LST vs. IdahoNYer (DBB-C, A AAR) 6 yrs and done! VJ Day!

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

I would say it is too late for invading India; if I have to bet he will go heavy on Australia + some limited invasion on the Pacific; why else would he had invaded Normanton?

If he realizes that N. Aus becomes a trap once the Allies get control of the sea and air (see Cap Mandrake and Sprior's AAR "Bring Me the Head of the Mayor or Diego Garcia" about a year into the war), he will just be planning to smash a few Aussie units and then withdraw his major units.
If that is his thinking, the Normanton landing is just to secure his flank and try to cut off the allied units retreating down the Darwin - Alice Springs corridor.

If he wanted to take Aus in toto, he should have come much sooner and much harder, and started the invasion near Brisbane rather than Darwin.

And the good news - the next turn's replay just had the IJA's Normanton's expedition evac'd by sea. Nice...probably was looking to grab an undefended base.

Fully agree with both your comments - and I'd rather have an invasion of Aus than either Noumea or India. I can build combat power more effectively in Aus. Will check out that AAR! Thanks!

My quandary is that:
1)I think its too early for Jpn to transition to the defense and give up the initiative.
2)He really doesn't need more troops to secure NW Aus.
3)It is probably too late to begin a major new Amphib invasion of Ceylon, Diamond Harbor, Suva, or Noumea which are now "hard targets" (Fort level 4 and 2+Bdes of good troops, 200+planes avail)
4)NE AUS is still vulnerable to me as its a long coast and defenses are stretched, but it would be a very, very risky and costly attack.

So what's his plan???

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Well if he goes "small pacific islands", then you should be fine, as the worst case scenario is a temporary need to divert convoys and use longer routes.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

Well if he goes "small pacific islands", then you should be fine, as the worst case scenario is a temporary need to divert convoys and use longer routes.

Just as the Allied Player must resist the temptation to "do something" with his growing strength in early 1942, the Japanese Player must avoid the temptation to keep grabbing until he is stopped by a battle.
He may have the combat power but he cannot build and reinforce the newly captured bases the way the allies can. Greyjoy has shown that the Japanese can better delay the Allies by limiting expansion and building credible lines of fortified and garrisoned bases before the Allies are ready to try and challenge.
By keeping his internal LOC shorter he also conserves fuel and has the opportunity to evacuate fragments of units by air when they have be ground down by the allies.
Not saying the allies cannot crack the defences, but it does take longer to do it.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

Well if he goes "small pacific islands", then you should be fine, as the worst case scenario is a temporary need to divert convoys and use longer routes.

Just as the Allied Player must resist the temptation to "do something" with his growing strength in early 1942, the Japanese Player must avoid the temptation to keep grabbing until he is stopped by a battle.
He may have the combat power but he cannot build and reinforce the newly captured bases the way the allies can. Greyjoy has shown that the Japanese can better delay the Allies by limiting expansion and building credible lines of fortified and garrisoned bases before the Allies are ready to try and challenge.
By keeping his internal LOC shorter he also conserves fuel and has the opportunity to evacuate fragments of units by air when they have be ground down by the allies.
Not saying the allies cannot crack the defences, but it does take longer to do it.

Good comments guys. I'm good with an attack on CENPAC - I can get those back later. I hadn't really considered him consolidating this early - but it DOES make some sense. Might make a bit of a dull game for the next 6+months, but it does make sense!

[IdahoNYer]

1-2 May 42

Highlights - Busy turn…Adm Spruance’s CVs catch a small convoy near Arorae in the southern Gilberts; KB confirmed departing SOPAC with an SBD attack; Port Hedland bombarded; IJA air assault south of Darwin and the IJN pulled out the troops at Normanton.

Jpn ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Sendai reportedly scuttled after 3 SBD bomb hits near Arorae)
DD: 2
APD: 1
xAP: 1

Allied ships sunk:
AV: 1 (Tangier succumbs to KB Val delivered bomb damage at Koumac)

Air loss:
Jpn: 10
Allied: 22

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ship hit
Allies: 2 Attack, 0 ships hit

Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Fenton (SWPAC)
Merauke (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: An AO is reportedly moving to Tulagi - I’m taking this as the refuel location of the KB coming up from Koumac - will position some subs to see what we can find.

