing at AK Caelum


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Morotai (80,101)

TF 586 troops unloading over beach at Morotai, 80,101




I had over 200 fighters based at Waigeo that were supposed to LRCAP the invasion forces at Morotai but I accidently overstacked at Waigeo when I staged in the transport AC to paradrop the 503 Para regiment on Talaud-eilanden. So the LRCAP over Morotai were woefully ineffective:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 80,101

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 88
G3M3 Nell x 31
G4M1 Betty x 16



Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 6
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 12
F4F-3 Wildcat x 4
F4U-1A Corsair x 3
F6F-3 Hellcat x 8


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 11 destroyed
G3M3 Nell: 5 damaged
G3M3 Nell: 1 destroyed by flak
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire VIII: 1 destroyed
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 2 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CL St. Louis
DD DeHaven
DD Sands
DD Woodworth
AK Naos
AKA Thuban, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
APA Custer, Torpedo hits 1


Allied ground losses:
35 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Aircraft Attacking:
13 x G3M3 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
16 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 13000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
18 x G3M3 Nell bombing from 13000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
16 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 13000 feet
6 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 13000 feet *
8 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 13000 feet
3 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 13000 feet

CAP engaged:
VMF-211 Det with F4F-3 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
VC(F)-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
VOC(F)-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 9800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
VMF-224 with F4U-1A Corsair (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
No.77 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire VIII (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
49th FG/7th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
18th FG/70th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 80,101

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 75 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
G4M1 Betty x 18



Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 5
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 1
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2
F6F-3 Hellcat x 2


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
LST-180, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Antrim, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DMS Lamberton
CL Richmond
LCI-523, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk


Allied ground losses:
424 casualties reported
Squads: 14 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 20 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 47 (35 destroyed, 12 disabled)
Vehicles lost 14 (10 destroyed, 4 disabled)


Aircraft Attacking:
18 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VC(F)-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 19800 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
VMF-211 Det with F4F-3 Wildcat (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 20000 , scrambling fighters to 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
No.77 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire VIII (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 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20015.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 196 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (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 20000 , scrambling fighters to 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes

Morning Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 80,101

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 70
G3M3 Nell x 56
G4M1 Betty x 36



Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 5
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 9
F4F-3 Wildcat x 5
F4U-1A Corsair x 3
F6F-3 Hellcat x 8


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 11 destroyed
G3M3 Nell: 6 damaged
G3M3 Nell: 3 destroyed by flak
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire VIII: 1 destroyed
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
AK Naos
AK Sculptor, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AKA Alhena, Bomb hits 1, on fire
LST-461
DD Welles
APA William P. Biddle
APA Hunter Liggett, Torpedo hits 1
LST-350
CA Chicago
CL Richmond
DD Woodworth
DMS Lamberton
DD Sands
DD DeHaven
DD Reid
CL St. Louis
AK Blount



Aircraft Attacking:
14 x G3M3 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
13 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
14 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 13000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 13000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
35 x G3M3 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
8 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 13000 feet *
5 x G3M3 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
6 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
6 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 13000 feet *
6 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 13000 feet
12 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 13000 feet

CAP engaged:
VMF-211 Det with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
VC(F)-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VOC(F)-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 9800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
VMF-224 with F4U-1A Corsair (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
No.77 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire VIII (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 20000
Raid is overhead
49th FG/7th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
18th FG/70th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes


Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 80,101

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 58 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
G3M3 Nell x 18



Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 4
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 3
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
F4U-1A Corsair x 3


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed
G3M3 Nell: 4 destroyed, 7 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DMS Lamberton
CL Richmond
LST-452, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk



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

CAP engaged:
VMF-211 Det with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
VMF-224 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 20000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
No.77 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire VIII (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
18th FG/70th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (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 20000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes






But the powerful CAP and LRCAP over Fifth Fleet carriers was porous and ineffective also:



Morning Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 80,100

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 119 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 44 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 32
D3A1 Val x 43
D4Y1 Judy x 18
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 33
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 41



Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 21
Seafire IIC x 22
Sea Hurricane Ib x 32
P-38H Lightning x 2
F4F-3 Wildcat x 5
FM-2 Wildcat x 1
F4U-1 Corsair x 3
F4U-1A Corsair x 7
F6F-3 Hellcat x 432