West Coast/Admin. NSTR

In NOPAC. US DM with 2DDs mine Attu. No enemy contact.

CENPAC. Spruance’s CV TF (2CV, 2CA, CL, 10DD) find, and clobber, a small convoy just south of Arorae in the southern Gilberts. SBDs hit all ships: DD, APD, xAP sunk outright and the CL Sendai is reportedly scuttled. Ships appeared to be carrying troops - likely a Naval Guard unit that made landings in the Ellice Islands. Spruance will head SE towards Pago-Pago to avoid the KB, and then turn towards Auckland to refuel. CV Hornet TF (CV, CA, CL, CLAA, 6DD) departed PH and will raid Baker Is before also heading to Auckland. Taking some risk stripping all CVs out of CENPAC for a while.

In SOPAC, KB departs SOPAC, but not before they are sighted by PBYs at night - and SBDs on night naval attack make intercept. Only 8 make contact and attack - although they missed, they at least gave L_S_T a good scare! AV Tangier succumbs to heavy fires at Koumac. Auckland is again busy with incoming convoys and attempting to push desperately needed fuel to Australia.

In SWPAC, IJN bombardment TF (2BB, CL, 8DD) avoid the freshly laid minefield and bombard Port Hedland to good effect - hitting supply and damaging the AF. The two xAKs at Port Hedland avoid the IJN for a change, but are chased off before offloading - supply situation is now critical. Halsey’s TF arrives at Perth, so far as I can tell, undetected. Will sortie the combined US/Brit/Aus fleet tomorrow. B17s were welcomed by 40+ Zeros over Derby, losing 16!! For only 5 Zeros. Not good! On the Darwin front, paratroopers seize Fenton, just south of Darwin. Fortunately, everything I was planning on pulling out of Darwin is already gone. On the positive side, somehow an xAK that was chased out of Normanton arrives safely with 900 supply for Darwin - it isn’t much, but it’s a whole lot more than I thought I’d get in! Also, the best for last, APDs pull out the Jpn troops at Normanton - apparently it was only a raid.

In the Philippines, with the increase in supply run length, additional subs will be tasked to supply runs - my subs aren’t doing much at the moment, and I don’t figure this diversion won’t last all that long.

In China, NSTR.

In India/Burma both Chittagong and Imphal are hit by night raids - damage is minimal, but we’ll have to move some fighters for night CAP duties. It does appear that the IJA is going overland for Akyab - I’m moving two Indian Bdes up from Chittagong, but they’re going to take a while to get in position, and I’m not willing to risk attempting to land troops at Akyab via sea.

[jwolf]

Oh man, if only, if only ...

[Jorge_Stanbury]

I have never done naval attacks at night time; I bet he doesn't have nails left

[IdahoNYer]

3-4 May 42

Highlights - Very quiet turn…

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 12
Allied: 7

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ship hit
Allies: 2 Attack, 0 ships hit

Amph Inv:
Groot Natoena (DEI)

Bases lost:
Groot Natoena (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: BB Yamato sighted - of all places, bombarding Wenchow!

West Coast/Admin. Convoy carrying 108/40ID and 147th (Sep) IN Reg depart LA bound for Auckland.

In NOPAC. IJN PBs sighted at Attu - likely resupply run.

CENPAC. Spruance’s CV TF (2CV, 2CA, CL, 10DD) turns south of Canton Is and proceeds to SOPAC. Hornet TF approaches Baker Is; will launch strikes shortly.

In SOPAC, quiet other than the now normal US raids on Efate, Luganville and Tanna. Auckland continues to be a hub of activity with a couple of convoys forming up.

In SWPAC, other than airstrikes on Australian troops west of Katherine, was pretty quiet. The lone xAK managed to finish offloading unmolested at Darwin and departed back toward Normanton. With no IJN activity, the two xAKLs and AM escort returned to Port Hedland to begin offloading supply. Lots of activity in Perth as the combined US/Aus/Brit TFs prepare to depart for operations off Port Hedland.

In the Philippines, NSTR.

In China, BB Yamato and CA Takao bombard Wenchow with minimal effect. Again, any time the Chinese Theater has the IJN in support, I’m good with that.

In India/Burma, Port Blair is bombarded by a pair of DDs - other than subs, I’m not going to contest an invasion here. Recon identifies over 35,000 troops attempting to flank Akyab moving through the jungle. They look to cut the road just east of Cox Bazaar. While I have Indian Bdes moving up, I’m curious how he’s going to keep this force supplied once across the river. I don’t believe I can hold Akyab, but I’m not going to make it easy either. Just surprised he doesn’t have more IJN support in this operation.

[IdahoNYer]

5-6 May 42

Highlights - Halsey and Palliser depart Perth; IJA takes ground just north of Sian

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk:
AM: 1
xAKL: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 20
Allied: 22

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ship hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ships hit (xAK dam)

Amph Inv:
Donggala (DEI)

Bases lost:
Siaoe (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. NSTR

In NOPAC. US BB TF (3BB, 2CL, 6DD, DMS) departs DH to bombard Attu - and perhaps catch the reported small IJN convoy there. PBYs sight xAKs at Attu, one hit by bomb.

CENPAC. Hornet launches small strike against Baker Is - no air resistance, light damage to AF. Hornet turns south to SOPAC.

In SOPAC, a PBY reported 7 IJN ships just east of Noumea heading south. No US ships were in the area, so worst case, this might be a raid with the ships “dark” as they transit southeast. I doubt it, but since I have two troop convoys departing Auckland to Noumea and Suva, I’m playing it safe - focusing some PBYs and keeping the shipping out of the area. Spruance’s CV TF clears south of Pago-Pago and turns toward Auckland.

In SWPAC, a small IJN TF (CL, 3DD) sinks the AM and 2 xAKLs at Port Hedland after only a small amount of supplies are offloaded. They then bombard Port Hedland with minimal results. Three significant TFs depart Perth for operations off Port Hedland: Halsey (2CV, 3CA, CL, 8DD), Palliser (BC, 2CA, 3CL, 8DD), and Boyd (3CV, 3CA, 6DD). Palliser and Boyd turn north, close to the coast providing support to two convoys (2APD, xAP and APD, 2AM, 3xAP, 2xAK). Halsey moves southwest before turning north. IJN subs quickly sight the convoys and British CAs - so L_S_T knows I’m coming - and hopefully he’ll figure its just the usual suspects of British CVs and the Repulse. The three British CVs have 119 a/c including 11 USMC SBDs, while Halsey’s have 187 a/c including USMC SDBs, SB2Us and F2a3s. Max effort all around. While the initial objective is to ensure the transports offload at Port Hedland, I’m also hoping the Mini-KB comes out to intercept the British CV and BC TFs. A third troop convoy is assembling at Perth, but will hold until the first two offload. On the Darwin front, the IJA overland advance toward Katherine has slowed, with the Imperial Guards Div sent back west to deal with the Aus Infantry in their rear. Lack of supplies has crippled any viable defense - with some luck, the IJA is having similar supply issues. Heavy use of IJA LBA in ground support isn’t helping either. Without supply, I can’t fly CAP either. In NE Australia, Portland Roads gets some attention for the first time with Kates hitting ground targets. Hopefully this isn’t a prelude to invasion - it’s a slow slog to Portland Roads and I’ve only got a commando Bn and a BF in there at the moment. Good troops to be sure, but not enough to hold a major invasion.

In the Philippines, NSTR.

In China, Wenchow is again bombarded by the IJN (4CA, CL). On the ground, 2 hexes NW of Sian, 4 IJA divisions push back 2 Chinese Corps from the river line - 1500+ IJA casualties to 7000 Chinese. I’ve been slowly pulling back from Sian and defenses to the SE. While he’s across the river, his supply line has got to be minimal. My goal is to continue to slowly pull back and avoid an encirclement, although with Sian at Fort Level 4, I’ll leave a corps to die in place when the time comes.