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 14 destroyed, 15 damaged
D3A1 Val: 5 destroyed by flak
D4Y1 Judy: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown II
AO Neches, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
BB Massachusetts
AO Ramapo, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
CVL Cowpens, Bomb hits 1
DD Parrott
AO Kanawha, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
9 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
6 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VC(F)-39 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(13 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 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
VC(F)-68 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
VC(F)-92 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 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 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-5 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(17 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 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-1F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(19 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 20000
Raid is overhead
VRF-7F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(20 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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
VRF-5F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 19000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
VF-38 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 14800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 17 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 18 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
18 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 15 on standby, 7 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 26 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
33 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 18 on standby, 1 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 19 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 18 on standby, 1 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (10 airborne, 18 on standby, 1 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 18 on standby, 1 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 18 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 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 21 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-32 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 18 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AO Neches
Banzai! - Kawabata U. in a D4Y1 Judy is willing to die for the Emperor
Banzai! - Matsumura O. in a D3A1 Val is willing to die for the Emperor
Banzai! - Nagaishi F. in a D3A1 Val is willing to die for the Emperor
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AO Kanawha

Morning Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 80,100

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 119 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 44 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 13



Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 21
Seafire IIC x 22
Sea Hurricane Ib x 32
P-38H Lightning x 1
F4F-3 Wildcat x 5
FM-2 Wildcat x 1
F4U-1 Corsair x 2
F4U-1A Corsair x 6
F6F-3 Hellcat x 415


Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 9 destroyed

No Allied losses



CAP engaged:
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (9 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (18 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
18 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 17 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (14 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
VMF-211 Det with F4F-3 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
VRF-5F with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000 , scrambling fighters between 19000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
VF-38 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 14800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (21 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
21 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (12 airborne, 11 on standby, 3 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (33 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
33 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (18 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
18 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (9 airborne, 4 on standby, 1 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (17 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
17 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
VF-32 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 13 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
No.800 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
No.834 Sqn-FF-1 FAA with Seafire IIC (4 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 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 29 minutes
No.834 Sqn-FF-2 FAA with Seafire IIC (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
No.880 Sqn FAA with Seafire IIC (3 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
No.888 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (6 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes



Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 80,100

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 48
D3A1 Val x 5
G3M3 Nell x 14
G4M1 Betty x 35
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 28
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 50



Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 21
Seafire IIC x 22
Sea Hurricane Ib x 32
Spitfire VIII x 9
P-38H Lightning x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 18
F4F-3 Wildcat x 5
FM-2 Wildcat x 1
F4U-1 Corsair x 3
F4U-1A Corsair x 13
F6F-3 Hellcat x 437


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 8 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
G3M3 Nell: 6 destroyed
G3M3 Nell: 2 destroyed by flak
G4M1 Betty: 23 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 4 destroyed
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 11 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVE Hoggatt Bay
CVE Tulagi
CV Intrepid
CV Wasp
CVL Independence
CVL Langley
CV Bunker Hill, Torpedo hits 1
BB South Dakota



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

CAP engaged:
VC(F)-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Raid is overhead
VC(F)-39 with FM-2 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(13 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 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-68 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
VC(F)-92 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 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 9000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
VOC(F)-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-5 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(16 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
VRF-1F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(20 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
VRF-7F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(20 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VMF-224 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
No.77 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire VIII (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 9 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
9 planes vectored on to bombers
18th FG/70th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 9 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-5F with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
VF-38 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 14800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 17 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 18 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 15 on standby, 7 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 26 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
25 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 18 on standby, 1 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 80,100

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 118 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 44 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 47
G3M3 Nell x 13
G4M1 Betty x 21



Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 20
Seafire IIC x 22
Sea Hurricane Ib x 29
Spitfire VIII x 9
P-38H Lightning x 1
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 15
F4F-3 Wildcat x 4
FM-2 Wildcat x 1
F4U-1 Corsair x 3
F4U-1A Corsair x 11
F6F-3 Hellcat x 415


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 14 destroyed
G3M3 Nell: 6 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 4 destroyed, 14 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CVE Tulagi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Corregidor, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CV Hornet
BB Colorado
BB North Carolina



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G3M3 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
15 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VRF-5F with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
VF-38 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 14800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (13 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (10 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (17 airborne, 13 on standby, 0 scrambling)
17 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
18 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (21 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
21 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (23 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
23 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
21 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
14 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (14 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
16 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-32 with F6F-3 Hellcat (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
No.800 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (2 airborne, 6 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 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
No.834 Sqn-FF-1 FAA with Seafire IIC (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
No.834 Sqn-FF-2 FAA with Seafire IIC (1 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 16000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.880 Sqn FAA with Seafire IIC (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
No.888 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
16 plane(s) intercepting now.
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 1 minutes
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers

Fuel storage explosion on CVE Tulagi
Banzai! - Kawato U. in a G4M1 Betty is willing to die for the Emperor

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 80,100

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 117 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 43 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
G3M3 Nell x 3
G4M1 Betty x 9
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 10



Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 20
Seafire IIC x 23
Sea Hurricane Ib x 28
P-38H Lightning x 2
F4F-3 Wildcat x 4
F4U-1 Corsair x 3
F4U-1A Corsair x 7
F6F-3 Hellcat x 425


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed
G3M3 Nell: 1 destroyed
G3M3 Nell: 1 destroyed by flak
G4M1 Betty: 5 destroyed
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 5 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CV Hornet



CAP engaged:
VC(F)-33 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
VOC(F)-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-17 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-38 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 14800
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 17 on standby, 1 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 18 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 14 on standby, 7 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 26 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (10 airborne, 18 on standby, 1 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 18 on standby, 1 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 18 on standby, 1 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 17 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-32 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 18 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
No.800 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
No.834 Sqn-FF-1 FAA with Seafire IIC (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.834 Sqn-FF-2 FAA with Seafire IIC (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.880 Sqn FAA with Seafire IIC (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.888 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
No.1830 Sqn FAA with Corsair II (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers






Japanese naval bombers also hit Allied TFs near Talaud-eilanden:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Talaud-eilanden at 79,96

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 9
N1K1-J George x 12



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 27


Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
N1K1-J George: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 4 destroyed

Allied Ships
DD Drayton, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD O'Bannon



Aircraft Attacking:
9 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(12 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 12 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
VC(F)-7 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(15 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 15 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes


Morning Air attack on TF, near Talaud-eilanden at 79,96

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 8



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 10


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 5 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DD O'Bannon



Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-48-IIa Lily flying as kamikaze
Kamikaze: 4 x 100 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters to 40800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 100 minutes
VC(F)-7 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 24200.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes


Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Morotai at 80,101

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 13



Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 4
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 6
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
F4U-1A Corsair x 3


Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 8 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DD Schley
DMS Long



CAP engaged:
VMF-211 Det with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
VMF-224 with F4U-1A Corsair (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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
No.77 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire VIII (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
18th FG/70th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead





Fifth Air Force "commerce destroyers" return the favor to the IJN CAs loitering off Talaud-eilanden:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Talaud-eilanden at 79,97

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 2



Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 6


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Atago, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Harusame
CA Takao, Bomb hits 1



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
202 Ku S-1/C with N1K1-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 24000
Raid is overhead
281 Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Raid is overhead

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Talaud-eilanden at 79,97

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 68 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 10



Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 6
F6F-3 Hellcat x 2


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Bomb hits 7, on fire
DD Harusame
CA Atago



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
202 Ku S-1/C with N1K1-J George (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 24000
Raid is overhead
281 Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Raid is overhead




Japanese kamikaze pilots wipe out an Allied AK TF dropping off supplies at Talaud-eiulanden:


Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Talaud-eilanden at 79,97

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 2 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 20



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 12


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
AK Cabell, Kamikaze hits 2, and is sunk
AK Bullock, Kamikaze hits 1, and is sunk
AK Alamosa, Kamikaze hits 3, and is sunk
SC PC-781, Kamikaze hits 1, and is sunk



Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-49-IIa Helen flying as kamikaze
Kamikaze: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
18 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 13000 feet *

CAP engaged:
VF-26 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Raid is overhead
VC(F)-7 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead




By the end of the turn the Allies have over 600 AV of troops ashore at Morotai:


Ground combat at Morotai (80,101)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5203 troops, 67 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 227

Defending force 15414 troops, 340 guns, 501 vehicles, Assault Value = 609

Japanese ground losses:
74 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Assaulting units:
Kure 3rd SNLF
4th South Seas Gsn
62nd Infantry Group /3
48th Div /2
90th Infantry Regiment
5th Div /6
34th Ind. Engineer Regiment
28th Field AA Machinecannon Company
33rd Ind.AA Gun Co
5th Fleet
56th Const Co
12th Air Defense AA Regiment
2nd Machine Cannon AA Battalion
30th JNAF AF Unit
5th Air Div /2

Defending units:
34th Infantry Regiment
193rd Tank Battalion
185th Infantry Regiment
2nd Marine Regiment
53rd (Sep) Infantry Regiment
3rd NZ Armoured Sqn
4th Field Artillery Battalion
165th Field Artillery Battalion
98th Field Artillery Battalion



A shock attack is ordered for Morotai next turn. Every medium and heavy bomber in Fifth Air Force will ground bomb the Japanese at Morotai as will all the Avengers of Fifth Feet. I wont repeat my mistake at Obi of not completely closing the AF there....I will naval bombard Morotai with a half dozen bombardment TFs will over a dozen BBs.

An Allied sub spotted CVL Ryujo just SE of Leyte last turn in my out of synch version ofd the turn.....so dave doesnt know that ive spotted his carriers. He has sailed KB from the west side of the Philippines to the east side of the Philippines and he hopes to ambush Fifth Fleet from the NE...similar to what we did to the Japanese at Midway. im sending Fifth Fleet back to port at Sansopar as the carriers are low on air ops and I need to take on AC replacements and get the cripples back to safety.







[img]https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/upfi ... 048469.jpg[/img]

[Captain Cruft]

Strange how he's using old model planes.