[IdahoNYer]

7-8 May 42

Highlights - IJN Carriers surprise me in both SOPAC and SWPAC resulting in another, but very strange, CV battle against the Brit CV TF and heavy losses to Allied Merchies loaded with troops in both Theaters. Surface action off Port Hedland. Not a good day, but it could have been much, much worse!

Jpn ships sunk:
CL: 2 (Yura, Kinu)
DD: 3 (Yugumo, Oyashio, Amagiri)
SS: 1 (RO-65)
xAKL: 1

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Clark)
APD: 5 (this really hurts!)
AM: 2
xAP: 7 (all small, short-mid range)
xAK: 3
xAKL: 5

+ the transports cargo of 2 Aus Pioneer Bns and an the better part of a US IN Reg were lost

Air loss:
Jpn: 125
Allied: 77

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
RO-65 sunk by DDs while trying to penetrate BC Repulse screen
Allies: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit

Amph Inv:
Port Blair (Burma)

Bases lost:
Pucheng (China)
Pakanbaroe (DEI)
Donggala (DEI

SIGINT/Intel: Well, I’ve found out the KB has detached the Akagi and Kaga to the Mini-KB the hard way. And I know exactly where both the KB and Mini-KB are at the moment….

West Coast/Admin. NSTR

In NOPAC. US BB TF (3BB, 2CL, 6DD, DMS) in position to bombard Attu during the night, looks like the IJN shipping is gone of course.

CENPAC. Hornet TF clears Pago-Pago enroute south.

In SOPAC, that PBY sighting last turn that I really didn’t believe….well, I should have paid more attention to clearing the area. While I “thought” I had moved shipping out of the way “just in case”, I apparently didn’t move the 24th (Sep) IN Reg convoy far enough east - it was pounded by 4 IJN CVs east of Raoul Island. Three 13kt xAPs, an xAK and an APD sent to the bottom. One APD and a DMS survive the carnage with remnants of the IN Reg. So much for the 24th (Sep) IN Reg relieving the Marines on Suva. Also caught at sea was a returning Pago-Pago resupply convoy of an APD and 5 xAKLs - also sent to the bottom near Raoul Is. Not a good day in SOPAC. But with every disaster, I try to have positive thoughts - it could have been worse! CVs Yorktown and Lex were in SOPAC, but just a bit further east. Another troop convoy was held at Auckland. What I find very surprising is that the KB is raiding with 4 CVs (Soryu, Hiryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku). L_S_T has been relatively conservative so far, and I am truly surprised that he would raid this deep with the KB(-). Of course by splitting off the Kaga and Akagi, he managed to put one over on me in both SOPAC and off Port Hedland on the same turn - Kudos to my vaunted opponent! Another wonderful reminder that this ain’t the AI!!!

In SWPAC, the best laid plans…..fall flat on their face! Not only wasn’t I expecting the Mini-KB to have the Kaga and Agaki, but for reasons only known to Halsey himself, the US CV TF moved a total of 5 hexes in the two day turn - being totally out of position when the British CV TF blundered (quite literally - in the same hex for a brief surface combat) with the IJN CV TF. Both sides launched strikes - the British strike arriving first, and despite 27 of 37 British torpedo planes dropping fish on targets - NONE hit!! The only salvation was the USMC SBDs which managed a 1000lb bomb hit on CVL Zuiho. IJN strike fared little better - the Kates attacked with bombs (which is the only reason we didn’t lose a CV) instead of torps and the strike managed 5 bomb hits on CV Formidable and 2 on CV Indomitable - single digit sys damage - LOVE the armored flight decks!. Now, it gets more strangely interesting - before the British CV TF decides to withdraw on the 8th, a small IJN PM strikes hit the BC Repulse TF and than a major strike hits the TR TF carrying supplies and a AUS pioneer battalion. Very surprised and pleased - despite the TR losses - that there weren’t additional strikes on the British CVs (weather perhaps?). These strikes against the transports had Kates with torps - APD, 2AMs, 3xAPs (all small), 2xAKs go to the bottom off Exmouth. Not to be outdone by poor CV TF performances - the Allied surface TF is late to arrive at Port Hedland - somehow AFTER the slower first TR TF (2APDs, xAP) arrives at Port Hedland which is mauled and sunk by a CL TF (3CL, 3DD). Now, Repulse TF (BC, 2CA, 3CL, 8DD) arrive and it takes one night and two day combat rounds for the IJN to lose 2CL and 3DD in exchange for one DD (Clark)crippled which sinks later. BC Repulse is damaged enough (34sys/3flt/14eng), and one other DD is heavily damaged. So, after all the dust settles, the score card is: CVL Zuiho damaged, 2CL, 3DD sunk in exchange for a DD sunk and the resupply/reinforcement effort to Port Hedland obliterated. Will forever wonder why Halsey only moved 5 hexes - he SHOULD have been 4 hexes or so to the NW of the British CVs - well in position to launch a strike that could have clobbered the IJN CVs - OR - been the recipient of the IJN strikes instead of the TR TFs. As its stands, if the Allied CV and Surface TFs can pull back towards Perth without behind hit again by air and clear torpedo alley off Exmouth, I’ll be happy.

In the Philippines, NSTR.

In China, Wenchow is again bombarded by the IJN (4CA, CL, 3DD). The AVG does well over Sian despite sweeps preceding the strike; 27 Oscars, 20 Sonia, 5 Ann, 5 Mary destroyed in exchange for 4 H81-A3s and 11 P-40s.

In India/Burma, a small IJN TF lands elements and seizes Port Blair - been waiting for this one for a long while.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

You mentioned 125(J) and 77(A) air losses; how many related to the carrier battle?

are you planning to keep pushing with Halsey?

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

You mentioned 125(J) and 77(A) air losses; how many related to the carrier battle?

are you planning to keep pushing with Halsey?

Rough air losses (think this is close, Zero losses may be off due to other engagements) are:
IJN CV: 28Z, 18K, 17V
Brit CV: Martlet 14, Hurri 10, Sword 4, Alba 9, SBD 1

Fighter strength and pretty much zero AA ammo left in the TF is forcing me to pull the Brit CV TF back to Perth. I'm leaving Halsey at sea for the time being. Haven't decided whether to send the Brit CV TF back out after replenishing - I'm sure L_S_T won't expect it, but not sure if its worth the risk.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Considering how close you are to the withdrawal dates; it might make sense to pull back, as damage can make it difficult to move the carriers out of theatre if somehow they get engine damage

But of course, you can make the decision later on, once you have them all replenished

[IdahoNYer]

9-10 May 42

Highlights - Relatively quiet after the hectic last two days. Both IJN CV TFs did not loiter, but headed back toward friendlier waters.

Jpn ships sunk:
BB: 1 (Fuso is again listed as sunk - only contact was a single aerial torp hit on 10 Feb in the DEI; reportedly lost in East China Sea - foundered enroute to Japan perhaps? Still skeptical..)
DD: 1 (Hayate)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 27
Allied: 32

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Sub laid mines off Palembang sink a DD and damage a PB and two xAKs. 4 mines cleared…

Amph Inv:
Sangi (PI)

Bases lost:
Port Blair (Burma)
Sangi (PI)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin. Slow convoy forms up LA bound for Auckland.

In NOPAC. US BB TF (3BB, 2CL, 6DD, DMS) bombard Attu with moderate effect - nothing like the IJN nuclear bombardments of course, but enough to delay any fortification attempts for a while. LB-30s discover Rufes over Attu for the first time. Will have to bring my “experimental” P-38E squadron up from LA to do some sweeps.

CENPAC. NSTR

In SOPAC, the KB moves back to the north, and is sighted near Efate - where it’s Zeros mange a very nice little air ambush over Tanna, bushwacking the usual Banshee raid. 12 Banshees are splashed - I should know better. KB launches a small Val strike against PTs off Noumea - and encounter the P-400 for the first time. The P-400 doesn’t do well against the Zero escort, and lose 9 to nothing. Not a good day in the air over SOPAC!

In SWPAC, the British CV and BC TFs avoid the sub menace and close on Perth. Halsey remains at sea, 700 miles off the coast of Carnarvon, awaiting replenishment. BC Repulse and CA Australia will need repair yards for moderate damage, remaining ships (less some DD escorts for the above) will be combat ready. The dire fuel situation in Australia as somewhat moderated with the arrival of half a dozen big tankers in Melbourne. Two major tanker convoys are enroute from Capetown which should sustain the area for a while - which is one reason I want to maintain Halsey in the area.

In the Philippines, NSTR.

In China, Oscars sweep Sian, but the AVG stays on the ground. Wenchow is bombarded heavily both air and naval - including a visit from BB Yamato. Have one sub patrolling the area, perhaps it can get lucky? The results of all this bombardment has destroyed most of Wenchow’s industry, and burning supply.

In India/Burma, NSTR.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Regarding Fuso: did you get the sinking it in the Operation Report ?

I think once you see it there, it is a guaranteed sinking

[jwolf]

Can the Repulse be repaired in Australia? Sydney's yard only holds 30. Or is the plan just to repair the minor damage at Perth and go from there? I am curious because I face similar issues in my own game. Though it is much earlier in my game, I have the same problem: seriously damaged ships in the waters between Java and Western Australia, and where to send them? Any yard big enough for the job seems to be a LONG way away.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

ORIGINAL: jwolf

Can the Repulse be repaired in Australia? Sydney's yard only holds 30. Or is the plan just to repair the minor damage at Perth and go from there? I am curious because I face similar issues in my own game. Though it is much earlier in my game, I have the same problem: seriously damaged ships in the waters between Java and Western Australia, and where to send them? Any yard big enough for the job seems to be a LONG way away.

What you normally do in these scenarios is to repair system damage in a port with lots of naval support like Sydney.

Once system damage is zero, you move it to the closest port with appropriate shipyard. The chances of flooding events are significantly lower with no system damage.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

ORIGINAL: jwolf

Can the Repulse be repaired in Australia? Sydney's yard only holds 30. Or is the plan just to repair the minor damage at Perth and go from there? I am curious because I face similar issues in my own game. Though it is much earlier in my game, I have the same problem: seriously damaged ships in the waters between Java and Western Australia, and where to send them? Any yard big enough for the job seems to be a LONG way away.

What you normally do in these scenarios is to repair system damage in a port with lots of naval support like Sydney.

Once system damage is zero, you move it to the closest port with appropriate shipyard. The chances of flooding events are significantly lower with no system damage.

Right! Just compare the tonnage of the ship to the SY size and you will know if it can fit in the drydock. Repulse is about 6000 tons too big for Sydney's dock. If system damage is under 30 and float damage is not above 50, I would send her directly to Capetown, using cruise speed.


Note that sometimes small amounts of flotation damage can be repaired in major ports without using the SY. I think it has to be less than 5 float. I guess this simulates welding a patch over a small hole or two.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

ORIGINAL: jwolf

Can the Repulse be repaired in Australia? Sydney's yard only holds 30. Or is the plan just to repair the minor damage at Perth and go from there? I am curious because I face similar issues in my own game. Though it is much earlier in my game, I have the same problem: seriously damaged ships in the waters between Java and Western Australia, and where to send them? Any yard big enough for the job seems to be a LONG way away.

What you normally do in these scenarios is to repair system damage in a port with lots of naval support like Sydney.

Once system damage is zero, you move it to the closest port with appropriate shipyard. The chances of flooding events are significantly lower with no system damage.

Right! Just compare the tonnage of the ship to the SY size and you will know if it can fit in the drydock. Repulse is about 6000 tons too big for Sydney's dock. If system damage is under 30 and float damage is not above 50, I would send her directly to Capetown, using cruise speed.


Note that sometimes small amounts of flotation damage can be repaired in major ports without using the SY. I think it has to be less than 5 float. I guess this simulates welding a patch over a small hole or two.

Exactly - Repulse(34sys/3flt/14eng) is heading to Capetown while Australia (17sys plus two 8" guns knocked out) is heading to Sydney.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

Regarding Fuso: did you get the sinking it in the Operation Report ?

I think once you see it there, it is a guaranteed sinking

No, her loss wasn't admitted. 2nd time she's appeared as sunk; she's already been resurrected once 10 days after being listed as sunk back in Feb. Didn't expect to see her listed as sunk again 3 months after that. So who knows...